Chapin High School is set to become a hub of jovial competition and camaraderie this Saturday, May 3, as El Paso ISD celebrates its military-connected students with the annual Raise the Bar Games. The event, which welcomes parents, students, and community members from 8 a.m. to noon, is a feature of the district's partnership with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Schools across the district are sending their representatives to participate in a day filled with friendly competition and showcase their varied talents and unyielding spirit.
According to El Paso ISD, the Raise the Bar Games is about much more than athleticism; it is crafted to promote the social-emotional development and academic success of the children who have grown up with the unique challenges of military family life. Fifteen DoDEA 2021 campuses are joining hands for these games, which are a part of EPISD's comprehensive effort to support its students' academic journey and personal growth.
Elementary Physical Education teacher Robert Ramirez, who works at Bliss Elementary, shared the impact these games have had on participating students. "Students have gained self-confidence after participating in Raise the Bar," Ramirez said, as per El Paso ISD. He described the initial intimidation students felt and their transformative journey to becoming self-assured competitors as they mastered the necessary skills and rules of the games.
But the benefits extend further, as Ramirez emphasizes the role of the games in teaching pivotal life lessons. "Raise the Bar goes beyond physical fitness in regard to social and emotional learning," he said, as obtained by El Paso ISD. The event exemplifies how students can learn about respect, team building, and the capacity for making responsible choices. He also pointed to the lessons in sportsmanship and resilience that the games reinforce, suggesting that victory and defeat both be approached with grace and dignity.
