Jackson students learn team-building skills

Pick the cliche of your choice: There's no "I" in team; it's a team sport; be a team player. We hear these things regularly, and they can be overused or misused. However, there is something to team building. Successful organizations have to work together to provide quality customer service. Sports teams work together to win a competition. The list goes on.

Students in the Jackson Middle School recently participated in team-building exercises to help them know their classmates better.

"We do team-building with just our sixth-graders and one of the reasons that we do this is because, in the Jackson School District, this is the first time all students come together in one building," principal Janelle Pope told the Southeast Missourian in a story by reporter Ruth Campbell.

The activities are held over three days, and 370 students and 20 staff and teachers participate. The students go through five stations that focus on different team-building components. These include communicating but not spreading rumors; helping team members; thinking creatively and asking for help when needed; having a team goal; and focusing on strengths.

These all are good lessons to learn. We applaud those involved for helping educate these students with important life lessons.