Player 1 is about to go online.
Iola middle and high school students will soon enter the world of eSports. USD 257 board members approved spending $25,747.04 to purchase gaming equipment to start the new activity.
Technology Director Ben Prasko and Superintendent Stacey Fager recently visited an eSports program at Fort Scott, where high school students compete by playing video games with others from around the state. Some districts offer eSports as part of a Career and Technical Education curriculum, while others offer it as an after-school program. It’s not yet clear how Iola High School will develop its program, but Iola Middle School offers an after-school club sponsored by Chris Belknap who will coach the new version.
Prasko said he’s heard rumors that eSports could eventually be sanctioned by the Kansas State High School Activities Association, but some districts are opposed to the idea. They prefer to organize their own leagues. Because video games are played remotely, the program has high initial costs but minimal expense after. Students typically won’t be traveling and they don’t need uniforms.
Prasko plans to purchase gaming computer systems that can also be used for CTE purposes. The equipment is much more powerful than traditional computers and laptops. He expects the new computers will be installed in or near a large storage closet in the robotics classroom at the IHS science building.
He also plans to purchase four Nintendo Switch gaming consoles. Each can be used by up to four players. The consoles likely will be used to play Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart, as those were among the top choices in a survey of students.
Prasko surveyed students to gauge interest in eSports. Most of the 171 high school and 107 middle school students who responded said they were interested. Board member Robin Griffin-Lohman asked if Prasko was prepared in case all of them followed through, as having just 16 Nintendo Switch spots available for middle school players at one time may not be enough. If that happens, Prasko said, they can stagger usage. The consoles also are not very expensive, especially compared to the larger gaming consoles at IHS.
Griffin-Lohman also asked about a replacement policy if equipment is broken. Prasko said he needs to develop a policy but expects it will be similar to other district tech policies, i.e., “you break it, you buy it.” But with gaming consoles, it’s easier to replace specific parts rather than an entire unit.
Board members expressed enthusiasm for the new program.
Forensics
IHS senior Max Andersen made everyone cry at Monday’s school board meeting.
Andersen won last year’s state Forensics championship in oral interpretation of prose. He’ll be returning to the state competition on May 4 and performed this year’s piece, “Spike: The Ugliest Dog in the Universe.” His lively reading elicited both laughter and tears as he told the story of an abandoned dog determined to find his forever home, even if it means seeking advice from a cat. The source material comes from a 2013 children’s book by Debra Frasier.
Before Andersen’s performance, IHS senior Brigham Folk, president of the Players and Thespians club, spoke to board members about the forensics team’s achievements this year. The team placed in the Top 3 at every meet with three first-place finishes, including at the Pioneer League meet.
A Forensics Showcase is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 29 at Creitz Recital Hall. The state forensics contest is May 4 at Maize High School. IHS had 24 students qualify for state but is limited to 16.
The 59th Annual Little Oscars banquet and awards show is scheduled for May 10 at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
