Rhame Avenue has a new craze on its hands – the Game Club! Created for students, by students, this innovative after-school program was born directly from feedback given to members of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee last year. When committee members asked their peers what clubs they most wanted to see added to the school's lineup, the response was overwhelming: "a video game club!" The district listened, and students' wish was granted.

Led by fifth-grade teacher Molly DeBenedetto, the club brings groups of students together after school to compete in friendly tournaments featuring age-appropriate, school-appropriate video games like Mario Kart. The response has been extraordinary – in record-breaking numbers, 93 students signed up to participate. To manage the tremendous interest, Ms. DeBenedetto organizes participants into six groups split by grade level.

Beyond the fun and excitement, Ms. DeBenedetto has observed genuine educational value in the club's activities. While video games may seem frivolous on the surface, she notes they teach students valuable life lessons including sharing, teamwork, camaraderie, sportsmanship, fine motor skills, helping each other and strategic thinking. "It's been wonderful to see the students working together," she said.

Currently, the club operates with two gaming systems generously lent by staff members and two portable smart boards. However, given the club's soaring popularity, administrators are considering applying for grants to purchase additional equipment to expand the program's capacity.

The Rhame Avenue Game Club stands as a powerful example of student voice in action, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee and the district's genuine commitment to listening to and valuing student input. When students speak up, East Rockaway responds – and everyone wins.