When LaMarquez Luckett decided to start a Step Team at Mitchell, he wasn’t sure it was going to work. The eighth grade special education teacher saw a need for students to be involved in something, but stepping wasn’t something most kids knew about. He had to recruit students to join, explain what step was all about and tell them how it could benefit them. But today, a little more than a month after the team started, new students are still knocking on his door asking to join.
The Mitchell Steppers, made up of about 40 third through fifth graders at Mitchell K-8, are part of a new program offered through RUSD Extended Learning. It is currently the only step team in RUSD.
For those who don’t know, stepping is a type of dance that originated in Africa, but it’s also a form of discipline, and most importantly, an opportunity to bond. Students on the team say school is more enjoyable thanks to the club and they describe how it has expanded their social circles.
The students practice 2 or 3 days a week for a couple of hours. When they leave for the day, they walk away not only better prepared to perform, but also better prepared for life. In addition to informing the steppers about the doors stepping can open, Coach Luckett is instilling in the students the importance of school, good life choices and reaching out for help when you need it. It’s safe to say the Mitchell Steppers are lucky to have Mr. Luckett.
You can read more from Coach Luckett and the Mitchell Steppers here. You can also watch them in action here.
