Wild and Wonderful Jumanji Day

December 18th, 2023

On Friday, December 15, Landmark's Elementary•Middle School campus was transformed by faculty and staff into a rollicking full-day scene from the hit series, Jumanji, a fantasy picture book by acclaimed author Chris Van Allsburg. The books were later adapted into a wildly popular movie series.

Jumanji Day was the second in what has become an annual EMS tradition, Literary Day. The first in the series was Harry Potter Day. Head of campus, Claire Sullivan said, "I didn't think our team could top what they pulled off last year but working tirelessly, and late into the night, they made it happen. Our goals were to create community and spirit and Jumanji Day was the perfect vehicle for these. The EMS community was truly at its best last Friday. I couldn't be more proud and amazed by how everything came together."

Teachers and students were assigned to one of four multi-grade groups: Alligators, Elephants, Lions, and Rhinoceros. Leaders helped each team come up with a cheer and the team spirit and camaraderie grew organically from there. Friendly competition began with everyone rotating through activities including:

Becoming the Beast (creation and construction)
Monsoon Mayhem (campus scavenger hunt)
Welcome to the Jungle... Escape if you can! (escape rooms)
Jumanjardy (trivia)

Groups could earn Life Tokens through participation, supporting each other, showing respect, and for their performance in the four main activities listed above.

Faculty member, Scott Harlan and member of the Alligators, said, "At the end of this memorable and spirited day, we gathered on the courtyard with the Elephants, Lions, and Rhinos to cheer once more and finish with a joyful feast of “Jungle Jam” treats in our Meeting Room. Congratulations to the EMS Pride of Lions for earning the most Life Tokens throughout the day."

Special thanks to the Held Family P’29 for helping to make Jumanji Day possible.