Haile students take on construction challenge

What happens when you combine community service, education and a splash of fun? 

You get giant games with dual purpose.

At Haile Middle School, a group of Technology Student Association students will take their giant versions of Connect Four, chess and checkers and other games to state competition March 1, as part of the Florida TSA State Competition’s “Construction Challenge.” For the event, students are tasked with constructing something that has an impact, whether on the school community or the area as a whole. 

Haile’s team made giant games with the purpose of helping students with autism spectrum disorder, although the games could be used by anyone.

“I like that it’s helping our community,” said Jordan Brown, 14, the team’s manager.

“It’s a unique way to help the ASD students at our school,.”

TSA Adviser Maureen Hudson said the idea came about because Haile is a magnet school, of sorts, for children with any autism spectrum disorder.

“There isn’t a ton of funding for special things or them,” Hudson said. “We decided we would make giant games for them. They’re just trying to be able to do everyday life skills, motor skills.”

The team hopes, however, the games will be used by other students, and possibly for employee trainings and other opportunities.

“These are all things that can be adapted for any group in the school,” Hudson said. “We’re trying to make it so not just for the ASD kids.”