Aurora Middle School’s Principal Rob Wicker recently placed a bet with his students, and he was prepared to take the consequences on ... or off ... the chin for the winner. Whichever class got the highest class average in a mathematics test would decide how Wicker would shave the beard he has been growing for the last several months. Jackie Routhier's Grade 4 class won the contest ... and then brainstormed the beard design.
The fourth graders came up with different ideas, but after a vote, the students collectively made their decision and agreed on a style they called the Bat Moustache/Beard.
Jackie Routhier's class that won Wicker's beard bet as they achieved the highest average in a multiplication test. The class went on to vote for the Bat Moustache
To help with styling his new look, Wicker's wife Joanne came to the school last Friday, along with trimmers, scissors, colour and some other styling equipment that she had borrowed from the local barbershop — Will's Barber. The results — that seemed to fascinate all the school's staff and students — can be seen in the pictures. There are also some additional images on Lac La Biche POST's Facebook page.
While speaking with the POST, Wicker said that such activities are important, encouraging and motivating for students as they make the learning process a little more creative and a lot more fun.
"Motivation is a huge factor in any learning endeavour, no matter what age you are. Our school staff is always looking for ways to motivate kids to be interested in the things they are learning and the learning," he said.
Wicker's wife Joanne applies some finishing touches after the application of a bit of 'bat colour'.'
Wicker said he mixed math and moustaches because it involved motivation and connection.
"Basic math facts are the building blocks that help kids be successful in their classes and I thought it would be fun to try to motivate our younger students to memorize their multiplication facts by offering them the opportunity to select how I would shave my beard... It seems to have worked for a bunch of kids as I regularly had students talk to me about how they were working hard so they could choose my beard style," said Wicker.
