Community Donates Thunder Shirts to Kelley Elementary Class for Playoffs

At Kelley Elementary, school spirit has been upgraded to playoff mode.

 

“I think they're the best team in the whole league," Asa Kerford, a 6th grader, said. "I think we’re going to win all the games. We’re going to blow out every single other team."

 

But in Mrs. Irvin's class, they are taking that school spirit a step further by supporting the Oklahoma City.

 

"It's been really fun, and a big part of our 6th-grade culture," said Katie Irvin, a 6th-grade teacher at Kelley Elementary.

 

It started out as a simple Facebook post.

 

"I wanted to have shirts donated to our class to bring the playoff atmosphere," Irvin said.

 

The community delivered.

 

"They mailed us shirts. They sent us shirts. Former students gave me shirts, so everybody came together to make this happen," Irvin said.

 

Now, her 6th-grade classroom is decked out in Thunder gear, and even math has a little NBA twist.

 

"Our 6th graders are huge basketball fans, and we talk about it every day in math. We talk about stats and games,” Irvin said.

 

But beyond the jerseys and jump shots, it's a little more personal for Irvin.

 

"My dad was a huge fan, and that’s why I love Thunder basketball. He has passed away, so I try to bring the playoff atmosphere to them," Irvin said.

 

The students said they love getting into the playoff mood.

 

"I really appreciate it; what they’ve done for us. I think they're the best teachers in the world," Eli Kerford, a 6th-grade student, said.

 

"We’re trying to have them all be leaders in some right and just have a strong bond between each other, and they already do, but this made it something even better for 6th grade,” Irvin said.

 

Speaking of bonds, there is also a little friendly rivalry right next door.

 

"Oh boy, being the non-Thunder fan in the building is really, really fun. I support them, just so everyone knows, but Boston is my team," Dylan Wise, another 6th-grade teacher at Kelley Elementary, said.

 

"The kids also share in that rivalry. They like to roast him a little bit, so it's been fun," Irvin said.

 

But at the end of the day, it all comes back to community.

 

"This whole school is all about community, and it's our students and families first. So, anything we can do to make their days brighter and more fun, we do, and they love taking part in it," Irvin said.

 

Win or lose, the classroom is already celebrating something bigger than basketball.