BY JACKSON PETRAUSKAS

Showdown is defined as an argument or meeting that settles a disagreement between groups. But at Castle View,  kids define it — according to sophomore Riley Chase — as  “a fun way to bring the whole school together with friendly competition.”

But although some teachers believe Showdown helps the school work toward a common goal, others worry about the loss of learning time.

Spanish teacher Robin Handy, who has taught in the Douglas County School District since 1991, likes the ideals and positive effects that Showdown produces but thinks it takes away too much class time.

“It gets a little crazy that week, which makes it more difficult to teach the kids,” she said.

In addition to the lack of class time, Handy also has noticed Showdown interrupts the  focus of students throughout the week of events.

Sophomore Riley Chase agreed with Handy. “It gets hard to focus on class right after all the action and the craziness of Showdown,”  he said.

Holly Markowski, a math teacher, understands the struggle other teachers have during Showdown week. But she believes the time spent on Showdown creates a culture among students that creates a better environment for learning in the classroom.

Science teacher Jennifer Dallman also says the positive effects of Showdown far outweigh the negative effect of losing class time. Dallman teaches a nine-week class so she  knows the impact it has on her and her students.

“I value the community feeling we get from Showdown so much that I adapt and adjust what happens in my class to make it all work,” she said.

Dallman remembers a similar event when she was a high school student in Wisconsin. The week-long event included Powder Puff and boys volleyball, along with other activities.

“Friday, however, was an all-day event,” she said. “In addition to the Showdown events we had a fair, horse show and science fair as well at our school. On Thursday night, there was a snake dance and a yell-like-heck contest over a bonfire where we burned a dummy from the opposing football team. Sounds rough, hey?”