March Madness- I ready Bracket Challenge

March is here, and that can only mean one thing — it’s time for a little March Madness–style competition at New Glarus Middle School!

Throughout the month of March, our students will be participating in the i-Ready Bracket Challenge, combining academic growth with a fun, high-energy competition inspired by the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.

How It Works

Our Physical Education groups will go head-to-head in a 6-group, double-elimination bracket competition. Each group will compete to complete the most lessons in i-Ready during the month.

Just like in March basketball tournaments:

• Teams advance through the bracket

• Every lesson counts

• There’s always a second chance in double elimination

• Energy builds all month long!

Students will track progress, celebrate wins, and encourage one another as they compete for both bragging rights and some exciting prizes.

The Prizes

🥇 1st Place

• Traveling Trophy for the winning homeroom (displayed for the year!)

• Pizza Party with Ice Cream Sundaes

• 20 Shields per student

🥈 2nd Place

• Ice Cream Sundae Bar

• 15 Shields per student

🥉 3rd Place

• Ice Cream Sandwich or Freezie

• 10 Shields per student

Bonus Challenge: Most Lessons in the Last 3 Weeks

In addition to bracket play, we’ll also recognize the Homeroom with the Most Lessons Completed in the Final 3 Weeks of March.

Prize:

• Raid of the Prize Cart

  • 1 Big Prize (think candy bar 🍫)

  • 1 Little Prize (think pencil ✏️)

This keeps the momentum going right up to the final buzzer!

Why We Do It

The i-Ready Bracket Challenge is about:

• Building strong academic habits

• Encouraging friendly competition

• Promoting teamwork within PE groups

• Celebrating perseverance and growth

When students stay engaged and consistent with their lessons, everyone wins — especially their learning.

Let the games begin, NGMS!  Who will cut down the nets at the end of March?