Game On!

“My name is Jolene Johnson, but you can call me Jo-Jo. I am excited to be back in school. I have two new puppies, and you are all invited to see them after school!” Jolene announced to the 3rd grade class when it was her turn to introduce herself. Jolene knew she was outgoing and sometimes loud. With her bright red, curly hair and mismatched socks, Jo-Jo appeared a little intimidating to the shy kids. She couldn’t help it! She loved school, her friends, and being the center of attention. Jo-Jo’s mom said she attracted friends like fruit flies to apple juice.

Mrs. Anderson, the teacher, smiled and thanked Jo-Jo for sharing. Mrs. Anderson then introduced a new kid named Dee Rogen. When he spoke, he was quiet and didn’t say much. Jo-Jo thought she had seen him at breakfast. He had been sitting alone and not eating. Mrs. Anderson then partnered him with Ben as his “buddy” for the day.

By recess, Jo-Jo had forgotten all about Dee. She played four square, swung across the monkey bars twice, and shot a hoop that didn’t make the basket. “I love being back at school,” later thought Jo-Jo as she took her seat and got ready to work on math.

At lunchtime, Jo-Jo noticed that Dee was sitting with Ben and his friends but not talking to anyone. He looks lonely, thought Jo-Jo, as she gobbled up her pizza, drank her milk, and went outside to play tag with a group that was already playing.

When the bell rang to go home for the day, Jo-Jo walked up to Mrs. Anderson and gave her a big hug. “Thank you for a great first day!” Jo-Jo said.

“I’ll see you tomorrow!” Mrs. Anderson told her. She smiled to herself about her outgoing student.

The next morning, Jo-Jo saw that Dee was by himself at breakfast again. She also saw Ben was sitting with his own group of friends. Jo-Jo didn’t like anyone to feel alone. She noticed that Dee had a shirt on that said “I Paused My Game to be Here.” Jo-Jo had an idea.

She took her lunch tray near Dee and said, “I like your shirt. What games do you play?”

Dee smiled and said his favorite was Minecraft. Jo-Jo loved that game! They spent the lunch break talking about the best ways to survive in the game by finding materials to build with and ways to find food. Ducking creatures was Dee’s favorite part, especially the dragon.

On Friday, Jo-Jo announced that she was having Minecraft Monday at her house after school and everyone in her 3rd grade class was invited. It would be from three-thirty to five o’clock. Her mom had agreed to make popcorn and give everyone juice. Jo-Jo pulled out a sign-up sheet from her backpack. Several students ran up to her, but Mrs. Anderson said sign-ups would be at recess only. The students groaned and sat back down in their seats.

After recess, Jo-Jo noticed Dee hadn’t signed up. She waited until lunchtime and asked him about it.

“I don’t really know anyone, Jo-Jo,” Dee answered. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable being there and playing by myself.”

Jo-Jo was confused because she thought he would love the idea. It was on her mind all day until she went home from school — where she had another idea!

The next morning at breakfast, she sat by Dee and told him her plan. “Hey,” she said, “I was thinking that putting on Minecraft Monday would be a big job. How about you and I be partners? Your gaming name could be Drogen.”

Dee started to smile. “Do you really want me to be part of Minecraft Monday?”

“Of course!” said Jo-Jo. “You know more than anyone about the game! We would be a great team!”

“I think so too,” said Dee, grinning wide. “I like how you put my name together to be Drogen — that’s a good gamer name. I like that a lot!”

Jo-Jo smiled. She felt good helping Dee make friends and knowing that she had made a new friend herself. Jo-Jo decided right then and there that she would invite all new students to the 3rd grade to her house for Minecraft Monday. The more friends, the better, she thought as she walked home after school. She would become the “Welcoming Committee Ambassador for 3rd Grade.” Well, if Mrs. Anderson said it was okay.