Since 2022, the Kent School District has held the Middle School Transition Inclusive School Challenge. All fifth-grade students are invited to partake in a districtwide competition. Students imagine, build, and verbally demonstrate how a change or addition to their future middle school environment would contribute to a more inclusive space, highlighting how this change impacts their well-being and the well-being of their larger school community. Students select a challenge topic of interest, build their solution in a Minecraft digital environment, and submit their Minecraft World explaining how it improves the well-being of the school community. This year, 120 students participated across 19 elementary schools.
This year, a total of 14 students were challenge winners, supporting ideas for the five middle schools.
Canyon Ridge Middle School winner Ella from East Hill Elementary designed a garden bed for students and staff to plant together, a quiet study room, and a prayer room for all faiths, encouraging community connection and respect for all.
Cedar Heights Middle School winners Ariana, Yonis, and Miller from Horizon Elementary created a lunchtime stress tent where students can relax and reset. Inside, they included fidgets, worry stones, notebooks, pillows and safe mood lighting. This peaceful space supports emotional well-being and shows the power of thoughtful design.
Mattson Middle School winner Leo from Glenridge Elementary designed a welcoming school with ramps for easier access, a community garden, and an outdoor break space to relax and connect. They also added a fresh garden to support healthy school lunches and a Muslim prayer room.
Meeker Middle School winners Kamilah, Mimi, and Liza from Carriage Crest Elementary created classrooms that all have a calming corner with fidgets and journals to help students and teachers manage emotions. In the library, a Culture Corner invites students to learn about each other’s backgrounds and celebrate diversity.
Mill Creek Middle School winners Ridhwan, Simardeep, and Azizurahman from River Ridge Elementary designed an outdoor garden, added cozy seating in the library, and created clear accessible paths to help everyone move around the school with ease.
Northwood Middle School winners Liam, Kaili, and Jillian from Carriage Crest Elementary designed a school that supports all learners. They included swivel chairs and adjustable desks for flexible seating and added push-button doors for students who use wheelchairs. They also created a calming corner with a couch and relaxing activities like writing, drawing, and reading.
The winning teams earned a special field trip to the Minecraft Inclusive Tech Lab, where inclusive design comes to life. Students explored real-world accessibility innovations, participated in an adaptive toy workshop with UW's Husky Adapt, and even presented their projects to Minecraft developers themselves!
These young changemakers are showing us what it means to build a better world - block by block!