Students show talents with Play-Doh on TV show

Press release from Menifee Union School District:

MENIFEE -- Two students and two teachers representing Callie Kirkpatrick Elementary teamed up to win $5,000 on the Amazon Series show “Play-Doh Squished.”

This entertaining game show hosted by celebrity Sarah Hyland invites teams to compete in two physical challenges and a sculpture competition. MUSD Students Rayden Isaiah Duson and Stephon "Prince" Pieters asked teachers Alex Friedrichs and Amy Runner to be on the studio stage with them. Together they formed the “Callie Superstars”!

On the show, the Callie Superstars explored the world of desserts and created all sorts of tasty treats using play-doh. Through their ingenious creation, “Sweet Rescue”, Raiden and Stephon invented a story that took place in Menifee’s own Wheatfield Park, where critters and creatures worked together to rescue a caterpillar friend. From colorful cupcakes and whimsical pies to playful cookies and realistic critters, the Callie Superstars presented an amazing play-doh sculpture. Mr. Friedrichs and Mrs. Runner coached the students throughout the dessert themed episode.

“In MUSD, collaboration is one of the core dispositions we wish to instill in our students, and in this episode you see the excitement and creativity that comes with collaboration,” Superintendent Jennifer Root shared. “It is truly heartwarming to see MUSD teachers provide opportunities for collaboration every day, not just on TV.”

Out of the studio and back in MUSD, Mr. Friedrichs and Mrs. Runner brought this same creative experience to the students in their classrooms. First, they all watched the show together. It was new to the students so they were really excited to see it. Then they formed teams, combining kids from both classrooms. Each team had to make a story about Christmas and candy. They used cardboard and Play-Doh to build something to show their story. After five days, each team showed their building and shared their story to both classes. The students had so much fun!

After receiving recognition from the Governing Board, students Raiden and Stephon said they were going to use their winnings to buy school supplies for their teachers… and a Nintendo Switch, of course!