MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Students and staff at Middletown High School North are gearing up for a week of excitement, competition, and community spirit as Bead Week kicks off in support of Relay For Life from March 9-13, 2026.
The school-wide fundraiser features a unique Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament that encourages students to engage in friendly challenges while raising money for cancer research and patient support.
Students begin by purchasing purple beads and competing against one another in quick games of Rock, Paper, Scissors. As competitors collect beads through victories, the stakes rise. Once a student earns five purple beads, they gain the opportunity to challenge a teacher in hopes of winning the teacher’s black beads. Students who reach 10 purple beads can take on an administrator for their orange beads, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
The rules create a fun twist that favors student participation. If a student challenges a staff member and wins, the staff member must hand over all of their collected beads. However, if the staff member wins the match, they take only one purple bead from the student challenger.
While the rules may seem a bit one-sided, organizers say that’s part of the strategy.
Teachers across the building have already received their bead supplies, which were delivered to mailboxes earlier this week. Staff members who lose their black beads can request additional ones so they can continue participating in the competition.
The fundraiser is part of Middletown North’s broader efforts to support Relay For Life, a national movement dedicated to raising awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.
Students and staff are encouraged to jump into the competition, collect as many beads as possible, and help make Bead Week both a memorable and meaningful event. For additional details about the tournament, participants can scan the QR code featured on the event flyer to watch an informational video.
With the hallways buzzing with challenges and colorful beads changing hands throughout the day, Bead Week is expected to bring plenty of laughter, energy, and school spirit — all while supporting an important cause.
