If you walk past Angel Kaip’s art classroom at Brownstown Middle School, you might hear laughter, paintbrushes tapping, and - oddly enough - students trying very hard not to say two tiny numbers.
It all started when Mrs. Kaip noticed a viral trend sweeping social media - students everywhere were suddenly obsessed with saying “6–7.” Curious (and a little amused), she decided to run a small experiment. Quietly, without any announcement, she began keeping a tally. Every time someone said “6–7,” she marked it on the board.
It didn’t take long for the students to notice.
“Mrs. Kaip… why are you writing that on the board?”
Once the secret was out, she turned it into a challenge.
“Lowest score wins at the end of the trimester,” she told them. “Think of it like golf!”
Immediately, the competition was on. Students became hyper-aware of their conversations, shushing each other playfully anytime someone slipped up.
Third hour had the hardest time controlling themselves - one student couldn’t stop whispering “6–7” under his breath without even realizing it. At one point, the class racked up 117 tallies.
But that’s when the sixth hour swooped in with a strategic twist. They asked if the rules could include ways to earn back points - removing two tallies for going a week without saying it and resetting to zero after a full month. Mrs. Kaip loved the idea and updated the rules for everyone.
And the most surprising part?
The class that struggled the most in the beginning - third hour - became the only class to go an entire month without saying it.
Record wiped clean. Redemption earned.
Their prize? A sweet surprise - Crumbl cookies delivered straight to the winning class.
For Mrs. Kaip, it’s about more than a catchphrase. It’s about connection.
“I know ‘6–7’ might drive some people crazy, but every generation has had its catchphrases—remember ‘da bomb,’ ‘booyah,’ ‘whatever’?” she said. “Trends like these create shared experiences. Gen Alpha really is such a creative and fascinating generation.”
For her, teaching middle schoolers is a joy.
“Their energy, humor, and curiosity make every day fun. Listening to their stories and ideas reminds me why I love what I do.”
Turns out, sometimes the smallest things - two little numbers - can lead to big memories.
And at Brownstown Middle School, even a joke can build community…especially when cookies are involved. 🍪
