16. For a moment, the cocoon was shredded!

16. For a moment, the cocoon was shredded.

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

*The school includes community and business partners. Community & Business

Our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is led by a team of dedicated parents. In our first year of having a PTA as a middle school, parents planned and carried out two events: One for the entire community (see Haunted Hallways) and one just for students. Last night was just for students. It was called “The Spring Fling.”

Our cafeteria was transformed into an island café. Cost: $10.00 and included dinner. Time: 5:00 – 8:00. A king and queen, prince and princess, and duke and duchess were crowned for each grade level. Tablecloths were draped, table decorations as centerpieces, paper lanterns hung from the ceiling, paper flowers on a make-shift picket fence, a waterfall made of fabric, and little white lights gave us the feeling we were in a garden of peace and tranquility. All decorations were donated by members of the community! Teachers were asked to sign up as ticket takers, chaperones, dinner servers, and concession sellers.

I volunteered to work the concession stand.  Sodas, or pop, and candy sold for a dollar. My line, “What can I get for you?” And, “You look amazing!” I almost wept when four of my boys, looking more like models for a magazine, came to the concession to buy Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, and a Dr. Pepper.  (When did they grow taller than me?) Another boy came up and bought sodas for his friends, and I watched as a student asked his date what she would like and then ordered it for her.

Earlier in the day, one of my students told me his mom made him attend. I took his picture with three of my amazing girls. I asked if he was glad he came to the dance? He assured me he was. I said, “Your mom was right!” He smiled. (Sometimes we need to remind our students that their mom’s are right.)

I heard a student joyfully share, “You are wearing a dress!!” They were all beautiful; boys and girls alike, they were beautiful and happy. Formal dress was not required or encouraged, but dressing up was fun to see. I was talking to one of my girls who shared, “My aunt fixed my hair.” (I truly believe her aunt will always be remembered for the time she took to fix her niece’s hair.) For just a minute they were totally grown up. They ate, they danced, they enjoyed one another’s company. (I did tell one boy who was sitting texting, to put his phone away and go socialize.)

And if, for a moment… maybe when they were in sixth grade, or in eighth, we thought they would never grow up, right before our eyes, there they were, grown up. It was as if the cocoon of childhood was lifted… just for a moment.

At the end of the evening, 300 children, like a wave of butterflies, passed through the halls, chatting, twirling, floating, to where car riders are picked up, to wait for mom, dad, aunt, neighbor, grandma, or grandpa to Take them home. It took over an hour to dismiss the children. Our administrators, staff, and coaches moved parents along a line that wove from the street, to the bus loading zone, around the office, and to where their tired, but happy children stood. Fortunately, it was a mild evening and the atmosphere remained peaceful. In the cafeteria/café, parents and their children and friends helped the custodians sweep, take down decorations, and return the room to rows of tables for Monday.

I must say, that watching the last child step gingerly into her family’s “chariot,” when all children were safely returned to their families, we returned to the cafeteria with warm hearts of love and appreciation for our PTA. It would not have happened without their courage and spirit! That our PTA took the time to put this event together speaks to their commitment to helping us grow tomorrow’s leaders. Our administration, faculty and staff members contributed time, food, and manpower, to this event, illustrating the value and importance of working together to meet the needs of our children.

Advice

1)   The PTA is designed to support the social and emotional needs of young adolescents. The more we support our parent organizations and advocate for them, the better.

2)   When you are asked to help, help! There are many ways to support the efforts of your PTA.

3)   Let the PTA team know they are appreciated!

4)   Events outside of school give us much insight into our students’ lives. Sporting events, band events, music events, Science Olympiad, etc.  give credence to “being there.” The more we know about our students, the more they know we support them. And the stronger the relationship, the better the academic experience!

5)   Hooray for parents and community!!!

11. & 16. The Talent Show

This we believe. (NMSA, 2010).

*The school environment is inviting, safe, inclusive, and supportive of all. School Environment

* The school includes community and business partners. Community & Business

This week we had a talent show. Students auditioned and sixteen were selected to perform. The band director worked with them to set up their music and to allow them to practice with the microphone. They performed in front of the entire student body and a panel of three judges, two alumni of the middle school and a teacher. One alumnus is in college, the second alumna is the current Miss Titan (the high school pageant winner).

We sat in awe of the talent of our young people, at the courage they demonstrated and at the respect of their classmates. The performances included: piano, singing, sign language, entertainers who shared jokes, a dancer and a student who played the piano and sang. Students performed individually or in pairs. They were introduced by one of the teachers who shared their interests. Three students were given honorable mention and the top three students were given monetary gift certificates. In class we celebrated each of the students who performed. Three of the singers came up to me and said, “We want a singing club.” I think that will be fun!

The following is a letter I have sent to our Kiwanis Club.
Dear Kiwanis Members,
This past week our students participated in a talent show. The students' talents, their courage, and the student body respect were delightful. Thank you so much for encouraging and supporting the young people in McDowell County as they develop their talents and interests. It was a wonderful display of their love of art, music, and dance! From the opportunity to perform, several of my girls now want a "music club" and want to perform. My hope is that they may be able to perform for you. They also want to perform for the local nursing home.  Bravo and thank you for all you do for McDowell County! Sincerely, Nancy Ruppert (teacher, WMMS).

Advice:

The top three students will now compete with the other middle school and will then go on to compete in a talent show sponsored by the Kiwanis Club in our county.

1.     When you begin seeking a job, consider who the business partners are in your school district. When business partners participate be sure and thank them.

2.     My students love to sing. Find out what your students love to do and find ways to integrate their joys into your classroom.

3.     If your team has “clubs,” consider having a music club. There is a nursing home in our area. My students want to sing to them. (:

15 & 16. Ya HaHa Ha Ha: Haunted Hallways: Parent and Community Involvement

This We Believe (NMSA, 2010).

·         *  The school involves families in the education of their children. Family Involvement

·         *  The school involves families and business partners. Community & Business

      This we believe (NMSA, 2010) provides sixteen characteristics associated with exemplary middle schools. This blog addresses characteristics fifteen and sixteen and is under the section that addresses culture and community.

On October 30-31, our PTA orchestrated a “Haunted Hallways” fundraiser. A small army of parents created creepy scenarios for community members to bring their families in for a frightful night of screams and eerie music. Teachers were told to choose Friday or Saturday night to participate as guides, zombies, creepy (Have I said that already?) beasts to worry and frighten guests. Parents and about ten students  participated.

So, reluctant teachers, enthusiastic teachers, and willing teachers (about 85% of the faculty) volunteered. We arrived early so that the local cosmetology school volunteers could paint us with makeup. In addition, there were masks and costumes, gory parts, props, and other gross things to enliven the night. Standing in line to be “dressed” was interesting. Those who were hesitant but willing watched as their teammates emerged as frightening creatures. And as we dressed and were adorned, it was as if we transformed from teachers to creepies. (Yah aha ha ha haha!)

I was a guide. In my gargoyle attire, carrying a creepy doll, with a hollow mask I stepped outside where children awaited. I felt very scary. One of my students looked over and said, “Hi Mrs. Ruppert.”  (So much for creepy. It must have been the Nike tennis shoes.) However, at one point, inside the hall, I had to take my mask off so a young child would stop screaming. (Okay, I only actually frightened two people all  night, and they were small children.)

We had “lights on” for the first hour to allow small children not to be too frightened; then the lights went out…. Faculty would jump out of curtains, or drape plastic spiders on people’s shoulders. A fine mist of water accompanied blood curdling screams, which was quite gross. Zombies would follow guests.

Initially, when the lights went out, we had a smoke machine. It was soooo cool! 

Oops. We set the fire alarm off so had to evacuate the building. 

The local fire department came through, inspected everything, and as they were leaving an eerie voice whispered seethingly, “You are welcome to stay. We will take good care of you. Yah haha haHA  AH HAHAHAHA.” They ran out the door! (Well, not really; they walked briskly.) (:

What I found was having the opportunity to work with a group of teachers as monsters, over the course of several hours, gave each of us a refreshing sense of belonging, a time to “play” together, in a setting of care and love for the community we serve.

On Monday, after the Haunted Hallways, the parent leadership team met to discuss the successes. They were pleased with the turnout and the participation of parents, teachers, and students. The next event they are wanting to participate in is a formal dance for the kids. Parents want their children to learn and want them to feel part of the community. Parents are an amazing part of a middle school and must be supported!!!

Advice:

1)   Even though you may think participating in events may seem a little corny; do it anyway. Sharing your time with colleagues goes far towards building team spirit.

2)   Your students want to see you outside the classroom. Ball games, plays, performances, and events allow your students and their parents to see that children in your school matter.

3)   Be sure and take pictures. It all came together when we took a group shot. (I have provided a cropped version above. I didn’t want to include pictures of the students “we dressed.”) Yah haha haha, I am holding the doll. My team mate is sitting next to me with the chainsaw. (:

4) Be sure and thank the parents for the work they do. Pulling off a Haunted event was no easy task. There is a PTA meeting on December 6. We will celebrate with them formally on that day. 

16. Community Support: Safety Days

16. Community Support: Safety Day

This We Believe (AMLE, 2010)

* The school includes community and business partners. Community & Business

Today the County Extension Service provided a day-long expo for eighth graders. It was called Safety Day. Nine different agencies brought information and activities for our students to hear about, participate in, and ask questions. The agencies included:

-a State Trooper talking about seat belts and speeding;

-Fire Fighters talking about how to check fire extinguishers and what they do. Students got to try to put out a simulated fire;

-an Emergency Medical Technician talking about what they do and how our students can get trained at our high school, a local community college, and a four year college;
-Power Linemen talking about how deadly electricity can be, using simulations and demonstrations;

-a Police Officer talking about texting and cyber-bullying,

-the youth Gun Club members allowing students to shoot at targets and discussing Gun Safety;

-animal control talking about wild animal safety (raccoons and foxes that carry rabies);

-All-Terrain Vehicle safety was conducted by a team of rescuers talking about safety, helmets and the dangers of ATV's. In addition, they allowed students to don fifty-pound packs and safety helmets;

-a Coast Guard member talking about safety related to boating and life preservers.

All of the community members shared stories and answered questions. Each one shared insights and concerns about safety. At the end of the day I asked my students what they thought. “Did you like it?” I asked. “Yes, it was cool.” Tomorrow we will make thank-you chains where students will write what they learned and what they liked most about each station.

What I loved about this day was that our students not only gained knowledge about what safety looks like in many different settings; but what I saw was students thinking about their own futures as leaders in this community.

Advice

1)   Most Communities have Extension Services. These community members have much to offer our students via information and support.

2)   As young people begin to explore different services within a community, encouraging them to think about careers is a good exercise.

3)   I was thinking that an extension to this exercise would be for students to conduct a project on the type of job they would like to pursue and where they might receive trained. It is not too early to help them dream about their futures.

8. & 16. Teaching Fellows: Funding Education

8. & 16. Teaching Fellows: Funding Education

This We Believe (NMSA, 2010).

*Leaders demonstrate courage and collaboration. Courageous and Collaborative Leaders

*The school includes community and business partners. Community and Business

Over the years, there have been incentives for people in North Carolina to go into teaching. The Paul Douglas Scholarship, Burroughs Wellcome Scholarships, and Federal Programs such as Troops to Teachers have provided funding for those interested in becoming teachers. Grants and scholarships are needed to support the future of education in our state.

A state-funded program in North Carolina was Teaching Fellows. This grant provided financial assistance for highly motivated and academically excellent young people to consider teaching as a career. Candidates were recruited in high school. This $26,000 scholarship gave many students the opportunity to attend college, with the stipulation that they would teach in North Carolina for four years. It was not a hand-out; it was a strong program including: service components, highly structured expectations related to academics and leadership, and a collaborative network led by professional, highly qualified educators who monitored and mentored these young people. For those who successfully completed the program, their training and mindset of professionalism can be seen across our state.

Due to a stretched-budget, our legislators eliminated this program.

Yesterday, our institution honored and celebrated the legacy of Teaching Fellows. An alumna of our program spoke to the gathering of Fellows and administrators, faculty who had worked with these young people over the years, and community members. Her words tell one story of the impact of this program. I asked her if I could share excerpts from her speech. She agreed.

I will never forget the summer after my senior year of high school; I received a letter in the mail from Teaching Fellows. I was so anxious to open it, hoping more than anything that I had been awarded the scholarship; but when I opened my letter, I read that I was an alternate. I was actually alternate number four in the state. I remember thinking, "Oh, I was so close!" I was devastated; because at that moment, I had no idea how I would pay for college. Unfortunately, that is an issue that WAY TOO MANY high school students face each year.

Shortly after that, I was called to this institution. While meeting, I was told there was a spot for me. I was accepted as a Teaching Fellow, the class of 2013. I burst into tears of joy and hugged the director. When my family and I walked out of the building, my dad stopped me on the lawn to take a picture. I vividly remember his saying, "Bec, this is a day you'll always remember; and this is the building where you will spend the next four years of your life." What I did not realize was how many hours I would spend inside and outside that building. We spent hours doing service work on campus and in the community; we spent weeks traveling (literally all over the world); and we spent hours tutoring students. From organizing blood drives for the Red Cross, to hosting the annual Head Start Holiday party, Teaching Fellows valued service to the community. These service projects weren’t just something to add to our resume; they were a testament to the program and outgrowth as leaders. We were becoming caring and involved movers and shakers, which is exactly what our state needs today.

In addition to service projects and travel opportunities, Teaching Fellows also provided me with knowledge and skills including opportunities to apply hands-on activities in schools and in after-school programs. I believe these were my most valuable experiences. It was through fieldwork that I was able to figure out who I was as a teacher. I built relationships with students; I was able to try out different tools and strategies; and I found out what worked and what didn’t work. Because of these experiences, when I began teaching, I was prepared. Now as a teacher, I see how valuable tutoring is. Now, more than ever, our kids need tutors and mentors.

When I received my letter in the mail saying I was an alternate, I felt a huge storm cloud hovering over me. But when I heard from the director that there was a spot for me I saw my silver lining.

   

It is no secret that it often feels like there are dark storm clouds hovering over public education in our state; but now we must create our own silver lining. Obviously, we are all here because we care deeply about education; but it is not enough just to care. We have to DO SOMETHING. So I urge you to think about your silver lining. Perhaps you could volunteer at a local school, or mentor a child. Maybe you could start a scholarship fund for future teachers, or an after-school program for students at risk. In your own way, I challenge you to be an advocate for public education. Future teachers need you; but more importantly, our children need you. 

     

So, while I stand here today, very sad that this program has ended. I also stand here with a grateful heart: grateful for the priceless opportunities Teaching Fellows gave me, thankful for experiences that can't be bought. I am grateful for the amazing friendships I have made, and relationships I have with my former professors and directors. I know that Teaching Fellows prepared me to weather this current storm and inspired me to create my own silver lining; and I hope that you will join me in seeking silver linings for education.

 - Becca Werthiem is a fourth grade teacher and author of Live high on life, and Founder of Little Leaders (littleleaders.org)

Advice

1)   We must be advocates for our students. Communicating the impact of education must be shared in our communities and in our state. 

2)   Our business partners are our advocates. Finding ways to let them know how they can impact our schools and thanking them for their service must be clear and visible.

3)   Becoming politically active means communicating with State Legislators and Funding Organizations. Perhaps we can work together to share the good work of teachers and share ways to seek outside funding. 

4) There are many scholarships and grants available. We need to educate young people of the opportunities to go to college that are available. Middle school is not too early to share ways to fund education.