Moving On Up

 

This week our 6th & 7th grade leaders did an awesome job with 5th grade articulation. From our musical performances to our student-led tours, our students ensured that the rising 6th graders were excited about coming to middle school. With spring break right around the corner, followed by Georgia Milestones, it is time to ensure all our students are prepared for their next transition: rising 6th graders, rising 7th graders, rising 8th graders and our rising 9th graders.  Their performance on Georgia Milestones is a great indicator on how prepared they are for the subsequent grade level.

 

This starts in the classroom, are your students where we want them to be academically? Looking forward into next year, how can we get your students involved in the school in positive ways?

 

Do they have what it takes to be peer leaders?

• Rising 6th and 7th graders: Ms. Christie will be holding an informational session for students interested in participating in the Comet Leaders Program on March 30th during Academy Time in the Media Center. If your rising 7th grader is interested in becoming a Comet Leader make sure they attend this meeting. A sign-up sheet will be available outside Ms. Christie’s Office.

 

• Rising 8th graders: Ms. Butler will be holding an informational session for students interested in becoming a peer leader on March 16th during Academy Time. If your student is still interested in being a part of the Peer Leading program and is unable to attend the interest meeting, they will still have an opportunity to get an application from Ms. Neal’s office.

 

Do they like sports?

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• Intramurals are available for all students from 7:45am to 8:45am. Currently, we are offering Basketball and Soccer. All students need a permission slip from parents to participate. Drop off is in the back of the school. Volleyball is new to this mix and students now have an opportunity to practice and scrimmage other students. See our school calendar for the dates and times of these events.

 

• Club Soccer is now available for our students. In addition to intramurals, students had the opportunity to try-out for our club soccer team, and currently are playing different school teams in the county. If this is something your student may be interested in make sure they are on the lookout for the upcoming school years tryout and participation information.

 

• The basketball season is over; however, our 7th and 8th grade students have the opportunity to try-out and try to be a part of our Snellville Middle School Basketball and Cheerleading programs. Use our website and twitter page to stay in the loop on all things Snellville Middle.

 

Are they interested in a club we offer here at Snellville Middle School?

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• We offer a wide array of clubs here at Snellville Middle School and the list continues to grow. Research suggests that participation in extracurricular activities may increase student engagement and a sense of attachment to their school. Below are just a few clubs that we are offering currently, for a complete list and meeting information check out our website.

• Chess Club

• Robotics Club

• Step Team

• Reader’s Rally

• Relay for Life

• Student Council

 

Student Voice Development

 

Everyone is talking about the National School Walk Out. Why are students getting excited about this moment? In my opinion, our students see the opportunity to participate in a cause that is bigger than their immediate surrounding. Additionally, they understand the importance of speaking up – having a voice.

 

Simply they are taking action to be heard by being seen!

 

Voice development is an important part of youth development. An individual develops confidence when his or her thoughts and feelings are valid. Voice development is a necessary part of healthy adolescent growth according to research. Here’s a link to an article that supports that perspective: Social Work, https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swx059

 

I am a believer in students knowing or having the intrinsic ability to solve the problems that affect them and their peers. Students with a voice learn how to become  good problem-solvers hence future leaders. Here at  Snellville Middle School, we understand this principle and we value student leadership greatly! We embrace our students being involved because it provides support to them feeling valued, accepted, and knowing they matter!

 

A few reminders about supporting your students in the process of voice development:

1. Be aware of adultism – children automatically feel like adults have the authority and what they have to say does not matter. Give your child the opportunity to give his or her opinion about issues that will affect them.

2. Get your student involved in a cause that is important to your family – Children learn from role modeling. You are the best person to role model for your student on how to support and help others.

3. Ask your student how he or she feels about current events – ignite their innovation and ideas about what is happening now. You might be surprised by the response given. Students have active imaginations that can be channeled innovatively.

 

This information and more can be found at this link from Education Northwest: http://tinyurl.com/lm4qns3