So, at the end of a long week of PARCC make-ups, MCAS testing...and make-ups, counting all 1368 PARCC tests and 247 MCAS tests...and then re-counting to verify that none of the test materials have gone missing and all the questions remain secure, I was delighted to meet with our 7th and 8th grade peer leaders outside to listen to some ideas they have for our future. When it seems like many in our country are bemoaning the failed state of our education system, I am confident that as long as these fine young women and men remain steadfast in their beliefs and convictions I remain optimistic about our future! There is no doubt in my mind that these are some of our leaders of tomorrow and they are growing more and more confident in their abilities to identify and tackle problems before them. While we have a pretty dynamic environment at Stony Brook, it is not without its cliques and isolated social groups. Our peer leaders are interested in looking for ways to have a positive impact on their peers and step outside their comfort zone to ensure that individuals are not limited and defined by their friends but encouraged to cross boundaries of interest and not limit their sense of belonging to one social circle. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to the standard tests for this year and return to the development of the individuals!
I must admit...I did leave the piles of tests locked in my office a few times to visit some classes, as well. I know...call me crazy, but I did it anyway. Many of our 6th grade students are looking at challenges various countries in the Middle East are facing as part of the social studies curriculum. Their task is to identify a specific problem facing a country and develop a solution and present it as ambassadors to the United Nations. It is a wonderful project that engages students in real world scenarios even if all of the financial implications of potential projects are not always possible in the real world. They are thinking critically and preparing themselves to solve problems in their futures. The 7th grade social studies classes that I was fortunate enough to visit were tackling issues of the ancient world. One group was debating the philosophical intricacies of the definition of superior as they prepare to analyze different competing civilizations of the past. The other class was completing research in preparation for creating podcasts about Alexander the Great and his impact. Finally, many of our 8th grade students have been debating which families and or individuals had the greatest impact during the Renaissance. There is a lot of critical thinking taking place! At the end of the day, students are learning that their opinions and voice matter a great deal and when supported by facts and a well-developed argument will be taken seriously.
This morning, a third highlight of week was the distinct pleasure of announcing the winners of the essay contest for the participants of the wreath laying ceremony with the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC. 8th graders were given the opportunity to write an essay about the Tomb of the Unknown and why participating in the ceremony would important to them. The essays were given to a panel of judges with all of the identifiable information removed so that the readers were only considering the content of the essay. The number of entries and the quality of writing across the board was high. After hours of reading and consideration of the nearly 50 entries, we were delighted to share with the school this morning that Ali W., Jaramie C., Caroline B., and Daniel K. were selected as our participants. We will be posting their essays in the 8th grade hallway for others to read, as well.
A very unique upcoming event has been established by Ms. Smith, our Librarian. She has collaborate with Barnes and Noble for a bookfair event at their store that can help benefit Stony Brook. She has been working feverishly to help expand the resources and supports our library has to offer and is looking to introduce a dedicated makerspace of sorts in our library for next year to benefit all of our students. A unique aspect of this bookfair is that you can demo some of the devices and materials we are looking to include in our innovation/maker-space area next year.
Here is a message from Ms. Smith:
I need at least five volunteers to help at the Stony Brook Barnes and Noble Book Fair in Nashua on Friday, June 10 from 6-8pm. I am looking for students and parents that would be willing to help at makerspace stations. We will have Ozobots, Littlebits, Spheros, and Meccano available for students to try out. It is an exciting opportunity to see some of items students will be using in the library/innovation lab next year. Please contact Mrs. Smith at nsmith@westfordk12.us if available to volunteer.
We have included a link with the pertinent information for the event. SB Barnes&Noble Bookfair 2016
I hope your weekend is relaxing and enjoyable,
Chris
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