student ARFF

Natasha:I got to sell at the bake sale and we sold all of the rice crispie treats I brought.
Belleza: I get to be in the Nutcracker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Devinn:I read my favorite book ! "The Hundred Dresses"

quote

"Whatever you focus on you will get more of."

-Bridget Martel, teacher extraordinaire

Natural High

It's Red Ribbon Week and so I am showing the DVD Natural High 2. It features Tony Hawk and other accomplished athletes who have chosen to be drug and alcohol free. The students get to see great video clips of snowboarders, down hill skiers, hip hop artists and more. The athletes give great advice such as
eat well
sleep well
focus on what you love
and your brain will naturally make "feel good" chemicals.
What I realized from watching the video is how important it is for kids to discover their passion early in life. It can help them put their energy into healthy pursuits, surround them with good mentors, and give them a reason to stay away from dangerous influences.
I want our school to be a place where kids can try lots of different sports and art forms and activities in nature so they can discover what gives them energy and brings them joy.
Here's some great ideas from two of our great students:
Have more clubs such as ski club, biking, nature, art, writing, dance and study groups.
Have more activities for Freshman since this is a big year to be exposed to drugs and alcohol.
Any other ideas for bringing enrichment activities into our school and community?

Achievement: Support groups are ready to start next week thanks to Scarlett, Trish, Ryan, Mike, Jill and Michele. They will be giving up their prep one day a week to spend with middle school students.
Respect: I was invited to lunch tomorrow but will have to take a rain check.
Fun: Going for a walk in the sunshine
Freedom: Leaving for Seattle in the morning.
Big ARFF to come!

the power of modeling

I did the same listening activity today as Monday only this time I took more care in setting the tone for the exercise. I chose to share about our cabin in Alaska and how much I miss being there. The students responded by sharing things that they cared about. Some were deeply personal and accompanied by tears. Again, at the end of the exercise students said it felt good to be listened to. It was a simple exercise made more powerful by being mindful and careful with my words and tone of voice.

Achievement: We have 10 volunteer presenters for the middle school career fair including Her Alibi Salon, Soucie and Soucie, Beth Morganstern from Edward Jones, and Krista Schaefer from the Parisi Speed School.

Respect: Great faculty discourse at the Forum meeting with regard to our district's efforts at creating quality assessments.

Fun: 4th grade girls played hide and seek in my office. (How do you hide in a 12'X16' office space?)

Freedom: I had a completely open schedule today so when kids or teachers said, "Do you have a minute?" I could say "Sure!"

team work!

Steve planted and cared for the seedlings. I watered and fed them.
Now we get to harvest and enjoy! Gardening ARFF!