It's a new experience everyday in WGMS Leadership. Students often remark that this is their favorite class of the day as they cherish the opportunity to make the school a better place! We plan dances, advertise for school events, and chalk around campus to organize charity events for the community
My students come from every background and every walk of life.
We are the largest comprehensive public middle school in San Jose Unified School District- one of the most diverse districts in California. Some of my students' neighbors include the likes of Larry Ellison, while others students are homeless or come from families struggling to make ends meet.
My students challenge me and teach me more about myself and my teaching each and everyday. Middle school kids don't have filters- and they bring laughter and smiles to my face each day with their insightful yet naive comments on the world and the topics we study. I love seeing students blossom developmentally in leadership as students practice abstract thought through critical organization of school events and activities.
My Project
While the supplies may seem basic, students use these so often that I have had to dig into my own pocket to replace the quickly depleting items. Students use chalk almost daily to advertise for fundraising events and school activities. Students are constantly making posters to cheer on school sports teams or encourage students to attend a dance or rally.
Students will be able to do new things we are currently unable to do. For example, traffic safety has been a major concern in the neighborhood right next to our school, to the point where several students have been hit and injured while walking home from school. Students had an idea that they will use the supplies to start a picketing campaign to petition for safer driving near the school.
Students will plan impact campaigns, advertise for school events, decorate campus, and help make all students feel welcome!
It's hard to explain the feeling I get as a teacher when I see the lightbulbs in students' heads brighten as they think of awesome ideas to give back to the community-and their simultaneous frustration that we routinely lack the basic resources to support them in these efforts.
It's my belief that student-led activities and campaigns are the most powerful way to instill confidence, particularly in impressionable and blossoming middle school students. Students will be empowered and supported.
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