Scholarship in focus

As previously mentioned, this quarter students are studying what it means to be a scholar.  Here at Pembroke Hill, we define scholarship in the following way:

• Engage the world with open mindedness, curiosity and imagination
• Seek understanding and truth through disciplined and thoughtful inquiry
• Pursue knowledge throughout one's lifetime

This week students were challenged to think about the way they approach the learning that occurs in their life by introducing the idea of fixed mindsets and growth mindsets.  The topic was introduced using this video.  I was able to be in one of the Advisory classes for the discussion that followed the video.  This particular group discussed whether or not they thought intelligence was something that could change over time, or if they felt it was more stable.  The students also talked about how we view and respond to criticism, as well as what it means to have to put effort into your school work.

Students have been invited to put the skills of effort and persistence into practice through our 30 Day Challenge, which officially begins today, though some students have begun already.  We are daring ourselves to try something new for 30 days that will enhance our lives in some way.  For example, my challenge is to read for fun for the next 30 days (I have let this small pleasure go recently in the midst of just being busy).  I have learned that students are working toward making someone smile each day, going to bed earlier and even giving up frozen yogurt at lunch! We'll check-in with students at the end of the 30 days to see how they did and what they gained from this experience!

In our staff meeting this morning we discussed a great technology tool that could help us enhance a learning environment that supports academic risk taking.  The Socrative website allows students to take online quizzes that give them immediate feedback on their understanding. When a student misses the concept, they can adjust their learning on their own.  This option may increase student participation in the lesson and enhance student connections with the material.  I'm giving some thought as to how I can use this tool in guidance lessons to check student understanding of the lesson objectives, while giving each budding scholar the chance to take a stab at the answer.  I'm anxious to use the knowledge I gain from their responses to improve my lessons and guide my work here at Pembroke Hill!  The students aren't the only learners around here :)

New Year, New Opportunities

Welcome back to a new semester!  It has been really wonderful seeing our students again and hearing about their relaxing and refreshing break.  I wanted to be sure to let you know about some opportunities being offered here in the counseling office this month and into the second half of our year.

First, I am going to be working with students in small groups on two topics.  The topics are Stress Management and Friendship Support.  Groups begin next week.  Students have all been informed of the opportunity.  A permission form is required to participate and is due on Friday of this week.  Sometimes students are unsure about participating in a group with the counselor, they worry about the stigma that it will be very "touchy/feely" - but I am working to let them know that counseling groups operate very much like activities I do with them in the classroom.  If you feel your student may benefit from time talking with peers about dealing with high stress levels or challenges that come with middle school friendships, please consider having them join one of these groups.  As always, feel free to call me for more information.

Second, I will be starting a new after school club that will meet on Mondays, called Community Club.  Our first meeting is today.  Community Club is focused on contributing to our positive school climate.  We will consider together what events we could sponsor.  I will be suggesting Kindness is Contagious Week in February as an example.  If the students are interested we may look into service projects for our Greater KC area as well.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with our students in this manner.

In Advisory this quarter students will be examining the concept of "scholarship."  We will be looking at the myths that our students sometimes accept when it comes to scholarship and encouraging them to look at risk taking/failure through a new lens.  Our hope is to further develop a love of life-long learning, create a learning atmosphere where academic risk taking is supported and to give students permission to let go of perfectionism while striving for excellence.  Each Monday in advisory students will discuss a concept related to scholarship and on Tuesdays students will be introduced to an example of someone in the world of business, sports, entertainment, etc who embodies the idea of scholarship as we see it.  This week students will watch a short video with Matt Cutts of Google. 

Lastly I wanted to share something really fun that has been happening in my little office.  Before break I had a puzzle on the table in my office and now I have coloring pages with colored pencils.  The students come in during their breaks to relax and enjoy a relaxing project together.  I have had the pleasure of getting to small talk with them and gain some insight into what is happening at school through their eyes.  Have I mentioned before that I have the best job in the world?