This week I had the opportunity to sit in a variety of
classrooms across our school. I shared
many conversations with kids about what they were learning and asked questions
around purpose and relevance. Asking
middle schoolers about purpose and relevance when it comes to learning will
yield a variety of answers. One
particular conversation I shared with a group of 8th graders was
around the purpose and relevance of learning about the Constitution. Their responses were all beautifully polite
and obedient, “because we have to learn about it since the teacher is teaching
it”. When I probed a little more about
what the purpose of learning about it was, I received some blank stares. Then one student finally stated “so we can
use it when we are older, like 35, and make a difference.” Then I asked why he felt like he needed to
wait until he was 35 to use the knowledge and another kid chimed in that
“things we learn in school are for later when we are grown up”. A third member of the group just simply
reported that this was all boring and there was no relevance to what they were
learning to her life. Of course I had to
ask her why and she stated that “no one listens to us because we are just
kids”. Another student in the group
shared that what they were learning “has no place in our lives right now but we
will use it later”. I had to let this
conversation sink in for a minute before I asked them if they felt like their
voices had a place in the community. Since they were learning about government
and its structure and purpose, this question made sense to me. I was met with silent blank stares and
finally one kid mumbled, “I’m so confused right now”.
The irony of this conversation was that they were learning
about the Constitution and all the other layers of government that impact our
lives, yet they could not see how it was relevant to their lives. The notion that they had to wait until they
were older to be heard and apply their knowledge surprised me. I find that while it is important for kids to
learn about the Constitution, it is equally important for them to see that they
can apply that knowledge now and not wait until they are “older”. While it is developmentally appropriate for
middle school students to sometimes struggle to see the big picture, as parents
and teachers, we have the power to explicitly point out and develop connections
for them. Doing this at home, school and
as an overall community can enhance their learning to support them as they discover
what they are passionate about as they fine tune the tools they need to make an
impact now, not in 20 years. We need to
teach our kids how to think, not what to think so they can transfer their
learning to all areas of their lives, ultimately propelling them to be
contributing citizens in our world. This
conversation was a reminder that it is imperative to continuously cultivate a
learning environment where kids know their worth and realize they have a voice
so they don’t wait until the magical age of 35 to apply their learning and
leadership.
Holiday Assistance Food Baskets
As the holidays quickly approach, our Hixson counselors are busy collecting items to create baskets for families in our community. If you would like to donate, please go to this link to sign up:
If there are any families who could benefit from a holiday food basket, please contact their grade level counselor. Mrs. Linda Peterson (7th) at 918-4554 and Mrs. Sarah Bodi (8th) at 918-4555
Winter Coat Drive
Winter is coming! The dropping temperatures create serious health risks to folks without the necessary resources to stay warm and dry. We are collecting items to donate across several organizations who are helping local folks in need. If you are able, please have your child bring in gently used or new:
·
Socks
·
Hats
·
Scarves
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Blankets
·
Gloves/Mittens
·
Coats
Collection boxes
will be in the main office and auditorium lobbies through November 21st.
WG Class of 2022
The Class of 2022 hoodies web store is now open! Hoodies are available in youth and adult sizes in either orange, white or black. Regular or wicking fleece. Use the link to order and make payment until Thursday, November 16th. Anyone ordering will receive an email when items are ready for individual pickup at Johnny Macs, in about 4 weeks in time for the holidays. About $4.00 of each hoodie ordered will be donated to the Hixson PTO!
Please visit the link;
Wonder Field Trip
On Tuesday, November 21st, all students will be on a school field trip to see the movie Wonder. Permission slip forms should have made it home and teachers are collecting them. If you are in need of a form or assistance with the cost, please contact your child's team teacher.
JETS Pizza
Tonight is our monthly JET's Pizza Night. If you don't have a form, just let the staff at JET's know that you are supporting Hixson's fundraiser and they will apply the 20% to our school. Thank you in advance for supporting our kids!
Have a great weekend reconnecting with each other.
With Gratitude,
Grace
Grace