Students are empowered when we give them a voice and allow them to be experts in their own lives. It is rare to find students in leadership roles at the middle level that truly allow students to be stakeholders in the programs that govern their school experience. Students hold leadership roles in student council, musical
Read More… from Peacekeepers: Using Restorative Practices to Empower Students
This past Saturday marked the beginning of Red Ribbon Week. Celebrated annually from October 23-31, Red Ribbon Week raises awareness for substance-use prevention programs and efforts. Around the country, students are learning about the importance of staying substance-free and saying “NO” to risky behaviors like underage drinking and underage cannabis use. As educators, we play
Read More… from 8 Resources to Incorporate in your School for Red Ribbon Week
For Immediate Release October 21, 2021 Students will compete for the top prize at the AMLE21 conference in November. Columbus, OH – The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) announced today the semi-finalists in its inaugural Great Middle School Student Voice Off Contest, an international competition in which kids aged 10-15 make persuasive arguments for
In a recent tweet, a popular author argued that their book would never be adapted into graphic novel form, calling the process of reading such a visual story merely “flipping pages.” The author drew a range of attention for this Tweet, and has since recanted and apologized. Contained within this Tweet, as well as in
Read More… from In Defense of the Graphic Novel: Fighting the Forces of Anti-Graphica
Conversations with students are a highlight of many administrators’ day. Often, the conversation turns towards the child’s academic progress. During the first quarter of my first year at the middle school, I met with a child who had been given a homework assignment described as “progress report signed” for which he had received a grade
Read More… from Defining Grades: A Middle School’s Approach to Grading Reform