Parents can see our 7th and 8th grade assemblies here:
- John and Doug with our 7th Grade - http://youtu.be/NQnwRFrYocw
- John and Doug with our 8th Grade - http://youtu.be/zEYLehGekOU
As a follow up to our assemblies I sent three questions out to all students. Here are some of their answers:
Question 1: What do you think was the most important message
students should take from the presentation?
- Don't underestimate yourself or think badly of yourself, think positively. If you do, no one can put you down
- Be grateful for what you have and don’t feel sorry for yourself because of what you do not have.
- Gifts and good news are everywhere all the time. Sometimes we have to look harder.
- If you have a disability, it shouldn't stop you from doing what you want to do.
- The message: "Never give up. You can overcome your obstacles whatever they might be if you actually try and put effort in
- You can overcome almost anything. Challenges aren't always problems especially if you can focus on your strengths.
- Nothing is impossible. Dream big
- So he can educate people and show them that it's ok to be different
- Mr. Robinson's positive attitude: "Mr Robinson is unique. The body he was given gave him challenges he never would have had otherwise. These challenges made him put forth greater effort. Mr. Robinson made himself "do it" and learned that he could!"
- John is grateful for the body he has because he is able to share his story in a meaningful way in order to inspire others
- He was so much more grateful when he learned how to ride a bike than he would have been if he had arms and legs. If he was just a normal guy, it wouldn't be such a big deal. He learned something that most people with his disability wouldn't be able to accomplish. If he was just a normal guy, his whole life would be different so why would you want to trade that?
- John is grateful for the body he has and the experiences he has had because it helped him become a really good problem solver, it helped him to help others, it taught him to be thankful for all that he has and all that he has accomplished and to love himself for who he is.
- Because he was born like that and he is proud of who he is and what he has accomplished
- I personally appreciated the message of going with those who love you. It reminded me as a parent to keep loving those gifts I have been given.
- If there is someone that doesn't like you, you shouldn't try to impress them because they're not going to change their minds. Don't try to change yourself for others, if you don't show that you are upset by their words, then they won't have anything to bully you for--because they're not getting a response out of you.
- Bullying: It means that when you hang out with people who like you, they are your friends and accept you. If you hang out with your friends, people who make you feel good, bullies can't hurt you.
- You can remove power from those that are not nice by not giving them attention for their actions. By being more involved with those that are nice, it makes everyone around you want to be a better person and may even change the behavior of the bully
- If you avoid kids who aren't nice to you, you take away their power to bully. If you stick around kids who like you, they make you feel better about who you are.
- Feel comfortable being yourself. “Block out the haters.” Bullies need to see you being strong to make them stop. And your friends and family can help you feel strong.
- I think it means always be nice to people. Surround yourself with people who love you and accept you for who you are. Don't engage with mean people that way they will never have power over you.
Many students also sent comments about John's opening story about how we look at ourselves in the mirror. Some of the student comments are here;
- He said his take away was they told him to look in the mirror and don’t see the bad parts but do see why your friends like you. I asked my son why his friends like him and he said because he is funny, shares his lunch and his friends know he will be there to help if they are in trouble.
- When you look in the mirror every day you shouldn't think about what's NOT good, but think about all the things you have, like friends and family
- Be grateful for what you have and love yourself when you look in the mirror- see all the things that are right, not just the things that are wrong
- Your outward appearance does not compare to what your friends see
- A positive message about how you shouldn't look in the mirror and think about all the things that are wrong with you, but to look in the mirror as a friend would with kindness,compassion and acceptance......what a GREAT message
- She looked in the mirror this morning and saw something other than her forehead pimples staring back at her. It is a beautiful thing
Thank you to all of our students who sent in their responses!
Thank you also to all of our parents for your responses and for engaging in what I hope was a great discussion with your sons and daughters!
Have a Great Weekend ... and think Spring!
End of Week Notes:
- Q3 Interim Reports are Posted
- Your student's quarter 3 interim (5 week) report is now posted on Aspen
- To access the comment code sheet please follow the directions on the Aspen main page that guide you on how to access the Middle School Home Page
- 7th Grade Deadline Approaching
- Students interested in signing up for Introduction to Engineering and Design, and for Studio in Art have to turn in applications by March 31st. These courses, offered in 8th grade, are High School courses and carry High School Credit. Enrollment is determined by lottery and only those students who adhere to the deadline will be considered. Applications are available in the house offices.
- Hamlet comes to BCMS - Grade 8
- In keeping with our annual tradition, Shakespeare and Company will be joining us again next week as they present "Hamlet" to our 8th Graders on Tuesday, March 17th.
- What is Orchestra Festival?
- Next Thursday, in what is always an inspirational event, every orchestra student in our district from elementary all the way through high school, join together to play together and it's one of my favorite events of the year
- Gym B at the High School
The Week that Will be:
Monday, March 16
- Spring Meet the Coaches Night for HS athletes (6:30)
Tuesday, March 17
- 8th grade Hamlet Live Theater
- Green Day - spirit day
- Happy St. Patrick's Day
- Late buses today
Wednesday, March 18
- Character Lunch today
- BOE meeting HS
- Late Buses today
Thursday, March 19
- District Orchestra Festival, HS Lower Gym
- Late Buses today
Friday, March 20
- No school for students today if no snow add'l snow days are taken
Have a great weekend!
