I get to sit where?

This past week, I had the honor of accompanying our 5th grade Ambassadors to all three of our K-4 Elementary schools.  These ambassadors were selected to speak to the 4th grade students at Pine Ridge, Ada, and Thornapple Elementary.  I was so proud of the job they did in representing our school, but more importantly, in representing the feelings they went through as they realized the transition to Central Woodlands was fun and easy.  All of the ambassadors shared how they had been nervous a year ago, just like many 4th graders were nervous that day.

Our students took turns speaking on a range of topics from the bus ride to finding your way around the halls at CW.  After each student spoke, 4th grade students were able to ask questions.  This was my first experience in the process of transitioning 4th grade students to our building.  I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the excited, but wide-eyed students take in every word of our students.

Not knowing what to expect, each building took on a slightly different theme as it came to the types of questions asked.  However, there was a topic that created cheers and shouts in all three schools.  For 4th grade students, the most important take away for many came when they found out that at CW, students get to pick where they sit for lunch.  In 4th grade, students eat lunch at tables with their class.  When our ambassadors told the 4th grade classes this, it seemed like the students had won a gold medal!  There was clapping and cheers as 4th grade students realized their maturation towards adulthood included picking their own lunch seat!  It was the highlight of my day to witness this exuberance in our future students.

It made me reflect on the how the milestones in the lives of students in K-12 education are all very different, but all important; especially during those important moments.  Life is about milestones...about accomplishments of continued growth.  Those moments can be when a student ties their shoe for the first time (opening up a whole world of non-velcro shoe choices) or seeing the sense of accomplishment on the face of student opening up their college acceptance letter.  All of our students' milestones are important...I am glad I was able to be there for this important 4th to 5th grade milestone!

How CW used a Lunch Period to "Stand Up"

Two days ago, I was speaking to a former colleague at Royal Oak.  He was very interested in knowing about how my students were doing this year at Central Woodlands.  More specifically he asked, "Are they good kids?"  I paused before I answered him.  "Good" could not even begin to describe our students...

Over Spring Break, I received an email from Mrs. Bouley, our 5th grade counselor.  Back on October 29th, our students participated in the national "Mix It Up" day.  Every staff member volunteered to be part of this day along with several family members.  

CW was among the 6,000 schools that participated in Teaching Tolerance’s Mix It Up at Lunch Day Program, an effort to break down the barriers between students so there are fewer misunderstandings that can lead to conflicts, bullying and harassment.

We used our Mix It Up lunch as a springboard to developing our "Stand Up" culture among students. Throughout the year, we have had several events and reminders of the importance of standing up for our peers.

As a result of what our students, staff, and families have done, we were recognized as a 2013-14 Mix It Up Model School.  Over 6000 schools participated across the United States and we were 1 of 76 schools in the United States to receive this recognition!  In fact, there were only 2 schools in Michigan to receive this honor!

Click here to see a listing of the 2013-14 Mix It Up Model Schools.

Because our students are standing up...they are making a difference!  I cannot even begin to tell you how proud I am of our students!

Credit or Debit

Over the weekend, I was shopping at the grocery store with my wife, Renae, when I was reminded of a valuable lesson.  We were in the process of putting our groceries out to pay for them and I was trying to find my debit card to pay.  We were a little busy as our son Cole was using this time to create his latest play area in the candy bar section and Aubrey was tired of being in the cart.  Needless to say, the cashier said something to me and I responded as I usually do…plastic is fine. At this grocery store, they still bag our groceries and offer a choice of paper or plastic bags.  I am asked every time which one I want and was ready for the cashier to ask before she even did.  I then swiped my debit card and Renae and I headed out to our car carrying Cole, Aubrey, and our groceries.

On the way out Renae asked, “Did you hear what the cashier asked?”  I said yes and told her she had asked about paper or plastic bags. Unfortunately, I wasn’t really listening to the cashier as Renae informed me that she had asked, “Credit or Debit” and I responded by saying plastic…no wonder she was giving me a weird look!

I have been reminded of this lately as I can tell that our 6th grade students are gearing up for middle school. They are excited to be in 7th grade at CMS. However, I know 7th grade will come soon enough and I will be challenging our students to enjoy their remaining weeks at Central Woodlands.  The same can be said for our 5th grade students.  I know they are starting to see themselves as the 6th grade of Central Woodlands.  Just as I learned from my grocery store experience, I want our students to remember they may miss some important things if they are moving to fast and not staying present in the moment here at Central Woodlands!

This was a great reminder on how important it is to slow down and listen.  No matter what age, this can be a valuable lesson…life moves very fast…make sure you slow down to enjoy it.