News From the Nest 2.0
Parent Edition, VOLUME 30; April 2018
Welcome and Enjoy!
[leg-uh-see]:
What exactly does it mean to "leave a legacy?" If you ask a middle school student this question, you might receive a blank stare or a puzzled look. What many students don't realize is that their words, deeds, and how they interact with peers and teachers, set the stage for how they will be remembered long after they leave our classrooms and our building.
As educators, it is not only important for us to help them understand the value of creating a sense of belonging, advocating for themselves, giving selflessly, and being the best they can be; but we have to help guide them in making good choices, being good citizens, and recognizing the impact that they have on those around them. We want our students to look back on their time here and be proud that they were a part of the Falcon family, and that they were able to make a positive, lasting impression on their successors.
What is AFOOFA?
All For One and One for All! To us, AFOOFA is more than just a cool acronym and a catchy phrase; it's a set of core values that we embrace in our building daily.
The four values, belonging, independence, generosity, and mastery, all lead to one another and they all tie together. These are character traits that we think serve as a moral compass for our students, as well as help them to be happy and successful in their academic and social lives. We focus on one value each quarter, but it's important that we apply all four values over the course of the school year.
When students use these guiding principals in their day to day interactions, they begin to make better choices academically (stronger work ethic, taking ownership of their learning) and socially (creating more meaningful relationships, showing empathy and compassion toward others). As a result, students make a strong, positive impression on peers, teachers, and coaches, etc., that will last for years to come.
Sue's Legacy
Click on the link below to view a clip of The Middle, when Sue is sad about not being recognized for her accomplishments throughout high school. Sue gets a wonderful surprise during graduation when she receives her yearbook back with signatures from her classmates, who left messages about how much she inspires them.
From Season 6, Episode 24, "The Graduate" of The Middle.
Heisler, E., & Heline, D. (Writers), & Heisler, E. (Director). (n.d.). The Middle [Television series episode].
Website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxsZF7R3I24&feature=youtu.be
How to Help Your Child Foster a Positive Legacy
Here are some suggestions on how you can encourage your child to create a positive legacy...
- Stress the value of education; realize the significance of school, and appreciate and respect the role that it plays in their lives.
- Teach them to respect themselves and those around them, as well as understand the importance of empathy and compassion.
- Encourage your kids to share the values that are important to them and apply them to their everyday life.
- Give your child a strong work ethic and instill a growth mindset; encourage them to take pride in the work they do and persevere--even if becomes challenging.
- Teach them to be resilient; let them know there will be times that they will struggle, but the key is knowing how to bounce back.
For more information on how to instill a positive legacy in your children, click on the links below.
The Power of Choice
Parents of Middle School Students: Learning to take responsibility for their actions empowers adolescents. It gives them control of the situation and allows them to make corrections and move beyond their mistakes. Use the 5 "As” in this month’s Parents Use Your Power newsletter to help you guide your child in this process and put the power back in their hands. Check out this month’s Parents Use Your Power newsletter: Empowering Adolescents to Take Responsibility.
PowerTalk for Families: When we’ve done something wrong, we can choose to accept responsibility or not. It can be difficult, but learning to accept responsibility is part of growing up. Use this month’s PowerTalk for Families to review the steps that help us to take responsibility for our actions and then practice applying them in a variety of scenarios.
Check out this link with parent tips for engaging in difficult conversations. Kids make mistakes. Knowing parents believe in them can be a powerful motivator to make better choices.
The Power of Choice is a collaborative project led by 360 Youth Services in District 203 and 204 middle and high schools.