WEEK OF RESPECT - THE WEEK IN REVIEW

The "Week of Respect" at Woodglen was a success.  Throughout the week, students read about, wrote about and talked about respect.  We looked at respecting ourselves, respecting others, respecting differences, respecting the environment and respecting our futures.  Students read articles, read poems, watched a video.  They wrote essays, ideas, plans and answered questions.  They looked inward, they looked outward and they looked to the future.

In the end, our students were able to understand what respect truly means.  They were able to understand what respect looks like.  They were able to understand why respect is important.

All this is well and good and it was a great week.  But what happens next?  As we shared with students, respect must go beyond the Week of Respect.  Respect is not just a week long thing ... respect is a lifelong thing.  We encouraged students today to use the lessons learned last week as they go forward.  We want them to put everything they read about, wrote about and talked about into practice in their own lives.

If respect doesn't become part of their everyday lives, the Week of Respect cannot be considered a success.  Please join our staff as we continue to promote and live out respect every week.

RESPECT FOR YOUR FUTURE (October 7)

"Develop a passion for learning.  If you do, you will never cease to grow."  Anthony J. D'Angelo

As we wrap up the "Week of Respect," today's theme is Respect for Your Future.  While the future may seem far away to middle school students, we, as adults, can tell them that it will be here sooner than they think.  We reminded students, though, that even though the future may seem far away, it is never to early to dream or to set goals - that is where respect for your future begins.

Our students need to dream and dream big.  They were encouraged today to dream without limits.  They were encouraged to set lofty goals that may be tough to accomplish.  While the dreams and goals are important, respecting the future means that you must act on them.  Working hard, being responsible, making good choices and continually learning are all part of making dreams come true and respecting the future.

Today, our teachers wore a t-shirt or sweatshirt from the college they attended.  We wanted to provide a visual representation of a commitment to learning and what it takes to accomplish goals and dreams.  Our teachers not only had dreams, but they followed through and developed a life-long love of and commitment to learning.  Education is an important part of our students' future and we want them to respect it.

In math classes today, the students are being asked to take some time to think about their own futures.  They read a couple of poems - You Can Be Whatever You Want To Be by Donna Levine and Awakening... by John McLeod.  Using the poems as inspiration, students will be writing about their own hopes and dreams for their futures and what they think they will need to do to work toward them.

While it may be difficult for middle schoolers to be certain about what the future will hold for them, it is imperative that they have dreams for the future.

RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (October 6, 2011)

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."  -Native American Proverb

Today at Woodglen we turn our attention to respecting the environment.  We need to remember that what we do to the earth today impacts future generations.  We often take for granted the fact that clean drinking water is just steps away in our faucets or water fountains.  We rarely think about the air we breathe in with each breath we take.  We look around us and see the wonders of nature, but often are too busy to stop to appreciate them.

In science classes today, students and teachers will be talking about respect for the environment.  They will discuss our responsibilities to the earth and to future generations.  Students will be writing down ways that they do or plan to be more environmentally conscious.  Their ideas will be written on leaves which will be used to create a tree of ideas that will be posted outside of the guidance office.  The 360 leaves will serve as a reminder of what we can and should be doing each day to preserve what they've been entrusted with in order to pass it on to their children and grandchildren.

In addition, today we kicked off a campaign to save energy.  While one small school in Hunterdon County cannot save the whole world, we can do our part.  Students and staff are undertaking a campaign to turn off the lights and the computers.  We are urging the "last one out" to make sure everything is off.  Hopefully we can make a difference.

Good planets are hard to find ... don't blow it!

RESPECT FOR DIFFERENCES (October 5, 2011)

"Ecidujerp is prejudice spelled backwards.  Either way, it makes no sense."  - Unknown

Look around you, whether you are at school, at work, even at home, and you'll see a lot of different things.  You'll see a lot of differences.

Some of us are young, some are older;  some are athletes, some are artists.  We are black and white, male and female.  We practice different faiths and we come from different places. 

Someone once said, "Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common."  There may be some truth in this, but despite our differences, we have many more things in common.  We share dreams of success - even if we define success differently.  We share a desire to be happy, healthy and to belong.  It seems that we might have more in common than just diversity.

If you take a look at our money, you will see the phrase e pluribus unum, which means, out of many, one.  Whether we are talking about a school, a town, a country or the world, we need to remember that while we may look different, act different and sound different, we really are more alike than we are different.  There may be many of us, but we truly are one.  Hopefully, we can act that way toward others who we see as different.

Today, our students are being asked to read some quotes on diversity and differences.  They will be writing an explanatory piece based on a quote that they choose.  This activity will not only allow students to think more about respecting differences, but will also ask them to write in a fashion that they will see on the NJ ASK testing.

The following quotes were used in different grade level classes:

“We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same.”
- Anne Frank

“People may be said to resemble not the bricks of which a house is built, but the pieces of a picture puzzle, each differing in shape, but matching the rest, and thus bringing out the picture.”
- Felix Adler

“We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.”

- Kofi Annan

“What divides us pales in comparison to what unites us.”
- US Senator Edward Kennedy

RESPECT FOR OTHERS (Tuesday, October 4)

"We have a choice about how we behave, and that means we have the choice to opt for civility and grace"
- David Currie

We often hear about the importance of respecting others.  It is an easy phrase to say.  But what exactly does it mean to respect others?  Today we shared a list of things we can do to show respect for others:

• speak kindly
• take responsibility
• accept and give praise
• pay attention
• accept and give constructive criticism
• assume the best
• listen
• be inclusive
• acknowledge others
• be mindful of others' time and space
• apologize
• don't complain
• acknowledge the opinions of others

Students saw a short video that focused on civility.  The video featured Charles, a homeless man in New York City who explained his philosophy of respect for others.  He explained that "it doesn't cost a penny to be polite," and "there are more ways to be be good than bad."  Two important lessons that we can all learn from. 

The video was about civility and we talked about what that meant.  Unfortunately, today, our students see far less civility throughout their days.  Watch television, listen to politicians, even drive in a car and you will see some of the least civil behaviors you can imagine.

All students completed a writing assignment based on treating others with respect.  They were asked to explain both respectful and disrespectful behaviors here at school.  In addition to this, fifth graders did a role playing activity that focused on showing respect for others in a problem solving situation.  Eighth graders looked at George Washington's transcription of Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.  These rules, written over 200 years ago, still apply today.  Some were humorous, "# 7, Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go out of your chamber half dressed."  Some were very clear cut, "#1, Every action done in company, ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present."  The complete list of 110 rules can be found at:  http://www.history.org/Almanack/life/manners/rules.cfm

As we go forth today let us all show a little more respect for others and remember, in the words of Charles, a very wise man in a very unfortunate situation, respect "comes from inside your heart, not from your pocketbook."

RESPECT FOR YOURSELF (Monday, October 3)

"The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself."  - Mark Twain

We often talk about self-respect, but have you ever tried to define it?  It isn't easy for adults to do, and even more difficult for adolescents.  Today's focus is "Respect for Yourself."  We hope that our students will gain a greater understanding of what it means to have self-respect.

Our fifth graders will be reading "The Story of Self-Esteem," an article from the Nemours Foundation found on KidsHealth.org.  The article encourages students to focus on their strengths and to be positive about themselves.  Our goal is to help students develop a healthy self-esteem based on true strengths.  Students will also be completing a worksheet about respecting themselves.

Our eighth graders will be reading "How to Develop Respect for Yourself," an article by Tejvan Pettinger. 
The article lists 10 important tenets of developing self-respect:
1.  Be true to yourself
2.  Learn to handle criticism
3.  Look after your appearance, without being a slave to fashion
4.  Avoid Jealousy
5.  Remember your motivation, not results
6.  Respect others
7.  Never hate yourself
8.  Forgive
9.  Be selfless
10.  Don't try to "keep up with the Jones's"
After reading the article, students will be asked to self evaluate and look at their own strengths and weaknesses. 

Week of Respect

This week, the first week of October, has been designated by the NJ State Legislature as the "Week of Respect."  While we pride ourselves on promoting respect all year long, this week provides us with an opportunity to focus on this sometimes elusive character trait. 

Each day this week, we will focus on a different theme of respect:
Monday -          RESPECT FOR YOURSELF
Tuesday -          RESPECT FOR OTHERS
Wednesday -     RESPECT FOR DIFFERENCES
Thursday -         RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Friday -             RESPECT FOR YOUR FUTURE

During the week, students will be participating in activities aligned with the daily theme.  In addition, our school counselor, Danielle Curcio, will be visiting classrooms to deliver lessons on anti-bullying.

The blog will be updated each day to let you know what is happening at Woodglen during the Week of Respect. 

Celebrate Reading

March is focus on reading month at Woodglen School.  March 2nd marked the nation-wide celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday.  What a great way to kick off a focus on reading.  While middle schoolers often think they are too cool to celebrate reading, we have two big opportunities for our students to get involved with a focus on reading.

First, the Lebanon Township PTA is sponsoring a Read A Thon with the theme, "Books are Treasures."  Students can get pledges for the amount of time and pages they read for a two week period from February 25 through March 11.  Money raised will go toward cultural arts and literacy-based programs at Woodglen and Valley View Schools.  In order to get Woodglen students excited about reading, the PTA is sponsoring several events including an Ice Cream Social, a Locker Lottery, and Hat and Pajama days.  In addition, they are encouraging students to share their favorite books which may find their way into the school's library.  Information about the Read A Thon was sent home with students and is available on the PTA website.

The other opportunity for Woodglen Readers is sponsored by the Somerset Patriots and runs through the month of March.  Students who complete six books during the month will received one ticket to a Patriots game, while students who read 12 books receive two tickets.  Information about this opportunity is available at Woodglen School.  Completed paperwork for the Patriots reading challenge must be submitted to Ms. Spann by Friday, April 8.

In addition to providing incentives for reading, we also take time during March to recognize those students who demonstrate a true passion for reading throughout the year.  92 Woodglen students were nominated by their teachers as "Enthusiastic Readers."  These students, nominated as part of a county-wide program met the following criteria:

• exhibit an enthusiasm for reading and sharing books
• use books for a variety of purposes
• read independently on a volunteer basis
• use school and/or public libraries
• select books at an appropriate interest level

Those students who were nominated were eligible for recognition at the county level.  Sixth grader, Nicolas Wittkop was Woodglen's representative on the county level.  Locally, these students will be recognized at an in-school celebration.  Ms. Spann does an excellent job of coordinating the "Enthusiastic Readers" program for our school as well as promoting a true love of reading.

So, now you know what is available to provide some motivation for reading and what is happening to recognize those who already read.  What, though, can you do if your child has no interest in reading?  First of all, that is not an uncommon predicament, particularly at the middle school level.  I can totally understand that because I was one of those kids who did not want to read.  While some students don't want to read because they struggle with it, that wasn't the case with me.  I just had no desire.  I'd rather be out playing ball, or cops and robbers (yes, I know I just dated myself), or riding my bike or watching a ball game than read anything.  More importantly, I really didn't like what people wanted me to read.  There was so much focus put on reading the books that you had to read for school.  I usually did that, although, in high school I tried hard to avoid even the required reading.  What was missing form me, though, was the encouragement to find something that I liked to read, regardless of what it was.  From my own experience as a young person who hated to read, an educator and a parent I have found a couple of things that can make reading a positive experience, one that will spur enthusiasm in even the most reluctant reader.  First, pleasure reading does not have to be at a particular reading level.  Teaching reading should be done in school and REINFORCED at home.  Save the difficult reading for school.  If your 8th grader wants to read a book geared more toward a fifth grader let him.  Reading fluency is kind of cyclical, students who don't read fluently usually don't like to read but the way to improve fluency is by reading more frequently.  Letting your child read something "easy" is a good thing, if that is what he chooses.  Second, let your child read something that matches her interests.  If she wants to read a magazine, let her.  It doesn't matter whether it is Sports Illustrated, Cat Fancy, or Girls Life - if they want to read it, let them.  One of the allures of magazines is the fact that most articles are relatively short, which allows them to be finished relatively quickly.  Your child will gain confidence as she finishes what she starts.  I know from my own experience there is nothing more frustrating than having a book drag on for months because I don't have the time to sit down and read two, three or four hundred pages at one time.  Somewhat related to "finishing what you started," if you want to encourage your child to read for pleasure, allow him to stop reading something when he doesn't like it.  If, after a chapter or so, your child doesn't enjoy the book for any reason, don't force him to finish it - that will only foster an attitude of reading as a burden.  Finally, model the behavior you would like to see in your child.  If you are reading and your child sees that, she will likely read as well.  If possible, read what they are reading and discuss it, this is far better than "quizzing" them on the book they are reading, which will likely turn them off.

There are so many more strategies for ways to develop a love of reading in your child.  If you would like some help in this area, please don't hesitate to talk to your child's language arts teacher or our librarian, Kate Spann.  You can also check out the following links:

The American Library Association - Tips to Encourage Reading

Woodglen School Library Reading Lists

While we continue to see technology changing the way we live, reading (and writing) still remain vital.  We may have Kindles instead of books, we may do research online instead of in the library and we may consult blogs instead of newsletters, but, we still need to read - a screen instead of a page - but reading nonetheless.

As I close, I will leave you with a few statistics I found on reading and the importance of reading:

• In 1999, only 53 percent of children age 3 to 5 were read to by a family member.  (National Center for Education Statistics, Family Reading)
• 85% of juvenile offenders have problems reading.  (National Center for Adult Literacy)
• 50% of American Adults are unable to read an eighth grade level book. (Jonathan Kozol, Illiterate America)

Help us celebrate reading this month.  You and your child will be glad you did.

The Bees

So, it's that time of year, again, when we recognize some of Woodglen's best and brightest.  Each year, our school participates in two national academic competitions - The National Geographic Geography Bee and the Scripps National Spelling Bee.  You probably haven't seen the geography bee on television, but I'm sure you've seen the Scripps Bee either on television or in the movies.  What you may not have known, however, is that both of these competitions begin at the local level in school-wide "bees" throughout the United States.

This year, we are proud to announce that eighth grader, Brett Dufford was the winner of the Woodglen Geography Bee.  The runner-up was sixth grader, Carsten Janes.  Winning the local bee is not easy.  The questions deal with both United States and world geography.  Students are expected to know about landforms, boundary lines, natural resources, goods produced and culture. 

We are also proud to announce that seventh grader, Josh Myers was the winner of the Woodglen Spelling Bee.  The runner-up was eighth grader, Eric Pecina.  While most of us don't remember what we did before "spell check,"  these young people demonstrated the ability to spell some common and many not-so-common words.

Want to win the geography bee?  You'd better know the European country where regional dialects Catalan, Valencian and Galician are spoken (Spain).  You should know which east African country was subject to water rationing due to the rapid growth of Nairobi (Kenya).  You might want to know the state where you would find Davenport, a railroad and commercial center across the Mississippi River from Rock Island, Illinois (Iowa).

Have hopes of being the next Akeelah, of Akeelah and the Bee fame?  You should brush up on your words of Latin origin like obsequious (exhibiting fawning attentiveness) and triumvirate (a group or association of three), your words of German origin like kuchen (a variety of coffee cakes made of sweet yeast dough) and inselberg (an isolated mountain) and your words of Italian origin like adagio (a slow tempo) and fantoccini (a puppet show using puppets operated by strings or mechanical devices). 

Both of our champions will be moving on the the next level.  Brett will take the New Jersey state qualifying exam in hopes of earning a spot in the finals of the state-wide bee, where the winner moves on to Washington, DC.  Josh will be competing in the regional bee, held in Pennsylvania, where he could earn a trip to the national competition in Washington, DC with a victory.

Special thanks goes out to Mrs. Jessica Miller, our sixth grade social studies teacher, for all of her hard work in orgainizing the geography bee and to Mr. James Peralta, enrichment specialist, for his efforts in implementing the spelling bee.
We wish both of these young men the best of luck.  They are already winners and we are already very proud of their accomplishments.