Middle School Newsletter - April 26th, 2021
April 26
In past newsletters I have written a lot about student voice at PCS. I’ve shared how we have created a culture where students are empowered to give input into their learning and even lead initiatives. I believe we also excel at providing an environment where students can express who they truly are. A great example of this is what has been taking place in Mrs. Franke’s 7th grade project based learning (PBL) class.
Please take a moment to read a message on student voice from Mrs. Franke.
Each school year provides growth opportunities for students and staff alike, but as we all can imagine, this year in particular opened up a space for growth in ways I didn’t know were possible, and at times, I never thought would be necessary. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of “this isn’t what I signed up for” or “this goes way beyond what teaching should be” and sometimes I let myself go to that place to sulk for a moment. This is hard. That’s the undeniable truth. It’s in these moments, the moments of sadness and loss over a school year or relationship that should’ve and could’ve been, I log onto another Zoom session and I’m reminded of the reality that is teaching in 2020 and 2021.
The reality is, that within the confines of my small, often silent, sometimes painfully awkward 7th grade PBL classes, I am a part of a truly amazing school filled with students that expand my understanding of teaching and blow away my expectations of growth and vulnerability in the classroom, even (especially) during a pandemic. This is seen every day, in countless moments, but I'd love to share one moment in particular.
Hidden within countless ELA standards there are a few notes about poetry. These are my favorite standards to become shamelessly over zealous about and are best met when we have set up a classroom culture of safety and comfort, that I typically pride myself on within an established, “normal” school year. This year was different and my confidence in reaching and connecting with my students was wavering, to say the least. I thought I’d find a way to work in some familiar standards and not be too tough on myself when they inevitably, or so I thought, fell flat.
With a new book in hand for students and a couple different tricks up my sleeve, we started a brief poetry unit and received the typical grumbles and comments of uncertainty when I gave my pitch on uncovering their inner poets. As we began writing, something unexpected happened. They completed the work. A small win, but a win nonetheless. I was hearing questions from students who were normally silent and received work from 7th graders I had struggled to have just log on. It was going so well, why not have my annual poetry slam. I figured, "I do it every year, it’s important to keep my standard of proclaiming yourself a poet consistent". Then, I thought, for some added chaos during conference week, I should invite in the public, because a class poetry slam didn’t seem like enough.
With quite literally one hour of preparation the day before and a week or so of candid mentioning, we had an entirely student-made slideshow, a Zoom link, a few confident 7th grade MCs, and about 25 poets ready to share their poetry with the 30+ students, parents, and staff who logged on to hear them.
As each student read off their emotional, reflective, and inevitably vulnerable (even if it was about Chef Boyardee) pieces of writing, I was reminded of just how resilient, empowering, and profound our PCS students are when we give them a mic for their voice. I witnessed students sitting on Zoom, masked and socially-distanced in the resource room, turn around and give a thumbs up or whisper a “great job” in between each reading done by their peers. They silently snapped in front of their cameras and typed kind messages into the Zoom chat. I watched smiles beam through masks as we wrapped up the short, 30 minute event.
That day, at that moment, was a big win. One of many wins this year. Most are small and some are fleeting. But it's these wins that keep me going and make me proud to be a teacher.
I am so fortunate to be a part of this school and community, even during these unknown times of hardships, unimaginable challenges, and ongoing grief. This is teaching in 2020 and 2021. But this beautiful vulnerability within our 7th grade students is teaching at PCS.
I know that I didn’t have the courage in my early teen years to express myself like these students did last week. I feel so fortunate to have been able to observe part of this experience. I am truly so thankful to be part of this really big family where we support and encourage one another to voice our thoughts and opinions.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Kindly,
Kim
314.645.9600 (607)~kwright@premiercharterschool.org