By Susie Rogers, 5th-8th ELA

The One Word Project is simple yet profoundly impactful exercise. This innovative approach invites students to distill their aspirations for the year into a single, powerful word. This word then serves as a guiding star, shaping their actions, decisions, and mindset throughout the year.

The 7th Graders begin with deep self-reflection. Students dive into an introspective process, exploring what they hope to achieve, overcome, or improve in the coming year. This could be anything from enhancing their academic performance to fostering personal growth or even cultivating better relationships. The essence of their goals is distilled into one word—a beacon that will illuminate their path.

Choosing the right word is more than just a fun activity; it's a serious commitment. Each student carefully selects a term that resonates deeply with their personal objectives. Whether it’s “Courage,” “Gratitude,” “Focus,” or “Adventure,” the chosen word becomes a constant reminder of their aspirations and a driving force behind their daily choices and behaviors.

Once the word is selected, the next step is to bring it to life. Students research and gather quotations that encapsulate the spirit of their word, offering wisdom and inspiration from those who have walked similar paths. These quotations become daily affirmations, helping to reinforce their commitment and keep their focus sharp. Visual representation is another key component. Students create images that evoke the essence of their word, creating a visual collage that serves as a constant reminder.

The One Word Project is more than just a yearly exercise; it's a mindful practice that encourages students to live with intention. By continuously reflecting on their word, students align their daily efforts with their long-term goals, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. The project’s simplicity makes it accessible, while its impact is profound. It teaches students the power of focus, the importance of self-awareness, and the value of setting meaningful goals. It becomes a symbol of their commitment and a testament to their growth. The One Word Project is a testament to how a single word can drive transformation and inspire a purposeful, focused year.

By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-8th

The Career Fair Project was a comprehensive project where students delved into potential career paths, exploring requirements, educational trajectories, and interviewing professionals in their desired fields. By examining job growth, salary prospects, and a typical day's activities, the students gained invaluable insights into their prospective careers. Dressed in their professional attire, they had a fun morning presenting to parents and other students. Engaging in such research not only helps students make informed decisions about their future but also cultivates essential skills in research, communication, and presentation. The exploration of careers led many to realize the cost of education, cost of living, and salary average didn’t always add up!!

By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-7th

The Outsiders, a classic novel by S.E. Hinton, continues to resonate with readers today due to its timeless exploration of social class, identity, and the challenges faced by adolescents. Set in the 1960s, the novel follows the struggles of two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs, offering a realistic commentary on the harsh realities of teenage life. Despite the era it depicts, the themes of belonging, friendship, and the quest for individuality are universal and still relevant today. At the end of the novel, my 7th grade students celebrated their exploration of "The Outsiders" enjoying chocolate cake and Pepsi (a staple in Ponyboy’s household) while watching the movie adaptation. To deepen their understanding, they then engaged in a Bloom Ball project, incorporating Bloom's taxonomy to delve into various cognitive processes, enhancing their ability to remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create. This interactive and multi-dimensional approach highlights the enduring relevance of "The Outsiders" in fostering critical thinking and empathy among modern-day readers. It is a much-anticipated 7th grade unit of study!

By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-8th

Recess is not just a break between classes; it is a crucial component of a well-rounded education. The advantages of recess extend beyond the physical benefits to encompass cognitive development, social interaction, stress reduction, and inclusivity. By recognizing and prioritizing the importance of recess in middle school, we are helping the overall growth and well-being of our students, nurturing not only their academic minds but also their social and physical selves.

Recess is a time when students from different grades intermingle, fostering social bonds that extend beyond the confines of the classroom. Games like keep-away, four square, and puzzles encourage teamwork, cooperation, and healthy competition. Students interact freely, breaking down social barriers and facilitating the formation of friendships across grades. These social connections not only contribute to a positive school environment but also aid in the development of essential social skills.

By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-8th

Life House Church - 915 East Street, Texarkana, AR 71854

The 7th and 8th grade classes planned a Christmas party for the kids of Life House Church.  Life House Church brings together members who are from all walks of life. Many of the families are homeless, jobless, and struggling in some capacity. Some of the children are brought on Sundays and Wednesdays by the Life House Church van service, unable to attend service otherwise due to guardians or no vehicle. Many of the kids’ meals only come from Life House Church and school each week. Life House is an amazing outreach ministry trying to help the underprivileged. We were excited to bless the sweet kids of this church this Christmas with pizza, desserts, and gifts! They then led us in ‘Praise Dancing’ where new moves and lyrics were taught and fun was had by all!