Ms. Simmons' Secondary Scoop

On Tue, 11/29, Humanity Launch returned to Elkton to work with our students in grades 5-12. Character and leadership development, peer to peer connection and conversation, and community building activities made for a powerful student experience. Included below are some of the skills and topics addressed. I encourage you to engage your student(s) in conversation in the days ahead to promote continued reflection and application.

Specific skills taught and practiced:

• How to be an active listener
• How to address bullying: self-reflection (Am I a bully?); having each other's backs ("We don't do that here and I'm telling you to stop."); accepting peer and staff feedback (Acknowledge the need to stop and follow through by changing behavior.)
• Stepping out of your comfort zone
• Communicating with peers and people you've never met before

Other topics discussed:

• When developing relationships, it is better to be interested than interesting. Show others you care to know them by asking questions based on their lives and interests.
• Everyone experiences grief, sadness, heartache, and painful situations in their lives. Students were told they are "not special" when it comes to this human experience, meaning they are not alone when walking through these situations because others are right there going through similar circumstances.
• All people matter, regardless of our uniqueness and differences.

We'll have some fun with school–wide holiday dress up days and acts of kindness as we head towards winter break. Please don’t go buy something new for dress-up days as these are not meant to be an added expense for families. All are optional!

A friendly reminder that the last day of quarter two / first semester is Tue, 12/21. Please keep an eye on any grades of concern and encourage your student(s) to seek assistance during study hall and both before and after school. All work must be turned in before students leave for the day. Teachers' grades must be posted by the end of the day before leaving for winter break.

• JH/HS student handbook

• JH/HS online lesson plans. Click the link below each email address for the staff member/course you’d like to see.

• Link to all school activities

As always, please let me know if there's anything I can do to serve you and our secondary students.

Sincerely in Education,

Website: https://www.elkton.k12.sd.us/
Phone: (605) 542-2541
Facebook: facebook.com/ElktonSchool53
Twitter: @ElktonSchool