Week 2

This week has been wonderful in that I've been given the opportunity to really become a part of Taylor Co. Middle.

Tuesday was an early dismissal for the students, and a 3-hr. Faculty Senate meeting for the teachers. Andy, Rachel, and I stayed and attended the meeting where we learned about how the teachers are reacting to the "drop-out crisis." They received WesTest scores for their students, and collaborated in teams to adjust curriculum to better meet student needs. In addition, each team came up with suggestions for Professional Development to help teachers get information and skills they need in order to better help their students. I learned about many new programs, methods, and techniques, and am excited to see if their employment makes for any positive outcomes with the students.

My host teacher has been organizing a school-wide dance that was held on Thursday evening here at the middle school. The teachers volunteered to chaperone the dance (which was held from 6-8pm), for which they received equal part of the money raised from entrance fees, concessions, etc. This was the first extracurricular time I've spent at the school this semester, and it was great to see the students in a stress-free environment, socializing and enjoying themselves. I hope I am able to chaperone/attend more functions like these in the future. Right now all the students can talk about and focus on is the upcoming Labor Day vacation!