Little Words, Big Thoughts

Good Morning! 

As I sit here during my summer vacation I find myself reading articles and thinking about my students. 

This morning I read one in Psycology Today titled "Little Words, Big Thoughts" where a study shows that students' essays contain stealth predictions of future success. All my students come to mind with the article but in particular those that will be writing college entrance exams this year. 

Here is a copy of the article for your reading pleasure. 

Enjoy your summer vacation! 

MEAN STINKS INITIATIVE!

Hi Parents: 


This month will be a fun filled month! Your kiddies will be making a difference and spreading such a positive message to the student body. 

We will be taking part in the SECRET MEAN STINKS campaign! My peer counselors will be going into the elementary classrooms and discussing the importance of being kind to others. Bullying will also be discussed.

In support of this cause, girls will be able to have their pinkie nails painted blue for the month of February and boys {or any girls who do not wish to paint their pinkie nails} will be able to wear a blue yarn bracelet.

I will posting pictures along the way...stay tuned to see how involved and motivated my Elites are!

...here's to a FUN FILLED January!

Happy New year to all my Elites and their wonderful families!

This week we have a lot to discuss:

* New Years Resolutions
* How we will follow through with them
* Our new initiative this month which is THE MEAN STINKS CAMPAIGN http://meanstinks.com/ which will be coupled with NO NAME CALLING WEEK http://glsen.org/nonamecallingweek

It will be a busy month for us. Can't wait to share it with you all.

Midterms

Tomorrow is 2nd and 4th period midterms. 

If you're doing an alternate assignment, remember to do a random act of kindness and write a paragraph and a half about your act of kindness. 

Don't forget to add a picture. 

See you tomorrow. 

The Beauty In You {STUDENT OF THE WEEK}

By: Alexa Lopez 

We all judge people. We judge them on what they look like, what they like to do, we judge them on them. But the truth is no one will ever know that person like they know themselves. I and many people judge themselves more than anyone else. Its not because we are weird (we aren't) Its because nobody’s perfect, and we keep picking out every single flaw that we happen to think we see on ourselves. I can’t classify this as living because it’s not. Worrying what everyone thinks about your shoes, your hair, you, its just not worth it. I just wanted to take a moment and appreciate how beautiful every single person on earth is. you must not let the worst of times break you. Let the worst of times strengthen you, let them fill you with knowledge, and bring out really how amazing you are because under every plate of armor you pack on top of your self, inside of every wall you build around yourself there is a person, there is a person who is beautiful and worth it and simply amazing.

Depression cannot define you, anxiety cannot define you, only what is inside of your heart, and your true colors that may define you. Do not let the definition of one irrelevant, one stupid label that someone who judges you define you. No matter how many tears you shed, or how many times you want to give up, just remember, you are strong and beautiful and everything that they don’t see because they were wrong, they are wrong. You are you. You are amazing. You are simply and utterly beautiful.  

Parent Power Workshop: Talking to Your Child about DIFFICULT Topics

Parent Power Workshop: Talking to Your Child about DIFFICULT Topics

DATE: Wednesday, October 1st
TIME: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Elementary Cafeteria

Come to a Somerset Academy

Parent Power Workshop:

Talking to Your Child about DIFFICULT Topics

(Targeted for children K-8th grades)

*Drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse

*Death and Illness *Sex and sexuality *Abuse and Violence

DATE: Wednesday, October 1st

TIME: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

LOCATION: Elementary Cafeteria

For Further questions or information please email LSakay@somersetacademy.com

...I am back!

It's been a rough start this year for me and I wanted to take a moment to explain my time out of the classroom the past few weeks.

Over the summer my grandfather was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer. This quickly trickled down to his stomach, lymph nodes and body. To make a very long story short, he quickly passed on Sept. 17th. I took my two bereavement on the 17th and the 19th. I also took the 26th to handle other matters related to this passing.

I am pleased to be back in class with your children. I wanted to thank you for all the heartfelt emails you have all sent to me. Your kids have been so understanding and caring during these difficult times. All the kind words, hugs and love have helped me surpass such a difficult time in my life.

Thank you for everything. You are all doing a fabulous job in raising such beautiful and kind hearted young adults. I am so blessed to be their teacher.

Thank you again,