September 22nd-25th

 

Greetings from Shaw Heights!

This week I finished interviewing students, and even did a day where I did "last chance" application and on the spot interviews. I had a ton of great applicants, but only interviewed 80 students. Out of the 80 students I found 50 students that I believe would make an excellent peer mentor.  All week I have had students come to my room asking when they would be notified about my decision. Unfortunately, I have to wait to put the list out  because I have a meeting next Tuesday September 30th, to discuss the students and the schedule changes that need to be made. The program is almost ready to start! I am very excited to begin the program.

Below is a picture of some last minute applicants. These two young ladies spoke to me about their 6th grade experience, as well as how they had to deal with problems like: bullying, time management, and behavior problems in the past. These young ladies overcame these obstacles and would like to be peer mentors in the YESS Institute program here at Shaw Heights.

(Tomorrow is a staff development day and a day to work with the students at North High School).

September 15th- September 19th

Interviews, interviews, and more interviews!

This week I have been interviewing students to be mentors. The interviews are pretty laid back. I asked the students to elaborate on their answers from the applications, I asked the students to tell me a bit about themselves, and why they would be the best mentors. I have met some amazing students in the process. Also, the student that typed his answers was a 7th grader. When I intervied this students he had researched the YESS Institute and had questions prepared. I was very impressed!

Also, this week I was lucky enough to get morning duty. This is an excellent chance to see who the leaders in the school are, as well as recruit more students to apply. I am doing a "last chance" interview day next Tuesday. Also, next Tueday afternoon I am meeting with the counselors to discuss the possible mentors, and make the changes to their schedules so that hey can begin the program.

September 8th-September 12th

This week has been a challenging week. This week I had to remind students that their applications are due soon. Many of the students have lost their applications or have given them to me folded ha ha. Now, I know to always have tripple the copies I think I need.

I have a total of 40 mentors as of today, September 11th, 2014. The counselors are reccomending an additional 20-30 students to interview starting next week.

I have been very impressed with the applications. One student even typed her answers!

I am excited to interview the applicants! These students seem very mature and impressive. I think we will have amazing mentors  at Shaw Heights!

September 2nd- 5th

Greetings!

My name is Tracie Trinidad, and I am the program manager of the YESS Institute program at Shaw Heights Middle School.

This week was an excellent week for me because I was able to get in my classroom, as well as meet the amazing students (and some staff) at Shaw Heights. On Tuesday, I had A, B,and C lunch (there are three lunch periods). At lunch I introduced myself and talked a little bit about the program. The students seem very excited about the program.

Unfortunately on Wednesday I was unable to visit Shaw, although I was at Hidden Lake assisting Tony Steno with data (along with the other YESS program managers.

On Thursday I tabled in the hallway and handed out info with an application. I am in the process of recruiting mentors. I have asked teachers to give recommendations and I will also read through applications and interview students I believe would be the best mentors at Shaw.

Questions the students can answer in their application include:

1. Describe a time when your friends made a bad choice, but you decided to make a different choice (positive choice). How did this affect your friendship
2. Why do you think you would make an excellent mentor?
3. Scenario 1: Amy, a 6th grade student is feeling left out at school and no longer wants to come to schoolWhat advice would you give to Amy?
4. Scenario 2: A friend is falling behind in class, and is getting low grades. What are ways you could help your friend from falling behind?

I have asked the students to make sure their application is in before September 12th. I am giving the students a week to answer the questions, as well as visit room 134 ( my class) if they have any questions or concerns. Although, some students are excited about becoming mentors that the applications have already started to come in!

Here are some pictures of the classroom as well as a picture of the recruitment that happened on Thursday.

Friday at Shaw Heights, I will continue to do lunch visits and collecting applications. In the morning Holly, Ranum Middle school's YESS program manager and Sara, Scott Carpenter Middle School's YESS program manager will be visiting Shaw!