December 14th- 18th

Love Cup and Winter Break Party

This has been an amazing semester. I have been so lucky to see students become such great leaders, reach goals, and plan for their future. In our last week of school, we did an activity called, "The Love Cup." This activity allows students to reflect on what is keeping them from being full or 100% their best.Students reflect on what is draining them. This year the students were very creative in displaying their feelings. One student went home and smashed a mug, then glued it back together. She said the one thing draining her is high expectations from her parents.

On Thursday, the mentees and mentors were rewarded with a sandwich party. They have been working very hard these past three weeks to get missing work turned in to their teachers. Mentors have been meeting with their mentee's teachers, and have been following up on goals the the mentors had set for their mentees. It was a great day to relax and talk about goals and expectations for next semester.

November 30- December 4th

This was our first week back from Thanksgiving break and the students came back motivated and ready to finish the semester strong. This week the mentors created a three-week goal plan for themselves as well as their mentees.  On Wednesday the mentors went over the goals they had set and helped the mentees collect missing work, as well as work on the missing assignments they had.

On Tuesday we did an activity called, "Who are you at_____." This is where students reflect on who they are when they are around different people and different environments. During this activity there were a lot of "ah ha" moments where students realized that they act up in from of their friends for attention, and they act a different way at home because they know they will get in trouble.  Many of the YESS students told me that they wanted to be true to themselves in all situations, and around all people.

Also this week, the students did "Self-esteem graphs." This is where students graph their self-esteem through out the day. It was nice to see that most students had higher self-esteem during the YESS class.

Overall, we had another successful week!

Self Esteem Presentations 

Special Edition- Nuggets Night

On Friday November 20th 2015, Five Shaw Heights students attended the  Denver Nuggets Vs. Phoenix Suns game. One mentee and four mentors were able to enjoy a night of fun at the Pepsi center. In order for the students to attend the game they had to have no missing assignments, no suspensions, and have been dedicated to their success this school year. The students had a great time meeting some Denver Nugget cheerleaders, and even had a moment with the Mascot on the big screen. I missed this moment because it happened so quickly, but it was definitely a memorable night the students will not forget. 

Nov 16th - 20th

Thanksgiving is approaching and the YESS students of Shaw did a week of reflection. On Monday the mentors looked at a women's immigration story. They learned how this women came to the United States to give her children opportunities she did not have in her home country. The mentors then discussed their personal family immigration story, weather it was their grandparents, parents or themselves. Students discussed  how they are thankful for their parents and grandparents' decision to come to the US. Students came to the realization that their success is their family's success.  This gave the YESS mentors motivation to succeed and to help their mentees succeed.

On Tuesday the students did a house building project called "Poverty and Wealth." The students where divided into three teams. One group was considered the wealthy group, another was the middle class group, and the last group was the poverty group. Each group was given different supplies according to their wealth.  The wealthy group had access to paint, a cardboard box, all supplies in the art cabinet. The middle class group had scissors, glue, and all scrap paper (which was a lot), markers, crayons, and colored pencils, and no brand new art supplies. The poverty group was given an envelope full of a handful of scraps, no glue, no scissors, and 5 crayons. All groups had a goal of creating a home.

In this project students could get more supplies, as long as the whole group decided on going to college. If they decided as a group to advance themselves through education they could earn more supplies to build their home.

Poverty

I was very amazed as I watched the students build their homes. Some students donated supplies to the poverty group as well as assisted the poverty group with ideas on building their home. On Wednesday the students did a group discussion on what they learned. Here are some of the students' responses:
"It wasn't fair seeing some students have more school supplies than others."

Middle class 

" Even though we were in poverty, we still built a better house than the middle class and wealthy group. This just shows that you can be successful no matter where you come from."
"Education can give you more opportunities, when we said we wanted a bachelors we got more supplies."

To finish up the week, the students made cards for people they are thankful for. Overall, this was another successful week at Shaw.

Wealthy 

November 2nd- 6th

Belly Breathing, Time management, Goals, and Self-Reflection

This week was a week of reflecting on our goals and dreams, setting goals to reach our dreams, and to learn about healthy alternatives to relaxing. 

On Monday the students had groups. Mentees went to the "Why Try" class, while mentors stayed with me and learned about a boy named Amar. This boy is 14 years old and lives in India. He works two jobs, with a total of three shifts per day, attends school, and still manages to get his homework done. The young boy starts his homework at 10:15pm every night. Students listened to this boy's story and reflected on their time management, and compared their schedule with Amar's schedule. 

Students discussed how they felt watching this short 9 minute film. Students said things like, " I feel so lazy."  Some students also said, " I have no excuse in not doing my school work. If Amar can do it, so can I." 

The next day the mentors helped their mentees schedule their day and better plan their evenings. Some students realized that they spend more time playing video games than studying, some realized that they nap too much.  It was great having the mentors talk to their mentees about scheduling more time for studying and school work. One 2nd year mentor taught the class, which he enjoyed doing. 

On Wednesday the students did belly breathing exercises and listened to medication music. After students focused on their breathing students reflected on their daily stresses and weather or not it was out of their control.  Students realized that parents getting divorce, family dying, moving, and family dealing with sickness is out of their control. Students realized that the need to take more time for themselves, even if it is 15 minutes a day to just breath and be alone. Students loved this activity and have requested that we do it once a month.  

Thursday, the students made ESMART goals and decided if it was a good goal, or if they need to set new goals.

Today students will be doing an activity called "Heart. Mind. Soul." Students will label a human body and answer the following questions:

Head: dreams or goals we have

·         Graduation?

·         What you want to be when you get out of school?

·         What you want for your future?

Ears: things we like to listen to

·         Types of music?

·         Singers? Bands? Rappers?

·         Sounds? Wind, water, city noises…

Eyes: How we like other people to see us

·         A good friend?

·         Funny?

·         Smart?

·         Tough?

·         Beautiful?

·         Talented?

Shoulders: problems you may have to face.

·         Balancing work and school?

·         Gossip?

·         Staying caught up with school?

·         Taking care of family?

Right Hand: things we like to make or do (with our hands)

·         Art? Poetry Music?

·         Winning passes?

·         Food?

Left Hand: the things & people we rely on for support/help

·         Family?

·         Teachers? Coaches?

·         Friends?

·         Church?

Stomach: things we like to eat

·         Favorite dishes?

·         Snacks?

·         Restaurants?

Heart: things we feel strongly about

·         What is important to you?

·         Who/what do you love?

Right foot: places we go

·         Where do you go now?

·         Your neighborhood? The park? Favorite places?

Left Foot: places we WANT to go

·         Where do you want to go in your life?

·         Anywhere in the world: for vacation, to live, to visit

                           

   

October 26th- 29th

This week the students at Shaw learned more about one another. Now that students really know one another and have a relationship with one another, the students created picture collages. The students brought in pictures from their early childhood and shared their pictures in class. Some of the stories student shared included: divorce of parents, death of loved ones, vacations and celebrations, incarceration of loved ones,  and other significant moments in their lives. When students shared personal things with the class, the class comforted the students and thanked them for sharing. It was great to see students supporting one another.

On a Side note , this week students in my homeroom (academic enrichment class) competed in a Dia De Los Muertos Door decorating competition.  We will find out next week who won! 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM YESS AT SHAW! 

Oct 12- Oct-16

5 Core Emotions and Team Building 

This week the students looked at the 5 different core emotions. Students read through scenarios and  examined how the people in the scenario felt in the story. Student then shared experiences with one another and examined what emotion they felt at the time.

Today the students did a team building activity called "The Egg." I would throw the egg and students would work together to make sure that the egg didn't crack. Through this activity the students reflected on their listening and communication skills, as well as examined what kind of  leader they are, and if they worked well as a team. It was a fun Friday here at Shaw.

Sept 23rd- Oct 2nd

Monday Classes, Philanthropy, and Recognizing Beliefs

This week we started the Monday leadership/ wellness class. Mentees go with Community Reach and learn the "Why Try" curriculum. While mentees are with CRC, mentors are with me learning about different leaders in history, and will examine their leadership styles. We started learning about leadership by looking at the organizers who brought forth the LA walkout in 1968.  (We watched a short clip on the 13 who made change in the LA schools). Student will soon look at the leadership styles of Corky Gonzales, Cesar Chavez, Rejes Lopes Tijerina, and Delores Huerta. Next month we will look at the Civil Rights Movement and essential leaders in the movement. After Christmas break we will fast forward to looking at leaders today, such as Malala Yousafzai. By spring time students will research an influential leader of their choice and describe their leadership style, how their leadership style is the same, and how they plan to continue their leadership in the future and make an impact with their mentee. 

This week students learned about philanthropy and are voting on a community project they would like to do this fall. Some students want to do a 2nd annual clothing drive for A Precious Child. Some students want to make key chains for children with cancer, and some students want to make Christmas cards for the troops. We are in the process of reaching out to organizations that we can collaborate with. 

At the end of the week we reflected on beliefs we have about ourselves, how we learned these beliefs about ourselves, and how we can learn to empower, motivate, and be positive about ourselves, Overall, we had a great week this week.

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Sept 21st- Sept 25th

Trust Bridges 

This week the students at Shaw learned about trust, what makes trust, and how to build trust. While building the "Trust Bridge,"students built trust with one another. It was great to look around the classroom and hear mentees talking to their mentors about their personal life, academics, and who they trust in their family and at Shaw Heights.  Students also reflected on why they do not trust people easily and many realized it had to do with past experiences. The students were very creative with their bridges. If you ask the students what builds trust they would say:

1.) Time- they need to spend time together to get to know one another

2.) Commitment- you need to follow through with what you say

3.) Confidentiality

4.) Respect

5.) Loyalty 

6.) Communication

7.) Safety 

8.) Dedication 

9.) Support 

10.) No judgement

Sept 14th- 17th

A Word To The Wise

Even though this was another short week, much happened in the YESS classroom. As we begin our 4th week of school, mentees are now trusting their mentors more and are beginning to utilize that relationship. This week mentees and mentors did  an assignment called, "A Word To The Wise." This is where mentors write a personal letter to their mentee about the goals they have for their mentee, and ways they plan to be of support through the school year. The mentees wrote to their mentors  ways they want to be supported. These letters were very personal and emotional. Some students confessed that they struggle in school, they don't like school, or that they do not want to come because lack of friendships. Some students said they need more support with making better choices. At the end of this assignment I could see the classroom environment change to something more special. It went from the YESS class to the YESS home.

A Word To The Wise

This week mentors would let me know concerns they had for their mentees. One group of girls came to me and said her mentee has a gossiping problem. The mentor wanted to take her to the side and tell her mentee how gossiping can lead to something bigger. The mentor then told the mentee how gossiping last year lead to her getting in a fight and suspended. This mentor did not want her mentee making the same mistakes she did.

This year is already a special year at Shaw. 

Sept 8th- 11th

This week the students discussed leadership, community, mentoring in the community, and how to bring about social change to issues that are a concern for the community surrounding Shaw Heights Middle School. Students then presented their ideal community to the class and discussed what laws need to me implemented, where leadership is needed, and where they see their leadership being seen when they are older.  Most students discussed how important accountability and honesty is. Students also discussed how respect is needed in the community and how they will try to do their part in being apart of that change. This was a short but busy week for the YESS mentees and mentors of Shaw.

August 31- September 4th, 2015

School has now been in sessions for 2.5 weeks and so much has happened. First of all,  last yearmentees have become mentors, and many new mentees have joined the YESS institute here at Shaw Heights. Everyone is excited getting to know one anther, We have enjoyed discussing leadership and classroom expectations as well as having fun while doing the Spaghetti tower, playing the disappearing circle, and doing the "getting to know you activity."   Everyone seems very motivated and dedicated to having a successful year.  Students are starting to pair off,  but we have not picked mentee/ mentor pairs. I think the process of pairing will be easier than last year.

Last Week of School

This has been a very hectic week. Originally this week I had planned a mock 10 year reunion (on Monday) and was given an okay to do this a month in advance.  I had originally asked for upcoming events so that I could plan accordingly. The gym class had planned a hike but because of weather they had to cancel and schedule for the day I had planned on doing this event.

On Monday when I was originally planning to have the mock 10 year reunion the P.E class took over 200 students to Boulder to go hiking, therefore I had to cancel the reunion. I had lots of professionals from around the Denver metro area planning on attending the reunion but had to cancel. Next year, I plan to do the reunion in January so that I will not have conflicts with testing and other field trips. The students did a  College in Colorado activity where the students had to research a college and career. For the reunion the students were going to play the part of who they would be 10 years after high school. Students were going to play career bingo and meet professionals who were working the fields they were interested in. Hopefully next year this event will be successful.

This week on Monday many students were gone hiking, however we had pizza and breakfast burritos for the students and ran groups as normal. On Tuesday my last class was cut short for locker clean outs. We were creating YESS success summer plans. On Tuesday I also met with all of next year's mentors and had all students sign a commitment statement. All of the mentors for next year are excited to meet their mentees.  On Wednesday there was a "moving on up ceremony" and an obstacle course game for the whole school. Thursday all of the 8th graders went to Eliches and today there is an award ceremony, talent show, and a volleyball game. This week was not a normal week, but I was glad to say good by to some awesome mentors, and plan next year with my new mentors!

May 11th- May 15th

This week was a very busy week at Shaw. We had a parent breakfast, YESS end of the year celebration, final grade checks, and a guest speaker..

Earlier in the week, the students learned about discrimination by participating in the "blue eye/ brown eye" experiment. I separated students by eye color and gave privileges to one group and none to the other, The next day we watched the short 10 minute clip of the experiment. We discussed why it was important to be advocates and speak up for those who can't. We also discussed why it is importart to be a leader when no one else is standing up for others.

On Wednesday we had the YESS celebration, Shaw had a great turnout. Students shared some of their "selfies" with me

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Today Amanda Orta from "Young Woman United" came to speak to my students about inter-sexual identity and the historical roots of Chola/o style/ identity,  It was great for students to openly discuss how they identify and what makes them unique! 

April 27th- April 30th

This week was another successful week at Shaw. On Monday the students had groups, and the mentors did a fun team building activity. The mentors were given one piece of paper and had to make the tallest tower. The mentors could not use glue, scissors, or tape. All mentors worked well together and did an awesome job of communicating with one another.

This week the mentors prepared a lesson  review for their mentee. The mentors reviewed a lesson with their mentee based on their mentee's biggest struggle. Some students did a hot button review, and some did  a lesson on organization and time management . 

On Wednesday the mentors led the lesson, "The face game." Mentors did this lesson last semester and wanted their mentee to do the lesson as well. Many of the mentors were tired of the language the mentees used and wanted the mentees to be aware of their own microaggressions 

On Thursday we discussed power and oppression. Overall, this week was a great week.  

April 20th- April 24th

Time management has been a struggle for most of the mentees and mentors this year. Many students have responsibilities outside of school that include: homework, taking care of younger siblings, chores, and some of the 8th graders already have part time jobs.


One of the activities this week was prioritizing most important to least important things to do, and figuring how much time one needs to dedicate to: homework, after school activities, and  part time jobs. In this activity some students realized that they do not study enough, or that they need to spend less time with their friends and more time with family or their school work. Students are practicing using a master schedule chart and will let me know next Thursday how using a schedule has helped them.

This week I was able to work with the mentors and do a team building activity at Ranum. We did an activity called, "The disappearing circle."  In this activity all mentors had to fit in the circle. As the circle became smaller, the mentors had to rely on one another for support. Through this activity the mentors learned that it is okay to ask one another for help, and the everyone needs to support one another, The mentors felt more confident in asking for help after this lesson.

April 13th- April 17th

This week we had more testing, which meant we had a different schedule. This week the students did the Apple Pie lesson and loved it .Students were to reflect on their relationships with family, friends, and mentor and find out if they give more in a relationship or little in a relationship. I had a few students mention to me that they wanted to tell their family and friends about this lesson.


Also this week we discussed being a "role model" and how we can make a positive impact. Many of my mentees will be mentors next year, or are applying to be mentors next year and have made a commitment to being an excellent role model next year.


We did a review on communication with some extra time we had in class. The students played "telephone" and remembered how important it is to talk directly to the person you have a conflict or issue with. This was a great reminder for the students because students are participating more in gossip these days.

Also, this week I had the opportunity to meet with  some of the students at Ranum Middle School. The students are working on self-portraits. This is an awesome lesson because students can reflect on how they feel, what their favorite environment is, and to let other know a bit about them,

April 7th- 10th

What a busy but productive 4 day week the mentees and mentors had!

This week the students began researching a career that interests them. Students are to find out what kind of education it takes to have their dream job, and students are learning how much these job make annually. After students have figured out how much they will make, students will take their annual salary and figure out how much they will make per month. From their monthly salary the students have to create a monthly budget. The students have to figure out what kind of house they can afford as well as a car, health insurance, car insurance, cell phone, gas, groceries, etc,. The students are finding out that they NEED college.

Over Spring break I assigned homework. Students were to create YESS superheros. The students were very creative ( below is a picture of one of my favorites).

Finally, Christian Munoz spoke at the YESS Road to Success Breakfast and did an excellent job. Christian will be speaking at the next board of education meeting on April 14th, and he will be speaking to Shaw staff on April 16th.

Good news in the YESS Institute:  Brenna Torres was a awarded a cash prize from the La Raza Youth Leadership Conference and will receive this award on April 18th.  Twenty-three YESS students will be attending the conference next Saturday!

Brenna Torres, La Raza Scholarship winner! 

YESS Superhero

Christian Munoz