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.