Letter to Students 2017
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Dear Compton JHS Students,
Happy New School Year’s Day! As I write you, the sun comes out, a cool breeze blows, and the garden comes into light. As I write you, this image by Brad Montague appeares on Twitter:
A new day, a new school year means new beginnings for you and me. Over the summer we had time to grow and explore. Our focus evolved. Today we enter the school gates with hope “to give ourselves another try.”
On this New School Year’s Day, I resolve to become more Student-Centered for both selfish and altruistic reasons. The one doing the work is doing the learning. Lectures are boring for both student and teacher. You have your entire life ahead of you. It is time to give you control of your future.
Does this mean you get to do what you want in class?
No.
Doing what you want when you want it is not a reflection of life. Rather, student-centered means your voice is heard, valued, and strengthened.
I do not want you to become a mini-Mrs. Scott.The world could not handle another me. What the world wants and needs is YOU! The world needs voices that are strong, passionate, grounded in research, and unique. That is why the world is giving us another try, another day, another year.
You are not my echo. You are your own voice.
This means work for you. This means writing, teacher feedback, revision, peer feedback, revision again and again and again. This means no downtime. This means 180 days of full-force education that will give you control over your future.
Today is a brand new day. The sun rises and looks down on us with pride and hope. I look at you with the same pride and hope. Happy New School Year’s Day!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jennifer Scott
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