As the week draws to a close, Spring break for Genesee is only two weeks away. Former students have stopped by (at the start or end of their break) to pop in and say "hello." It is great to see students return with smiles on their faces, telling us about their adventures and activities, in whatever they are doing. It is so nice to see the students return on their own, thanking teachers for the lessons they shared, and the way they prepared them for life after high school.
I have told many people and students this semester, that there is a reason that many of us have stayed in Genesee for so many years. Genesee is a special place, where students and teachers look after on another, kind of like a village raising a child. Sure, we have our unpleasant moments too, but the positives far out-weigh the negatives. I firmly believe our students are receiving a private school education in a public school. The support the community has shown at the recent meetings and attending school events is one more sign about what a great community and school system we have in Genesee.
Watching the project-based activity presentations in class is one way students are trying to educate themselves and others, with what they are learning about in class. The 8th graders presented to the elementary classes this week about the food that was collected (by the elementary students) for the food bank. The 8th graders did a unit on malnutrition in Health, and were able to explain to the elementary students the nutrients in the different groups of food, and how many people the donated food would feed. These type of presentations are putting learning into action, and the students' presentation skills are improving with every unit.
I hope in the next two weeks (before break) that the students can remain focused and make up any deficiencies before April. As soon as we're back from break there is baseball, softball, Jr. Miss, FFA, music festivals, spring concerts and ISAT testing. Any work students can do before break to keep their grades at a comfortable level will be a lot less stressful for everyone concerned, and make school much more enjoyable too!
Have a safe and enjoyable Spring break!
