Growing up, I was lucky enough to attend a wonderful summer camp in the Mountains of Pennsylvania. During my eight years as a camper, there was one event that influenced me more than any other, and truly helped me become the person that I am today. This event was a "Big and Little Siblings Week," where each of the oldest campers were matched up in a pair with the youngest campers, and the pairs spent an entire week doing bonding and leadership activities together. As an elementary schooler, there was no one I looked up to more than the super cool middle schooler who made me feel special and watched my back throughout the entire summer.
This vision of a community where everyone cares for each other and looks out for each other is one that we are working to create at Grant this summer. Using the same model, today was the official launch day for our "Big and Little Siblings" event. The teachers matched each entering 6th grader with an entering 9th grader, and had them get to know each other through silly questions like "If you were an ice cream, what flavor would you be and why?" and "If you had one superpower, what would it be?" The conversation turned to a more serious note when the pairs discussed their hopes and fears about entering middle school and entering high school, and it was amazing to watch the students open up to each other.
Then we headed outside for the real fun of the day: the Coke and Pepsi game, relay races, wheelbarrow races, and all sorts of outdoor games. Without being prompted, the 9th graders displayed extraordinary leadership skills and helped their 6th grade siblings have a great time. All the teachers were inspired to see this kind of behavior, and through leadership events with the students in the works, we know that this exemplary behavior will only increase. We are excited to see the friendships that develop between the siblings as the summer goes on, and we hope that the pairs will grow to be a support system for each other that lasts throughout the summer and beyond.
This is only one of many activities that we hope will build a strong and supportive community of life-long learners. Tune in for more updates as the summer goes on!
Best,
Edie Joseph
9th Grade Humanities Teacher
As the parent of a 6th grader, which means this is her first time at US grant , I listen to my daughter to assess her level of comfort and enjoyment in a new environment. She was very excited to tell me she had a big sister in the 9th grade. This was a fine idea to help acclamate the younger, newer students!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Monica H. Richardson