This Week in Health (November 25th - November 29th)

Ms. Riccio's Classes:

6th Grade:

In 6th grade the students will be finishing up the 2nd Step Program. We will be defining bullying and addressing ways to handle the bullying if the student, or someone they know, is being bullied. We will also be defining what a "bystander" is and will be discussing ways students can be active, positive bystanders.

7th Grade:

In 7th grade we ended last week participating in small group communication exercises to help facilitate a discussion on effective communication when working with others. We then learned the 3 different communication styles: passive, aggressive, and assertive. The communication activity was also used to define "cooperation" and "compromise" and converse about why both of these skills are also important when working successfully with others. To close up our unit on relationships, we are watching the movie "The Sandlot". While watching the movie students are identifying examples of the 3 different communication styles and explaining the effectiveness of each. They are also identifying examples of cooperation and compromise and explaining how these skills contribute to successful teamwork and relationships in the movie. 

8th Grade:

In 8th grade the students are finishing up their values & beliefs unit. At the end of last week students learned about the importance of goal setting and how to write S.M.A.R.T goals. Students were first asked to identify a list of their "wants" for the future. Off of this list they were asked to focus on one major "want" they would like to achieve in the next 5 years. Students then turned this want into a S.M.A.R.T goal. As a final project, the students are writing their goals, along with 3 things they need to do to realize their goal, on a traced version of their own arm. The finished products will be featured on a bulletin board in the main lobby of the middle school (pictures to follow so stay posted!)

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Mrs. Tash's Classes:

6th Grade:

In 6th grade we are immersed in character education.After discussing a variety of character traits, the students chose 5 character traits that they felt best demonstrated who they are.

7th Grade:

The 7th graders had been working hard on the HIV/AIDS fundraiser event last Friday. I am excited to report that the event helped to raise $340 to go to the River Valley AIDS Project. 

8th Grade:

In 8th grade, we are discussing drug addiction. While on this topic, we will be addressing the "hard" drugs including heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy. We will learn about the dangers associated with these drugs and the negative effects they can have on ones health.