I had the amazing opportunity to hear a key note address by Erin Gruwell last week. I have had the opportunity to hear Erin speak on two other occasions at Leader in Me events. The story of her students in Long Beach California is nothing short of inspirational. What resonates each time I hear this story and other similar stories is that Erin loved her students and believed in them so much that she persevered to find a way that reached them in a way that an entire system had failed them before. She herself coming from the other side of the tracks sort to speak, created an immediate disconnect that she bridged by seeking to understand where her students were at and meeting them there. There is a lesson for all teachers in this story of passion and commitment regardless of where we find ourselves serving. The relationships, love, creativity and passion to make the school experiences positive that comes through so clearly in the story are the elements behind the success. I am grateful that Erin had the courage to help her students find their voice and the willingness to share that story with the world through the Freedom Writers. If you ever feel youth do not have promise then think again.
Tag Archives: 7 Habits
Student Leaders Find Their Voice
I am so pleased to share a story of exciting leadership of our young leaders (grade 6). The Forest Green School Minga Club sent the following message to our School Division Superintendent today:
Dear Mrs. Wilkins, Deputy Superintendent
We are the Forest Green Minga Club. We are a group of students that get together once each week to influence and make change happen. We are sending you this message to ask permission to lower the flags at our school in recognition of the death of Nelson Mandela. He was the first black president and he changed the way our world is today. He stopped the separation from black and the white people in his country. He brought people together to influence a nation and the world to make change. This is similar to the mission of Minga. Nelson Mendala was put in jail for 26 years for trying to bring the black and white people together. After 26 years he tried again when he got out of jail. We think our school should lower the flags in his honor for what he did for the world. We were wondering if that is ok?
Signed,
The Forest Green Minga Club
Deputy Superintendent Wilkins responded in an email explaining the protocol and purpose of flying flags at half mast. Further she asked that the students communicate to the community about why our flags were flying half mast. The students then in turn prepared the following message for parents which was also posted on our website:
The Forest Green Minga Club are a group of students that get together once a week to influence and make change happen.
On December 5, 2013 a very important person in our world passed away, his name was Nelson Mandela and he made change in our world. He stopped the separation of the black and white people in his nation. He brought people together to influence a nation and the world to make change. This is similar to the mission of our club.
After receiving permission from Parkland School Division’s Deputy Superintendent, the Minga Club lowered the flags in commemoration of Nelson Mandela.
Signed,
Forest Green Minga Club
The Minga Club is truly a source of great pride for our school. They are committed to local and global acts of citizenship and charity. They have lead food drives, penny drives, bake sales, acts of kindness just to name a few. The Minga Club is important because it is one place where our young leaders have the opportunity to “Find Their Voice”.
I am told, “Minga” is an African word which means: people coming together for a common good. When one calls Minga – people come from all around to help complete an important job for the community and in community.
Dallas Arcand: A message that closely resembles the key points of the 7 Habits
Today we had the honour of hosting world class First Nations Hoop Dancer, Dallas Arcand. Performing with 20 hoops, Dallas is a master of his art and a tremendous role model for youth. His presentation profiled his talents including dance, cedar flute and guitar. Dallas shared part of his life story and culture with students focussing attention on the importance of setting goals and working with intention towards them. Rarely do we have the opportunity to host someone in our schools that hits a grand slam. Dallas did it today.
Mikesmuses 