May 2020

Week 6 in our Google Classroom-

This week, our class focused on getting the SSIS SEL survey completed. This gives feedback to the YESS Institute on how to continue growing and improving. We also discussed what students enjoyed and what they might change about YESS class. The students gave great feedback!

We also had an optional class video meeting for students who still had questions or needed help catching up on missing assignments. Students had good questions, and several were able to make a plan.

Week 7 -

This week, we focused on getting the TGYS surveys completed, and getting any missing assignments completed before the end of the year. We had another optional class video meeting for students who had last minute questions, or needed help in the final push to get all their assignments done.

At our last video meeting of the year, we had a Virtual End of the Year Party! We combined classes by grade level to have a bigger group and see more friends. We had games, prizes, and lots of fun! Students wore their craziest hat for a chance to win our Crazy Hat Contest. We also held gift card drawings to recognize students who completed at least 80% of their online work.

Our class navigated the change to online learning beautifully. Students worked hard, and made an effort to connect and build community virtually. It was a great semester! I wish all ACMS YESS students a wonderful summer!

April 2020

Week 1 in our Google Classroom-

This week, students practiced self-awareness by reflecting on their feelings about recent changes with Covid-19 and beginning remote learning. Students also practiced relationship building by interviewing a household member, and discussing with classmates how they have been helping around their house.

We had our first Google Hangout meeting with our classes this week. It was great to see each other’s faces and discuss how we’ve been coping with the Stay-at-Home order.

                                                 

Week 2-

Students practiced meditation activities and reflected on the experience this week. We discussed that meditation is a great self-management strategy that can be tailored to what works best for each individual. Students also discussed and shared with classmates their personal strategies for relieving stress- examples they shared were things like listening to music, playing games, or going for a walk.

The PBIS program at ACMS began drawings for gift cards this week, based on the student’s attendance in their online classes. 5 ACMS YESS students won in the first week!

Week 3-

We focused on using journaling (written and visual) as a tool for self-awareness and self-management. Students chose whether they wanted to free-write or free-draw during one activity. Another day this week, students created a visual representation of their emotions during our “Shape of You” project. Then, students discussed how they felt about the activities, and many said they enjoyed being able to express themselves freely through journaling.

During our video meetings this week, several students utilized our video chat time to help each other with classwork. One group answered math questions in the chat when one student was confused about the content. Another group walked a student through how to find their weekly discussion questions in social studies. The students haven’t lost their strong community connection, even though they can’t be at school together right now.

Week 4-

This week, students worked on tracking their personal emotions and mood throughout the week to practice self-awareness. We discussed responsible-decision making based on the mood data. For example, if students noticed their mood was better on days they walk the dog, then they might decide to add a daily walk into their routine. Students also discussed how they felt about this activity, and reflected on whether this helped them feel more self-aware.

Week 5-

This week, we got updated on Covid-19 and some of the changes coming as things slowly re-open. We discussed feelings around Covid-19 and how to stay safe and healthy. We also set weekly schedules to help stay in a healthy routine during these changes.

PBIS at Adams City Middle continues to draw gift cards for students who are signing in to their online classes. We had 3 ACMS YESS students win this week! And 4 winners last week! Congratulations to all the gift cards winners at ACMS!