News

Grace Foundation Grant Continues to Build Positive Character Development

Good citizenship is very much a part of the Mildred E. Strang Middle School culture. And, with the generous help of the F. Cecil Grace Foundation, a thoughftul series of initiatives are infused throughout the daily life of students and staff at the school.

These innovative and effective programs are helping our youngsters to become productive responsible citizens.

Mildred E. Strang principal Mrs. Linda S. Grimm recently shared some of the ways students and staff are benefiting from the Grace Foundation Grant, including Monday's bullying awareness assembly featuring Michael Dorn, who has provided professional guidance for staff throughout the school district, and an awareness workshop for parents last fall.

Among the tangible initiatives and programs are:

Creating DVDs:

• MESMS received two new digital video recorders and computerized editing equipment for the Digital Video Club. Our students are using this equipment to create and produce public service announcements and DVDs for bullying prevention and PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support.)

Reading Role Model Fiction and Non-Fiction Literature

• MESMS received more than 130 new young adult high interest library books that students can read about positive role models.

Podcasting Role Model Fiction and Non-Fiction Literature

• The MESMS Library Media Center received twelve new Apple ipods so that students can learn how to create podcasts to review the new Role Model literature and to create bullying prevention/PBIS presentations.

Team Building in the Cafeteria during Lunch:

MESMS received more than 30 popular games and puzzles for students to use together in the cafeteria after they finish eating their lunches.

Participating in Special Grade level Assemblies and Classroom Programs

• On Monday, March 24, all MESMS staff and students had the opportunity to attend special bullying awareness assemblies presented by Mr. Michael Dorn. Michael Dorn is one of the most experienced and highly respected school safety experts in the nation and in the world. Mr. Dorn has authored and co-authored twenty-three books and hundreds of magazine articles on school safety. During his twenty- five year public safety career, Michael served in a variety of important law enforcement leadership positions and as a school safety/emergency management specialist. He has been featured on Good Morning America and ABC World News Tonight .

In April, 6th graders will participate in team assemblies with Haifa Bint- Kadi, who is a teaching artist with a specialty in community building and character education through the drama and the arts.