In her own words.

For the second semester of the school year I have had the opportunity to say yes to a couple of my former students who wanted to be aids in the classroom. I took this as a tremendous compliment because to me this meant that I developed a positive relationship with a student who would knowingly want to be in my classroom again but in a different role.

I am still learning how to effectively engage with having an aid that is very capable to do so much around the classroom. I did ask her if she would write a few words on what lessons she has now known to be true since she has left my room two years ago. I cannot take much credit for the following words because I know Abby already possessed many positive skills but I love hearing in her own words what areas will need to have growth to be successful throughout the middle school years.

Ms. Abigail Jones' own words...
"Many responsibilities are needed to succeed in middle school along with the rest of your academic life. The ability to manage your time is one of the responsibilities needed. To balance your work and leisure, will allow you to get work done efficiently and in a timely manner. Keeping organized by scheduling your work needed to be completed at home and making sure it gets done by not procrastinating will ensure work to be turned in without the last minute hassle. 

Looking after your own work and minor needs gains responsibility and self-independence. Asking questions or requesting help about subjects/information you don't know or are unsure about will keep you getting lost and behind. Giving yourself challenges to go up against or conquer allows you to strive in classes as well as activities outside of the classroom.

The most important thing that you can do is try. If you try your hardest to do the task, you'd be surprised on what happens. To not do it or barely work on it, the result is going to be poor. Doing it last second takes a substantial amount of energy and is stressful. Doing as much as you can everyday is easier and gets you further. Seeing what you have accomplished at the end is incredibly motivating as well as thrilling to see what you can do."   - Abigail Jones - 8th Grade 2017-2018

Abby is one example of so many of our young people who are growing each and every day. Our young people are taking on responsibilities and assuming their roles in making their world a better place!

Thanks Abby for taking on this task and sharing your incredible insight!