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Of most importance was our Eighth Grade Step-Up
ceremony, which was a huge success. In addition, the follow up
dance was held for the eighth grade students.
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This year, Principal’s Teas were continued at
Eisenhower and were also largely successful. We will continue these
next year with one per marking period.
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Our annual awards ceremony was very well done,
with 309 students earning awards.
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In addition, we involved the Youth Empowerment
Services group and the United Way of Morris County in order to
survey our students on issues that they are dealing with, as well as
holding a focus group to discuss such issues. We then worked with
these organization to bring our 8th graders the
opportunity to participate in the Game of Life.
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Furthermore, EMS was a part of the first ever
Teen Summit for Middle School students, where our students worked to
create scenarios for future Game of Life assembly programs.
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We worked with the Morris County Crimestoppers
this year to bring their program into our school, securing a grant
to help pay for our agenda planners that would place their
information on each of our students planners.
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Our Open House was held on a variety of days
this year, with the assistance of our peer leaders.
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We held two Book Fairs at the Middle School,
each realizing a huge success, with one of the Book Fairs being
combined with our World Language Program and Music Program.
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Furthermore, we made a large effort to include
Multi-Cultural Educational programs and opportunities for our
students, focusing on celebrating differences and learning from
struggles. EMS created a plan of action to expose our students to a
variety of cultures through our assembly programs, music programs,
and new curricular efforts. Our assembly programs focused on the
them of multiculturalism, working to educate our students that they
are part of a whole and must learn to work as such in order to
progress the greater good – the world around them. Programs we
brought into the school included:
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The Elephant’s Child – This
captivating production of Kipling’s masterwork brings the wonders of
classic literature and live theater to audiences of all ages. At
the heart of this presentation are award-winning singers/musicians
David and Monique Griffiths. The duo’s interactive storytelling,
original songs, and African drumming work in harmony with beautiful
sets and colorful costumes. Together, they take the audience on a
“journey to learn” incorporating sing language and audience
participation along the way.
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Quiet Riot – Bullies,
Targets, and Bystanders – This show uses funny personal
stories, sound effects, and audience interaction to explore these
three roles. Students are empowered to take the stand – no one in
my school will be mistreated.
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Quiet Riot – Your Seven Strengths
– This program helps students become aware of their inner strengths
as well as support systems that are already in their lives.
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Living Voices – combines a live
perfumer with archival footage to present unique and unforgettable
educational experiences. The New American – travel with a fifteen
year old girl, forced by adversity to seek refuge and opportunity in
America during the 1910’s. This program is able to turn the vast
scope of American immigration into a personal connections for today.
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The Game of Life – Through a
cooperative effort with the United Way of Morris County, we were
able to provide our students with an interactive program that
introduced them to problems that people their age tend to encounter
while growing up. This program also exposed students to the
resources available to them through their local community and
county.
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Holocaust Survivor – We had a
Holocaust Survivor come to the building to speak with our seventh
grade students regarding the Holocaust, how it affected him
personally, and the effects it has had on the world. The speaker
focused on the fact that it was those people who stood by and did or
said nothing that causes hatred to exist and spread.
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Our music program featured a variety of songs
reflecting multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural
traditions. Through this, we were able to expose our students to a
variety of world cultures and their histories. Lastly, our Reading
Curriculum also addressed varied cultures and historical events of
intolerance and tolerance, including Roman/Greek history,
Multicultural Fairy Tales, Holocaust Tales, Coming of Age, and
Intolerance.
