RE Log Fall 2016

28 Ransom Everglades LOG FALL 2016 Part of developing middle school students who are both empathetic and involved community members requires exposure to the values and traditions of a school. At Ransom Everglades, those concepts are both encompassing to its members and im- perative to the development of community participation and involvement as it relates to the mission of the school. The advisory program in the Middle School reflects the following themes: in sixth grade, REspect for Ransom Everglades; in seventh grade, REspect for self; and in eighth grade, REspect for the community. The three themes allow us to bring to life an the understanding of Paul Ransom’s letter and the Everglades Creed, the documents we all hold dear to the tradition of the school, from a perspective that is built upon student development. It also allows for engagement in the activities we cherish during the first semester, which include the delivery of Thanksgiving baskets to the Rolle Community Center and, of course, hosting over 300 youngsters for St. Alban’s Day. The second-semester advisory program is designed to continue those themes, but with a different approach at each grade level. In eighth grade, advisors will be asked to choose and take a task that is reflective of project-based learning and contributes to the community – either at RE, or the greater community. In seventh grade, activities and discussion will mirror one theme taught in American History: the struggle for acceptance. In sixth grade, students will participate in service projects that allow them to understand the significance of service as a student at Ransom Everglades. We hope this approach, fully and thoughtfully integrated into our curriculum, helps us begin the important process of preparing our students to leave the world better than they find it. Rachel Rodriguez Head of the Middle School From the Everglades Campus At the Middle School Learning the meaning of REspect