A Long Walk to Water
In Ms. Green's seventh grade classes, students are beginning to read A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park This book deals with the water crisis in South Sudan. Prior to reading, students calculated their individual and household water footprints and watched videos on what life is like for those in developing countries who do not have reliable access to clean water. As part of the pre-reading activities for the text, students were invited to participate in an exercise meant to emulate the walk that Nya, one of the characters in the text, goes through each day to get water for her family. Students carried water jugs around the track and wrote about what this experience taught them. They carried approximately 16 pounds for one mile, rather than the average 40 pounds for four miles, but definitely still seemed to gain an appreciation for this resource they typically take for granted.
Unified Youth Leadership Conference
On November 12th, students in Unifed PE classes from the High School, Junior High School, and Intermediate School participated in the Unified Youth Leadership Conference at Arlington HS. The Rondout Youth leaders were so engaged, enthusiastic and represented Rondout with the e gander spirit. Otman, a 4th grader, spoke beautifully about his positive experience in the Middle School Unified PE program.
Socratic Seminar
Andrew Ugolino’s Junior High School class recently enjoyed a Socratic seminar. Students read Roald Dahl's “The Landlady” and discussed themes within the story. The class was divided into two groups. One half of the class led the discussion, analyzing the author’s intent, character motivations, and narrative techniques, while the other half took detailed notes on their peers’ contributions. By the end of the seminar, the students had gained new insights into the story and a greater appreciation for respectful and meaningful discussion.
