Every year, students at MMS play a greater role in planning, leading, and reflecting on our classroom, school-wide, and community leadership events. During the 22-23 school year, students recognized that some people hold misconceptions about middle school. In response, our Student Lighthouse Committee began offering monthly Community Days. Community members interested in touring MMS were invited to call the school to leave a message. A student from the Lighthouse team called them back to schedule their tour. These tours were planned and led by students.
Members of the Student Lighthouse and LEAD teams also organized and hosted a Mattoon Middle School Leadership Day. Educators from the surrounding area joined us to hear our students share some of the work we have been doing with personalized learning and the 7 Habits. Students planned and led tours of classrooms and our building and gave a presentation to teachers from the area. Our district-wide Learning Walks provide students an opportunity to showcase their learning and growth with others from the Mattoon community.
Our students also had the incredible opportunity to express gratitude for the impact of the 7 Habits and Core Paradigms to Mr. Sean Covey as well as several others on the FranklinCovey team. Students highlighted the MMS culture of leadership and student voice throughout their tour and presentation.
In 2022, our Student Culture LEAD Team identified that many 5th graders are apprehensive about transitioning to middle school. In response, they proposed the creation of a new event, the 5th Grade Meet and Greet. Over the course of two days, students from both Williams Elementary and Riddle Elementary came to MMS to participate in student-led tours. They also met with members of our Student Culture LEAD Team in small groups for a Q&A about MMS.
At MMS the tradition of celebrating academic milestones is deeply cherished. Every year, the 8th-grade students look forward to their own special day, known as the 8th Grade Celebration. It started in 2022 when the 7th-grade class took it upon themselves to organize a memorable event for their older peers. To make their vision a reality, students worked behind the scenes to create decorations, roll out the red carpet, and serve donuts and breakfast pizza to each member of the 8th-grade class. Their accomplishments were recognized and they were given an opportunity to express gratitude to those who impacted them along their middle school journey.
