As we return from our Christmas break we reflect on the events of the last semester at Rockdale Intermediate. We have experienced a new version of challenge this year as we return from the chaos that ensued during our “COVID” year.
This challenge has brought about a new level of resilience and determination within this current school age generation. There will be a flower that blossoms from most challenges and watching this flower bloom before our eyes as these students create new paths of learning, overcoming challenges and beating the odds is a blessing.
August started off with students returning collectively to our campus with excitement and of course some hesitation. Quickly students felt welcomed, encouraged and appreciated. Teachers incorporated a new way of checking in with students to ensure their mental health is prioritized along with their physical health. Our campus greeted students at doorways with creative and individualized greetings to help each student feel empowered and encouraged daily.
As September approached, we dove into daily curriculum with this highest rigor possible in order to recuperate the lost instructional time from the previous year. Teachers pulled small groups and advocated for their students regularly as the campus made adjustments to benefit each student at their learning level. Students responded with growth in their assessment scores.
The year continued on into October with students committing to maintain a high level of being Safe, Respectful and Responsible via our No Place For Hate platform. Lessons included how to identify bullying, what bullying is and what it is not. Students continued with how to support those around them as mental health continues to be a focus at the state level for staff and students as we continue to build resilience to post pandemic challenges. October concluded with our week-long activities for Red Ribbon Week. We celebrated with visitors from the Milam County Sheriff's office and the Rockdale Fire Department.
Weekly, students are being taught how to overcome challenges with their 7 Mindsets lessons. Some of these conversations are revealing how students are learning about these topics for the first time. This creates a promise for growth and character development as the year continues.
As each academic assessment passes we see growth and development which is a direct result of the effort the staff is providing to advocate for these kids and each other.
November and December provided some break time mixed in with end of year assessments, lessons on compassion, volunteering for leadership groups, etc. GT testing occurred this year earlier for our campus than in previous years. We saw the highest number of students nominated this year compared to the last four years.
We have celebrated students' character development each six weeks with Early Act First Knight ceremonies. Students are encouraged to develop their character traits as we traverse the school year’s challenges. We see students demonstrate these characteristics in classes, at recess and dismissal. Each day has its challenges and pitfalls. Students are reminded that perfection is not the goal, growth is the goal.
Despite the challenges that our campus and public education faces in general, we have seen growth, resilience and tenacity. The flower that is blossoming is a blessing to witness. These students will be developed into tenacious adults who have seen adversity and faced it head on.
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