Based on ongoing conversation with students, it seems to me that the level of satisfaction is sort of a mixed bag. Some of our students seem really happy here; they have access to really cool electives and fun programs (free dress days, 8th grade activities, dances, etc). Other students seem frustrated with school and in particular with their classes. Satisfaction... I think we do okay, but could definitely improve the level of satisfaction for our students, particularly our students who don't seem to stand out in a crowd...
I think YOKA students are very satisfied here at school...the high attendance rate says it all...I think they like most of the teachers here and as students do work well most of the time...The campus feels like a safe place for them...
I agree. Some students seem happy or neutral. Other students hate it here, but I think those are the students that would hate it anywhere. I think lunch time activities with a P.A. system would be fun for them every once in a while. I've seen other Middle Schools do that type of thing, play music sometimes or have a pie eating contest and it really brings a crowd of kids out. They seem to enjoy that sort of thing
It might depend on which student you talk to. Sometimes we have those students that always see the best in us. Yet, I wonder how many appreciate those classes with teachers that call them by name or to have an administrator know them by name makes it much more personal. It can be easy this time of year to get a bit busy so I have to remind myself to really try and connect with the students so that they feel we care about them and see them as a key part to our school. I am always wondering what more can I do...I love feedback but sometimes it is difficult to hear...but I need to try and listen a bit more effectively with students and not get distracted by what I have to do next.
From the students that I have spoken to, they seem to be satisfied with what we have. My students are starting to realize how much we are doing with very little.
People are always going to complain....get over it! "This is the best of all possible worlds."--Candid
Students seem to be happy with the school, its events and the culture. Most of the things I hear from them are positive and realistic. Of course, there are students who dislike policies, classes, etc. However, they seem to be proud of the school and talk about it with higher pride than when they refer to other middle schools in the area.
I think in general they are satisfied, but not empowered. I think they're satisfied because they seem to have a lot of great opportunities for fun and unique situations. They seem to feel safe and be making good friendships. Many of the 8th graders have said they don't want to leave, and yearbook gives me a great perspective on the memories they're taking with them. I do think we could improve empowerment, though. Allowing them to choose electives, clubs, start their own groups, etc. would probably be helpful. Also, having a leadership group in the school would be a great addition.
I think they are generally satisfied with the elective class options, after school program choices, teacher/staff support, fun events like socials, online activities, and.... (surprise) library books!!!
I feel that the students do feel satisfied in the classroom. I feel that many of our students feel comfortable enough to talk about school and personal issues with our teachers and other staff.
I agree! Personal issues. So many kids like to share their gossip with some of their teachers. Who likes who, who's cute, etc. etc. I think so many of the kids are comfortable with many of the adults here and that's a good thing.
From what I see as an English teacher, I think that at a social level they are probably satisfied. They have their friends and space to interact socially. Another question is whether they are academically satisfied. I think that for many of them, who get support at home, the answer is positive. I think many others are not satisfied because of their constant academic failure. Many of these students are lacking the support at home needed to be academically successful That support is key to their academic success.
If I had to rate how our kids feel about YOKA I would say 70% are happy and like the school. However, I don't see alot of the kids feeling proud of being part of this school.
I have a student who sometimes stops by at lunch and says, about the block of students who just left and the block in which he belongs, "They really hate you." Despite their hate for me, I think most of them are satisfied with YOKA. After all, this school has so much to offer, from the computer-filled library to the STEM and math labs to the Beyond the Bell programs. I don't think anyone is going to leave YOKA on my account alone. But I am sometimes amazed that our better students stick it out. Another student told me he was nearly moved tears watching how other boys acted toward me. Evidently the satisfaction level in other areas is so high that students make allowances for our failings.
Based on ongoing conversation with students, it seems to me that the level of satisfaction is sort of a mixed bag. Some of our students seem really happy here; they have access to really cool electives and fun programs (free dress days, 8th grade activities, dances, etc). Other students seem frustrated with school and in particular with their classes. Satisfaction... I think we do okay, but could definitely improve the level of satisfaction for our students, particularly our students who don't seem to stand out in a crowd...
ReplyDeleteI think YOKA students are very satisfied here at school...the high attendance rate says it all...I think they like most of the teachers here and as students do work well most of the time...The campus feels like a safe place for them...
ReplyDeleteGood point about the attendance. That's a good measurable indicator.
DeleteI agree. Some students seem happy or neutral. Other students hate it here, but I think those are the students that would hate it anywhere. I think lunch time activities with a P.A. system would be fun for them every once in a while. I've seen other Middle Schools do that type of thing, play music sometimes or have a pie eating contest and it really brings a crowd of kids out. They seem to enjoy that sort of thing
ReplyDeleteIt might depend on which student you talk to. Sometimes we have those students that always see the best in us. Yet, I wonder how many appreciate those classes with teachers that call them by name or to have an administrator know them by name makes it much more personal. It can be easy this time of year to get a bit busy so I have to remind myself to really try and connect with the students so that they feel we care about them and see them as a key part to our school. I am always wondering what more can I do...I love feedback but sometimes it is difficult to hear...but I need to try and listen a bit more effectively with students and not get distracted by what I have to do next.
ReplyDeleteFrom the students that I have spoken to, they seem to be satisfied with what we have. My students are starting to realize how much we are doing with very little.
ReplyDeletePeople are always going to complain....get over it! "This is the best of all possible worlds."--Candid
Students seem to be happy with the school, its events and the culture. Most of the things I hear from them are positive and realistic. Of course, there are students who dislike policies, classes, etc. However, they seem to be proud of the school and talk about it with higher pride than when they refer to other middle schools in the area.
ReplyDeleteI feel students are satisfied feel safe and they more technology at their disposal. Overall they have a sense of community.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think in general they are satisfied, but not empowered. I think they're satisfied because they seem to have a lot of great opportunities for fun and unique situations. They seem to feel safe and be making good friendships. Many of the 8th graders have said they don't want to leave, and yearbook gives me a great perspective on the memories they're taking with them. I do think we could improve empowerment, though. Allowing them to choose electives, clubs, start their own groups, etc. would probably be helpful. Also, having a leadership group in the school would be a great addition.
ReplyDeleteStudents in general are not satisfied. There are many reasons hereof that I can not mention here.
ReplyDeleteI think they are generally satisfied with the elective class options, after school program choices, teacher/staff support, fun events like socials, online activities, and.... (surprise) library books!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have some great resources here! (you included)
DeleteI feel that the students do feel satisfied in the classroom. I feel that many of our students feel comfortable enough to talk about school and personal issues with our teachers and other staff.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Personal issues. So many kids like to share their gossip with some of their teachers. Who likes who, who's cute, etc. etc. I think so many of the kids are comfortable with many of the adults here and that's a good thing.
DeleteThey seem to be tuned into the teachers and other students. The students feel safe for the most part, enjoying classes and school activities.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I see as an English teacher, I think that at a social level they are probably satisfied. They have their friends and space to interact socially. Another question is whether they are academically satisfied. I think that for many of them, who get support at home, the answer is positive. I think many others are not satisfied because of their constant academic failure. Many of these students are lacking the support at home needed to be academically successful That support is key to their academic success.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to rate how our kids feel about YOKA I would say 70% are happy and like the school. However, I don't see alot of the kids feeling proud of being part of this school.
ReplyDeleteI have a student who sometimes stops by at lunch and says, about the block of students who just left and the block in which he belongs, "They really hate you." Despite their hate for me, I think most of them are satisfied with YOKA. After all, this school has so much to offer, from the computer-filled library to the STEM and math labs to the Beyond the Bell programs. I don't think anyone is going to leave YOKA on my account alone. But I am sometimes amazed that our better students stick it out. Another student told me he was nearly moved tears watching how other boys acted toward me. Evidently the satisfaction level in other areas is so high that students make allowances for our failings.
ReplyDelete