Please share your impressions of the Rachel's Challenge In-Service. Please comment on the student presentations and the faculty training, "The Best Antidote to School Violence". Thank you.
I felt that the combination of student participation in the morning and the in-service this afternoon was a good way to relate to what might be happening to so many students. I know that it opened my eyes.
Very powerful presentation this morning, students and staff were both equally touched. It makes you step back and evaluate what exactly are you doing in your life and in the lives of your students.
I was deeply moved by the student presentation and disturbed by the statistics on education in the United States. I found the afternoon session very informative, maybe too many examples, but otherwise an eye opener.
The morning presentation was very moving and excellently done. Unfortunately a number of teachers did not get to see it. This afternoons presentation dragged on a little to much and was not that interesting. I wish he would have spoken more about Rachel and Columbine.
I thought it refreshing that someone else realizes english and math are not life skills. It was a great presentation, both morning and afternoon, (although a little long winded on the 2nd session). I hope that other teachers will follow his lead, and teach from the heart.
I thought Rachel's challenge was something our students were too young to remeber, but needed to engage in the incredible message conveyed about character, integrity, kindness and respect. They also need to know that security measures are necessary to ensure a safe environment for school. I also think any adult that did not see the student presentation should see it!!!
I wish I knew that the teachers were not going to see the same presentation as the students. I would have liked to be able to process the presentation with students. I think that a preview the week before by the teaching staff would be helpful.
The message was good, but could have been delivered in less time...it may have been nice to get a little flavor of the morning presentation combined with the flvor of the afternoon.
I feel the presentation for teachers was too repetitious. It was difficult to sit so long and hear as well as read so many factual statements. The movie clips certainly were great, but too much talking. I wish I had known that the teachers were not going to see what the students saw, for I would have stayed for the presentation.
I think it would be great if the school had a library full of short positive video clips to choose from. They could be placed on to video-click and used on smart boards, or dvds copied for all, or to be signed out from your cluster chairman. Thet could be shown as soon as students log on to their school accounts.(mandatory)
I thought the presentation for the students was incredible and very thought provoking. The teacher presentation was ineffective and did not relate to school violence, as I thought it would.
Rachel Scott was an amazing person. Mr. Scott's presentation today was deep and hopefully has changed the lives of many people. Speaking for myself, I know it impacted me in a positive way.
I can not agree more with the importance of building character within education. There is no better time than NOW, to do it!
Rachel's challange was a great way to communicate to students what may be going on around them and make them be more aware of others feelings and needs. With a little more understanding they will be able to either help one another or look for help themselves. I just wonder how hard it is for Rachel's uncle to re-live this nightmare while spreading her message?
I thought this was a wonderful presentation. I hope the sentiment discussed today is contagious within this building. A little kindness can go along way to help teachers enjoy their careers. When you feel appreciated you appreciate others.
I was very moved by the student presentation, enough so that I'll bring my family back tonight. The afternoon session was good, although a little heavy on examples.
I am very disappointed in this afternoon's presentation! I thought that we were going to see the same presentation that the students saw (which I missed)! I wish he started the afternoon with this mornings presentation and then shortened what he talked about. I don't believe that we needed to be read all those examples. I wish there was more on Rachel's challenge!!! I hope that this morning's presentation was taped so that it can be viewed by those who had classes and missed it!!!!!
Presentation was excellent for the students. Both classes I had this morning were impacted greatly by Rachel's message. The teacher presentation was a bit long but still salient to our general goals.
Excellent presentation this morning for the students. The afternoon presentation for teachers wasn't anything new for me that is how I teach, I use the word RESPECT a lot. We don't have to use the word "love" but we can show it in many ways.
The presentation this morning was very moving. When the students came back to class each and everyone of them felt touched by the experienece and they responded to it very positively. I think that it would be a great idea to follow up on this in the future. Thanks!
Both the students' and the teachers' presentations were moving and poignant. The things that Mr. Scott talked about are things that need to be said and done on a regular basis. Let's face it, if we don't teach character to the students, who will?
I think that in order to be a teacher in this day and age, you have to teach with your heart or you could not stay in the profession for any length of time.
I would have liked to see more video rather than quotes that seemed to be repeated.
This was a valuable reminder and/or reinforcement of what I believe educators already know.
I think the student presentation was fantastic. I spoke with many of my students later, and found that they were very thoughtful about what they had heard. Many of them did not know, or only had a vague idea of, what happened at Columbine so it was a positive learning experience, and opened the door for some good class discussion.
Very good in-service both morning and afternoon. Presentation sent a powerful message to staff and students. Can you have Scot present this to the Department of Education. They need to understand what our students need to be sucessful in life.
I felt the morning was very powerful. It would be nice to have a follow up for students and staff for what they can do now to keep the challenge going. The afternoon had some very good points about heart but there was too much time spent showing us old books. I think we could have used more visual examples of "heart" and how teachers show it to kids.
The presentation for the students was absolutely terrific. The students were very well behaved and I think they were moved by Rachel's challenge.
The presentation this afternoon for teachers was very good however, I think that Larry Scott should have been made aware of the audience he was preaching to. Technical education leads itself to preparing our students through character education. We are working very hard to increase content knowledge with our kids.
Wish that the afternoon presentation would've reflected more of the morning presentation. Less what we need to do but more how we can accomplish the steps would be more appreciated.
The presentation this morning, though heart-wrenching, was eye-opening and truly amazing. What was truly touching was the fact that once the students left the gym, they were completely silent. The presentation had touched them to the point that they could not be brought to words. I felt the same while listening to the mature person that Rachel was and the life-lessons that she continues to teach people of all ages. I learned a great deal about myself and my role as a teacher. I can't thank-you enough.
It was a powerful presentation in the morning. I think that some follow up activities with the students would have been helpful to reinforce the message. I found the afternoon interesting, though the presenter may have had too many examples which made the same point. He certainly made his point effectively, though. I agree that character building is important; I think in a way that teachers today are made a little wary of teaching anything other than content. We usually don't have time, and we are afraid of "imposing our belief system on others." As the presenter pointed out, we may have ignored this aspect of education, (universally recognized as the most vital throughout much of our history), to our peril.
Moving and inspirational.The heart is where it all starts.Education is a home away from home.We as educators know the challenges most kids face today,but if we share the LOVE,it can take most kids to where they never believed they could be.
Very powerful presentation this afternoon in the gym, students and staff were both equally touched. I now know I have use more positive feedback with my words with my students.
Rachel's Challenge brought brought tears to my eyes. She was an amazing young woman. You could hear a pin drop in the gymnasium during the presentation. I agree that you must love your students and give them your heart while teaching them. We are all many of them have.
The morning presentation was very good for the students. It was very moving. The afternoon presentation seemed too long or repetitious. It could have been more dynamic and lively. I commend Mr. Scott for his work and admire his commitment. I have always tried to teach my students the value of kindness.
The student presentation was very powerful and eyeopening. I think it was well received by the students, who seemed touched and were extremely well behaved. I look forward to hearing about their impressions of our school in terms of climate, bullying, and our school's response to bullying. The afternoon presentation was very touching, but I felt it was a bit too philosophical. A more concrete discussion of the Columbine shooters and what we can/should do would have been great. Overall a great day.
Bravo! The day was truly inspirational on every level. The morning session had a great impact on our students. My students went to the IMC to sign the banner. Many wrote "I accept the challenge." The afternoon session reinforced the importance of teaching to the "whole" student. A great day!
The morning presentation was very powerful. What a wonderful lesson for our students and staff. The afternoon message was also compelling but I think it could have been more so if there was more about Rachel and her story.
My schedule did not allow me to see any of the student presentation. Some the students returning to class were in tears, so it must have been a powerful session. I found this afternoon some what disappointing.
I felt that the presentation was very eye opening. It was amazing to see how much education in this country has changed and how far away from the students we are becoming. It is a shame that things have to get this bad for people to pay attention.
The presentation this morning was outstanding. It really seemed to touch the hearts of students and teachers. As for the afternoon session, I thought it dragged along and was not that interesting. Although, I do strongly agree with teaching character along with academics.
Building character should be an integral part of education. However, with the state's current emphasis on MCAS and the expansion of MCAS, it appears that academic achievement is our only mission.
I unfortunately could not make either of the student presentations. I would like to have known more about what my students saw and heard.
Great presentation for the kids. I was very moved by it myself and I am glad I was able to stay to see it. I think it would be great to continue with Rachel's challenge her at Greater Lowell. Mr. Scott mentioned a student training portion that we didn't have. I would have liked to have some of our kids involved in that.
Both morning and afternoon sessions were very wothwhile. Mr. Scott was so real and sincere with his message. My heart goes out to his family and I hope that each one of us can apply this presentation to our personal and professional lives. Thank you.
Hi, I'm disappointed I didn't get to see the student presentation. If we can't come back tonight,can the school get a copy of it to share with those who didn't see it? Overall, the teacher's presentation was a bit repetitive and uneventful with all those quotes. I believe most of do teach with our hearts and try to be a positive role model for students. Thanks for your efforts!!
Very powerful, intense presentation to students-I was fortunate to have the opportunity to view it with them and it was powerful-I would recommend that all faculty see it as well; the presentation that followed in the pm for teachers was extremely interesting and informative
Today's presentation was both moving and thought provoking. Students and staff were not only touched and moved by these presentation that it may have started a ground swell in both our teaching and everyday live. It makes the whole staff look inside themselve to realize if we are teaching the three parts that make our students and our lives better. This opened my eyes to a different way of teaching.
I enjoyed the afternoon presentation with my students and was impressed with their comments during our reflection discussion after it. The teacher presentation made good points however I believe they and the book referrals were overdone. I think a little of the afternoon presentation involved in the teacher presentation would have helped it move along better. Especially some of the mysterious premonitions Rachel had that I never heard before!
I thought the presentation was gripping and a true dose of reality. This was real life stuff he was talking about. No one should have missed this one. Character in a school building starts at the top. I am glad to see the entire building was in attendance. members of the scool committee would have spent their time wisely by attending. I hope all who saw the presentation realizes that that character and trust are the two most important attributes we can have as teachers and administrators support staff and all down the line. Congratulations to Mr. Barton and his staff for a job well done
I'm glad I was able to attend the morning session. It was very moving and the students wanted to talk about it when they came back to the classroom. The afternoon session was a good reminder of what education should be about.
I found that this was the most powerful presentation that we have ever had. It was apparent to me that the students as well as teachers, administrators and support staff were very touched by this wonderful day!
Very good presentation. Hopefully the staff will buy into understanding how important we are for our students. It is certainly a job unlike any other job. Our love for our subject matter, our love for the students and our love for ourselves translates to success in the classroom and makes the day so enjoyable both for ourselves and our students. Our joy and our passion, here, but at any school, makes the kids learn and makes them better members of the community. The presentation drove that home and hopefully will stay with us in our classrooms. Nice Job.
The presentation this morning was very powerful. I thought the students behaved excellent while being informed of Rachel's Challenge, and hopefully they will try the five challenges. As a teacher, the afternoon session shows how much teachers are role models for their students.
The session with the studetns was well received and excellent. This afternoon session with the teachers was a bit long and redundant, although the message clear.
We need to do some sort of student follow-up, not just have them sign there name to the challenge poster. Unless there is some sort of follow-up, today's presentations will have been a waste of time. How about some sort of school wide character development curriculum that could be used no matter what subject area you are teaching. Some how make community service a requirement for credits i.e. Have students participate in letter writing campaign to elderly people during christmas. Just a few ideas.
The student presentation was very impressive; the teacher presentation not so much, although the point he made is important. I'm curious about the results of the survey being shared and any follow-up that would reduce bullying, teasing, threatening.
Although Mr. Scott's ideas are great, the teacher presentation was too long and too much talking and reading. Get to my heart!!! Show the teachers the Rachel's Challenge video! I would have gone to see it earlier with students, but I thought we would see it this afternoon. I plan to come back tonight to experience what our kids did today. Students were very positive about it. Thank you.
I was able to attend the last half of the student presentation as well as the teacher presentation. I think that the student presentation was much more powerful and effective at reaching people on an emotional level than the teacher presentation. I think that being at the student presentation made the teacher presentation more meaningful. Without it, the second session may feel like just another pedagogy workshop.
The teacher session was much more of a "head" event than a "heart" event, and may have left people who did not have the benefit of the morning session a little cold. It could be interpreted as just a criticism of us as teacherbots and the State and Federal governments as curriculum dictators.
I'd like to see a follow-up blog or survey that could contrast the responses of those who saw only one presentation with those who saw both.
The morning presentation was quite moving and a worthwhile use of student time.
As for the afternoon . . . .
What is education? Is it academic achievement? Is it guiding students to apply knowledge in order to create a better life for themselves and the community at large? And if it is the latter as Mr. Scott suggests, how do I as an educator determine the AYP of that as mandated by “No child left behind”? Where is it listed in the PIMS manual? What does the EQA say about it? What kind of assessment instruments do I use to derive data for the interpretation and implementation for improved student achievement in that area? Can I find those answers in a 75 page book written in the 19th Century and if I can, why have I wasted so much time on tomes such as The Skillful Teacher?
But most importantly, how is a man who cannot pronounce pedagogue and does not know what pedagogue means tell me how to become a better one?
The AM presentation was awesome. It touched and inspired many our student body to respect self and each other by choosing little acts of kindness as a means to achieve a safe and positive school climate.
The PM presentation to staff with a character education theme could have been shorter and less sit and get.
Perhaps the same presentation as the AM with messages of compassion and respect. It all starts at the top. Example and action, lessons learned best are felt not telt.
The presentation to the students at the morning session was wonderful and obviously reached its audience. My students had many questions during the class following and it provided an opportunity for discussion about the morale and climate (mostly positive remarks)of greater Lowell Tech. The afternoon presentation was a bit long and I had the feeling that Mr. Scott was preaching to the choir. The teachers that I work with care about the students and are actually more stressed with the academic performance requirements set by the state. It is instinctive for a dedicated teacher to create an atmosphere that enhances the spirit of each student.
The presentation this morning was very moving, I found it difficult not to cry. I was glad that I was able to go. I think that each student should be given a list of Rachel's code of living, or it should be posted for all somewhere. I aslo lef the teachers presentation feeling that I wish that I had a handout or had written the 5 lessons to improve on because now I can only remember 4.
You have been out of the classroom to long if you really think the teachers of GLTECH do not lead by example, teach with understanding, and truly love their students. Why else would we be here? It surly not the money! I found this presentation to be totally out of place and just bad form. Society has changed and so has every educational principle. We as teachers have raised the bar with our students. It’s just too bad you didn’t preview this presentation before you subjected the staff sit through it. Have you read our mission statement?
Unfortunately, I was unable to see the entire student presentation, for I had class. For the 15 minutes I was able to see was extremely powerful, and can only hope the students were moved as strongly as I was. The in-service this afternoon was a positive thorough way to address the issue. This day confirmes my purpose.
Student presentation was good. Having the kido's heart would be ideal but I'm their science teacher and not their parent(three minutes a day) and for the life of me I can't find the virtue standard on the MCAS learning standards. Why not teach a course or better yet a double period or two on how to be virtuous and improve character. "Class,listen up DNA is composed of sugars , phosphates, and nitrogenous bases. Oh and I love you. Stand back, I can't hug you". P.S. I find many of those statistics to be erroneous.
I felt today's presentation was very worthwhile for all of us. Personally and professionally, it was good hear/see/feel those messages that were partly why we chose teaching as a career. Rather than get caught up in methodology, it was good to be reminded that good teaching comes from within. The student presentation was maybe our most powerful in a long time. Hopefully, we all will benefit from the residual effects.
Excellent presentation, I think the students would get even more out of this if discussion groups or some post-activity was done with the students as well as the staff. A good in-service day...
I truly enjoyed the morning presentation. It was very emotional and well presented. Students need to know that they can make a difference and it is important for us to help them, even by a small act of kindness.
This afternoons presentation was a bit drawn out although very informative.
The presentation was important however I feel we should have had some discussions with our students before viewing the film to prepare students for the emotional impact this difficult subject may have on them. Most kids do not remember Columbine and the reality that school can be an unsafe place can be very frightening to some. I think the topic of bullying has a lot of merit and there should be some followup activities on this subject this year to make this presentation more effective. Also it was unclear that the students were seeing a different presentation than the teachers in the afternoon so more teachers may have attended the a.m. session if they knew. Overall, this was a great topic for an in service.
The morning presentation was very powerful and moving. I think the afternoon session was a little repetitive and dragged out, although he had a very good message. Many of the staff were hoping to see the same presentation as the students because they were unable to make it to the morning one. All in all a very important message was delivered to both students and staff.
The student presentation really drove the point home , helping understand what younger people are going through. The afternoon presentation was very repetative i didn't get the relation to the history lesson??
The presentations were moving and inspirational. In my opinion bullyiing and school climate needs to be an on-going conversation and not just a one time thing to ensure safety and inclusion for all. Let's keep it going.
I wish we had known ahead of time that our session was going to be different than what the students saw in the morning. I did not get the chance to see the morning session, so I was a bit disappointed with ours. He was good and made alot of great points. He could have made his points in less time though, very long winded and way too many examples!
The rachel scoot presentation changed my life, it made me realize that even the smartest kid in school could snap one day beacue he is getting builed and then go on a shooting rampage. i cried trhoughout the whole thing and it helped me realize that buileying is the worst thing in the world and that it hurts. the presentation was simpley amazing.
111 comments:
Testing Rachel's Challenge Blog
I felt that the combination of student participation in the morning and the in-service this afternoon was a good way to relate to what might be happening to so many students. I know that it opened my eyes.
Presentation was good for students
Very powerful presentation this morning, students and staff were both equally touched. It makes you step back and evaluate what exactly are you doing in your life and in the lives of your students.
Very good presention felt by the heart
We should follow up on this one!
Presentation was good for the students.
very positive
I was deeply moved by the student presentation and disturbed by the statistics on education in the United States. I found the afternoon session very informative, maybe too many examples, but otherwise an eye opener.
The morning presentation was very moving and excellently done. Unfortunately a number of teachers did not get to see it. This afternoons presentation dragged on a little to much and was not that interesting. I wish he would have spoken more about Rachel and Columbine.
The morning presentation was impressive.
I think the afternoon presentation
reflects many of the things we already do as teachers.
I thought it refreshing that someone else realizes english and math are not life skills. It was a great presentation, both morning and afternoon, (although a little long winded on the 2nd session). I hope that other teachers will follow his lead, and teach from the heart.
I thought Rachel's challenge was something our students were too young to remeber, but needed to engage in the incredible message conveyed about character, integrity, kindness and respect. They also need to know that security measures are necessary to ensure a safe environment for school. I also think any adult that did not see the student presentation should see it!!!
keep it real for both teachar and student.
I wish I knew that the teachers were not going to see the same presentation as the students. I would have liked to be able to process the presentation with students. I think that a preview the week before by the teaching staff would be helpful.
The message was good, but could have been delivered in less time...it may have been nice to get a little flavor of the morning presentation combined with the flvor of the afternoon.
I felt both the presentation and the inservice was both touching and educational for students and teachers.
The morning presentation was powerful and thought provoking.
Presentation in the a.m. for students was fantastic.
The presentation for teachers was a bit too long. Presenter could have got the message across in "character education" with less quotes and less talk.
I feel the presentation for teachers was too repetitious. It was difficult to sit so long and hear as well as read so many factual statements. The movie clips certainly were great, but too much talking.
I wish I had known that the teachers were not going to see what the students saw, for I would have stayed for the presentation.
I think it would be great if the school had a library full of short positive video clips to choose from. They could be placed on to video-click and used on smart boards, or dvds copied for all, or to be signed out from your cluster chairman. Thet could be shown as soon as students log on to their school accounts.(mandatory)
d.o.e. ought to listen to this message.
I thought the presentation for the students was incredible and very thought provoking. The teacher presentation was ineffective and did not relate to school violence, as I thought it would.
Excellent inservice! I have always felt that our student's growth is dependant on our passion to teach ,live ,and love.
Wish all staff had the opportunity to see the morning presentation.
Afternoon presentation was redundant. Had a difficult time paying attention after the first 15 minutes.
While I though that the in-service got off to kind of a slow start, the message was extremely important. Well done!
Rachel Scott was an amazing person.
Mr. Scott's presentation today was deep and hopefully has changed the lives of many people.
Speaking for myself, I know it impacted me in a positive way.
I can not agree more with the importance of building character within education.
There is no better time than NOW, to do it!
Rachel's challange was a great way to communicate to students what may be going on around them and make them be more aware of others feelings and needs. With a little more understanding they will be able to either help one another or look for help themselves. I just wonder how hard it is for Rachel's uncle to re-live this nightmare while spreading her message?
Student presentation touched all my students. Very powerful program with strong message and impact.
Another great workshop - thank you, Michael!
The presentation this morning to the students will hopefully open up their eyes in that how they want to be treated should be how they treat others.
I thought this was a wonderful presentation. I hope the sentiment discussed today is contagious within this building. A little kindness can go along way to help teachers enjoy their careers. When you feel appreciated you appreciate others.
I was very moved by the student presentation, enough so that I'll bring my family back tonight. The afternoon session was good, although a little heavy on examples.
I wish they had presented Rachels Challenge for the staff insted of what we just sat through......
I am very disappointed in this afternoon's presentation! I thought that we were going to see the same presentation that the students saw (which I missed)! I wish he started the afternoon with this mornings presentation and then shortened what he talked about. I don't believe that we needed to be read all those examples. I wish there was more on Rachel's challenge!!! I hope that this morning's presentation was taped so that it can be viewed by those who had classes and missed it!!!!!
Presentation was excellent for the students. Both classes I had this morning were impacted greatly by Rachel's message. The teacher presentation was a bit long but still salient to our general goals.
I thought that it was very good
Excellent presentation this morning for the students. The afternoon presentation for teachers wasn't anything new for me that is how I teach, I use the word RESPECT a lot. We don't have to use the word "love" but we can show it in many ways.
The presentation this morning was very moving. When the students came back to class each and everyone of them felt touched by the experienece and they responded to it very positively. I think that it would be a great idea to follow up on this in the future.
Thanks!
Excellent presentation. Sometimes we tend to forget our priorities when we are forced to meet so many outside demands.
Both the students' and the teachers' presentations were moving and poignant. The things that Mr. Scott talked about are things that need to be said and done on a regular basis. Let's face it, if we don't teach character to the students, who will?
I think that in order to be a teacher in this day and age, you have to teach with your heart or you could not stay in the profession for any length of time.
I would have liked to see more video rather than quotes that seemed to be repeated.
This was a valuable reminder and/or reinforcement of what I believe educators already know.
Students were very respectful and the workshop was well received.
I think the student presentation was fantastic. I spoke with many of my students later, and found that they were very thoughtful about what they had heard. Many of them did not know, or only had a vague idea of, what happened at Columbine so it was a positive learning experience, and opened the door for some good class discussion.
Very good in-service both morning and afternoon. Presentation sent a powerful message to staff and students. Can you have Scot present this to the Department of Education. They need to understand what our students need to be sucessful in life.
I felt the morning was very powerful. It would be nice to have a follow up for students and staff for what they can do now to keep the challenge going. The afternoon had some very good points about heart but there was too much time spent showing us old books. I think we could have used more visual examples of "heart" and how teachers show it to kids.
I thought the presentation was great for both staff and students. I am a true beleiver in teaching with the heart and the mind.
The presentation for the students was absolutely terrific. The students were very well behaved and I think they were moved by Rachel's challenge.
The presentation this afternoon for teachers was very good however, I think that Larry Scott should have been made aware of the audience he was preaching to. Technical education leads itself to preparing our students through character education. We are working very hard to increase content knowledge with our kids.
Today was a good day!
Wish that the afternoon presentation would've reflected more of the morning presentation. Less what we need to do but more how we can accomplish the steps would be more appreciated.
The presentation this morning, though heart-wrenching, was eye-opening and truly amazing. What was truly touching was the fact that once the students left the gym, they were completely silent. The presentation had touched them to the point that they could not be brought to words. I felt the same while listening to the mature person that Rachel was and the life-lessons that she continues to teach people of all ages. I learned a great deal about myself and my role as a teacher. I can't thank-you enough.
It was a powerful presentation in the morning. I think that some follow up activities with the students would have been helpful to reinforce the message. I found the afternoon interesting, though the presenter may have had too many examples which made the same point. He certainly made his point effectively, though. I agree that character building is important; I think in a way that teachers today are made a little wary of teaching anything other than content. We usually don't have time, and we are afraid of "imposing our belief system on others." As the presenter pointed out, we may have ignored this aspect of education, (universally recognized as the most vital throughout much of our history), to our peril.
Moving and inspirational.The heart is where it all starts.Education is a home away from home.We as educators know the challenges most kids face today,but if we share the LOVE,it can take most kids to where they never believed they could be.
Very powerful presentation this afternoon in the gym, students and staff were both equally touched. I now know I have use more positive feedback with my words with my students.
Rachel's Challenge brought brought tears to my eyes. She was an amazing young woman. You could hear a pin drop in the gymnasium during the presentation. I agree that you must love your students and give them your heart while teaching them. We are all many of them have.
The morning presentation was very good for the students. It was very moving. The afternoon presentation seemed too long or repetitious. It could have been more dynamic and lively. I commend Mr. Scott for his work and admire his commitment. I have always tried to teach my students the value of kindness.
The student presentation was very powerful and eyeopening. I think it was well received by the students, who seemed touched and were extremely well behaved. I look forward to hearing about their impressions of our school in terms of climate, bullying, and our school's response to bullying. The afternoon presentation was very touching, but I felt it was a bit too philosophical. A more concrete discussion of the Columbine shooters and what we can/should do would have been great. Overall a great day.
Bravo! The day was truly inspirational on every level. The morning session had a great impact on our students. My students went to the IMC to sign the banner. Many wrote "I accept the challenge." The afternoon session reinforced the importance of teaching to the "whole" student. A great day!
The morning presentation was very powerful. What a wonderful lesson for our students and staff. The afternoon message was also compelling but I think it could have been more so if there was more about Rachel and her story.
My schedule did not allow me to see any of the student presentation. Some the students returning to class were in tears, so it must have been a powerful session. I found this afternoon some what disappointing.
I felt that the presentation was very eye opening. It was amazing to see how much education in this country has changed and how far away from the students we are becoming. It is a shame that things have to get this bad for people to pay attention.
The presentation this morning was outstanding. It really seemed to touch the hearts of students and teachers. As for the afternoon session, I thought it dragged along and was not that interesting. Although, I do strongly agree with teaching character along with academics.
Building character should be an integral part of education. However, with the state's current emphasis on MCAS and the expansion of MCAS, it appears that academic achievement is our only mission.
I unfortunately could not make either of the student presentations. I would like to have known more about what my students saw and heard.
I did not see the morning presentation but I think doing so would have added more to the afternoon presentation which was very good on its own.
Great presentation for the kids. I was very moved by it myself and I am glad I was able to stay to see it. I think it would be great to continue with Rachel's challenge her at Greater Lowell. Mr. Scott mentioned a student training portion that we didn't have. I would have liked to have some of our kids involved in that.
Powerful presentation for both students and staff.
thought provoking for both teachers and students
Both morning and afternoon sessions were very wothwhile. Mr. Scott was so real and sincere with his message. My heart goes out to his family and I hope that each one of us can apply this presentation to our personal and professional lives. Thank you.
I didn't know that the morning presentation wasn't going to be repeated in the afternoon. I would have gone and watched in the morning.
I thought the afternoon presentation was totally superfluous. Particularly
for non instructors like myself.
Hi,
I'm disappointed I didn't get to see the student presentation. If we can't come back tonight,can the school get a copy of it to share with those who didn't see it?
Overall, the teacher's presentation was a bit repetitive and uneventful with all those quotes. I believe most of do teach with our hearts and try to be a positive role model for students.
Thanks for your efforts!!
Very powerful, intense presentation to students-I was fortunate to have the opportunity to view it with them and it was powerful-I would recommend that all faculty see it as well; the presentation that followed in the pm for teachers was extremely interesting and informative
Today's presentation was both moving and thought provoking. Students and staff were not only touched and moved by these presentation that it may have started a ground swell in both our teaching and everyday live. It makes the whole staff look inside themselve to realize if we are teaching the three parts that make our students and our lives better. This opened my eyes to a different way of teaching.
I enjoyed the afternoon presentation with my students and was impressed with their comments during our reflection discussion after it. The teacher presentation made good points however I believe they and the book referrals were overdone. I think a little of the afternoon presentation involved in the teacher presentation would have helped it move along better. Especially some of the mysterious premonitions Rachel had that I never heard before!
Extremely moving. I accept Rachel's Challenge and will try to continue the chain reaction...
I thought the presentation was gripping and a true dose of reality. This was real life stuff he was talking about. No one should have missed this one. Character in a school building starts at the top. I am glad to see the entire building was in attendance. members of the scool committee would have spent their time wisely by attending. I hope all who saw the presentation realizes that that character and trust are the two most important attributes we can have as teachers and administrators support staff and all down the line. Congratulations to Mr. Barton and his staff for a job well done
Very informative and moving. It was great for the students to see this. Teachers presentation was good but a little long and repetitive
I'm glad I was able to attend the morning session. It was very moving and the students wanted to talk about it when they came back to the classroom. The afternoon session was a good reminder of what education should be about.
good presentation. I missed the morning presentation but heard it was very moving. keep up the good work.
I found that this was the most powerful presentation that we have ever had. It was apparent to me that the students as well as teachers, administrators and support staff were very touched by this wonderful day!
The morning was great.
Very good presentation.
Hopefully the staff will buy into understanding how important we are for our students. It is certainly a job unlike any other job. Our love for our subject matter, our love for the students and our love for ourselves translates to success in the classroom and makes the day so enjoyable both for ourselves and our students. Our joy and our passion, here, but at any school, makes the kids learn and makes them better members of the community. The presentation drove that home and hopefully will stay with us in our classrooms. Nice Job.
I was glad Rachel's Challege came to this school. This school can use some kindness especially from the staff for each other.
The presentation this morning was very powerful. I thought the students behaved excellent while being informed of Rachel's Challenge, and hopefully they will try the five challenges. As a teacher, the afternoon session shows how much teachers are role models for their students.
The session with the studetns was well received and excellent. This afternoon session with the teachers was a bit long and redundant, although the message clear.
We need to do some sort of student follow-up, not just have them sign there name to the challenge poster. Unless there is some sort of follow-up, today's presentations will have been a waste of time. How about some sort of school wide character development curriculum that could be used no matter what subject area you are teaching. Some how make community service a requirement for credits i.e. Have students participate in letter writing campaign to elderly people during christmas. Just a few ideas.
The student presentation was very impressive; the teacher presentation not so much, although the point he made is important. I'm curious about the results of the survey being shared and any follow-up that would reduce bullying, teasing, threatening.
Although Mr. Scott's ideas are great, the teacher presentation was too long and too much talking and reading. Get to my heart!!! Show the teachers the Rachel's Challenge video! I would have gone to see it earlier with students, but I thought we would see it this afternoon. I plan to come back tonight to experience what our kids did today. Students were very positive about it. Thank you.
I was able to attend the last half of the student presentation as well as the teacher presentation. I think that the student presentation was much more powerful and effective at reaching people on an emotional level than the teacher presentation. I think that being at the student presentation made the teacher presentation more meaningful. Without it, the second session may feel like just another pedagogy workshop.
The teacher session was much more of a "head" event than a "heart" event, and may have left people who did not have the benefit of the morning session a little cold. It could be interpreted as just a criticism of us as teacherbots and the State and Federal governments as curriculum dictators.
I'd like to see a follow-up blog or survey that could contrast the responses of those who saw only one presentation with those who saw both.
Thank you for this moving experience.
The morning presentation was quite moving and a worthwhile use of student time.
As for the afternoon . . . .
What is education? Is it academic achievement? Is it guiding students to apply knowledge in order to create a better life for themselves and the community at large? And if it is the latter as Mr. Scott suggests, how do I as an educator determine the AYP of that as mandated by “No child left behind”? Where is it listed in the PIMS manual? What does the EQA say about it? What kind of assessment instruments do I use to derive data for the interpretation and implementation for improved student achievement in that area? Can I find those answers in a 75 page book written in the 19th Century and if I can, why have I wasted so much time on tomes such as The Skillful Teacher?
But most importantly, how is a man who cannot pronounce pedagogue and does not know what pedagogue means tell me how to become a better one?
The AM presentation was awesome. It touched and inspired many our student body to respect self and each other by choosing little acts of kindness as a means to achieve a safe and positive school climate.
The PM presentation to staff with a character education theme could have been shorter and less sit and get.
Perhaps the same presentation as the AM with messages of compassion and respect. It all starts at the top. Example and action, lessons learned best are felt not telt.
It was a very moving day that should be taken very seriously. A great opportunity to have a very serious conversation with the students.
The presentation to the students at the morning session was wonderful and obviously reached its audience. My students had many questions during the class following and it provided an opportunity for discussion about the morale and climate (mostly positive remarks)of greater Lowell Tech.
The afternoon presentation was a bit long and I had the feeling that Mr. Scott was preaching to the choir. The teachers that I work with care about the students and are actually more stressed with the academic performance requirements set by the state. It is instinctive for a dedicated teacher to create an atmosphere that enhances the spirit of each student.
The presentation this morning was very moving, I found it difficult not to cry. I was glad that I was able to go. I think that each student should be given a list of Rachel's code of living, or it should be posted for all somewhere. I aslo lef the teachers presentation feeling that I wish that I had a handout or had written the 5 lessons to improve on because now I can only remember 4.
Very Interesting
I thought the presentation in the gymnasium was terrific. I'm looking forward to listening to my students reaction tomorrow.
You have been out of the classroom to long if you really think the teachers of GLTECH do not lead by example, teach with understanding, and truly love their students. Why else would we be here? It surly not the money! I found this presentation to be totally out of place and just bad form. Society has changed and so has every educational principle. We as teachers have raised the bar with our students. It’s just too bad you didn’t preview this presentation before you subjected the staff sit through it. Have you read our mission statement?
Unfortunately, I was unable to see the entire student presentation, for I had class. For the 15 minutes I was able to see was extremely powerful, and can only hope the students were moved as strongly as I was. The in-service this afternoon was a positive thorough way to address the issue. This day confirmes my purpose.
Student presentation was good. Having the kido's heart would be ideal but I'm their science teacher and not their parent(three minutes a day) and for the life of me I can't find the virtue standard on the MCAS learning standards. Why not teach a course or better yet a double period or two on how to be virtuous and improve character. "Class,listen up DNA is composed of sugars , phosphates, and nitrogenous bases. Oh and I love you. Stand back, I can't hug you". P.S. I find many of those statistics to be erroneous.
I felt today's presentation was very worthwhile for all of us.
Personally and professionally, it was good hear/see/feel those messages that were partly why we chose teaching as a career. Rather than get caught up in methodology, it was good to be reminded that good teaching comes from within. The student presentation was maybe our most powerful in a long time. Hopefully, we all will benefit from the residual effects.
Excellent presentation, I think the students would get even more out of this if discussion groups or some post-activity was done with the students as well as the staff. A good in-service day...
I truly enjoyed the morning presentation. It was very emotional and well presented. Students need to know that they can make a difference and it is important for us to help them, even by a small act of kindness.
This afternoons presentation was a bit drawn out although very informative.
I thought the student presentations were very powerful. I thought the teacher presentation was very informative as well.
The presentation was important however I feel we should have had some discussions with our students before viewing the film to prepare students for the emotional impact this difficult subject may have on them. Most kids do not remember Columbine and the reality that school can be an unsafe place can be very frightening to some. I think the topic of bullying has a lot of merit and there should be some followup activities on this subject this year to make this presentation more effective. Also it was unclear that the students were seeing a different presentation than the teachers in the afternoon so more teachers may have attended the a.m. session if they knew. Overall, this was a great topic for an in service.
The morning presentation was very powerful and moving. I think the afternoon session was a little repetitive and dragged out, although he had a very good message. Many of the staff were hoping to see the same presentation as the students because they were unable to make it to the morning one. All in all a very important message was delivered to both students and staff.
Its was very important that presentation and thats good that you guys are talking albout that to every school.I know how criag feels and im sorry..Jen
The student presentation really drove the point home , helping understand what younger people are going through. The afternoon presentation was very repetative i didn't get the relation to the history lesson??
The presentations were moving and inspirational. In my opinion bullyiing and school climate needs to be an on-going conversation and not just a one time thing to ensure safety and inclusion for all. Let's keep it going.
The presentation was very powerful and touching. It moved alot of students and staff members. And i accept her challenge.
I wish we knew our presentation was different from the students!I also felt the students should of been better prepared for such a serious topic!
I wish we had known ahead of time that our session was going to be different than what the students saw in the morning. I did not get the chance to see the morning session, so I was a bit disappointed with ours. He was good and made alot of great points. He could have made his points in less time though, very long winded and way too many examples!
I cried throughout the whole thing it was such a tear jerking truth. I know i'm a cold hearted person but that made me want to change my ways!
The rachel scoot presentation changed my life, it made me realize that even the smartest kid in school could snap one day beacue he is getting builed and then go on a shooting rampage. i cried trhoughout the whole thing and it helped me realize that buileying is the worst thing in the world and that it hurts. the presentation was simpley amazing.
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