There has been a lot of talk about the benefit of “letting kids be bored”. Those in favor will argue that young people are overscheduled and need downtime. They believe boredom sparks creativity and encourages autonomy.
Though the research is slim-to-none to back up these claims, they are valid points. Many children are overscheduled and could benefit from some downtime and lazy days over the summer months. And yes, boredom certainly can cause youth to get creative in how they end up spending their time.
However, there are also problems with each of these arguments. Relaxing downtime is not the same as relentless boredom. Relaxing downtime will refresh and recharge a child; relentless boredom will leave a child feeling displeased, discontented, and dissatisfied. And while being bored can cause youth to get creative, that creativity is not always positive, safe or healthy. [...click for more]
Posted Wednesday, June 30, 2021
For many students, summer break has officially begun. That means a break from having to drag tired children out of bed and a break from all the homework. But most of all, it means a chance for our young people to enjoy a little more fun and relaxation.
For a kid, summer seems to go on forever. As an adult, however, we know how quickly it can fly by. While spontaneity can be exciting and fun, a little preplanning can go a long way in helping our tweens and teens make the most of the summer months.
Research proves time and again that there is power in writing down your goals and refer to them often. So, gather your children, their ideas and get your must-do summer fun ideas on paper. [...click for more]
Posted Monday, June 14, 2021
Written by GHS Asst. Principal Clayton Westerbeck
Schools began using SROs (School Resource Officer) in the late 1950s. The first SRO was used in Flint, Michigan with the main goal being to improve the relationship between local police and youth. They positioned these officers as full time teachers or counselors within the school. Today, according to the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) there are 14,000-20,000 SROs in service nationwide.
At Greenville High School our SRO is Officer, Jennifer Freeman, of the Greenville City Police Department has been a police officer for 18 years. Her first 5 years was with the New Madison Police Department. She has spent the last 13 years with the Greenville City Police Department. She was assigned the SRO at Greenville High School at the start of this school year and received her SRO training at The Ohio School Resource officer virtual academy. She was trained in school building safety/prevention and building relationships with students to list just a couple of areas of training. [...click for more]
Posted Wednesday, June 2, 2021
At Greenville City Schools, there are many different programs that students, parents and teachers may become involved in. Many of these programs are very beneficial for all stakeholders involved and have high expectations for the participants and the outcomes of the program. One program is not as well known as the others, yet it still carries some of the highest distinctions and worth than many of its counterparts. Becoming a Master Teacher in Greenville City Schools is a distinction worth noting. This is a program where the initiative is run through the Ohio Department of Education; however, the operations are run at a district level.
Applications for a Master Teacher are easy. They only require a valid professional license, to have taught for 7 years, to work a minimum of 120 days in the school year, and to be currently employed as a teacher. The application, many teachers in our building qualify for. It is the standards by which the school committee is judging the teacher which makes this nomination so prestigious. To be accepted by the committee as a Master Teacher you must uphold and demonstrate competency in five areas: Consistent Leadership, Focused Collaboration, Distinguished Teaching with a focus on Students and Environment, Distinguished Teaching with a focus on Content/Instruction and Assessment, and Continued Professional Growth. These five competencies, when done well, make for phenomenal teachers. After they have demonstrated application of these competencies in the classroom, the teacher is then to ask for a recommendation from their principal/s to the program. Once the recommendation is complete, the teacher then writes a narrative, in no more than 12 pages, to the committee explaining how the five competencies listed above are shown within their classroom. The teachers have to give specific details, with evidence of the work done, to be considered. [...click for more]
Posted Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Written by Rhonda Schaar
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Greenville City Schools supports healthy children with a variety of resources and Greenville Middle School has established the mental health of our students as a priority. Emotional health is necessary for a productive future and an ability to navigate the complexities of life. When we support the whole child then learning and growth is the natural result. This past year has been extremely hard on everyone but especially for our children. As adults we are tasked with helping teach resiliency and perseverance but also focus on emotional wellness. Along with the adult efforts the student leaders of Greenville Middle School have shown the initiative to focus on mental health education this month through announcements, video skits, and classroom presentations under the supervision of Mr. Chad Curtis. To support their voice and the priority they have put on Mental Health Awareness for their classmates three student leaders were asked to provide feedback on why this topic is important to them personally and why it became a priority at this time. They were also asked if they had anything else to share on the topic. Their answers are resoundingly mature, focused and inciteful. [...click for more]
Posted Thursday, May 20, 2021
Darke County Economic Development (DCED) announced Tuesday the names of the 20 Under 20 Award winners hailing from Darke County. The 20 Under 20 Awards were developed to recognize students, educators, and businesses collaborating to help prepare the next generation of workers in our region. For consideration, nominees must be under the age of 20, a resident of Darke, Mercer, or Auglaize counties, and enrolled in high school, post-secondary education or adult education related to their career. Nominees must also be engaged in work-based learning, such as an apprenticeship, internship, co-op program, or other business/education partnership. [...click for more]
Posted Thursday, May 20, 2021
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