eters Township
PETERS TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
PTMS ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO “ RISE UP ”
Middle school is synonymous with transition . Not only are they in a new school , but students are heading into their teen years and have more independence for the first time . With that comes more responsibility , whether they are ready or not .
Equally as important as the math and language arts skills that are being taught in a high performing District like Peters Township , the staff at Peters Township Middle School is taking on the challenge to help our students navigate this new season of their lives and instill in them less tangible lessons like responsibility , empathy and intention .
“ Academically , we ’ ve got a great model here and we love seeing our students grow and achieve while they are here with us for grades 6 , 7 and 8 ,” said Middle School Principal Adam Sikorski . “ But this summer , as we reflected on the recent school year , we looked at what else we could do to really have an impact on kids .”
Knowing that mental health issues are becoming more and more prevalent in this age group , administrators looked how they could support students in developing strong habits that they could take with them to high school and beyond .
As the school year began , Sikorski put this challenge out to his staff , knowing that they had the talent , and tools to make this successful . Quickly , the “ Rise Up ” effort came into focus for PTMS .
Teachers Jennifer Palko and Melissa Giaquinto took the helm to organize the school-wide portions of the effort and the grade level facilitators make the specific plans for each grade ’ s recognition . This dedicated duo selects the focus for each month , writes reflection questions to be answered by students in homeroom , and produces a compilation video for each month on what the focus means to them . They kicked the year off with “ Responsibility .”
Included in this first theme was also a video from the counselors with suggestions on organizing their lockers and binders to stay organized , giving tangible tools to be responsible with school work .
“ Our students need to know they are valued beyond the grade they earn in a class ,” said 7th grade teacher Kayla Edgar . “ We want them to have the tools to face challenges instead of crumbling when they face adversity , because that will help them find success outside the walls of our school .”
Team Heinz staff recognizes students who exemplify “ Responsibility ” in an assembly .
76 PETERS TOWNSHIP
PETERS TOWNSHIP
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sikorski talks to students about Rise Up at 7th Grade assembly .
The seventh grade team is recognizing students monthly during a grade-level assembly with teachers calling out students who are modeling the characteristics of that month ’ s theme . For September , students were selected for consistently coming prepared to class , taking initiative to gather work when they would be missing school , or helping others who they saw needing support in class . Edgar adds that this public recognition for something that may seem small in the moment is important to the effort .
“ By placing value on students ’ experiences , perseverance , and self-reflection , we are sending the message that one can rise up to any life challenge - no matter how daunting it may seem ,” said 6th grade teacher Paige Seelhorst .
Eighth grade , in particular , can be a highpressure year for middle schoolers , as they find themselves close to the start of high school with even more responsibilities on the horizon as they make that transition . With “ Rising Up ” in mind , the 8th grade team used their October field trip to Camp Guyasuta as an opportunity to work as a team to build skills that speak to the spirit of Rise Up : problem solving , resiliency , teamwork , courage , and leadership .
Their day at the camp included activities such as ropes courses , climbing walls , and rappelling . Each team spent their own day at the camp , to individualize the experience and allow teachers and students to better connect .
“ We hoped this would be an opportunity for students to lift each other up ,” said