October 24th - October 25th

This week was a short week here at North. This week we discussed fear for two days. We discussed our own fears, as well as how our fears hold us back and keep us from achieving our goals or taking us outside our comfort zone.  On the last day of discussing our fears, students were given a quote about fear and had to act out what this quote means.  Overall this was a fun but short week!

Oct 17th- Oct 21st

This week students reflected on Domestic Violence Awareness Month by discussing what do healthy relationships look like, as well as how to identify the cycle of abuse in their relationships.  As we talked about signs that a relationship is in the cycle of abuse, students began to  domestic violence and why it is important to talk about, as well as why it is important to seek help if these unhealthy signs are becoming prevalent in their relationships.

On Tuesday the mentor leaders co-taught a college lesson with our college navigator, Emily. Students did a true or false on financial aid quiz, as well as played a BINGO game of finding student who were interested in a STEM degree, applied to college, or have visited a college campus this year.

We will end the week by discussing FEAR. Overall we had another successful week here at North!

Leonel, Mentor leader giving Fatuma her mentee's grades 

October 10th- 14th

This week the students in YESS discussed Trust. Why is trust important? Who do you trust and why? And who trusts you? We discussed the building blocks of trust and how this is fundamental in healthy relationships, especially mentorships.

We also did a powerful lesson called "The Power of Choosing Your Thoughts". This lesson is about making positive choices and how we can learn from the negative choices we have made in life.

During the week we had a wonderful visit from the YESS College Navigator, Emily. She was able to help students get started on their common application, as well as prepare a personal essay.

October 3rd- 7th

This week the mentors had mentor training. Mentors discussed ways to talk to mentees so that mentees can fill more supported, as well as discussed ways to earn their mentee's trust.  Mentor training will happen on the first Monday of each month. During this time the mentors can discuss problems or issues they may have with their mentee as well as learn tools that will help their mentee be successful.

This week the students learned what their hot buttons are, and ways they can use their hot button to empower themselves. Students reflected on what makes them angry or upset, and how can they better handle the situation next time someone is trying to push their hot buttons.

This was the first week that mentor leaders taught class. It was amazing to see mentors asking mentor leaders for help and advice. Overall, this was another successful week in YESS!

Mentor leaders teaching the class about "Hot Buttons". 

September 26th- September 30th

This week students finished making their vision boards and presented their vision boards to their classmates.  Students visioned three short term goals, three long term goals, travel goals, family goals, and education and self cultivation goals.

Finally, the students used Wednesday and Thursday to collect missing work for other classes. On Friday we will  finish up our goal setting unit by discussing personal values.

This week was also the first mentor leader meeting. I am very impressed by this year's mentor leaders, I believe  Guadalupe, Leonel, Ismerai, and Hannah will be positive leaders helping those who are struggling academically succeed and overcome any obstacle they may face this year!

Sept 19th- Sept 23rd

Another week down and students are connecting with one another in the YESS classroom more and more. This week students discussed Diversity. We discussed how important it is to recognize our differences and how we can learn from those differences. Each student made a puzzle piece and decorated it with their: ethnicity, nationality, cultural upbringing, hobbies and interests, and anything else they wanted to add to it.  As we finished the puzzle pieces students connected them to one another. We will have the diversity puzzle pieces hanging in the classroom all year long so that we can always remember that even though we are different, we can still connect on those differences and learn from one another.  The students enjoyed this because we all shared stories of growing up, foods we ate growing up, and memories we have that are culturally influenced.  To finish the week, students began planning and creating their vision boards. I like to do this at the beginning of the year so that students can remember what their goals are and why it is important to complete all of their school work on time.

Sept 12th - 16th

This week is homecoming week. Students are full of school pride and are staying engaged in the classroom. This week Students discussed "Unwritten Rules of life." This lesson relates to respect and manners. As we discussed respect, we also discussed cultural differences. This tied in to our Tuesday lesson which was, "Culture 101".  We discussed how we culturally identify, why and how culture is established everywhere, even in fast food restaurants, and how can we establish our own YESS classroom culture. On Wednesday and Thursday students used the time to talk to teachers, work on missing work, and help others in the class with their school work. When students are finished they are allowed to play games and get to know one another. Overall, this was a fun and productive week.