Tippecanoe Valley Middle School recently held a weeklong series of activities aimed at supporting student leadership, anti-bullying, and a positive school climate.

During the week of Feb. 6 – 10, students participated in “See Each Other” week, a time dedicated to getting students to start noticing and respecting their peers.

At the beginning of the week, Principal Scott Backus met with each homeroom to discuss with students the importance of treating people with respect and how to earn it in return.

“We wanted to bring to light the idea that we can be compassionate, inclusive, and care about one another.  If we can do these things, so many of the negative issues that kids face today would be reduced,” said Backus.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, students watched videos about how to “See Each Other” by showing compassion and empathy. A short writing piece and discussion followed.

“Watching the students step out of their comfort zone and interact with others that they normally wouldn’t was a nice experience,” said Candace Shepard, TVMS librarian.

Students were also challenged to become more interactive at lunch. On Thursday, students were randomly assigned to tables. At each table were peer facilitators from the high school to initiate conversation. Peer facilitators are high school students who mentor, work to resolve conflicts, and tutor other students.

“I found it interesting to hear new things about people I don’t usually talk to. I even found out new things that I didn’t know about my friends,” said Jada Hicks, an eighth grade student at TVMS.

Teachers and para-professionals also sat at the tables and interacted with the students. The cooks modified the lunch procedure to get the food out quicker, while the office staff and custodians jumped in to help by cleaning tables and picking up trays.

“It was truly an amazing thing to see the entire staff come together and support this activity,” said Backus.

While some students were in the lunchroom, others watched messages from the Kid President, a teenager from Tennessee who stars in his own YouTube videos that promote positivity, inspiration, and unity. The students also viewed three short videos about caring for others.

“They held discussions about the videos and hopefully took away some important ideas about how they, too, can care for others,” said Backus.

TVMS finished the week with a school-wide presentation by author and youth motivational speaker Tom Thelen. His presentation focused on student leadership and bullying prevention.

Written By: Scott Backus, Tippecanoe Valley Middle School Principal

“We’re not the same middle school that we were when you were here.”  It is exciting to get to say this to parents, community members, and former students!  I do not say this to diminish the importance of the staff, students, and school of the past.  I say this to celebrate the changes that have been made and the exciting new opportunities that our students have today that past students did not get to experience.

The most exciting new opportunity is the one-to-one initiative.  At the beginning of this school year, every TVMS student was issued a Dell Education Series Laptop with Windows 10.  We operate our technology initiative in a non-traditional style.  Student devices are checked out to begin the day, used in all classes throughout the day, and then they are checked into charging carts at the conclusion of the school day.  Managing our devices in this manner holds costs down, limits repair needs, and helps to protect our network cyber-security.  Student work is saved in a web-based management system and can be accessed on any connected device from home.  The new learning opportunities that the devices provide for our students are exciting!

In addition to current laptop technology, students at TVMS experience Project Lead the Way Gateway curriculum.  The old IT lab area was remodeled in 2015 to integrate the new PLTW curriculum.  A brand new computer lab and Vex kit equipment was set up to allow students to experience robotics, computer aided drafting (CAD), computer programing, etc. in this high tech classroom.

TVMS also takes advantage of STEM science kit curriculum from Purdue University.  Students learn science in a hands on, lab based classroom.  Testing hypothesis, thinking critically, analyzing data, and problem solving are all 21^st Century learning skills that are necessary to be successful in these courses.

Starting this semester, TVMS students will experience Life Skills curriculum provided by Kosciusko Cares.  This course focuses on healthy choices, coping with anxiety and anger, communication skills, social skills, and resolving conflict.  We’re excited to be able to provide this personal mental and physical care course for our students!

TVMS recently upgraded the old wood shop into a weight room facility.  We had the original 1975 TVHS equipment refinished and reupholstered.  We purchased new equipment, such as kettlebells, through the Viking Strong program.  We developed space for calisthenics, yoga, and other group cardio activities.  The PE/health curriculum is much richer because this facility is now available.

Many other great things happen daily at TVMS in all classrooms.  We are seeing the results of our efforts with better test scores, an improved school letter grade, better attendance, fewer discipline issues, and an overall pleasant feel when you come and visit us.  The school is beautifully maintained, the staff cares about our kids and community, and we are passionate about always being better tomorrow than we were today!

At TVMS, we are striving daily to better equip our students with the skills necessary to be successful today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Valley Insight is a recurring monthly article written by administrators on a variety of topics related to education and the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation. Articles will be posted to the district’s website and also shared with the local media.