Stay Connected Wednesday Weekly SSMS News

Please stand for the Pledge I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

National Hispanic Heritage Contest Week 4- Write four words that are written the same and have the same meaning in Spanish and English. (these are called cognates) Write down the correct answer, your name and 1rst Pd. teacher and bring to Cafeteria. Box located on Activities Table during all lunches. Prizes will be awarded the after Week 5! Free skate night and Free dance class to the winners.Got to be in it to win it!

Two Leadership Opportunities National PTA Reflections Program 2013-2014 Theme: "Believe, Dream, Inspire“ Win an $800 Arts Education award, $200.0 0 cash award, and see your artwork presented in nationwide gallery. - 6 Categories include  dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. Turn in submission to D.Taylor/PTA in front office by Nov 26th Prudential-Spirit of Community Award  "The search is on to find our top youth volunteer. If selected, you could receive $1,000, an impressive silver medallion, and a trip to Washington, D.C., next May. If you feel you've made a positive difference through a volunteer activity during the past year turn in submission to D. Taylor in front office by Oct 31st. See flyers in Cafeteria for more information

Planning Ahead for Red Ribbon Week Club Video Contest- Theme- I am Drug Free and I believe in Me! Submit your video to student government at Jaime_Chute@scps.k12.fl.us by Oct 31, 2013. Student Government will be voting on best video week of Nov 4. Winning club will receive RED CUPCAKES NOV 8 Period 8. Top 3 Videos will be displayed on SSMS Facebook and webpage.

Plan ahead for Red Ribbon Week Friday Oct 25th 3:00 pm 8th Period Pep Rally and Drug Free Presentation in the GYM with Officer Bosa Weds Oct 23- Pledge to be Red (wear Red & Sign the pledge at lunch) Thur Oct 24- Stomp Out Drugs (wear two different shoes or boots) Friday Oct 25- Team Up against Drugs (wear your favorite team jersey) Mon Oct 28- Sock it to Drugs (wear your crazy socks) Tues Oct 29- Action Heroes Against Drugs (wear action heroes shirt ) * Please remember to stay within the SCPS Dress Code Policies

Bouncing Back from Adversity Project Wisdom Bouncing Back from Adversity SSMS News & Announcements Project Wisdom #9 10/16/13

A few Words of Wisdom Change is the only constant. Good morning, South Seminole. This is Mrs. Ciocca, Assistant Principal, with a few words of wisdom. Ever noticed how things are constantly changing? There’s an old American proverb that goes: Change is the only constant. Sometimes it feels like we live in a whirlwind of change. For some of us, change can be very difficult. It’s important to learn how to bounce back when you are experiencing the stress or difficulties that come with change.

Make it a great day… or not. The choice is yours. Developing resiliency — the ability to bounce back — is important because life can be not only challenging but unfair at times. Without resiliency, we burn out or get depressed. If you are feeling burned out or depressed, talk to an adult you trust . . . a parent, teacher, counselor, or faith leader. There are people in your life who can help you be more resilient in the face of life’s challenges. You don’t have to go through a challenge alone. Just reach out to others for some encouragement and support. With something to think about, this is Mrs. Ciocca. Make it a great day… or not. The choice is yours.

Learning Goal: Students will understand the reasons for depression and/or burn out and learn about coping skills.

Whole Group Discussion (Teacher can record students’ answers on white board ) Do you ever feel like you live in a “whirlwind of change?” Explain. 2. Do you think the world changes more quickly now than when your parents were your ago?

Think-Pair-Share How might reaching out to a trusted adult help someone if he or she is feeling burned out or depressed? Is that a difficult thing to do? Why or why not?

adversity - state of hardship or misfortune Staying on Task : Vocabulary (Students in small groups discuss the meaning of these key words in context of lesson. Teachers monitor discussions to clarify misconceptions ) adversity - state of hardship or misfortune resiliency - the ability to recover quickly from a challenge and perhaps overcome stronger as a result; the ability to cope with life’s adversities proactive - taking action to control a situation rather than waiting to respond to it afterward

Student Written Short Response/Reflections Developing resiliency — the ability to bounce back — is important because life can be challenging and unfair at times. Without resiliency, we burn out or get depressed. It’s important to reach out to a trusted adult if you should ever feel this way. 1. Read the quote below. What does it mean to you personally? "Highly resilient people know how to bounce back. . . Like cats they manage to land on their feet and often end up stronger and better than before.“ ~ Al Siebert, Ph.D., author of The Resiliency Advantage. ______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Student Written Short Response/Reflections Darryl R. Connor, author of Managing at the Speed of Change, says there are five characteristics of resiliency: Being Positive, Being Focused, Being Flexible, Being Organized, Being Proactive. In your own words, explain why these characteristics might help someone bounce back from a difficult situation. Being Positive ___________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Being Focused __________________________________________________________ Being Flexible ___________________________________________________________ Being Organized _________________________________________________________ Being Proactive __________________________________________________________ __________________ ______________________________________________________