Max Chang-Amayo
Students At FMS Share Appreciation For The Dedication And Effort Teachers And Staff Put Into Their Education And Well-Being
By Foothills Middle School's Max Chang-Amayo
Various students in Foothills Middle School have reported noticing how the teachers and staff are working around the clock to make sure their students have the best possible experience of distance learning. Counselors are on their computers overtime setting up activities, clubs, and events trying to help students cope with the novelties of quarantine. Teachers of every subject are going the extra mile, understanding if someone has technical issues, talking and being optimistic even when everybody’s cameras are off, and juggling teaching, grading, and planning all in one exhausting day. Often times, the work of the average teacher is overlooked, but this year, many students can agree that it is evident that the teachers and staff are going above and beyond our expectations.
To give an example of how remarkable the staff is doing right now, let’s take a look at FMS counselors, Mrs. Oh and Ms. Alexan. They’ve both consistently updated Google Classroom and made sure to let students know about events coming up or clubs they’ve organized. Once a week, students can meet in an event known as “Unwind Wednesday,” where we can practice mindfulness and take a minute to be yourself. There is also a new club they’ve set up called E.P.I.C, which stands for Educate, Promote, Inspire, and Change. It’s an organization for students who feel disconnected, frustrated, or need a place to vent and provides a safe space that helps build confidence, self-esteem, and manage peer pressure. Ella Cheung, an outgoing student who is involved in several extracurricular activities said, “Personally, I don’t think anyone could’ve done a better job. [Mrs. Oh] made me feel very welcome when I attended peer tutoring. She’s a very caring person and if we went back to school, I’m sure that she would still do the same for students because she seems like she really understands them on a different level.” Samuel Li, a more athletic student, has the same concept, stating, “I think Mrs. Oh and the rest of the school counselors help us students take care of school stress or any type of stress. They always say, ‘Send me an email [if] you have a problem or need help with anything.’”
The teachers of FMS are also working exceptionally hard in these trying times. Keeping in mind the physical and mental welfare of their students, teachers have had to adjust their usual class rules and routines to fit this new, distanced environment. As classmate Bradley Sukwanto noted, “...teachers are limiting the amount of homework given and they're being more lenient towards late assignment submission and overall work habits.” These changes, although small, are appreciated by many alumni. Students can prove to be very important to some teachers, like 8th grade PE teacher Mr. Despard. Many sources confirm that he is a very friendly, amiable, and relaxed teacher that loves what he does. When he gives a lecture about something important, he speaks passionately and everyone loves listening to what he has to say. Ariana Hernandez, who has PE with Mr. Despard, said this about his lesson on eating disorders: “I definitely think it's something useful because it's something that we might go through so it's good to have some sort of understanding.” Other teachers such as 8th grade science teacher Ms. Lee and 8th grade English teacher Ms. Chin try to connect with their students by asking them questions and encouraging them to participate more in class. Every Friday, Ms. Lee hosts “community circles” where students have a chance to get to know each other and socialize by responding to fun questions. Ms. Chin likes to have the class read aloud dramas and plays together and congregate in groups to finish team projects. Every teacher does what he or she can to make the most out of this distanced experience.
All in all, every single teacher and staff member of FMS has done an extraordinary job keeping up with all of the trials and tribulations of this unpredictable year. The students can see the sheer effort that has been put in by everyone and know how hard it can be sometimes, especially these past few months. You have all been the perfect example of unity, strength, and perseverance for us and we all deeply appreciate it. Thank you.
Listen to Max read his article on this episode of the Keepin' It Arcadia podcast below!