Congratulations Ethan Lenz & El Schweim!
The Middle School Years – Practice for Life
By Mike McDowell, Assistant Principal, Hutchinson Middle School
The middle school years of young adolescence are a time of great change as students strive for more independence and responsibility. For incoming 6th graders, many things are new; the school, teachers, and social groups are all part of this new experience. Returning 7th-8th graders are familiar with the setting, but are confronted with new challenges as academic content becomes more challenging. In addition, they encounter a new set of teachers, and at times their peer groups change. Middle school students are required to continually develop and refine skills with their own time management, work ethic, self-advocacy and problem solving. Within all school settings, schools specifically define an outline of skills practice, refinement and development as it relates to student development. This practice can be defined as hard and soft skills development.
Hard skills are often referred to as the competencies and abilities that are foundational for job or career success. Hard skills are intentionally practiced and developed within the classroom or course a student is enrolled in. Schools in Minnesota are guided by the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards which are used as an outline for what should be practiced and mastered by all students in a grade level. Practice often takes place within the classroom or content specific setting, is assessed and a teacher will then provide feedback as to how a student is progressing on a standard.
Soft skill development also occurs while students are obtaining hard skills. As students work in peer groups, think critically, problem solve and communicate with others, they are refining their soft skills. These are practiced as students overcome challenges by building grit and grow in their own social-emotional development. Soft skills increase through practice in spontaneous, real-time situations and scenarios that require students to make choices and decisions based on prior experiences and their own skill level. Developing the soft skills of conflict management, active listening, empathy, creativity and integrity are all part of the concept of “skills practice” that is pivotal for developing individuals who will have positive outcomes in the future and will be ready for a diverse and ever-changing working environment.
In addition to many of the school specific changes and demands, students also take on responsibilities outside of the school setting. Family specific obligations and an assortment of activity schedules require effort and energy. Parents and guardians are an important part of the development process with these skills as students spend a majority of their hours during a year outside of the school setting. Parents help to support the development of hard and soft skills by encouraging regular attendance at school, creating space for open dialogue at home, and by modeling these skills in real time. Students who attend regularly often have better outcomes with their academics and gain more intentional exposure to hard and soft skills while in their classes. Parents can support skills acquisition by guiding the development of time management, work ethic, problem solving and creativity through a variety of opportunities within the community. Opportunities to be involved with extracurriculars outside of school, leadership opportunities and service projects can all help students with their exposure and growth of hard and soft skills.
Healthy adult guidance is imperative as we walk alongside young adolescents through this changing, and at times, challenging period of life. Helping to manage a middle schooler’s schedule and other personal needs can be difficult, but as parents and guardians, you are a necessary part of the skill development process. We know from our own experience that these years are exciting, adventurous, and pass by extremely fast. We as adults can reflect on an adult that helped us through this period of life and can model this support to those in our care now. We also can rely on each other for support when needed. We can find some peace knowing that these experiences are often necessary for our kids’ personal skill growth and development.
As adults, we all have a great responsibility to our students. School personnel, parents, guardians and mentors can all help assist with the development of the skills that will help our kids achieve the best possible outcomes for their future.
Congratulations Andrew Soderlund & Chloe Borka!
Griffen Mathews and Kaitlyn Rahne – HHS ExCEL Winners!
Congratulations Logan Butler & Kaiden Fitterer!
Congratulations Tiger Football Team!
Being Grateful
By Jill Bridge, Licensed School Counselor, Tiger Elementary
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to forget the importance of gratitude. But did you know that being grateful can actually have a positive impact on students’ education and their life? Let’s find out ways that practicing gratitude can help our students/kids. You can also take these practices and apply them to your life too.
Gratitude is the act of being thankful and appreciative for the things we have in life. It goes beyond saying “thank you” and involves a deeper sense of appreciation. When students cultivate an attitude of gratitude, they develop a mindset that focuses on the positive aspects of their lives.
One way being grateful helps students is by enhancing their overall well-being. When students take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the opportunities they have, it can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction. This positive mindset creates a conducive environment for learning and growth.
Being grateful also improves students’ mental health. In a world where stress and anxiety are common, practicing gratitude can act as a powerful antidote. Regularly expressing gratitude can reduce stress levels, increase resilience, and improve self-esteem. By promoting a sense of calmness and positivity, gratitude allows students to better cope with challenges and setbacks in their life journey.
Furthermore, gratitude fosters stronger relationships among students, peers and teachers. When students express gratitude towards their educators, it strengthens the teacher-student bond and creates a more supportive learning environment. Additionally, when students express gratitude towards their peers, it promotes a sense of camaraderie and cooperation.
Practicing gratitude also enhances students’ academic performance. When students approach their studies with a grateful mindset, they become more engaged and motivated. Gratitude helps students recognize the value of education and the opportunities it provides. This newfound appreciation translates into a greater willingness to put in the effort required to succeed academically.
Incorporating gratitude into your students life can be done in various ways. You can encourage students to keep gratitude journals, where they write down things they are thankful for each day. Discussions and activities centered around gratitude can also be beneficial. Additionally, you can model gratitude by expressing appreciation for your child’s efforts and achievements.
It is important to note that gratitude should not be limited to specific moments or occasions. Encouraging students to practice gratitude as a daily habit can yield long-lasting benefits. By instilling gratitude in students’ lives, we are equipping them with a valuable life skill.
In conclusion, cultivating gratitude has numerous benefits.. From improving well-being and mental health to fostering stronger relationships and enhancing performance, gratitude plays a vital role in a person’s overall success. So let us remember to be grateful for the opportunities we have and encourage others to do the same.
Tiger Football Prep Bowl Championship – Nov 24
Hutchinson Tigers vs Rocori Spartans
Friday November 24th, 4pm at US Bank Stadium
- Tickets for the game will need to be purchased online. Here is the link https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005F50A6A41D76
- The game will be televised on Channel 45 TV https://kstp.com/45tv/
- The team buses will be leaving at 12pm on Friday. If you would like to help send off the team please be in the east parking lot by 11:45am
- We will do a Welcome Home for the team at 9pm in the Whalen Gym on Friday night after the game
- Hutchinson Tigers will be the home team for the game
Game Day Instructions