On Wednesday, October 9, 7th and 8th Grade students gathered in the library to celebrate the culmination of the Core Values Project Symposium, a new advisory initiative led by Middle School Director Ms. Koss and Wellness Director Dr. Hobson.
Since early September, students have been working in their Middle School advisory sessions, guided by their advisors, to explore core values, identify personal ones, and collaborate on group PowerPoint presentations. They delved deeper into traits such as respect, loyalty, growth, determination, kindness, and friendship to enhance their understanding of meaningful qualities.
Creating these presentations gave students insight into how their values shape their social relationships, academic success, and overall well-being. Asher S. '29 shared, "I learned more about my value of growth than I originally thought I knew and enjoyed working on the presentation with my partners from different grades." The project helped them recognize the importance of living by these ideals when treating others well and becoming their best selves.
After completing their presentations, one group from each advisory was selected to showcase their work at the Symposium. The Middle School students gathered to listen actively to each presentation. Amelia B. '29 expressed, "I felt united with my classmates." Jake F. '29 said, 'Being selected as a speaker improved my communication skills and increased my awareness of how loyalty connects to things like academic integrity and maintaining friendships." After hearing from their peers, students voted on their top values: Kindness, Respect, and Growth.
These three values will now represent and unite the Middle School. Advisory teacher Ms. Fonvergne shared, "The Core Values Project gives our community a chance to make character and values part of the everyday conversation at Sierra Canyon." These values will be displayed and utilized throughout the year to help connect complex discussions, such as tech use, social health, and emotional well-being.
