Category: Student Confidence

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2024 Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Thrisha Kalpatthi

Every year, we award five $10,000 scholarships to graduation seniors who have created and put into action a program of some kind to give back to and help their community. Our 2024 winners worked hard to do just that. You can check out our top winner here. We’d also like to take the opportunity to spotlight the other four winners! 

Today’s spotlight is on Thrisha Kalpatthi, who launched Pittsburgh Metro Math.

From her early grade school years, Thrisha has been involved in competitive math. As she got older, she noticed a lack of diversity in those competitions. She began to see that most competitions were geared toward students who had more experience and who had sharpened their math skills with the use of coaches and other prepatory materials. Students who did not have access to those extra resources often left competitions without awards and feeling discouraged. This outcome would sometimes lead to those students losing confidence and interest in math. Thrisha realized that it would be incredibly beneficial to create “an inclusive environment that would foster talent among all aspiring mathematicians.”

Using her own experience and knowledge about mathematic competitions and creative problem solving, Thrisha set out to find a way to help these aspiring mathematicians. Together with her sister, she designed, organized, and launched the Pittsburgh Metro Math Competition. In order to make this happen, she secured scholarships, created competition questions, and gathered volunteers. She held two competitions with great success, and even raised $1500 for the Brashear Association, a non-profit organization in her community. She is also working on launching weekly math classes, hoping to equip students with the knowledge needed to compete and excel in higher level competitions. 

Good work, Thrisha! I love this project and the positive impact it has had on students and the interest in mathematics that it has generated for students in her area. 

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Student Food Pantries and Wellness Rooms: A Beacon of Light

It’s no secret that it’s downright hard to be a kid or teen in today’s world. There are so many things pulling for their attention and time, and basic needs shouldn’t be something they need to worry about. But for many kids, obtaining basic necessities are a cause of worry. Families experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, or domestic abuse, among other things, often have a difficult time providing the most basic human needs— food, clothing, hygiene items, and laundry facilities. 

No one should have to go without these things. Thankfully, many schools across the nation have implemented in-school food pantries and wellness rooms— a place students can go, free of charge, no questions asked, to get the things they need. 

These pantries provide snacks and other foods that students can take home with them so they don’t have to go hungry. Many schools offer both non-perishable and perishable foods and ingredients to prepare basic meals. 

One high school in Utah went a step further than just providing food and set up a teen room, which they call The Hub. Students can make an appointment to visit The Hub and can get food, hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, feminine hygiene products, and deodorant), clothing (socks, underwear/bras, shirts, and pants), and household items (toilet paper, paper towels, washcloths, towels, and blankets). They even have a washer and dryer on site for students to do their laundry during school hours. 

In addition to providing for the physical needs of their students, this high school also has a wellness room where students can go if they need a break and need to calm down. It’s a quiet place for students to regroup, do homework, or relax. What an amazing resource for these students! In a time of life when there are so many uncertainties and stressors, this school has seen a need and has sought to alleviate some stress for its students in need. 

This school is not the only school that hosts a program like this; they are just one example of the good that is out there and the love and concern for today’s youth. Thankfully, rooms like this seem to be on the rise as more and more schools become increasingly aware of the number of students whose physical needs are not being met. We know that when physical needs are met, other needs thrive too.

These programs and rooms are largely operated via donations and generosity from the public. Some schools work in connection with local food pantries and coalitions. Whatever the source of the necessities, it is heartwarming to see individuals and businesses share their resources to care for the youth in their communities. 

To find out if there are schools in your area that have programs or resources to combat food insecurity, contact your local food bank or local schools. 

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Overbooked and stressed out: Are we doing our kids a disservice?

Every parent wants to raise confident, well rounded children. We want to give our children the growing up experience they deserve. So many parents want their children to play a sport, learn a musical instrument, be at the top of their class, and be involved in other school sponsored extra curricular activities. And while all of these activities are good things to want your child to be involved in, at what cost does that involvement come? Are we overbooking our children, causing them to be stressed out and too busy? 

There are many benefits to having your child involved in extra curricular activities. Those activities can teach children things that just can’t be taught as well in the classroom— things like how to be a good sport, being part of a team, and how to manage your time effectively. Friendships can form. Kids can learn to be disciplined and what it takes to improve at something. Music lessons can help students in their academic studies and can boost creativity. Martial arts can help kids learn self defense, respect, and determination. Extra curricular activities are also a great way to boost confidence in children and teens. They can see their hard work pay off and they can feel good about their accomplishments. 

But what happens when the extra “stuff” becomes too much? Parents want their children to be involved and to develop their talents, but it often comes at a cost. Kids need time to just be kids. They need time to decompress from their day, and need a chance to slow down. If they are overbooked with extra activities and responsibilities, those chances to slow down become few and far between. Oftentimes, we see academic success and progress suffering at the hand of too many extra curricular activities. Opportunities for non-extracurricular social interaction lessen. Sleep deprivation can come into play when students are so overbooked that they don’t get to their homework until late at night, which then can bleed into poor academic performance because their young brains are not functioning at full capacity when they are already tired and overworked, not to mention the toll that poor sleep habits have on cognitive function during the daytime. 

I am constantly in awe and disbelief at the teenagers in my neighborhood. They are all doing incredible things, and it is remarkable to see their talents bloom. That being said, I know it comes at a great cost. One girl a few houses down from me is a competitive dancer. After school most days of the week, she heads from school to home, just to turn around and head to the dance studio for the next few hours of her night. On Wednesdays, she finishes dance at 6:30, then promptly heads to her church congregation’s youth activity for the week, which usually lasts until 8-8:30. Once that is over, she can head home and do her homework and get some down time before heading to bed just to start it all over again the next morning. I’m exhausted just writing this! 

I don’t know if there are any easy solutions to this dilemma. What I do know is that young minds are precious and should be treated with care. It is essential to find a decent balance between being involved and being too involved. For some families, that may look like cutting out extra curricular activities all together. For others, it might mean cutting back on how many extra activities they are involved in, or maybe cutting back from participating in competitive teams and sticking only to school or city recreation teams. Some families may have magically figured out the perfect routine and balance that works for them (lucky!). 

Whatever the case may be, there is much to be considered when putting children and teens into extra curricular activities. There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. But one thing is certain: we need to be sure to look out for the well being of our rising generation, and need to make sure they are healthy and well!

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Why Teaching is a Good Idea

Being a school teacher is a demanding and busy job. There are so many responsibilities and duties with which teachers are tasked. Lesson planning, classroom management, differentiation, test writing, assignment writing, and instruction are just a few. It’s a big job, with the potential to influence, for better or for worse, the lives and minds of today’s youth. Why would anyone want to do it? Why would you intentionally take on that kind of stress and pressure? There are, after all, innumerable other jobs to pick from. Why would anyone choose to be a teacher? It’s certainly not the money (though it would be amazing If teachers were actually compensated what they are truly worth!). Despite what some may think, there are actually really good, compelling reasons to become a teacher. Join me over the next couple of days as we talk about some of those reasons!

Reason #1: You have the chance to impact the rising generation

This is probably the number one reason that most teachers do what they do. Kids and teens spend a good chunk of their time at school. Teachers have the most amazing opportunity to use that time with students for good. One teacher I talked to said that she loves to teach her students to think critically and to think for themselves— what an incredible impact she is having on her students by teaching them a crucial skill that they will use the rest of their lives. So many students are not blessed with good home lives, and for many students, school is their safe place. It would be such a tragedy if teachers didn’t use their time wisely and didn’t create that safe space that so many students today need. Teachers have such an incredible responsibility and privilege to bless and influence the lives of today’s rising generation.

Reason #2: Kids of all ages are so much fun

No matter the age group you teach, there is the potential for so much fun to be had. Kids of all ages add so much variety and fun to life. I’m sure most teachers could write a book full of funny things they have heard or seen their students say or do. Teachers have a unique opportunity to interact with and develop relationships with their students. They can use those interactions to build up their students and encourage them to be their best selves.

Reason #3: Teaching can be a blast

Do you love math? Science? Grammar? Anxiety Egypt? Greek Mythology? Perfect! Teaching gives you a chance to share your passions. As you teach, you can use your knowledge and enthusiasm for a particular subject to engage students and open up a whole new world of exciting information. When you teach with passion for your subject, your students can feel it and will catch on to your excitement. 

Reason #4: Job Security

Teaching is one of those jobs that will always be needed. It’s not a job that will be phased out or done away with. People need formal education, and teachers provide that education. Sure, there may be times where a teaching job may not be open at the exact school you are wanting to work at, but there will always be teaching opportunities nearby. And in today’s economy, job security is an amazing thing to have!

Reason #5: Every day is different

Teaching is a lot of things, but one thing it isn’t is boring. Every day is a chance for a new adventure. For secondary teachers, even every class period is different. You can teach the same exact lesson for all seven class periods and have completely different class periods. It’s amazing! One day your students may be subdued and calm, while the next day they are full of enthusiasm and zest. You just never know, and that’s part of what makes teaching so much fun! If you love variety, teaching is definitely a good option for you.

Have I convinced you yet to become a teacher? Or maybe at least convinced you that it might be a good career choice? If not, that’s okay! My next post will give you five more reasons that teaching is the best job a person can have. See you next time!

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Fast Finishers: A Blessing and A Curse

Fast finishers. Every classroom has them, and every teacher should have something for them to do when they do finish quickly. Let’s dive into some of the whys behind fast finishers and discover some ideas teachers can use to keep these students from getting bored, causing disruptions, or wasting time. 

For some students, finishing quickly happens because the material comes easily to them, and they are able to get through the work faster than their peers. Other students finish early because they may have lost motivation to care about their work or are bored with it, so they rush through it, not moving slowly enough to check if their responses are correct. Other students may find the material to be difficult, and rather than asking for help, they answer questions quickly in hopes of not getting frustrated or embarrassed. 

Whatever the reason, teachers need to have a plan in place for these students. For the students who finish quickly because they truly do know the material, it might be a good idea to have them help a student who is struggling with the assignment. This is a great option for students who are advanced. It can give them a chance to feel important and will give them a special role in the classroom. On the flip side, for the struggling student, having a peer help them has the potential to help them understand the material better, as the advanced student may have a unique way of “teaching” that may make more sense to the struggling learner. 

Other ideas for fast finishers who understand the material include silent reading time, word searches or crosswords, drawing or coloring, or, for secondary students, maybe a little time to work on an assignment for another class. I always found it helpful to have a place in my classroom that contained extra “fun” worksheets or activities for my fast finishers to do.

For the students who are finishing early because they simply don’t care if they do the assignment correctly, have them go back through their work and check their answers. Sit next to them, if possible, to help keep them on track. 

Students who turn work in early because they truly are struggling might need a little extra coaching. If possible, sit next to this student and help them through a couple of questions. Allow them to use their notes. Pair them up with a student who does know the material and have that student help their peer. 

Any teacher knows that fast finishers are a blessing and a curse to a classroom. If some students get bored because they are done with their work, they turn to bugging classmates who are still working, causing other disruptions, or wasting their time. Rather than having to deal with disruptive behaviors, it’s best that a teacher have some activities ready and on hand for those students who need a little bit of a time filler. Being prepared with these kinds of activities will be a big help when you’re faced with a fast finisher. You won’t regret being prepared!

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Are Parent Teacher Conferences Even Worth It?

Last week we attended parent teacher conferences for my four oldest kids. Between the time spent meeting with teachers and the time spent waiting to meet with teachers, we were at the school for almost two hours. It was a long night. I started to wonder if it was even worth our time and the teachers’ time when everything that was said probably could have just been said in an email. But then as I sat and thought for a minute, I remembered that there really is great value in taking the time to go into the school and meet with the teachers face to face. 

In person meetings open the door to establishing a relationship with the teachers. It’s important to build rapport with the people in your children’s lives. And from a teacher’s perspective, it’s really nice to be able to see the parents and families of your students, as it can give you insight into the student’s family life and their situation. 

There is also something to be said for actually being in the classroom where your child learns. My kids love to show me where they sit, fun things they love about their classroom, and where their cubbies and other things are in the room, and I love being able to see all of that. I remember nights when even my “too cool” junior high students would be so excited to show their parents where they sat in my room. Students, parents, and teachers alike can enjoy being in the classroom together.

While face to face meetings and being in the classroom are both solid reasons to spend time at parent teacher conferences, I think the most important reason is for students to hear the good things that are being celebrated. As a teacher, celebrating and praising students was one of my favorite things to do. Everyone loves to hear they are doing a good job. I loved getting to tell parents about the amazing things their child was doing, especially if the student was right there with us. Nothing can replace the pride and joy that would come across the student’s face as they heard good things being said about them. As a parent, it’s such a sweet moment seeing my child’s face light up when their teacher praises them. 

So while parent teacher conference nights are long nights, the time is worth it. In order for there to be a positive relationship between parents and teachers, it’s crucial to have good communication, and conferences are such a good way to accomplish this. By taking time out of your busy life to meet with teachers, it shows your child (and their teacher) that you are invested in their education and progress. Is it possible to be invested without attending conferences? Absolutely. But conferences provide a unique opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to all come together to celebrate (and correct if necessary) the things that are happening in the classroom. 

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Building Confident Learners

“This is too hard! I can’t do it. I”m giving up!” How many times as an educator (or parent) have you heard those words? I’m not sure I could count the number of times I heard my students say things like that. To be honest, I know I’ve said those things to myself as an adult more than I probably should have. Sometimes things are hard and sometimes students do feel like giving up. I think a lot of times, it comes down to confidence, and I think there are many students who are still working on building their confidence. So what do you do when you have a student who needs a little confidence boost? 

Positive reinforcement is a huge factor in building confidence. People love to know when they’ve done something well. Even as adults, receiving validation is so satisfying. When students are younger, we often have to use extrinsic motivators to get students to do their work. Once they have the motivation, and they successfully complete a task, their confidence begins to build. Receiving positive feedback fosters a sense of pride. Knowing they did something well or correctly gives students a feeling of success. As a teacher, I always tried to give at least two positive bits of feedback for every negative or corrective bit of feedback. Letting students know they are doing well in something provides them with the confidence to keep going and to keep trying new things.

Students who lack confidence often benefit from a chance to lead. When given an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills, it provides them a chance to feel like what they can do and what they know is valuable, and that their efforts are important. Not only does the student who is leading benefit, but those that are learning from that student can also benefit. It should be noted that for students who are shy, asking them to lead or teach can be terrifying. While it is our job as a teacher to push students and help them grow, we should never put a student in a situation where they are feeling unsafe. If a student is hesitant about leading a whole class or large group, try having them lead a smaller group. 

Pushing students to solve problems and think through things is another great way to foster confidence. When a student successfully figures out how to solve a problem, they gain so much confidence in themselves. This is especially the case when they have to really work to figure it out, sometimes even failing a couple of times. Encouraging students to keep pushing through, even when they fail, is crucial. Giving them praise, little nudges in the right direction, and acknowledgement can go a long way in building confident learners. One of my kids is an innate problem solver. He loves finding solutions to things and loves working through problems. I’ve watched him time after time trying to solve problems he is faced with. He almost always has to start over a few times until he gets it right, but when he does, he is beaming with pride! He feels so confident in his abilities once he can see that his hard work paid off. It’s good to let students struggle through things. It really gives them a chance to get their brains working. It’s important for them to also know that sometimes we have to ask for help, and sometimes we need to take a break and come back to a problem with fresh eyes and a clear mind. 

Building confident learners is such an important part of a teacher’s job. Students need to know that they are capable of doing so many things. Confidence will help students feel successful, will empower them, and will fill them with a sense of pride that can’t come any other way. Knowing you are capable of doing hard things is something that every student should know.