Sample Speech

Sample Speeches for Middle Level Education Month 

During the next few months, many of you will be speaking formally or informally to a variety of groups that make up your school communities. At NASSP, we believe it is important for us to cast Middle Level Students and their schools in a positive light whenever possible. Recent articles in the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times make it seem fashionable to bash middle schools and middle level students. March is Middle Level Education Month and it seems a good idea to embed positive images of our students and their schools whenever we have an appropriate forum.

Different audiences need to hear different messages, therefore we want to suggest some things that you may consider as you prepare to speak in different settings.

In your schools:

For most of us, the testing season is beginning. It is important that we keep a positive outlook with staff. The end of the year is approaching and we may need to remind them they are working with young adolescents and the adults in their lives are still important people to them - even when they act otherwise. For many students, friendship trumps everything and students can be desperate to have friends. However, kind words from adults outside the classroom can work wonders. Whether you have an advisory program or not, remind staff that significant adult relationships in school are critical to establishing a supportive environment. It is never to late to establish an appropriate significant adult to student relationship.

With Incoming Student Parents:

Many of us will be entertaining the parents of students who will be new to our school in the fall. These transition meetings are a good time to let parents in on the secrets of the middle school.

• Their children really do want them to be involved in their lives - even though it isn't always obvious
• Students face tremendous challenges and they will make major life affecting choices - including such things as friends, leisure activities, study habits, serious moral dilemmas that need to be addressed, etc…
• The physical challenges of puberty - the tall girl and the short boy
• The importance of friends and not being embarrassed in public places - parents who talk too loud in restaurants
• Middle school is the last, best chance to avoid a diminished future
• The call of the opposite sex will beckon to many during the ages of 11 through 14
• It is important that parents are patient, understanding, caring and loving with their young adolescent - even when they cannot understand where this new child came from!

The Community At Large:

If you have a chance to talk with the community organizations, even your PTA it is important that you remind them that young adolescents are not simply bundles of hormones looking for a place to fly. Serious learning occurs in your school and they are welcome to come and observe. 'Outsiders' are frequently amazed after a visit to a middle level school. Kids are in classes doing serious learning – not having a party! You may also want to include the following ideas:

• They can help by collaborating with us
• Come to school and volunteer
• Join us on our leadership teams
• Attend school activities
• Support the needs of middle level students with government and other community agencies
• Emphasize the positive aspect of the learning in your school and the good work being done by staff and students

We hope this helps you set a tone as you deliver the critical and important specific messages about your school. Thank you for all the work you do for our students.