Ashar Farooq
Grade 7
Henry L Stimson Middle School
Henry L Stimson Middle School is symbolic for more than just plain good and nice. It is a place that feels like a home. A place where you feel safe and welcoming, not to mention the great feeling of compassion to learn and get out of your comfort box in order to gain success. Even though it has been roughly 2 months since I walked into this great school, I honestly believe that I know the whole school and everything about it. Believe it or not, I have grown considerably in these weeks that I have attend the school. It started with the programs to the teachers to my friends and the classes and spread throughout the school. My teachers are extremely caring and understanding of me and my fellow classmates. The first day of 7th grade turned out to be the best first day in my education life. The next day, I knew the character and the personality of most of my teachers. The first day we had an assembly where our new principal addressed that he could not tell a difference in lunch between 7 and 8 graders and my heart was filled with joy.
As time progressed, the classes and the classroom’s atmosphere was filled with the aroma of excitement. Since I was in 5 honors classes (7H), I had tests after tests and quizzes after quizzes, but I was compassionate about doing well on everything, so I studied extra hard and my teachers did a lot to help us maximize our potential. All, if not some, of my teachers gave a very well-constructed review and review materials for us before the test/quiz. Many of my teachers also offered extra help in the morning. I was a little surprised, since never before had a teacher offered extra help in the beginning of a school year. A lot of times, I had some type of questions either before a test or about something else and I was influenced by my teachers so much, that I emailed them, even though I never did it before. I also asked my teachers questions after class. Surprisingly, all the teachers I emailed replied with a decent answer. Once, I emailed Mrs.Prasad, my science teacher, a list of questions and she replied back with a lot more information and encouraged me to email back with any concerns, questions, or anything that I might have. My math teacher, Mrs. Corcoran, always has cool lessons for us using the various features of the Smartboard. They usually go with the theme like back to school or Halloween. They are really eye catching and helps enhance the lesson. The lesson are also very detailed and I understand it completely and if I don’t, I ask her questions and she explains in different ways to make me understand. My guidance counselor also helps me a lot. One time, I went to her and asked her about after-school activities and I got some ideas. My sister told me to ask her about STEP Saturday Academy. So, my guidance counselor, Mrs.Behar, gave me a form for STEP at Farmingdale State College and I got it filled out and the next Saturday, I went and it turned out to be really fun! My teachers also use their eboard for wide range of activities and information. They usually have cool PowerPoint notes and other good resources that help me review for upcoming tests/quizzes.
My school also helped me grow by providing valuable resources necessary for the 21st century like Home and Careers class, Penny Wars, Red Ribbon Week, Spirit Week, and other activities. October was considered Month of Young Adolescent and we did a lot of things pertaining to it. Honestly, they were really fun. In Home and Careers, we learned about careers and other information needed for this generation. Although, there are number of extra-curricular activities at my school, there aren't sufficient and this money would cover that and much more. In our school, we have VAP classes, classes where you get iPads to use in class in order to learn and enhance education using the advanced technology we have today. I wanted to get in it, but there aren't enough spaces and this money would take care of that. Our school would also get better ways to improve the curriculum using better resources. Honestly, I see a great future in this school and I look forward to maximizing my potential to the highest point possible.