2011-2012 academic year theme is
“Personal Integrity”

What a Life! is a program at TEMS that is organized and run by parent volunteers with the support of the PTO and TEMS administration.  Each year, the program will focus on a specific theme that is selected based on the current needs and goals of the school.

What a Life! aims to ENCOURAGE kids to do their personal best, EMPOWER them to dream big and strive for those dreams, INSPIRE kids to achieve and excel, and GIVE them hope and motivation for their futures. In turn, our children will learn to encourage, empower, inspire, and give to others.  We hope this program makes an impact on our children that will last a lifetime.

Activities and presentations around the theme are intended to provide a cohesive structure to the program throughout the academic year.  All themes will address the overall objectives of character development, overcoming challenges and obstacles, celebrating differences, making good choices, living in a world community, and helping our children grow into responsible adults who are prepared to be successful, contributing members of society.

The components of the What a Life! program which are developed and implemented by the committee and parent volunteers include:

1. Campaign – events occur throughout the year and may include mini-programs, fun contests, independent work, or group activities

2. Impact Project – an “action day” or activity related to the theme

3. Speaker or Assembly Day – the culminating event which will tie-together the campaign and impact project components with the theme

4. Reflection Period – so kids can discover what they’ve learned about themselves and in general, from the program

The theme for the 2011-2012 academic year is “Personal Integrity”.

We are looking for committee members and parent volunteers:

1. To help research mini-programs, contests, and activities that can be modified to fit our theme and program, and to implement them in the school.  More than likely any of these activities will occur in an after school setting or during lunchtime, so they will be quick and high-impact.

2. Who are creative and artistic!  We need you to help decorate the school (mainly the large bulletin board in the cafeteria).

3. Who are available to volunteer their time to help implement the activities as they are scheduled (e.g., help announce and run a contest during 5th grade lunch period) – you can do one shift or as many as you are able.  We will also need parent volunteers to help on the day of the speaker or assembly.  (Dates TBA)

* * *

To get involved with this exciting committee, or to help as a parent volunteer, please contact Sue Snyder at Susan.Snyder6@gmail.com or 610-644-0662.

March 2012 - This year’s focus on Personal Integrity prompted a survey that asked the kids to say what constituted “cheating.”  Here’s a link to the questionnaire (with answers) which makes for great conversation - maybe at the dinner table or during a car ride.

March 2012 - Here is a link to a Summary of The Situation Box Suggestions.

You have one life… make it count!