Teacher Feature:
Eric Braden is one of Morgan’s most famous faces. He’s been teaching and coaching just about everything for 20 years now. His talents range from 5th-7th-grade Math, various middle school English courses, Science, Quest, Social Studies, elementary up to high school basketball, track, and volleyball.
He’s currently settled on 6th and 7th grade Math, two sections of 6th grade Reading, and high school basketball. Mr. Braden found inspiration to pursue teaching and coaching through the people he encountered in his middle school years.
“Coaches and teachers were always people I looked up to, many had high expectations and kept me organized, and eventually out of trouble. Practices, open gyms, and school were places I could go to feel a part of something.”
Experiences like these helped mold Mr. Braden into the mentor he is today.
Many students know that going into Mr. Braden’s class is a little intimidating; but after you spend a few minutes in his class, you’ll learn that he simply expects your best behavior and hardest work. If a student gives that, Mr. Braden will dedicate himself to further you as a person and a scholar. This also applies to his sports teams.
“I want to provide a good learning environment with the least amount of distractions possible. Teachers and coaches do way more than what appears in the textbooks and playbooks, we want to teach kids respect and responsibility, hard work, and other life skills that will help them in the future.”
One unique feature of Mr. Braden’s teaching career is that he has taught his children! Three of his sons have attended Morgan so far, and all of them have had to call Dad, Mr. Braden. Some might find it difficult to separate these two worlds, but he sees it as a chance to learn.
“They give me feedback and challenge me at times. That helps me evolve... The teacher and coach I am today has a lot to do with my own children being in my class.”
It’s no question that 20 years after teaching just about everything you could imagine, Mr. Braden has become one of Morgan’s best and most dedicated teachers. His classes teach you what it’s like to take responsibility for your actions, and how to mature. But above all, Mr. Braden teaches his students how to savor the moments you have, and how to preserve through any struggles you might face.
Student Feature:
Three years ago, one little choice marked the beginning of a revolution for 8th grader Joshua Baldwin. As a middle schooler, you have many newfound club opportunities. For Josh, it was drama club. There was no driving reason for joining, he was simply interested in trying out something new, but after his first year, it became a passion.
“I tried out my first year and I thought it was really interesting.” Josh appreciates drama for many reasons. “I enjoy the social part of drama, like being with all of my friends. I like being able to become another character because it’s really fun and because it entertains people.”
Josh worked his way up from small parts, all the way to the lead!
“Getting the lead was like a blessing, because it was what I was shooting for all three years.” Being in drama club taught Josh more than just how to entertain a crowd. It teaches hard work, dedication, and how to interact with a group. It also weighs heavily upon public speaking, which is great practice for Josh, because he’s thinking about becoming a preacher.
Even though he’s only in 8th grade, Josh has some serious plans.
“I’ve wanted to be a preacher since I was a kid, but I really want to be a chef. I’m hoping to take lots of business classes in high school and college so I can open my own restaurant.”
And if being a chef or a preacher doesn’t feel right, Josh is thinking of falling back on drama.
“I’m definitely going to do drama in high school, and maybe in college. I could see it as a backup career.”
I think we could all learn a little from Josh. Even if something new seems scary, trying it out made lead you to one of your greatest passions.
Love Is In the Air:
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s no surprise that the hallway is filled with hearts. Literally.
When students filed into school a few days ago, there were small paper hearts strung onto the cinderblock walls. As we got closer, a surprise was written on top. Hundreds of compliments, specific to each student in the school. For the first time, small notes ranging from, “I love your style,” (that was mine!) to, “The world is a better place because of people like you,” coat the hallways of Morgan. Now, who can take the credit? No one knows!
Students and staff alike have tried their best to uncover the author of these sweet notes, but the writer still remains anonymous. Murmurs of Student Council and FACTS have come up, but nothing has been confirmed.
A more familiar Valentine’s Day tradition with a name behind it has been in the works for about two weeks now. Each year the FACTS club sponsors a flower sale. Students had the chance to purchase carnations (white for “admiration/friendship”, pink for “like”, and red for “love) for $1 to send to friends, staff, and lovers. These flowers are a favorite tradition at Morgan because they’re a simple, easy way to show the people who are important to them that they care. The flowers will be delivered Friday the 12th. Just in time for Valentine’s Day!
A Star for a Day:
A long-held tradition at Morgan is Dance and Cheer for a Day. During one high school game, elementary students are given the opportunity to train with the dance or cheerleading team, and perform in front of the crowd at half time. Last week kindergarten through 5th grade signed up to learn a special routine with the dance team. Each dance member was paired with two grade levels and choreographed their own dance for the girls who signed up.
These young girls were very excited to learn from the high school dancers and worked extremely hard. Dance Captain Naomi Walker was, “surprised at how quickly they learned,” due to the limited amount of time available. It was clear that the Dance for a Day girls were passionate about their time, because, “they asked for extra tips and listened to everything.”
Two of the aspiring dancers I spoke with were very enthusiastic about dance and said they enjoyed dancing in their free time. Kindergartener Lennon Molchan, and 3rd grader Ireland Hanna both said they signed up because they love to dance at home. Lennon loved performing because she enjoyed seeing the crowd, but Ireland preferred practice.
Either way, it sounds like all of the girls had fun spending time with the high schoolers and dancing their hearts out. They even got a tour of the high school! (It was a special request from some of the younger girls.)
On February 19th, Cheer for a Day will be held during the high school game. Come check it out and see the high school cheerleaders lead the elementary in a special cheer!