Can You Hear Me Now? Effectiveness of MVMS Announcements Questioned
By Mohammed
STAFF WRITERS
![Each morning the MVMS daily bulletin is broadcast over the P.A. system. Typically the announcements include a musical selection, information about school events and close with Word of Wisdom.
MVMS students have mixed views about how effective the daily bulletin is. One student said, “I think they’re useful because they say what’s going to happen during the day. Teddy said, “They’re okay. They get to tell you about what’s going on. The bad thing is that you have to listen to someone over the PA [talk] about other things.”
MVMS teachers offered their views on the subject. Mr. Schulman said, “I like them. I think they’re very important, especially when people listen to them.” Mr. Salinas said, “I think most of my classes don’t pay attention them, and I’m not sure why. They would rather listen to their friends.” Mr. Salinas continued by saying that the announcements can be annoying sometimes, but that “some announcements are very important.”
The inclusion of music as a part of the daily announcements also received mixed reviews by both students and teachers, “ I think it’s okay, and it brings music from other countries to us,” said one student who chose not be identified. Many students interviewed expressed dislike for the musical selections. “Kids would like to hear music they like, but that’s not the purpose,” stated Ms. Green, a French teacher, and the person who picks the songs we listen to everyday.” The purpose of the music is to expose them [students] to new experiences; music from a completely different culture.” The morning music started in October, during the World Culture month, when we had the maps hung up in the hallways. “We got so much feedback, we kept it going,”explained Ms. Green. “I love all the music; I love new things, experiencing sounds. For me to hear the music in the morning starts the day off on a good adventurous note.”
When asked about the rest of the daily announcements, Ms. Green said, “I think the announcements in general are a good idea. They [kids] need to know what’s going on. The Words of Wisdom, I would like the kids to come up with. It’s more positive for them.” She also believes that “It’s not the best system, and it can be improved on.”
The Words of Wisdom are coordinated by Mr. Doyle who is one of three teachers who coordinate the Web program. Web leaders are selected to read both the bulletin and the Words of Wisdom over the loudspeaker. The Words of Wisdom are actually kept in a binder in the office. “I think if we can get kids to listen to them, it will affect them. It affects me. I know some kids who do listen to them. Incidents happen throughout the day and one of the kids says, ‘Remember the Words of
Wisdom?’” states Mr. Doyle. He likes the inclusion of the Words of Wisdom.
When asked his opinion on the rest of the daily announcements Mr. Doyle said,“I think they’re important to read so that kids know what’s in the week. Sometimes they say things over and over and kids won’t listen; over all, it’s good.” He thinks it’s a good way to communicate with students.
Mr. Schulman’s Amethyst class also came up with an idea that would essentially improve the level of focus on the announcements. The class thought that rather than having them explain the words of wisdom over the loudspeaker have them say it, and have the class discuss the words of wisdom for about two minutes. They think there is already too much talking over the loudspeaker, and they would get more](4B641130-EDA5-4991-BF7C-4C649D975329_files/shapeimage_1.png)
