Thoughts from a former student...Allyson Kasper

Yesterday, the teachers received a letter in their box from a former student who attended SCCS. Her name is Allyson Kasper and is currently a seventh grader at Smithton Middle School. Here are her sincere words of encouragement to families and students.

Dear SCCS,
"May I have a round of applause?" I had just finished my Independent Inquiry, relieved that is was finally over while still keeping in mind that I was going to have to do another one next month. "Whoopee!" I said sarcastically.
I know that a lot of kids at SCCS don't like Independent Inquiries, (I know. I've been there), but I wanted all of you to know that Independent Inquiries are going to be very useful in your every day life.
I was a student at SCCS during 2005-2008. I am now at Smithton Middle School, 7th grade, team 74. I have done many presentations, reports, and essas on a variety of topics. Every time I've gotten a good grade on one of those projects at least one kid would ask me "how did you get such a good grade on your project?" I would respond in my best educated voice "I went to such a great elementary school; they gave us these little mini projects to prepare us for future projects, kind of like today."
Kids don't realize that what you learn now will be used again in the future, if it's a week from now or three years from now. Independent Inquires is just that, they are practice for projects you will be doing in middle school and beyond. From essays to presenting your work it's all going to be done in the future. Pay attention in class and do the work, and apply what you have learned to your everyday life, school and life will be a breeze.
Your Former Student,
Allyson Kasper