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Hello wonderful Jaguar community. It is my pleasure to have prepared a short monologue for you. All so that I can express my gratitude and share some of my favorite memories of the journey I’ve taken here at Jordan. I have no other bubbly thing to say, so let us commence! First off, I would like to thank the Jordan community, this includes admis and of course, the students. I truly am happy and proud to have had spent the time I did with everybody. Despite how angry it seems that some [8th graders] are at this school and at the administrators. I do very much appreciate all the people that helped make my time at Jordan a special and wonderful journey to each and every student. One special memory I have was in U.S. History Class. This was important because I learned my rights. I learned what I’m allowed to do and not allowed to do. What I’m entitled to. I learned many important events that impacted the creation of our nation which I consider fascinating. Over my years at Jordan I have learned many things. My advice to incoming 6th Graders would be to pay attention. Not just to do well in class, but to the way people act, their reactions. Pay attention to your teachers reactions, to how students act, it’s surprising how much paying attention can help (but also pay attention in class). I am disappointed to have to leave. But will continue to carry out the values I have acquired here at Jordan. I will try my best to hold on to what I found very valuable without with me in my life. Such as time management, this is very important life skill that will continue to help me out throughout my lifetime.Thank you to all the teachers who halve helped make my experience at Jordan wonderful, to those who have been their to catch me, including students. I appreciate the work that the administrators have put in. It’s disappointing for me to have say goodbye. Thank you.

8th Grade Farewell AddressHome is where the heart is. At home we feel safe and are with our family. For the past 3 years my heart has been here at Jordan. I have felt safe to be who I am and became a family with my fellow peers. We all have had hardships but since we stayed together we have overcome them. We care for each other and help one another at any time. We are a community that people want to be apart of. Something that has grown over the past 3 years. We have become closer and been able to confide in one another.My middle school experience has taught me so much. I learned a lot from not only teachers but my fellow peers. One of my social studies teachers taught me to enjoy learning and how to make learning fun. This showed me, that no matter who you are you can make anything fun. Others taught me to ask thoughtful questions. That helped me find all the facts before doing something. I also want to thank my math teacher for believing in me even when I had a hard time. I thank my friends who accepted me for me and helped me to become a better person than I was before.The 2017 graduating class accomplished many things together as a community. We became even more inclusive to people who are different. Our community accepted people for who they are and where they came from. We did not discriminate against others. Secondly, we helped the act of changing our school name. They named the school after a person who was not kind and open minded. We stood up and told the school what we wanted to happen. Individuals also had their own achievements. I skipped a grade in math. That was never something I thought I could do. I also made a lot of new and interesting friends. In 8th grade U.S. History, we learned about the founding and making of the United States. These lessons taught us to be better US citizens. First, we learned about the Revolutionary War. This taught us to stand up for what we believe in. As citizens if we do not believe in what the government is doing then we should tell them. Also the Revolutionary war taught us to fight for freedom. In time we learned that the Revolutionary War was a really important time. It was the beginning of our nation and a new era of freedom. Secondly, we learned about the Declaration of Independence. To begin, the Declaration of Independence was important because it was the first time that England had realized we had freedom. Also the Declaration of Independence was used again and again as a document of freedom. Not only was it important but it taught me a lot about being a US citizen. One thing it taught me was that being an american means having freedom. Although in the beginning not everyone had freedom, we as a country made a change to our beliefs system. A second thing it taught me was that we should try to be as nonviolent as possible by using words. Lastly, we were taught about the Constitution. The Constitution is one of the most important documents to our nation. It is the basis of our government and how our country should be run. It taught me about the different positions in the government and what they do. Also, the Constitution educated me about how things can be changed because of all the amendments made to it. That not everything is set and stone and if everyone puts their mind to it then the world can change.Not only have I gained wisdom from history class, I have gained foresight in every class. One of the many experiences in middle school cause me to realize that grades in middle school are not very significant. I found that, although I should study, I should also not place so much pressure on myself because it caused me to be really stressed and defeated. Another experienced caused me to recognize that I should become less shy and try to make new friends. Unlike elementary school, middle has many more people that are very interesting. Not only should you try to get new friends, also be kind and considerate to everyone, no matter if you like them or not. A third experience caused me to grasp that I need to have good habits. Middle school is like a gateway to high school and the real world. If we all have good habits as a base then we will all succeed.Out of all this information Jordan taught I know I will do well later on, especially in high school. I will be able to work hard and get all my work done. This will allow to have more time to do some really interesting things.So thank you Jordan. Thank you to all the students here today and the ones who will come later. Thank you to all the teachers and staff. Thank you for making middle school so memorable. Thank you for making middle school such a good place for everyone. You have all made middle school the best time ever.

Hello fellow Jordan students and staff, and farewell. As you may know this was my last year at Jordan Middle School, and I am now migrating on to Paly. There are many people who helped me thrive in middle school, including friends, front office, teachers and counselors. In these past two years I have made many accomplishments and habits that I will distribute to incoming sixth graders, and other veteran middle schoolers who need advice. But now I would like to express my gratitude.Thank you to Mr. Macias and Ms. Limburg for helping me keep up and understand math, a subject I have struggled with so much in past years. The friends I have made here at Jordan did not only keep me entertained, but have also strived to motivate me on schoolwork. In the beginning of eighth grade, my friends and peers have convinced me to pay attention in class. Since then, my grades have excessively increased.In the past years at Jordan, and in elementary school, I have rarely been able to keep my grades above a B+ in all my classes, or get an A on any of my tests. This year, thanks to my focus and hard work, I have triumphed and gotten 90% or higher on most assessments, and keep an A in at least four of my classes.In U.S. history this year, we learned about the birth of America. My teacher, Mr. Diven, has educated my class and me on the states of early U.S., U.S geography, the first presidents and what they accomplished, slavery, and the Civil War. Our class has absorbed all of this information, and Mr. Diven always explained to us why the material is so important to know. He has reminded us that those who do not know their history are bound to repeat it.The important memories, and accomplishments I have made is all thanks to my work habits, that I suggest all Jordan students who need help must hear. Take notes, notes can be boring, but they are also very crucial. Don’t only copy down what the teacher writes though, you have to understand what you write down or the notes are useless, which brings me to the next thing, ask questions. Questions are even more important than notes. Study at least ten minutes daily. These strategies are what got me from failing middle school, so I recommend them very much. I hope that in future times I will continue to use the study methods to get as good grades as I have now, or even better. Also I hope to make as helpful friends, and as exceptional teachers. Overall, I wish that I make more great memories at Paly like I did at Jordan. I can not believe that I am leaving Jordan, and already heading to high school. I hope that all the Students here at Jordan work harder than I did my first half of Jordan, and make as many great memories as I did. There is one last thing that I do not want to say, but must eventually, Farewell Jordan Middle School.

Everyone will be or has been at the point that I’m at now. The point where you go on to determine your fate some in school some not. For me this choice is made at home in Jordan Middle School. It is the point when you go from the the little leagues to the big league. This is the point for me to jump from middle school to high school. Most people will make it here and have to go from the first part to the second. For me and my fellow 8th graders the time is now to make the change. Although I would not be at the point where I am at now without a lot of assistance. This is where I need to acknowledge all the help that people have given me. Mostly my friends for supporting me and always being there to help me. To my teachers for working with me, like Mrs pound helped me with some of my missing assignments. But I have to thank my parents the most for all the motivation to do better and keep up the good work. I have learned and done so much more by asking for help and having support. At Jordan I have mastered so many new things mostly from my teachers, and some things from friends and classmates. Some of the more recent things I Learned about were the civil war, Algebra, literary devices, and molecules .I really savor what I learned like I savor candy and think that it could come in handy later in life or be nice just to know. It is always good to learn about history in particular because it can give you knowledge and guidance to what will happen if you make certain decisions because people have most likely gone through it before. One example may be the tax that was forced upon the colonists that caused them to fight back. Now If we add new laws then some people may fight back. When my mind wonders back on this year of history learning about the conflicts and difficulties that the US has faced in the past. I can be really important to learn about the past because then you can find out what may happen in the future because something similar could have happened in the past. Just like previously mentioned it can be easier to predict what could happen. One thing that my spring to mind is the recent election that not all people are happy with. As of yet nothing major has happened but may have a chance to recreate what happened before the Civil War. Along with that I have greatly increased in my research abilities and now know what to look for I’ve made my fair share of faults but the one that is just like a big ditch formed by a fault line is not hanging out with my friends as much as I could have. If I had stayed on top of things better then I would have had more time. but I would occasionally leave assignments and other things to the last minute, and If I had time in class then I would do the work but slower and more socially then if I were at home. I now think ahead and notice that there will not be as much time to do so. Another big help is to always do your best and know that is will help you in the long run. That comes back to the last point where if you have the chance to do work then do It. along with that try your best and if it's not good enough then see what you can improve on. With all of my new friends you get to meet new people it is important to be social. Since I have been at Jordan I have learned how to be more social and have a better connection with others. I am so glad that I was able to pick up this skill because it is one that will come in handy for the rest of my life. I will be able to communicate well with others and not be as shy as I was. If I had not gone through Jordan then I may be a much different person then I am now, and to be honest I’m pretty happy with who I am. With new found skills and knowledge it's time to go.It will be hard to say goodbye, but it has to be done if I want to move on. I want to acknowledge that all the people at Jordan have been a big help and I am so glad that they were here at the same time as me. From all the students and the countless ever changing staff from the last three principles always changing from the office like presidents from the government to all the students. I am so glad that I came to Jordan and I’m going to miss coming back next year. And I am so sorry to say goodbye to my favorite school so far. really glad that I did this project because it made me so much more confident to share in front of the class. Along with that It gave me an Idea of how to do an effective presentation and experiment. I was a really good way for me to start the year off that way

Hi Jordan. The school year is going to be over soon, which means summer break, no more homework, and more time to relax. But before we leave this place, let’s travel back in time in our nonexistent time machine to sixth grade. Where it all began. We all entered this school not knowing how to get to class and not knowing what to expect. Throughout these three years, we have learned the ins and outs of Jordan and gained a lot of experiences and knowledge.There are many people I want to thank, but first I must thank all of my teachers. Each one of them helped me grow in different ways. Every teacher has their own way of teaching and I learned to succeed with different approaches on teaching. Some teachers took advantage of many electronic tools provided to us, while others preferred to teach directly to us. In sixth grade, my teachers helped me make the transition from elementary school to middle school much smoother. My seventh and eighth grade teachers helped me prepare for high school. Next, I want to thank all of my friends for being by my side through the ups and downs. You all made school much more fun, and I made many new friends during my time at Jordan as well. We have gone through so much together and have made so many memories.My teachers and friends have helped me achieve a lot, and I’m sure that everyone else has as well. During my time at Jordan, I was on a Jordan volleyball team, then a club team, all three years. Our team was weak in sixth grade, but we improved immensely together and went on to go through the season undefeated and win the championship in eighth grade. I can safely say that we lived up to the Jordan sports reputation this year. Volleyball allowed me to make friends whom I wouldn’t have met otherwise and open a new door in life. In addition to volleyball, I joined yearbook in sixth grade with some of my friends. We weren’t given much to do by the then eighth graders, but we stuck around throughout the entire year. We got to be editors in seventh grade, since there weren’t any seventh graders from the previous year, and I became one of the chief editors. During our time as editors, I, along with some of my friends, have participated in a yearbook camp and several yearbook workshops to learn more about stuff such as design and photography. I’m glad that I got the chance to help create something that holds so many memories and will be kept forever.We learned a lot of material this year in our US History class that I will remember. During the year, we learned about our country’s origins and how it became what it is now. Learning about the cruel treatment of Native Americans and slaves back then helped us see how America is not a perfect country, and everything has its blemishes. The Revolutionary War taught us to stand up for what we believe in. We learned to value our rights while learning about the Bill of Rights. After that, we combined our knowledge of the Antebellum Era and the Civil War in a simulation project. This project had us experience the war in the shoes of an American family then and made us respect the fallen soldiers. All of these things helped me understand what it means to be an American and become a better citizen.If you are an incoming sixth grade Jordan student, then you are probably stressing about middle school. Don’t worry, middle school isn’t as scary as it may seem. Jaguar Journey and the sixth grade schedule help make the transition from elementary school very easy. To be honest, going from sixth grade to seventh grade is more difficult. You don’t need to run between classes either; five minutes is a lot longer than it may seem. Unless you get let out of class late and need to go to your locker and your next class is on the other side of school. You can meet new people and make new friends by joining clubs, which mostly take place during lunch. And most importantly, stay organized. The homework load in sixth grade is much lighter than seventh and eighth grade, but it is good to be prepared. Later, you will have homework, quizzes, and tests from different subjects that could be due the next day or the next month. Having somewhere to write down all of your homework, such as your Binder Reminder, is a good idea. Along with that, have a plan for what homework to do each night. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to contact your teachers; they will have the answers. Try not to turn in any late work, but if you need an extension for any reason, contact your teachers early rather than last minute. They’ll be more willing to give it to you. So, as long as you stay organized, you will do just fine.Before I leave, I would like to remind everyone at Jordan that there is always room for improvement. Jordan is not a perfect school, nor the world a perfect world. Despite this, we can continue to try and make Jordan a better school, and the world a better place. We can be a little nicer to everyone around us. We can be more open-minded about people and ideas. Even something as simple as cleaning up after yourself can make a difference in Jordan. When I was a student at this school, there were many times where I reflected on my past and remembered how I got here. I learned what to do and what not to do. Being at Jordan helped me become a better person, which is the first step in improving the world.So, I would like to say one final goodbye to the Jordan community. My experiences here all helped me grow as an individual, and I am sure that everyone can say the same. My middle school years may be over, but high school awaits me, as does the rest of my life.

8th Grade Farewell Address What an incredible day it is to be at this school and see these students walking here for the final day. What a sad day it is for me that I will be leaving this exquisite school and leave all the great teachers that have taught me all they know for me to succussed in the next chapter of my life. These 3 years have been absolutely magnificent, all 3 years have been the most memorable moments of my entire life, and I hope you all can learn something at your time in Jordan. As I reach close to the end of middle school, I would like to thank all of teachers, and all of my classmates that have helped me get this far. These are teacher that will help you no matter what. They have given me more encouragement than anyone, to surpass my goals and expectations. Whether it was that one essay that I just couldn’t write, or that one math problem that I couldn’t solve; my teachers were there to help. I’m incredibly grateful to all teachers in this school that have helped me achieve so much. This year alone I have learned a lot, from writing essays that have no details, to essays that are complex, elaborate, and well written. From not knowing how to do basic algebra, to I think having a mastery of it. To knowing so little of our American history, to knowing the Civil Wars, the Revolution, and fundamentally what this nation stands for. Not only have I grown academically, but I have also grown as a human being, all thanks to this great community of supportive teachers, and accepting students. I’ve felt like an outsider, but the students in this school are the most loving, and kind. They treat you as if you are one of them with no prejudice, or malice. When I just came to Jordan as a 6th grader I didn’t talk much, nor did I have many friends… well any really. By the beginning of 8th grade I’ve made many new friends, and talk to other students frequently. All thanks to the supportive Jordan Middle School community. I’ve really begun to understand the importance of history this year. As I near the end of middle school I feel that this year in history has taught me a lot about being an American. From learning the inception of the United States, to the different types of branches of our government, and the basis of our nation the Constitution. I have learned more about my rights, and duties as a citizen of this nation. I’ve learned about the deep struggles we as a people have face. We not only fought for our independence in the revolutionary war, but have fought independence from ourselves in the Civil War, and progressed towards even greater rights with a more just, and fair society. By having a greater sense of history I can look at things from a different perspective. I can look at recent events, through the lens of history. It has made me more aware of my country and what direction it is going in. This has helped me become a better American To the new students that are coming to this school for the first time know that these few years are going to be fantastic. I trust that you will try to make the most of Jordan and try to make it a more better place than I have in my 3 years at this school. You are all in very good hands, however the only way you will be able to succeed is if you ask for help, and if you try to reach out. If you’re having trouble with anything at all, whether it be homework, or even something personal don’t be afraid to ask for help. The teacher here are incredibly open and are more than willing to help you. I know it takes time getting use to a new school, but try to be open to people and try to make the most out of Jordan . But ultimately, try to be happy As I start a next chapter in my life I will use all my experiences and knowledge from Jordan to try and make my High School better. I am more critical in my thinking and more knowledgeable than ever before. I will make sure that I am focused in my studies, so that I may pass my limits, so I may create new goals for me to surpass. This is the knowledge I have learned from my 3 years of being here. This newfound knowledge will make me successful as I move on with my lifeI will now be heading off to high school and be leaving this amazing school behind me. I hope to the new students at Jordan will have a great time and I hope they will make Jordan a better place for everyone than I have left it. I hope you all have a wonderful time at Jordan and I hope all of you may accomplish your goals at this school.

It seems as if it was just yesterday, that I was learning how to use a lock. Greetings my fellow Jaguars, these past 3 years have been a journey for me. Some say it’s about the destination but for me it’s the journey. Within a journey there will be your ups and downs, but always remember when you go down you must always try to get right back up. I always remembered this through the 3 years, and now I am a 8th grader soon to go on 9th. I want to thank my fellow Jaguars as they helped me through this long and fun journey, but most of all my teachers that were with me in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. I appreciate my teachers and what they’ve done for me. For example, I remember one of my 7th grade teachers, when I didn’t turn in my work she would always be on my back and reminding me to turn it in. She would also allow me and my fellow peers to retake tests when we did really bad on them. At Jordan I accomplished multiple goals I set for myself at the beginning of middle school. I wouldn’t have accomplished them if it weren’t for my teachers that helped me along the way. The teachers that helped me a lot were, my Avid teachers they helped me choose a good career that would fit me and that I would want to pursue. That class also helped me achieve my goals of being well organized and turning in my work on time. My biggest achievement in all my middle school years would probably be, this year because throughout the year I had mostly A’s and B’s, this was my biggest achievement because in 6th 7th grade I was getting mostly C’s and occasionally B’s, this was bad so I decided to try and study harder. This year in my U.S. History class I learned many, new and important ideas. One that I learned was that “those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it”, this means that we should always know our history and not fall back, and repeat our past mistakes. This helped me because now I know that everyone should always know their history so you repeat and can become a better citizen. For the incoming 6th grade jordan jaguars, I want for them to know that middle school is not as bad as people say, and you may think. You guys should really get involved with the school and go to the dances with your friends it may be fun. Also you guys should, have a good friend. And help people out when they need it. Some may say that middle school grades don’t matter, but in reality they do matter because, it affects how your high school teachers will look at you when you get to high school. Study hard for tests and turn in projects and homework in on time. Today I am not leaving as student going to high school. I am leaving here as jordan jaguar that became mature and had to learn more new and exciting ideas. Thank you my fellow jaguars for helping me along the way. I appreciate my teachers a lot and what they have done for me.

8th grade Farewell AddressThe marathon of middle school is almost complete, and as any athlete knows, the end of the race is the most gratifying and arduous part. In any competition, the end of the race is when you push yourself to your limits and beyond because you know that all the hard work put in will pay off by giving you a sense of achievement when you cross the finish line. But the work is not finished when the race is. You don’t just stop after the race. You get back up and try again, all so you can be the best you can be. In the same way, middle school is only the preliminary race of the many races you have yet to run in your lifetime. The end of one race helps you see the growth and maturity gained, but also signals the start of another race, just begun. By the end of our lives, we are all experienced athletes in our own endeavors. And the end of this race has shown me how much Jordan has helped me to grow, and has prepared me for all the races to come.While preparing for high school and beyond, the students at Jordan have become stellar examples of what it means to be not just a good, but great citizen, and this is only through the standards set before us by other students and the staff here at Jordan. Everyday, students are reminded of the principles we all strive to uphold-not just at Jordan, but the whole world. We are prepared to uphold the Jordan ROCKS standard not just now, but for the rest of our lives. Student who use the Jordan ROCKS standards on a daily basis are similar to runners who practice using correct form when running, so they can avoid injuries and can run more efficiently. Every runner has fallen down and has been hurt before because they made mistakes. But behind every runner is a coach, who is willing to not only cheer their runner on, but also correct and mentor their runner too. Our coaches are our teachers. From the sixth grade teachers who taught us the basics of middle school, to the eighth grade teachers who challenge us everyday. Each coach is not only there for their runner, but also with their runner for every step of the race. And the teachers here at Jordan have been with us every step of the way, all so that we can cross the finish line. So that we can finish and know that we should be proud of all we have accomplished over these past three years.Some of those accomplishments have been small, like learning how to open combo locks and learning the “Take a Stand, Lend a Hand, Stop Bullying Now!” Jingle from Guidance. We have decided what our major interests are, ranging from art to intramural volleyball. We have become our own unique individuals, and we are not afraid to be different in our own ways. These are some of the small changes that have touched all of our lives. But some of those accomplishments have been very large. We have made Jordan a more inclusive community by having events such as the Day of Silence and Challenge Day events. The Jordan community shows support to those who are struggling to overcome problems like shyness or bullying. And most importantly, our class has become more unified as a whole. No matter what “type” of group you “belong” to, you still feel like part of a larger community within your grade. Just as a runner slowly joins their fellow runners during a race, we have become more connected and more confident in our abilities to help us in the future, and now we can only look to the future by observing what has been done by our predecessors. We look at what they had to struggle through so that we might have the opportunity to achieve what they did and more.Over this past year, we have looked back on our history as a country, and how our country is deeply affected, even now, by policies and traditions set at the very founding of our country. In light of the past election, we have learned about instances in which the country went through similar tumult, and the causes and effects of those events. We look back at history so we can learn from our mistakes, and avoid events like the civil war from occurring again. We have learned that as a citizen, it is our right and our duty to hold our government accountable and to make a change in our country, just like our founding fathers held Britain accountable for taxation without representation, and unfounded violence. We have learned that we can make a change in the world that can help us, our world, and future generations.But perhaps the most imminent ‘future generation’ are the incoming sixth graders. To them I say, You have a new race to run, and as in any race, it will have its ups and downs. There will be moments when you doubt yourself. But you must believe. Believe that yes, you can do anything you set your mind to, even if you need to ask for help. Believe that you belong and have people who care for you throughout the hard times and the good times too. Believe that it is okay to not understand something. Believe that you can be successful because you have an entire school behind you, willing to support and encourage you the entire race long. We are your cheering squad, and you can do it if you just believe. You are entering a place where you will be challenged, changed, and will come out stronger. It may seem far away, but you will finish the race as an experienced eighth grader ready for whatever life will throw at you during the races to come. As we draw nearer to the finish line, we also can feel proud of all the hard hours that went into achieving all you have done to get this far. We have learned all we possibly could have, and now we must move on. Just as a runner will move on from 5Ks and progressively move to run marathons, we move into the world. We will utilize the skills we have acquired here at Jordan to help make our schools a better place. Not only will we improve our schools, we will later use our skills to help our world by standing up for the fundamental rights of freedom and liberty-just like our founding fathers. We need to stand up and make a change so that we can ensure that our world will still be here for future generations, not ravished by war or weather. We need to be the change.And our newest change yet is saying goodbye to Jordan. You have helped us grow not only concretely, but also intellectually, as we prepare for the next race ahead of us; high school. Jordan is the cheering squad for this tired group of runners, and you tell us to “finish strong” so that we can say we finished with our very best. Thank you for your time and effort invested in our class, the Class of 2017. You will be remembered fondly as the place where one learns to believe.

Xiaolei YuSS8 Diven 74/12/178th Grade Farewell Address I can’t wait for it to be summer. But in all seriousness, middle school was one of the most unique and intriguing moments of my life. Some of the time, it is wild fun, yet at others, not so much. I’m sure you all relatively agree in some way or another that we all had a pretty nice 3 years.First of all, you students, are all wonderful people. This school is still an undoubtedly friendly place while also having the right amount of humor. Almost everyone respects each other and knows their jokes. Especially in my 6th grade, however, I respect those people that have talked to me while I was naive because at that time I was hesitant to speak as openly as I would have. These people are the people that I recognize from elementary. They know me like the back of my hand. I must also take a moment to realize and appreciate the work of the teachers here at Jordan. Over these years, I have learned plenty of subjects including math, algebra, society, government, writing, getting my essay better each time, and have kept myself fit in physical education, progressively shrinking my mile time each time. However, they do not make up the whole picture yet. Parents have supported the school and the district by donating a substantial amount of money to the district. They allowed us to get the technology we have in class now and the teaching quality that I enjoy. Most of all, the staff that keeps this school running are the gears of the machine, keeping everything in order and sustaining this school. They are the most important because, without them, this school wouldn’t be a school. Jordan now is certainly different from the Jordan 3 years ago, when I first came in. We have improved on almost every aspect of the school, making it a richer place and environment to study in. First, we have had many improvements to the technology used in this school. Just 3 years ago, in 2014, we barely had Chromebooks, and still used plastic MacBooks from 2006. Now, in 2017, we have Chromebooks for the whole 7th grade, we use only the new MacBook airs, and have new equipment such as cameras, VR headsets, and much more that I don’t have enough time to list. Not only do we have the newest technology, we also have had an excellent student council. They made the biggest change when I came to Jordan in 2014. There were new lunch line rules, new vending machines, and new stuff they introduced that made my 6th-grade life a whole lot more fun. For example, music and dances on Friday at Hugh Center Court, spirit activities, and the smoothie and lunch bars. Unfortunately, the music on Fridays are not that common anymore, but the spirit activities, smoothie and lunch bars are still relevant even today. The social aspect of the spirit activities are honestly interesting even if you don’t participate in them. They show how devoted some students are into this school and its optional activities. The other thing, being the smoothie and lunch bars implemented right after I got to Jordan, are the places I commonly get my lunch instead of the usual lunch lines next to the band classroom. Now, the school may have been upgraded in many ways more than one, but what I have learned is even more helpful. Specifically, in U.S. History, I learned many of the things on how our country is run, how it was started, and the interesting events that led up to these results. Starting from the early native tribes that already existed here and how they lived, to the current form of government. The way the US was like a long time ago was fascinating, but not entirely useful for me as a citizen today. What really is useful, though, is the current state of our government and how it works. Knowing it can help me understand political views, talk in popular culture, and allow for me to understand the news. Recently, I learned that the Congress is passing a law about allowing internet service providers to sell my information, and without knowing what the Senate or the House of Representatives was, I probably couldn’t have understood it. Another thing, like knowing the causes of the civil war, enabled me to understand many things people think about at a time of tension and disagreement. For example, many people thought the war was an abolitionist war and did not support it because of them seeing slaves as unimportant to the welfare of the Union. This suggests that back then, they had different thoughts than the way we do today and would’ve not considered an African American's point of view. History often shows how people thought back then and are interesting to think about. It improved my understanding of people from different times and different backgrounds. This is why I believe one of my favorite classes, being Social Studies, is equally as intriguing as important.Now, for the incoming 6th graders next year: this will sound extremely cliche, but it actually matters if you legitimately follow it. I have always run into this endless loop of procrastination and sleep loss to the point where I despise myself. But there is a solution that I’ve found works well. I’ve discovered that, after a long period of sleep gain (such as breaks), procrastination gets easier to avoid. The more energy you have, the less chance you’ll get stuck on procrastination. It is always, always a good idea to not procrastinate the moment you get back from a break of time as you’ll have a high chance the loop won’t happen. Another thing I recommend is keeping your grades up. Now grades may not seem that important in middle school, but once you get to high school, there’s no turning back. The grades there actually matter. Middle school is an opportunity to get your bad habits out the window and help your future be brighter, while having more options at the same time. Incoming 6th graders, I hope these tips will help you to be your best in middle school.Ever since I went to Jordan, I felt strongly that these 3 years would be my transition between a child and a real teenager. And it was. It caused me to learn many aspects of life and school. I feel our school can continue to thrive with the addition of new students, staff, and technology. As I move on to high school, I will remember my experiences here and they will remind me of my transition from a kid to a teenager. The school is not a boring place, and I sincerely hope it stays that way in my mind. The friends I made here, what I learned, and what I experienced here as a student will be the same as the future job friends, future job lessons, and future job experiences. The lessons here at Jordan will allow my future goal to be possible, achievable, and ultimately gratifying.See you fellow 8th graders at PALY. And for the 7th and 6th graders, make your next years even better, and make them count. For the incoming 6th graders, middle school is definitely not the place many stereotype it to be and may even exceed your original expectations. I sincerely wish you all a great summer.Thank you.

Good evening everyone. My peers and I have had an outstanding time throughout our years at Jordan. We aren’t small, undeveloped sixth graders anymore. We have experienced the good and the bad, the ups and the downs over the course of three years. I am remarkably grateful to have the opportunity to speak in front of you tonight. First of all, I would like to give appreciation to all of the parents and staff who have donated and helped coordinate D.C., Disneyland, and all the other amazing trips we have the privilege to go on. I did not have a chance to go on the D.C. trip, but I heard it was a lot of fun. I did participate in the Disneyland trip for the band, choir and orchestra students, and I had a great time. Trips like these have made our experiences at school even better, and it is a fun event to look forward to in the upcoming years. We are very fortunate to go to Disneyland and D.C., and we have you all to thank.During our years here at Jordan, we have accomplished and achieved many goals. Participating in activities like “Unity Week” and “Not in our Schools Week” has helped bring awareness to things like bullying, and has had a massive impact on how we act as a community. Also, our student council has made countless changes for the better. They have created the “Newcomer’s Lunch” to help new students feel more welcome here. They help supervise the clubs that go on during lunch, so different students can enhance bonds with each other over common interests. They also coordinate Spirit Assemblies which are a great way to end each quarter. The tasks we’ve accomplished here have made our school a better place, and have helped students who come from many different backgrounds feel welcome.In social studies, we learned a lot about the history of the United States of America. We learned about how a lot of history is made from success. What some people don’t realize is that it is also made by a lot of mistakes. We learned that “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” - George Santayana. We all make mistakes in our lives, but if we don’t learn from those mistakes, we will never become better people. This has made me a better person in the sense that I am now aware of the struggles and hardships that have been experienced in the past. To all of the fifth graders who will be at Jordan next year, don’t procrastinate when doing work. You will probably want to do something else like play videogames, watch TV, or go on your phone, but if you do your work when you should, things would be a lot easier. Always try your hardest in class and endeavor to be the best students you can be. Step out of your comfort zone once in awhile. If you have the opportunity to do something you wouldn’t usually do, go for it! Meet new people, make new friends and just don’t stress too much over school work. I’m not going to lie, it was a bit difficult to adjust because we have had a new principal each year. We had Mr. Barnes in sixth grade, Mr. Jacobowski in seventh grade, and most recently, Ms. Kinnaman. Each principal has their own set of rules, and I have learned how to respect people with different styles of teaching. I also learned that not everything in life is going to go the way you planned. None of us planned on having three different principals, but we learned to adapt and make the best of any situation. This skill will definitely benefit us greatly in the future. Jordan is unquestionably headed in the right direction, and I’m sure that whoever will be a principal here in the future will keep what makes our school so special. I am exceptionally grateful for our three amazing years at Jordan. Thank you for teaching us how to be better students, and better people.

Winter PickettSS8-Diven-74/11/17“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Abraham Lincoln once said. I honestly couldn’t agree more. I’ve learned so much here at Jordan, and I’m so glad that I got the chance to have this experience. The education was great here, and I’ve learned so much. All of the mistakes I’ve made have made me stronger, and I view them all as extremely valuable because I’ve gained wisdom from these experiences. I’m very thankful to have gone to Jordan and I’d like to share some experiences and memories.I would like to give my appreciation to all the teachers that I have learned from. Good or bad, I have still learned something from all of you. Also to my fellow classmates and friends, that have taught me to be a good person and the social skills I will need for the future. I’ve had so many experiences with different kinds of people and I praise all those I have come in any sort of contact with. I would like to give special gratitude to my 6th grade advisory teacher Mr. Asmaeil. He made my transition to middle school better and more comfortable. It was the best 6th grade experience I could have had. He inspired me to always learn but to have fun while doing work. And Mr. Macias, who has made math a whole lot easier for me ever since I was in his class. He taught me better ways to make math more understandable. In addition, the whole P.E staff who’ve made me feel very important and special this year during student service. I have learned a lot of good work skills there and ethics. They have all been so nice and welcoming to me. At Jordan, we have accomplished so much these past 3 years as a whole school, and myself individually. Our school has done so many things to help improve the lives of students and the staff. Things such as “Not in Our Schools Week” and “Unity Week” are great examples of how our school raises awareness to such issues. Also activities and awards like “Jaguar of the Quarter” that our student council have come up with. These kinds of activities can have a significant impact. It’s also a great way to end the quarter.In Social Studies this year I’ve learned so much. I have learned the reason we learn history is to learn what works and what doesn't so we do not repeat our mistakes. As a country we have made lots of mistakes, but hopefully we can look back on the horrific past and learn from it so we can improve our future. History is very important and I’m glad I got the chance to learn more about it. Everyday we create history, and everyday we learn from our mistakes and become better people. I’m glad I was able to make mistakes here. I will be able to learn from them and use them for the future. This makes me a better person everyday.To all the incoming 6th graders, I have had a pretty successful time at Jordan. I believe this is a great place for you to thrive. Most of my experiences at Jordan were amazing and I’ll never forget the great memories that I’ve created here. I’ve made some friendships here that I hope will last a lifetime. Talk to your teachers when you have issues, and they will do their best to work it out with you. Always remember to do a good effort in class and study hard, hang out with lots of friends and be social - don’t forget to get a decent amount of sleep! Balance out these things and your experience at Jordan should be smooth and straightforward. I hope that in the future I’ll never forget what I’ve learned here, all the lessons and lectures. I have faith in myself that when I leave this place, I will never forget to always stand up for what I believe in, always be kind whenever possible, and to just relax and have fun once in awhile. I will remember all the memories that i’ve made here but I will still miss the all of the people that have made this place amazing. Goodbye Jordan, I’m going to miss you. ❤

Jessica HuangSS8-Diven-704/11/178th Grade Farewell Address Farewell AddressHello Jordan Community - staff and students alike. As the end of the school year draws near, so my time here shrinks to a close. It is time to say goodbye to the school that has been a huge part of my life for two long years.First and foremost, I have to thank all the teachers that have taught me with patience and kindness - to the teachers that, despite my occasional disagreements with you, as well as some struggles to understand concepts, have helped me through the rough times and treated me fairly. I also must thank my friends and the student body for making my life easier as I worked on improving my academic and social life, as well as my abilities. I’ve been awkward and out of place and said and did things at the wrong time as I grew out of my asocial elementary self, but you stuck with me and forgave me for messing up. And finally, I thank the rest of the staff. I may not have seen or interacted with you that often, but I know that you have worked hard not only to help me, but to help everyone in this community. You kept the school up and running as you worked in your offices doing paperwork, sending emails and making calls. You handled our lunches, our technology, our problems, and came back with solutions. You’ve been the quiet backbone of our school and community, working even as we students took days off, and for that, you deserve a lot of a gratitude. Thank you.With this load of work you have done, you have helped me grow both academically and socially. When I first began middle school, I was a shy kid who was new to the area. One constant I had were the teachers. Not only did they help me expand my knowledge tremendously, but they also helped add to and hone my skill set. I’ve learned some important skills, such as how to create a histogram or how to calculate kinetic energy, but I have also learned their applications. This proves that while I may have been a successful student, they were also successful teachers. Teachers are not the only people who have helped me achieve more, however. The student community, especially my few friends, have helped me grow out of my shy self into a person who is not afraid to speak their mind. In elementary school, I was a quiet intellectual who loved to read and had no friends. As I spent some time at Jordan, I began making friends with welcoming members of the community. I had never had any friends beforehand, so I was inexperienced, awkward, and unintentionally impolite. The students I interacted with helped me catch up on years of missed social skills and social life. I have achieved much these two years with your help.I’ve also taken many social studies classes throughout my years as a student, but never has any class gone so in depth about one subject. Because this was U.S. History, I learned a lot about our politics and how we, as a country, are run. Before this, I was not an active citizen. Like many other kids, I preferred spending time on the internet while avoiding my homework. News of any kind, local, national, or international entered my life either unintentionally or by my parents; I never sought out news like I did free time. However, as my studies progressed, I began to realize how much our lives could change just by laws passed by Congress, as well as those made by the framers themselves. I began to see that despite the racists, the sexists, the homophobes, the islamophobes, the anti-semitists, and many others speaking hate to the country and to the world, I too had a voice that I could use. I too could speak of my opinions and my beliefs. As a result of this, of paying attention and making connections, I am a better, more active citizen. I am a citizen of this country, and despite being young, with each day I can join those who have decided to chip away the negativity, and those who debate over important topics with one goal: to make our lives better, and to quote the Constitution, “form a more perfect union.” Whether this is changing our lifestyles or inventing new ways to achieve tasks, we can all pitch in to make it work. This is the most critical idea I have learned in this class. We have power. Use it.Of course, before we can vote, we have to survive middle school. Though I was not a 6th grader at Jordan, I have a few tips on middle school survival. First of all, don’t procrastinate. It may sound cliche and obvious, but it’s true. Middle school teachers are tougher on you, and they expect more of you. And why shouldn’t they? You’re a middle schooler. Act like one. Use your time wisely - you’re going to lose a huge chunk of your sleep if you don’t. Take it from someone who learned the hard way. Second, don’t overreact. It seems trivial, but it really is true for both school and friends. If you overweigh or overestimate the problem, you can stress yourself easily. That doesn’t mean you should act as if there are no problems, because that will only build them. The final tip is to know yourself. This is the most difficult item on this list because we often struggle with this information and how to use it. You need to know how much work you can handle in a certain amount of time. You need to know when to take a break and when to push forward. It’s easier said than done, so you really have to take time to learn your habits and your work rate and improve them. To be happy is another goal, and for this, you also have to take the time to figure out what makes you happy and how to strike a balance between work and play. This is difficult to advise as everyone’s favorite activities are different, and some are pretty time-consuming. I myself have had difficulties identifying what I like, so I have spent my free time mostly surfing the web, and while I was not excessively happy, I was not depressed either. Overall, as a student, you must find balance. During my time at Jordan, I have grown. I’ve grown in many ways, expanding my abilities and views, with your help. It’s my turn to give back to the community, even as I leave. I can make the world better. I’m not sure how yet - like most of my fellow graduates, I don’t know what I want to do when I finally enter adulthood. I do know, however, that I can start small, start here, and work my way up to bigger things, and bigger dreams. I can begin to give back to the community. We can begin to give back to the community. We can give back to the world. Size doesn’t matter- no matter how great or small your contribution is, it will be appreciated. Our time is now.So, as I exit this community full of hardworking teachers, friendly students, and persevering staff, I must thank you all once again for a good two years, and say goodbye to the people who built me up to become who I am now. I wish you all luck on your next mission, whether it is to make friends or something greater. Good luck, thank you, and goodbye.

8th Grade Farewell AddressWhile a dance number feels more appropriate, a speech will suffice. My time at jordan was marked by times both good and bad. Far from a fresh faced sixth grader, it’s weird to think only two years ago I was just arriving at jordan. The road to graduating was too long, but went too quick. I enjoyed laughing and making people laugh, working hard as much as I slacked off, and making friends. Jordan has been quite an experience and I will always remember the fun I've had here.The gratitude I have for everyone here at jordan who has helped me become who I am, I can not put into words. All of my amazing teachers have helped me grow as a student, expand my knowledge and find topics I'm interested in in the short span of three years. My teachers have always been very understanding of the difficulties I face and obstacles outside of school that effect my work. By working with me to accommodate these drawbacks as best they can and adjusting things as needed they have aided me in learning so much more than I thought I could. My teachers have always been flexible and kind and because of that I have felt so much more comfortable at school. I am so thankful for everyone who encouraged me to let loose and laugh, as well as all those who I have been able to make laugh. My time at jordan has been a whirlwind of achievements. In three years I have grown as a student, friend, artist, and daughter. From being a finalist in the American Persuader speech contest to having several works on display at the district art show, Jordan has aided me in accomplishing many things I am proud of. As an artist, having work on display was a huge honor. With guidance from Mr. Graylin and Ms. Savickas I have been able to grow my own style and develop my skills. The American Persuader speech contest was also a source of immense pride for me. The best advice I can give to incoming sixth graders would be to not take yourself so seriously. Being able to enjoy your time at jordan is just as important as being academically successful. Laughing at yourself when necessary and brushing off mistakes will make embarrassing moments easier to learn from. Remember that your health and happiness should always come first. Advocating for yourself and communicating with your teachers is also vital. All of your teachers are going to want you to thrive. Communicating with them and using team time as needed will help them help you succeed.Jordan has helped prepare me for my future education and life. As I continue on I will not forget the lessons I’ve learned here at jordan and the people who pushed me to grow. Values that were important at jordan are values I hope to carry with me throughout life. Principles like respect and open mindedness are tools that I know will aid me as I continue to work with others. These values are lifelong devices that will always come in handy. I will miss jordan so much. All of the friends I have made, laughs I've had, and good times I've had here are incentive for me to be reluctant to go. While I have to continue on I will miss the students and staff dearly. Jordan will always have a special place in my heart.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This symbolic quote was said by Lao Tzu in reference to the decision to begin. As a Jordan Jaguar, I took the first steps in my journey of life. I was taught so many important things that let me take the first step, and I know will ultimately make my journey feel not like a thousand miles walking in a dry and arid desert, long and weary, but as a journey to remember and take pride in. Jordan has made an impact in my life, and it is here I have learned so many valuable skills, not only in academics, but that will also shape who I am as a person later in life. First, thank you to all of the teachers who have worked hard to educate me and my peers in middle school, teaching me something new everyday, leading me in my journey as a middle schooler. Thank you to my 6th grade core teachers, who let me feel less lonely transitioning to a big scary school where I had no friends. Your kindness and helpfulness was what eventually let me open up and flourish here. Also, thanks to that one person in my sixth grade class, who became one of my closest friends because we both hated our school pictures, who made me feel much less lonely. I remember the first day of sixth grade, when we were standing in line next to each other to get our photos taken, careful to avoid contact by all means possible. At least, that was until we were gawking at our pictures in horror and dismay, wondering how we could possibly look so bad. As we shared a quick laugh and smile, I felt as if I wasn’t completely alone, and there were so many people I could make friends with. Also, thanks to all of the teachers who not only taught me school curriculum, but pushed me and made me strive to be a better person, not just in academics, but as a person. Thank you to the Jordan community for being such an open and accepting place that made me feel like I actually fit in. Finally, thank you to all of my friends and peers, who have been there for me throughout my whole journey, through thick and thin, supporting me no matter what. At Jordan, I’ve accomplished so many things. Yet I know that none of this would have possible if not for the help of the Jordan community. This school has taught me so many things, from mastering the communications of the average middle schooler to introducing me to competitive math and science. Without the opportunities given, I never would have expanded my passion for science, and for this I am grateful. Another thing I achieved in my time at Jordan is learning how to fit in. For many years, I used to always feel the odd one out, but coming to a middle school with such diversity and acceptance was crucial to my success, as it helped me feel more open and happy. I am grateful to being introduced to competitive math and science because it let me achieve something I was actually good at. Before middle school, I had not known that these things existed, and participating in competitive academic events made me feel more confident and sure about myself.In my U.S. history class, I learned many things, but the thing I will take away is how learning about U.S. history helped me be more aware of myself as a person living in America, but also as a citizen of the U.S. I’ve learned about the war for freedom against the British war that tore America into two. This knowledge not only helped me learn about history, but about the fighting, bloodshed, and perseverance America went through to gain their own rights and freedom. This class let me value the hard won place I live in today, and let me connect more deeply with what it truly means to be an American. In addition, learning about the two documents that shaped our nation helped me understand what it truly means to be an American because it provided background and context for me, and taught me more about how the government works and of the fight for freedom. This helped me become a better American because I was better able to understand our roots, and how we came to be. At the same time, I learned to appreciate the country I live in, knowing everything that happened and the bloodshed. After 3 years at this school, I ought to know how to “beat the system”, per say, or how to ensure my happiness and success at the same time. The truth is, a lot still remains a mystery to me, but here is some advice, speaking from the best of my abilities. First, make sure you know yourself and know when to push your limits. Pushing your limits is super important, and it’s the only way you’ll be able to achieve something. Also, don’t procrastinate. If you get all your work done when you’re supposed to, you’ll find yourself much less stressed. Not procrastinating will lead you to have much happier years at Jordan. But, remember to put your well being before your schoolwork, and know that your health is much more important than anything at school. Finally, rely on friends. Friends are the ones who will let you be able to get through the hardest times, and trusting them will make you a lot happier. If you listen to this advice, you are ensured stress-free and successful years here at Jordan.As a Jordan Jaguar, I’ve done many things, but what I’ve done most is grow into the person I am today. The reason for this growth is simply that the support and help and encouragement at Jordan was more than I could ever hope for and expect. The people of Jordan have been so kind and helpful, and I thank everyone who had such a big part in my life, who enabled me to take the first steps in my journey of life. I am sure that the things I have learned here will help me later in life because of that fact that I was shaped into the person I am today. I also know that Jordan will forever have a place in my heart, and even in the darkest times of my life, I will remember this place and push through, knowing I’ve been through worse.I will never forget Jordan, and later in life, I will reminisce my time here, knowing that this school played a big role in who I will be. So I bid farewell to Jordan and everyone here. But, a message for everyone. It’s not really goodbye. It’s just the beginning.

HOOK: It is acceptable if you fail, but it is irresponsible if you do not try. 8th grade is almost over, the beginning of my teenage years. These 14 years flew by in front of my eyes, as fast as the speed of the light. Today it is my turn to say thanks to people who cared about me. I became a young adult instead of a kid. You told me why learning could enrich my knowledge. You assisted me when obstacles approached, you told me the definition of a living human being. GRATITUDE: In my 3 years of middle school life, my parents helped me the most. They helped me whenever I felt stressed. Without my parents, I could not be successful. I should always be thankful because people always helped me. For me, Jordan is like a mystery playground where you can learn and enjoy your life at the same time. When you face an obstacle, you try to deal with it. You gain confidence and happiness at the same time. Therefore, you can always see students joyfully communicating with each other. Unlike the opinions of middle schools which students hate. At here, I enjoyed my life, and I enjoyed making friends and talking to different people. The lessons we have learned in classes will surely help us get through that next stage, but we also needed to remember that all formulas, poems, and everything we have memorized. COMMENDATION: We should realize that enriching knowledge was not the only things that would help us through; we also needed to retain things we have learned other than academic stuff. Therefore, I decided to volunteer in my spare time. I joined an organization called volunteering community, and I participated in many city events. For example, Italian street garbage cleaning, teaching younger students, and flag ceremony. I loved volunteering because I enjoyed helping people and learning unique skills at once. After a year and a half of volunteering, I earned the silver presidential award for volunteering 75 hours. In sports, I participated 3 years in Palo Alto Little League. I had never played baseball before, but I decided to give a shot. It was really tough at first because of the lack of experience. After a few months, my cousin trained me every day and I became an expert. I enjoyed playing baseball, and I hope I can continuously enjoy playing baseball in my high school years. Other than baseball, I loved to play chess in my spare time. For me, chess was like a tactical and educational video game that could help me think coherently. I have played chess for 5 years, and I enriched my chess knowledge by playing with my chess coach. I participated in many chess tournaments this year, and I earned 7 big trophies over the summer. MEMORIES- When I learned about the Civil War, I noticed the two different opinions that belonged to people living before the war. One was about the idea of slavery, and one was about the idea of equal/natural rights for people. When I started to analyze the battles between the North and South. I realized that the union was slowly being accepted, and the Southern government was being eliminated. This gave me a brief and positive view concerning the idea of freedom among people. In other countries, there were no such a thing called different cultures. In China, people did not care about people who have different skin colors. They knew that everyone deserved the rights to live in this world, but after I moved to America when I was 10, I saw a clear comparison between different countries about races.ADVICE- First off, there is a “common sense” question which seems extremely easy to answer: “Why are we going to school?” This might seem easy to answer for some people, but in some cases, we actually do not. For example, I saw students playing with their phones under the desks for a long period of time during class time. When they realized that the teacher was behind them, they put away their devices inadvertently. I believed this was not a form of focusing on tasks. Anyway, it is actually simple for the new sixth graders to be successful. You can achieve many different things as long as you stay on task. I believe that students can enjoy their time at school and be scholars at the same time. In order for students to enjoy their time, they need good habits. Making sure to submit all the given assignments on time, and learn to plan ahead would definitely be a reasonable strategy. FINAL THOUGHT- Of course we solve problems by ourselves, answering out tests individually, and go through our everyday lives on our own, but one cannot deny how important the people around us are. Our parents, friends, teachers, administrators, they all played a vital role in helping us to be where we are now. Among the three years of my middle school life, I learned that life was not as hard as it might be. The experience of dealing with challenges can always be enjoyable. In the next few years, I should concentrate on school works, and learn how to face/deal with challenges without assistance. Jordan gave me a general idea about where/how to improve in the future, especially in my high school years. FAREWELL- God has made it possible for us to come through all challenges and come out of them stronger and better. For all those blessings, I am sincerely grateful to all of you.

Getting a new pair of pointe shoes is painful and hard at first, because you need to break into them. After a while you get used to them and they are not hard to wear. But eventually you need to get a new pair, and start all over again. Getting a new pair of pointe shoes is like going to a new school. It can be difficult to make new friends, and get to know a big campus. Jordan has been an amazing school but now it is time to go to high school. It is time to get a new pair of pointe shoes. I would like to thank all my teachers for bearing with me these three years. Even when I had no idea what I was doing they helped and eventually I understood. They pushed me and encouraged me., and I never gave up. I have loved all my teachers at Jordan middle school, and it will be extremely hard to leave them. I would also like to thank my friends who there for me when I needed them most. When I had fights, or a hard time with homework They helped me. They cheered me on when I ran the mile, and picked me up if I got hurt. They were the reason I got up in the morning. I got excited to go to school so I could see my friends. I also would like to thank my parents who encouraged me to try hard and keep going even though it was hard. And gave me a hard time if I got a bad grade, not because they are crazy and will die if I get bad grades, but because they love me and they know I can do better. I would like to give a special thanks to miss kandil ( my seventh grade math teacher) Because she really taught me to enjoy and love math. And I would like to thank my favorite teacher. Mr.Diven who I have luckily had as my seventh grade english teacher, and eighth grade social studies teacher. I love they way that he taught, It kept me interested. I learned so much with him and enjoyed our time together.In the three years that I have been at jordan I have accomplished many achievements. For example I have gone to spanish emersion from sixth grade all the way to eighth grade, and when I go to PALY I will take spanish 3h. I have also made it onto the honor role. I joined choir and had an amazing creative year of singing with my peers. I have gotten to sing solos, do dance numbers and meet new friends in choir. During these three years I have made amazing friends who I could not live without. In my eighth grade history class I have learned over and over again that history repeats itself. The same stupid mistakes are made over and over again. We need to stop making these mistakes. The people in the world need to look back at history, and do our best not repeat our terrible mistakes. For example I am very clumsy. And whenever I walked to the sofa I used to hit my toe on the leg. But as time went by I remembered to look where I was going and I have not hit my toe on the sofa in long time. If we apply this lesson to world, If we look back. If we try our best to repeat our mistakes again. We can make a change. I am not saying that I can stop wars or that I can stop hunger. But if try to be better citizen by not making a stupid mistakes, that have happened multiple times on our history. I can make a small Change. And if I get my friends to be better citizens, by trying their best not to make stupid mistakes, we can make a little bigger change in the world. Not making these mistakes makes me a better citizen, because I am trying my best not to harm our earth and the people on it. And hopefully I won't hit my toe on the sofa.If I could give the incoming sixth graders advice, it would to be to pick your friends wisely, because someone you think could be your best friend could get you into big trouble and it can be hard to get out. So make sure that your friends are really your true friends and have your best interest at heart. When I first came to jordan I was scared and small, I was at the bottom. I had gotten a new pair of pointe shoes and I still need to break into them. It was painful and hard at first because I missed my elementary school and my old teachers so much. But eventually I learned to love Jordan, and now I love it more than my elementary school. At jordan grown, achieved new things made new friends and loved to learn. at but now it is time to say goodbye. It's time to get a new pair of pointe shoes. As a young ballerina, I was taught very basic things. But as I grew and learned more I used thouse basic moves to help me learn more advanced turns or jumps. At jordan I will take the experiences, that I have learned at jordan and them apply to bigger and greater things, Just like I did with ballet.

Emily CrowleySS8- Diven- Period 24/ 11/ 178th grade Farewell AddressI was going to start this off with a cool joke, to break the ice… Well nevermind. Hello, I am Emily Crowley, graduating class of 2021, hopefully, just kidding, sorry mom. Well before Jordan, I went to addison elementary school. I really liked it, but at the end I wanted to go somewhere newfangled, and start over. That is when I went to Jordan. The first day or so of Jaguar Journey, I didn’t know many people in my class, but soon after that would change. The transition between the two schools was really smooth, hopefully this will happen with me going to Paly, fingers crossed. Wow. I’m going to be a high schooler! Going from a jordan jaguar, to a Paly viking. Though I would not be here, right now, talking to you all if I would've never had many people who supported me through these three years. Thank you to the two people who have played a huge roll in my life. You guessed it my mom and my dad. My mom is the most selfless person you will ever meet, sometimes too selfless. She has a huge heart, and is so kind. Her boyfriend Ezra is also like that, but throws a little tough love in there too. He has taught me to never stop trying. My dad is as well as amiable and very open minded, he is also very intelligent. His girl friend, Valarie has supported me and my dad, throughout my three years at Jordan. Another person who has always been here for me, no matter what is my grandma. We have been through so much in the past years, and I just wanted to say thank you so much. I wanted to say how grateful I am for all my teachers, who helped me along my path. Finally, I want to thank the one person who has experienced this roller coaster of a life sitting right next to me. My twin Patrick Crowley. Besides Emily, my other nickname was “Patrick’s sister”. We may not get along all the time, but we always support each other. People alway ask me what having a twin is like. Well, you are never bored, and they will always be there, even when you don’t want them to. To anyone who I may have missed, thank you too. I have made many accomplishments, thanks to all I have just listed. Well let's go back all the way to sixth grade. The first spirit assembly, I won jaguar of the quarter. I was so so proud of winning that award, and it was a great way to start off middle school. One thing that really made my sixth grade, amazing, was that my class was really tight, we were all really good friends. We supported each other, and that was typical for me. It didn’t occur to me that in life, that was not normal. But even if you are not happy with the people around you, you have to adjust to them, and learn to respect them. Then seventh grade came, and it was a huge struggle for me. Academically, and emotionally. I went from from straight A’s, to hardly managing B’s. I know, B’s are average, but one thing that Jordan has taught me is to always go the extra mile. But you have to work hard to get there, it is not just handed to you. So when eighth grade came around, I wanted to do leadership. I really want to be a leader on campus. In the class, well I didn’t really fit in. But I did learn many things. Not only was Ms.Gatley a great teacher. I learned so much because I wanted to. I put in a lot of work into everything I did into that class. One major memory I had was planning a dance. I just thought that i could set up decorations, and the boom, there would be a dance. But I then soon realized that there is a budget, and only so many people who were willing to help. Overall I had an amazing time, and got more experience planning big events. So in eighth grade, we learned about U.S. history. Yikes. Let’s just say that our country went on one insane ride. But here we are today, standing together. We all might not be perfect, I know I’m not, but were here standing strong, not as however many people are standing here today, but as one. It was not always like this. Back in the 1800’s it was always the north or the south. People were very close minded. Now a days we are all on the same page. An american citezen is someone who might start out a little rogh, but always work hard to get to their goal. We are all here together, not one person is alone. Well, going back to the first day of school, seventh grade, I was alone, by that I mean I was the only person in my first period class. Then I soon realized that I was in the wrong class, so I rushed out to find my own classroom. I thought to myself, wow this is how the year is going to be like. But it does not matter how you started, it matters about where you'll end up, and how you got there. During these three years, I was not myself, because I was still trying to figure out who that was. I didn’t want to be that person with a ton of “friends”, but I also didn’t want to be that person with only one really good friend. In sixth grade I thought it was one or the other. I know, it sounds like I really care about what people think, the truth is I do, but not as much as I care what I think about myself. So what I trying to get at here is that you are your biggest critic, not your parents, teachers, you. That can make it or break it. Sure it’s ok to be hard on yourself sometimes, but not constantly, that is not healthy. So no matter the situation be yourself, that is the best way to go. I really found it easy to fit in here at Jordan most of the time, and if I didn't it was easy to find someone. Many experiences helped, or helps me through my “awkward teenage years”. Despite middle school having it’s ups and downs, it will always end up having an impact on you, good or bad. Leading up to it you might feel overwhelmed, nervous, but at the end, you will feel accomplished, and strong. All the experiences, memories, have let me find my true self. I want to, again, thank everyone for contributing to my memories, and experiences at Jordan, and helping me define who I really am.

My farewell address, some problems with enunciation though T.T

Before I go, before I graduate, and before I move on to a different school in a different state I would like to say a few words to express my gratitude, to look over all of my accomplishments, to reflect on the memories and lessons I have learned in my 8th grade American history class, to tell you what I plan to do in my future, and to leave with a final, maybe temporary goodbye.First off, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way, in theses three long years here at Jordan, to get me in this position. Thank you to my sixth grade teachers that made the seemingly herculean task of transitioning from elementary school to middle school, seem just like a walk in the park, and preparing us socially and academically for the rest of middle school. They helped us find our way throughout the gigantic school, and showed us that middle school could really be fun. Next I would like to thank all the teachers that helped me in seventh grade for preparing me for eighth grade. Now, thank you to all the teachers that helped me in eighth grade, who prepared me both socially and academically for high school. They made the grim task of preparing us to go to highschool not so gloomy. I would to thank the Jordan teachers and staff for impressing upon me good study habits and a hard work ethic. Finally I would like to thank all my friends who have supported me through theses three long years. Next, I cannot help but to think of all I have accomplished throughout the time I have spent here at Jordan. For example, running my sub six minute mile, passing the fitness test with flying colors, or winning the intramural soccer championship game in sixth grade. Then passing sixth, seventh, and eighth grade with nothing but A’s and A pluses, making new friendships and strengthening old ones. Also, learning a new language, new math, science, english and social studies topics. For example, in math I learned how to graph square root functions, in science I learned how to calculate potential and kinetic energy. Next, in english I learned how to successfully write poems and use literary devices. Finally, in social studies I learned about certain unalienable rights that are stated in the Constitution.Now, to quote George Santayana, “ Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”, as he makes this statement he emphasizes the importance of paying attention to history and how it will make you a better citizen, so you will not make the same mistakes. After a year in eighth grade American history and studying the Constitution and Declaration of Independence I can say that I am a more informed and better citizen. I have learned that everyone is entitled to certain basic rights and that no one is allowed to take these rights from you. I have also learned that as the people of the United States of America, we have sovereignty, we give power and the right to others to govern us. Teaching me that everyone is important to this Democracy and its functionality.After that, I would like to say a few words to the incoming Jordan sixth graders on how to successfully be happy, have good grades, and thrive here. To start off, do not be afraid to try new things and make new friendships, while strengthening old ones. Next, have fun and do not sweat the small stuff or get caught up in the social drama. Now, set up good study habits and a hard work ethic early on, and make sure to not overload yourself with work. Finally, some friends may move on to do other things and that's okay, you can make new friends and to do that you should get involved in after school activities, club sports, or a school related activity.Continuing on, at this moment I have the luxury of looking back at Jordan and its teachers and how the shaped me and my future. How they prepared me for high school and my future life. How they interested and educated me in their respective fields. Moving on, I know that in the future I will make a contribution to better our society. While I do not know what field it will be in or what I will do, whether it’s discovering a cure to a deadly disease, or just contributing to a major scientific study, I know that I will change society for the better. All thanks to Jordan and my teachers.Finally, these three wonderful years will be an amazing memory and as I depart for Texas I will always remember everyone and I would like to thank everyone who has made Jordan a better and safer place. Right now, I don’t know whether or not we will meet again, but for now, goodbye, and hopefully we will see each other again.

Greetings. It is the final lap in the race which is middle school. The crimson sun is setting, and it is time for my peers and I to see the new dawn. A new group of students, the rising 6th graders, will join this school and change it for the better, and my class will rise to a higher level of education, with the support and wisdom given by each other and our teachers. First, I would like to thank all of those who made my journey and that of my peers possible. Thank you to our teachers for making us better students, and for giving us instruction that we desperately needed. In addition, thank you to all of my fellow students, for giving me essential advice, for being good friends, and for giving me perspective by telling me about those around me, for telling me what was happening outside the tiny little bubble that was all I knew. In particular, I would like to give my gratitude to the Science Olympiad Club for forming a connection between me, the other Jordan Scioly kids, and the Paly Scioly community. Finally, I am indebted to my guidance counselors, for creating schedules which fit my needs perfectly year after year, and for advising me on which courses I should choose for each year.This school has been a huge reason that I have begun to succeed academically and athletically. Because of Jordan, I have been given the chance to thrive. Because of Jordan, I have been given the chance to make new friends. Because of Jordan, I have been given the chance to succeed academically. Here, I have learned how to organize my work and my thinking, how to prioritize. Here, I have made many long-lasting friendships while still keeping my friends from elementary school. At this school, I have been groomed for my journey onwards to higher levels of education. I have been taught to succeed under pressure, and have been able to apply these lessons in perseverance outside of the classroom, such as on the tennis court and while working together with my peers. Now, I am ready to move onwards, and apply what I have been taught in a wider context.Additionally, in this class, my peers and I have learnt how to become better citizens. We have been taught how our country was built, and about the circumstances which led up to it. In particular, we studied the founding principles which led to the list of rules that all citizens of the United States of America must follow, and the conflicts that have erupted when we have fought to maintain those ideals. These are all things we must learn to keep our experiment in democracy alive. For one, we must follow the founding documents of our country to the best of our ability, and not stray from those lines. Clearly, an ideal citizen of the United States would do all of the above, and more, and because of this class, I have learned exactly what those ideal citizens would do. In essence, this class has taught us what each and all of us must do to maintain our democracy. To keep law and order. To stabilize our government.Before I depart, there are some suggestions I would wish to make to the incoming class of 6th graders. First and foremost, never be afraid to meet and talk to new people who you have never encountered before in your life. Each and every person you meet is an opportunity to find a friend. However, it goes without saying that you should keep your old friends from elementary school, and do not forget them. Another suggestion I would like to make is to never to be intimidated by your homework load. Try to complete your homework as soon as possible, but if unable to, your teachers will be very accommodating and understanding. Never be afraid to talk to your teachers, in general.In a few months, I will finally attend Paly. After I have moved on, I will continue to heed the Constitution as if the world depended on it. Additionally, I will work my hardest at all times, whenever possible. I will maintain the friendships I have formed so far as long as I can, and will attempt to follow my beliefs.Goodbye. Best of luck, and never be intimidated by what you have to do next. Nothing is infeasible if you try your hardest. Take care.Note: I improvised a little, and what I said does not exactly match the above.

One final speech of my Jordan memories before I head off to high school.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,” Benjamin Franklin once said, and after my 3 years at Jordan, I couldn’t agree more. Jordan inspired my will to learn and introduced me to many new topics and ideas - an opportunity I most likely never would have gotten anywhere else. Putting time and effort into my education brought upon rewarding results - satisfaction and knowledge as well as a strong passion for learning that I know will last years. To start off, I want to thank all of the parents and teachers, specifically the parents that enabled me to go on fun and informative field trips. I was able to experience many amazing things thanks to these parent volunteers, and without them, my time at Jordan would be lackluster in comparison. Furthermore, I would like to thank my Biotech Teacher and 8th grade science teacher as well - their passion truly getting me into science. Also, I want to thank my 6th grade Social Studies and English teacher for encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone, and was one of the only teachers I’ve had that really cared about me as an individual, while also supporting my academic experience (writing fiction, in particular). Without his support, I would have never improved as much as I had in the past few years, and for that, I will always be grateful. I have experienced many wonderful things at Jordan - everything from Spirit Days to events like Not In Our Schools Week, all of which promote a strong message as well as fun. Participating in these events never fails to put a smile on my face, so I consider our community one of Jordan’s best achievements. Jordan ROCKS also made its way into every event - making all who attended feel welcome and respected. In history, I learned all about America’s past through many ‘mediums’ such as music (Hamilton), classic textbook reading, informative videos, and research! All of these activities were unique, fun, and interesting. Specifically, our Civil War Families project gave me insight on the time period, overall a valuable learning experience. We also learned about the small details that gave reason to every fight, every choice, and every victory and defeat. Knowing about these things gave me a better understanding of every topic we tackled, for instance, having knowledge of West Point Military Academy and how its students impacted the civil war was not only intriguing - but eye opening as well. I benefitted from thsi form of teaching in many ways, including becoming a much better citizen and person when looking at the overall picture. On another note, whenever I needed assistance, whether it be asking a simple question or making up work, I received it, along with some much needed advice to help the situation. On the topic of advice, my bit to share with the incoming 6th graders is quite straightforward. Try your best, do your homework (believe me, it pays off in the end), and no matter what, NEVER prioritize school over your wellbeing. Education is very important, but make sure that it doesn’t run your life. In theory, try and maintain a balance in your life. Focusing on school, friends, and family an equal amount will reduce stress and keep you happy. Also, when you have the time, most definately go to TEAM. This will help you stay ahead of your work with the help of a teacher, but do not depend on their assistance to get projects done, as it is just as important to learn how to handle these types of situations as it is important to seek help when needed. Best of luck!Being here at Jordan has let me recognize my passions. I have met wonderful teachers and students alike, and I can only wish for my experience at Paly to be similar. I have realized many passions of mine at Jordan (some including biomed and geophysics), all of which couldn’t have been discovered without my teacher’s help. Hopefully, my passions will remain and I will continue on this path in the future. In the end, Jordan was a rollercoaster of experiences. The good and the bad shaped not only my education, but ultimately who I am today. Thank you, Jordan, for all of the unforgettable memories and amazing education overall.

8th grade Farewell AddressGoing to Jordan has been the greatest blessing of my life. My life is sad. During my time at Jordan, I have witnessed the kindness and feeling of community found nowhere else. As a senior at Jordan, it has been a honor to be a part of this great community formed by none other than the students at Jordan. Even when time tests the integrity of students at Jordan, I knew right from the start of my 6th grade year that I could count on my fellow students. Over the turbulent years that I called 7th grade, I was going through a midpoint in my time at Jordan. As such, the only thing that has helped me pass, is the strength, and the kindness the Jordan community has shown. For that, my thanks goes out to each member of the Jordan community. Jordan, while being a friendly environment, also has become a place of self application. Whether inside a classroom, or outside playing sports, Jordan always demands its students to output the best work they can. As such, Jordan has created an environment where growth in all directions has surpassed my expectations. Part of this amazing growth as a student and as a citizen comes from this year in history. By examining the constitution, I have learned what defines a US citizen; the rights and duties that a citizen must have in order to be a part of the US. For example, during the turbulent time of the civil war, blacks were freed through the emancipation proclamation. By doing this, Abraham Lincoln caused great controversy and shook American’s views on what it meant to be American. Instead of having white skin, Americans now had to be defined through their duties and rights. While history is important, there is more to Jordan then learning subjects. In order to thrive at Jordan, you must become organized. By doing so, it reflects how you can assemble your work and shows that you are prepared for the hectic, endless work schedule of high school. Finally, the last topic I would like to touch on, is our cause. Even though we may be one small boat in a wide, and endless pond one small splash could cause a ripple; By spreading our liberal beliefs we can therefore influence the majority through a ripple effect.With this in mind, I would like to take a moment to thank the Jordan community for creating a pleasant learning environment, and farewell. Even if I am not present, remember, by keeping this community tightly wound, we can all make a difference.

Home is where the heart is. At home we feel safe and are with our family. For the past 3 years my heart has been here at Jordan. I have felt safe to be who I am and became a family with my fellow peers. We all have had hardships but since we stayed together we have overcome them. We care for each other and help one another at any time. We are a community that people want to be apart of. Something that has grown over the past 3 years. We have become closer and been able to confide in one another.My middle school experience has taught me so much. I learned a lot from not only teachers but my fellow peers. One of my social studies teachers taught me to enjoy learning and how to make learning fun. This showed me, that no matter who you are you can make anything fun. Others taught me to ask thoughtful questions. That helped me find all the facts before doing something. I also want to thank my math teacher for believing in me even when I had a hard time. I thank my friends who accepted me for me and helped me to become a better person than I was before.The 2017 graduating class accomplished many things together as a community. We became even more inclusive to people who are different. Our community accepted people for who they are and where they came from. We did not discriminate against others. Secondly, we helped the act of changing our school name. They named the school after a person who was not kind and open minded. We stood up and told the school what we wanted to happen. Individuals also had their own achievements. I skipped a grade in math. That was never something I thought I could do. I also made a lot of new and interesting friends. In 8th grade U.S. History, we learned about the founding and making of the United States. These lessons taught us to be better US citizens. First, we learned about the Revolutionary War. This taught us to stand up for what we believe in. As citizens if we do not believe in what the government is doing then we should tell them. Also the Revolutionary war taught us to fight for freedom. In time we learned that the Revolutionary War was a really important time. It was the beginning of our nation and a new era of freedom. Secondly, we learned about the Declaration of Independence. To begin, the Declaration of Independence was important because it was the first time that England had realized we had freedom. Also the Declaration of Independence was used again and again as a document of freedom. Not only was it important but it taught me a lot about being a US citizen. One thing it taught me was that being an american means having freedom. Although in the beginning not everyone had freedom, we as a country made a change to our beliefs system. A second thing it taught me was that we should try to be as nonviolent as possible by using words. Lastly, we were taught about the Constitution. The Constitution is one of the most important documents to our nation. It is the basis of our government and how our country should be run. It taught me about the different positions in the government and what they do. Also, the Constitution educated me about how things can be changed because of all the amendments made to it. That not everything is set and stone and if everyone puts their mind to it then the world can change.Not only have I gained wisdom from history class, I have gained foresight in every class. One of the many experiences in middle school cause me to realize that grades in middle school are not very significant. I found that, although I should study, I should also not place so much pressure on myself because it caused me to be really stressed and defeated. Another experienced caused me to recognize that I should become less shy and try to make new friends. Unlike elementary school, middle has many more people that are very interesting. Not only should you try to get new friends, also be kind and considerate to everyone, no matter if you like them or not. A third experience caused me to grasp that I need to have good habits. Middle school is like a gateway to high school and the real world. If we all have good habits as a base then we will all succeed.Out of all this information Jordan taught I know I will do well later on, especially in high school. I will be able to work hard and get all my work done. This will allow to have more time to do some really interesting things.So thank you Jordan. Thank you to all the students here today and the ones who will come later. Thank you to all the teachers and staff. Thank you for making middle school so memorable. Thank you for making middle school such a good place for everyone. You have all made middle school the best time ever.

My experience here at Jordan has been exciting, boring, fun, horrible, interesting, and awkward. Day after day my time at Jordan is coming to a close. But before I go I have a few things to say, some advice to give, and ideas to store to your head. My survival here at Jordan was dependent on my things, especially people. It’s as if a whole team was formed just to support me as I attend Jordan. The first people I want to thank would be my parents, because not only are they my parents, but they taught me more than school ever could. They gave me more support support than any teacher or counselor ever could. The next person I want to thank is my twin Joe. Even though we regularly have ridiculous arguments, he has been my friend my whole life. We’re stuck together like glue, no matter what. Having a twin is awesome when it comes to middle school. You can trust each other almost as much as you can trust yourself. No matter where you are or what happens they will (usually) be there to support you. Another person who has been very helpful is my therapist. He helped me through my depression and figure important things out. Without him my experience here would have been much worse. All of my good friends have made my experience here fun, which is a word uncommonly used when the subject is school. Getting in trouble with them, joking with them, and talking with them has made life in and outside of school very entertaining. I also to thank all staff at Jordan for teaching me, punishing me, and keeping their cool when I am being ridiculous. And finally, it would be rude not to thank you guys for listening to my speech. I appreciate you guys giving up a couple minutes of your time to listen to this. Thank you all for making my time here OK. Without you guys, I wouldn’t have achieved anything.While at Jordan, my peers and I have accomplished many things. I, for one, feel like I have accomplished a lot. For starters, I am close to graduating middle school. While the whole ride wasn’t always smooth, most of it was and here I am. I also did things such as beating depression, making friends in Palo Alto even though I didn’t go to elementary school here, improving quite a bit in PE, and learning a lot. Middle school truly is a place to be proud of yourself. One thing however that eighth graders can be proud of is their newly gained knowledge about our beloved country.This year I have learned a ton about our nation’s history and government. I learned about the rights the constitution and bill of rights grants us, how a law is created, how agreements are made as a country, how America became what it is now, and how different branches of our government work. I feel this learning will truly help me be a better citizen because I know more about our government, which will help out when I am voting for government officials in the future. I will also understand my rights better, which will help me and my fellow Americans thrive. Using skills and knowledge and like these, I will be like a super citizen. This wisdom will help me remember what it even means to be an American in the first place. It will help me realize how my government is built up. Help realize what my rights are in case they are ever in need of preserving. Overall, this could be one of the most important year of learning history when it comes to being an American. As an American, I have the right to express my opinions, so here are my opinions on surviving at Jordan Middle School.Now for a message aimed at future jags. If you want to have a pretty positive experience here, then listen to what I have to say. The most important advice I could give any future student is the quote “Make new friends and keep the old” which I am pretty sure is sung by girl scouts. This is important because you can never have too many friends here. It’s too easy to abandon one friend for a new one. Don’t. Not only will you eventually feel bad, but you just threw away a huge amount of good times. The piece of advice I will give away next is to not worry about being “popular”. At Jordan, there really is no popular group. There are just a bunch of groups of friends, but no group or person is considered popular. There will be people who think there are popular groups and people, but don’t stress about it, because no one is truly popular here. So don’t stress out about knowing the latest stuff, dressing right, and listening to the right music. Be who you truly are because unlike elementary school, there are no popular people. Finally i’d like to give some more general advice. Do your homework. Your binder reminder can be useful, but to be honest people kind of forget it exists. Hang out with your friends. Don’t ever put school first when it comes to going outside or hanging out with a friend. This advice should help out, and if possible please pass it on to the upcoming generations of sixth graders. Perhaps the knowledge and advice achieved here could also help me out in what comes next.The skills i’ve learned, the knowledge i’ve gained, and the moments experienced here at Jordan will surely help me in the real world. I will have the power of persuasion and to read from English classes, the wisdom of how everything works because of science, the problem solving skills from math, and the wisdom of the past obtained through social studies. I will also take with me the bravery i’ve gained whether it’s because of doing something a bit past my comfort zone, doing a dare, pulling a prank, or running a mile. What I have learned and experienced here at Jordan has changed my fate, and this is obvious because through Jordan I have become a better person. Whatever awaits me in the future, I know I will be able to thrive and succeed with the skills and knowledge gained from middle school. I feel prepared, but first I must say goodbye.Thank you everyone in my life for making it mine, thank you Jordan for helping me prepare for what’s next, and thank you for listening. And too Jordan as a whole, thank you for my experience here. I will miss this place, but am glad to leave at the same time. I hope the spirit of Jordan lives on here for as long as the earth exists.

Jordan Middle School, I would like to say thank you. I have been here for only three years, yet I will still miss you very much. On behalf of all the 8th graders, I can say that we have learned so much and we are all very grateful. Although I am excited to start a new journey, I will be sad to leave Jordan.I have had many wonderful experiences during my three years at Jordan. I have worked on many amazing projects and made many amazing friends. When I first started Jordan, I was a shy and awkward little girl. Three years later, I am still shy and awkward, but I am not afraid to be so. This is because of the wonderful community Jordan has provided me. I now have friends who I can cry over movies with and scream over bands together. I have also learned so much at this school. This is all thanks to the lovely teachers I will never forget the kindness and open mindedness Jordan has showed me.During my time at Jordan, I have done much more than do homework and play Kahoot. Jordan has provided me with many opportunities I would not have been able to experience otherwise. Although I have not had any achievements sport wise, I am proud to say that I am no longer the slowest runner in my PE class! *cough* second slowest *cough* One of the things I am most proud of, is discovering my love for theatre at Jordan. I’ve had an amazing time performing on this stage with real spotlights and sets. It is something that I hope to continue in high school and maybe my whole life. I have made so many new friends because of drama and have been given many opportunities. I have been able to attend a leadership conference and even direct the school play. I have aquired many important skills because of drama. Such as leadership, working with others, and public speaking. These are qualities that are very important not just for drama, but for the rest of my life. This year in Social Studies, we learned about U.S. History. This was very exciting for me, because at the time, I was obsessed with the musical Hamilton. It was very interesting to learn even more about the founding fathers and how much they contributed to this country. It was fascinating to see how then invented a form of government that is still used today. I find it funny how many of the things we learned about can relate to events happening today. For example, the divide between the democratic and republican parties is very similar to the tension between the North and the South. It made history much more interesting, being able to connect it to current day events.An important thing to remember when first starting Jordan is to be yourself. You might make friends who will try to change you, but it is important to stay true to yourself. Beginning school at Jordan may be intimidating. There are so many people who you may want to impress. In sixth grade, I would try to be like other people. I quickly learned that I was not happy that way. So, remember to be yourself. If you do, you will make friends that can last your whole life. I am so grateful that I’ve met people who I can relate to, and who relate to me. My middle school experience has so much more enjoyable because of the friends I’ve made.I know I will never forget Jordan because of all it has taught me. I have learned to be respectful, open minded, and kind. These are lessons that will be important for the rest of our lives. Jordan has given us the keys to success. We will use them to become better individuals through high school and beyond.Now it is time for me to say goodbye. It has been a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I will always remember how special it was to have the ability to learn at this school. Again, thank you to all my teachers and friends who have made my years here that much better.

Matthew DiamondSst 7 period Mr. Diven 4-11-17 8th grade Farewell AddressHello my fellow Jags and teachers. I’m here today to tell all of you that I’m leaving this wonderful school, due to graduation. Some of you might not care that I’m leaving this school, and that means you are going to skip this speech, but some of you do care and i appreciate the people who do. I want to thank the teachers that helped get through this rough year of 8th grade and I especially want to thank Ms. Pound and Ms. Hartley for taking the time to write me recommendations for a school that was extremely hard to get in. I also want to thank the students and friends that were respectful and loyal to me during the whole year of 8th grade. I was new to this school, sad, lonely, and confused but also excited for the long year of 8th grade. In the first week of school, I was one of those kids who would sit on a bench lonely looking at the other kids play basketball. I was scared that I was never going to have a friend and worried that people would make fun of me for sitting at bench eating lunch as lonely as can be. Luckily at the end of the week someone came to me and taught me about the school and how it worked around around here. At the end of the week I got a bunch of friends including him and thankful for having them. So I thank those people extremely a lot. This shows how great the people are in this school. I haven’t achieved a lot at this school especially because I was here for a short amount of time, but I did get into a great high school which I worked hard for but also had help from the teachers that gave me recommendations which shows that this school is full of nice teachers. Though that was my only accomplishment here and I hope that the new students don´t make that mistake. So try to achieve as much as you can during the 3 years ahead of you. Now it’s not easy to achieve something but it is worth it.One of the great memories I had in school was U.S. History with Mr. Diven. In this class I learned stuff I thought I’ve never learn before. It was one of the most useful and interesting classes I ever had. Especially the Civil war unite, because of how well it was explained and how well it was shown, but the thing that this class made of me is a real citizen. From all the things I learned in this class, becoming a citizen, and I hope this is the same for you. I have some advice for the upcoming 6th graders. There is nothing to worry about, you might think it will be a hard three years but with the help of the great teachers here and the schools helping system (TEAM) there is nothing to be worried about. This doesn’t mean you don’t need to work (the teachers may be nice but aren't going to do your work), this doesn’t mean you don’t have to sleep or watch T.V. when you get home, and I know it’s tempting, you will still have to work. Now, I shouldn’t speak because when I go home I do the least of my homework and then watch T.V. but my parents always knew I could do better and that I should try my best. Well here’s my point try your best or then you might end up regretting that you could've done better, and trust me your parents always know if you're going the wrong path. Also, don’t worry about having friends because like I said the people here are always here to help. Middle school might not seem important at all, but if you listen and if you work hard enough high school is going to be much easier, and trust me high school is hard. My main point here is that I beg you to thrive in your own way to become a better student than you were when you got into this school. This will make life much easier in the future, and all the actions you do effect your future, and trust your future might not matter to you but it is one of the most important things in your life.Well, anyways thanks for being patient and for listening to this speech, and I hope you choose the right path.Thank you, andBye.

Greetings fellow Jaguars, I have spent two unforgettable years here at Jordan Middle School. Today I am here to thank you all for what you have done for me. Today is the day of my graduation. And I would like to properly say farewell to Jordan. I first arrived to this school in seventh grade. I did not know anyone. I anticipated that it would be difficult to fit in but I was wrong. Teachers and students alike were exceptionally kind to me and made the beginning of my Jordan experience extremely pleasant. And I would like to express my gratitude for a very smooth and delightful entry. In the beginning of my first year at Jordan, the counselor made sure that I felt included by calling me in during lunch and giving me a tour of the school while explaining how it worked.With the tremendous help of the teachers, In my time at Jordan I have been able to achieve many things. First of all I have been able to make new friends and establish new relationships. These relationships have led to tons of fun memories. I have also been able to learn many things and improve my knowledge in many areas. I benefited off my teachers and peers wisdom to further develop my academic proficiency. In my U.S. History class this year I learned many new facts about our country. One of those things being the Constitution. The Constitution taught me how to be a better resident and how to respect my country by following the rules. I learned how the Constitution had to go through a process of ratification. I learned the ethical and necessary rules the founding fathers made in order to keep the country together. I also learned about the history of our country and how it was founded. From Christopher Columbus to the Salem Witch Trials. This years U.S. History class taught me well. To the incoming sixth graders I would like to give advice. To thrive at Jordan you have to be happy. There are many ways to be happy here. There is an amazing bunch of staff. During lunch there are clubs for many different activities with one of them bound to appeal to you. Everyday you can go to a classroom where students of all grades like the same things that you do and it is a great way to meet new people. There you could meet friends with common interests. It is great because if you are new you can get acquainted to new people while having fun. When I leave Jordan, with the help of a high school and college education I want to get a job. I don't know what I want to do but I will go with the flow. The sense of community that I learned at Jordan will help me find something. Also the hard work that I have been doing at Jordan over the years may pay off and give me the edge for a job. Finally, I would like to say a sincere farewell to everyone who has made my Jordan experience so great. I would like to thank my teachers who greatly helped me in my learning. I would like to thank my fellow students who were always there to lend a hand. And finally I would like to thank anyone who has helped me through this journey. The Jordan community is so accepting and kind-hearted and has made the last two years fantastic. Goodbye.

A Jordan student once told me a paradox about swiss cheese. The more cheese you have, the more holes you have. The more holes, the less cheese you have. The less cheese you have, the fewer holes in it. The fewer holes in it, the more cheese you have. Then we are back to the more cheese you have, the more holes you have. This can relate to our lives here at Jordan. The more things we do, the more mistakes we might make, but the more mistakes we make, the less we get done. The less we get done, the fewer mistakes we make, the fewer mistakes we make, the more we get done. But this has a problem because more mistakes don't mean we get less done, just like more holes in the cheese doesn’t mean less cheese. Making mistakes might fail the thing we are currently doing but helps us learn to do the next thing better.Thank you 8th grade teachers for helping me learn everything I need for 8th grade and some more. Thanks to all the past, current, and future Jaguars who keep this school alive, because without the students there would be no school. The staff and admin are also needed to keep the school running. This school still stands today because of all the humans working together. At Jordan I have learned to manage my time better. I have learned to work efficiently through assignments to be able to finish all of them in time.I was only at Jordan for one year, but I have seen the many accomplishments Jordan Jaguars have done. Everyone has gotten one year ahead in math, english, social studies, science, and elective, since last year. Many students have learned new things in clubs. I joined the electric car club. It was rewarding to learn about the tools to build something that you can sit in and it actually works. I learned how to use many different types of machinery to drill, cut, and work with wood or metal. Also, I had the chance to apply things I have learned before, such as the flow of electricity and structural design. In P.E. most of us learned about different activities and got exercise.In U.S. History class we learned about what it means to be a citizen of the U.S. and the world. More specifically, we learned about the constitution, the declaration of independence, and how the nation was founded. These documents help us understand the ideas that the U.S. was based on and how we become better citizens. One thing I learned from this class is that many classes are related, for example in social studies we read documents to understand and then would have to also write a lot to show what you learned. This relates to english. Also, I learned that the nation is built on the idea that humans are equal and have rights, but people still try to find ways around this idea. Even though most people have this idea, they still have to somehow make a living. People have to sometimes go against their own ideas to live. This makes me a better citizen by knowing that humans do not always do what they want to do.I think the best way to be happy, and successful, to learn the content yet still be free to do other things, is to not stress too much about grades and “doing badly in school”. Try to do the homework given online a day earlier or two just in case one day there is a lot of work given, you would have some of it done already. There would be fewer things to worry about. Also, you can cut down even more stress by reading or making art. Reading and making things can take your mind off of worrying topics. When making art, don’t be afraid of it looking bad or messy, because that is just an opinion that can change.Learning things like algebra in math and physics in science will help me in the future when I want to become an engineer or architect. Electives like architectural drawing will help me get experience for what to do in the real world.Thank you for letting me into the Jordan community. I hope this school lasts long enough to serve as many students as it can. Thanks for listening.

Can I just say WOW! These three years at Jordan Middle School have been the time of my life. I have learned so much, accomplished so much and made so many amazing friendships and memories. These years at jordan have been like a summer. They went by so fast, and I had so much fun. Just like when summer ends, I am sad that it is over, but I am excited to start a fresh new year and new school. I know there will be great experiences and adventures ahead. I have had teachers who are the best of the best who somehow choose to continue to teach all of these crazy people.I am so thankful, and I would like to show my gratitude to everyone at this school and the students who are now at PALY, for being so inviting to me when I was in 6th grade. I would also like to thank every single one of my teachers for being so incredibly supportive of me every step of the way. I would also like to thank my friends because there is no way I could have gotten through these years without you guys. I would like to acknowledge my older sister Noa, who is currently a freshmen at PALY, who continues to be my role model day in and day out. You have always helped me with everything and given me great advice. Last but not least, I would like to thank my parents. You have been so loving, caring and supportive these three years, plus my entire life. This school has taught me so much and led me so far. Not only academically but mentally. When I was at the end of fifth grade, I was terrified of going to middle school, but when I got here everyone was on my team and I realized that I had nothing to worry about. I remember when I was in sixth grade and I was working on a math test. I was having a really hard time with one problem and I kept finding new problems that I couldn’t figure out. I felt horrible but then my teacher, Mrs. Schwarting took me outside and helped me get through it. I knew then that none of my teachers actually hated me, even when it seemed so. They all just want to help you and prepare you for the years to come. That is something that I have recently become more aware of, and I am so thankful to everyone for that. As I said earlier, during these three years I have accomplished so much. Now I am going to tell you what exactly I accomplished. I will start by saying that I managed to keep straight As in every class of every year. In 6th grade I received the Jaguar of the Quarter award for community and inclusiveness. I remember in sixth grade how I was struggling with a few subjects and it was pretty tough, but throughout that year and the next two years everything got much, much easier. I began to manage my time, become more organized and plan more things in advance. Now I am always on top of my work and I am not as stressed or overwhelmed. I would like to say that this school deserves to be acknowledged because without this environment, I would not have been able to get through middle school or meet my best friend who will continue to make me laugh for many years to come. I met my best friend in sixth grade in the wheel period at home ec. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, which is why I felt like I could go outside of my personal box and make a new friend. This year I learned a lot, especially in Social Studies. We had a U.S. History Unit where we learned so much. If you haven’t heard of the fantastic musical Hamilton, then I don’t know where you have been, but anyways, the marvelous music incorporated into the musical has been used as an extremely effective writing tool in this class. The most important thing I have learned is that in order to progress and avoid mistakes, history must continue to be taught, however painful that may be. This has helped me become a better citizen because I know that ignorance is not bliss, and it is more dangerous to live happily without knowing the truth, than to be sad sometimes and not be doomed to create history’s same mistakes. I believe that even though many parts of history are bitter and painful, we must continue to pass down the story of them to every generation. We must not fall into the luxury of ignoring the truth because we want to. This is something very important to know and I am thankful that I could learn more this year.The next thing I have to share with you is advice! I have lots of experiences and advice to share with incoming Jordan Jaguars. The most relevant thing is to enjoy it while it lasts! Soon enough you are going to be in High School where there is much more stress and homework than in Middle School. You also must use your resources. You have to remember that your teachers are not against you and that they are always rooting for you even when it doesn’t seem like it. All of your wonderful teachers spend their after school time in their classrooms answering all of your questions in a program called TEAM. My last piece of advice is to make new friends and try not to be shy! You have to go outside of your boundaries and talk to people you don’t know. Try to find people that you have something in common with, like a sport or a hobby. It is easier to make friends at the beginning of sixth grade, when everyone is getting the hang of things. You will become very close with everyone in your team, and friendships will follow. I met my best friend here and I know that without her I would not have made it through these years and had the experiences I did. So my advice for you is to make new friends, don’t get too stressed or overwhelmed and use your resources!Overall, my middle school years taught me how to make new friends, to stay organized, and to use my resources. I learned so much from all of my teachers and peers and I am so lucky to have gotten to attend this amazing school. It is called Jordan ROCKS for a reason! Jordan has prepared me for high school and life in general. The skills that I have been taught here at Jordan, I will take with me through my whole life. I am now excited for high school rather than terrified, because I know that whatever it is that I have to face, I know I am not alone, and I know that I will get through it if I just stay organized, make new friends and use my resources! At the end of the year, I am sad to leave the School of Jordan Jaguars, but I am so excited to start a new beginning at Palo Alto High School. As I said before, it is like a summer coming to an end, but I know that being at PALY will be amazing and full of memories. I have to admit that I am very nervous for the years to come, but I know that I will get through it as long as I stay on top of my work, stay organized and use my resources. Thank you!

As Alexander Hamilton said -“Those who stand for nothing fall for anything”, what do you stand for in your life? What are you passionate about? What do you believe in? Most people won’t be able to truly answer each of these questions, and right now I can’t either, but I can explain my journey to discover who I am. To begin, I’m going to introduce myself, my name is Hannah Zhou, I’m not the president of the school and I’m not the captain of any sport’s team, But I have learned many life lessons in my time at Jordan, and I am going to share what I have learned these three long long years. I’m going to start with the cheesy appreciation portion of this speech. While Jordan has not always been my favorite place in the world, I truly have learned countless things and have been given amazing opportunities. First, I want to thank all the faculty and staff who have taught me innumerable lessons, without their support I would not be who I am today. Not only did my math teacher teach me Algebra and Geometry, but she taught me how to think logically and reason through difficult situations and problems. My english teachers taught me how to interpret the situation, and read between the lines. And while in the moment, I may not have appreciated the homework they gave me, it truly helped me learn how to manage my time and at the same time taught me valuable information. Jordan has also given me the opportunity to meet all my new friends and create unbreakable bonds. Every day, I’m presented with opportunities ranging from clubs to sports, and even dancing the Virginia Reel in Social Studies. Each and every one of these activities has been filled with laughter and made my time here truly enjoyable. Everyday here was filled with amazing learning opportunities that helped me truly develop my skills and helped me learn my direction in life. There are countless opportunities here at Jordan and I participated in just a few of them. At Jordan in sixth grade, I participated in the American Persuader contest and got to present my speech in front of the entire grade. From the competition, I learned that it’s not about winning, but the journey that leads you there. In seventh grade, I first tried volleyball in PE and in the moment, I thought it was a painful sport. But as time passed and I played more volleyball, I realized I loved the sport. Through volleyball, I learned to give things a second chance and try new things. Finally, in eighth grade, I understood how hard work could pay off when we won the championship. Not only that, but across all three years, I participated in both the math and science club. Winning medals and awards was fun, but the most rewarding aspect of these clubs was making friends and persevering to achieve my goals. Middle school is a time where you can discover your interests and participate in many different activities, but don’t worry if you can’t find your interests yet, everybody develops at their own pace.Besides learning from extra activities, I also learned many different lessons in my individual classes, but one that truly stood out was this year’s US History class. We first learned about the original people who lived here, the Native Americans. We learned that to found our country, millions of innocent people were killed. The history of America was violent and not everything was perfect, the success of our country came with much sacrifice. We need to honor those deaths and understand that our country has never been and will never be perfect. The most we as citizens can do is follow the laws and guidelines our country has set out for us. Our country is still shifting everyday but we are learning to see people not by the color of their skin, but by who their characters and who they are inside. Secondly, we learned about the colonization of America, how pilgrims had to persevere through countless hardships. We learned about many other important topics but one that really stands out is the Revolutionary War, we learned how important it is to stand your ground and speak your mind. The founding fathers worked tirelessly to make sure our country could develop into what it is today, they were incredibly passionate about what they believed in. They showed us that when you stand up for what you believe in, you can make a change and difference in the world. So with that, I’ve thanked the important people through my time at Jordan, informed you of many different activities at Jordan, and reflected on my journey through Social Studies this year. But before I leave, I believe that through these three years, I’ve learned some pretty important things that I want to share. Incoming sixth graders, you’re probably pretty nervous about the upcoming school year, worried about homework and navigating the school. But don’t worry, before you know it, you’ll be a pro at finding your way through the halls. And of course, the amount of homework you receive in middle school will obviously be more than in elementary school. As you grow older, your responsibilities grow with you, but at the same time, you yourself will mature and learn to understand the value of hard work. You’ll meet new friends, have new teachers, and discover a whole new side to yourself. Nevertheless, I remember as an incoming sixth grader myself, I was mostly worried about two things: being tardy and running the dreaded mile. Just a quick word of advice, don’t run to any classes, if a teacher sees you running you’ll be slowed down even more. Also don’t be scared of the mile, it helps you become a stronger person and there’s no need to compare yourself to other people, the only person you need to try to be better than is the person you were yesterday. Still, most importantly, I want to remind you all that school is a place where you come to learn, a place to develop your interests. Countless kids around the world would die to be able to go to school to have an opportunity to learn about the world around them. Life is a journey, and Jordan is just one step along the way, you can never go back so make the most of every moment you have here. To conclude, Jordan has probably been the three most exciting years of my life. From being an inexperienced sixth grader, to a slightly less nervous seventh grader, and finally a confident eighth grader. Jordan is truly where I belong. It has always been a respectful, open-minded, community of kind ad safe students and I hope to impart those values onto everybody who comes after me. With that, I want to express my thanks to this community that has supported and nurtured all my interests. I hope that future sixth graders will also use this amazing place wisely. As a rising 8th grader, I am proud to be a Jordan Jaguar, we are all proud to be a part of this community. While you’re here, relish in the experiences and friends you have made, Jordan truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

When I was passed the middle school torch In sixth grade I had come from a very different, non-feeder school with two other students. At my old elementary school, Nixon Elementary School, I had a very different experience, I knew everyone in my school and had a lot of pretty great friends. So coming to Jordan, and knowing basically nobody was a pretty big leap from what i’d known. At my old school plenty of things were the same as Jordan, yet still I was scared. I’d heard some weird stuff about middle school and how it functioned, But pretty soon I got the jist of being a Jaguar, made a few friends and learned some pretty great stuff.First of all I would like to thank the entirety of the Jordan community. We have such a great and unique community here and I am very grateful to have been a part of it. Everyone at Jordan is so talented and unique and i think as a whole we embrace that about each other and create bonds over it. Most everyone in the community was kind and helpful my first year at jordan, and even now if i am in need of a pencil or a highlighter or whatever I might need. Of course with such great students we also need a great assembly of staff and administrators who are able to teach us the skills and lessons we are going to need in the real world. My teachers at Jordan have done such a wonderful job in teaching us the skill sets we need to thrive. So for all of everything that you do, I Thank you.During my time at Jordan I have accomplished a lot, During my 6th grade year, i did some pretty normal things, I joined clubs, went to dances and made friends. Using that time to fully understand the potential of middle school. 7th and 8th grade were awesome, I went on the So-Cal trip, I made a bunch of new friends, joined more clubs, took some awesome courses, and continued to explore the potential of the Jordan community. When I first found the elective system, I loved it, and wanted to take every course because all of them sounded so great, finding out that I can’t take every course, I decided on a few. Forensics was my first choice, It sounded really great and stood out from most of the other, more normal courses. Not being able to take this in 7th grade led me to take it this year, 8th grade. Of course Art followed suit to Forensics, I’ve always loved art and all of the art courses were very different and totally awesome! Finding out that I can’t take every art course in 7th grade was a little bit of a downfall but it was okay. Another Course I had chosen to take at Jordan was Animation and Game Design, At first I was unsure about this course and disgruntled about taking it, but this course actually was a blast! I learned a lot and ended up LOVING IT. This course sparked my interests in animation, rendering, gaming and learning to code.I Believe that all i've learned this year about my rights and how my government works will help me understand and function as a good american citizen. Understanding how my government works will help me when topics like voting, government, elections and other political topics come about. Knowing my rights will help me with law and other issues alike. An example is where I might have to go to court or be on jury duty, knowing my rights for these issues would help me support my claims and show how my government works. Another example might be when I am able to vote, I would understand the process used when I vote and how it impacts me in the long run. This basic knowledge will help me understand, function and help others under the same government.For my amazing incoming Jaguars, my best advice for your experiences to come is to stand tall, and keep going. Although this may sound cheesy, it could not be truer. Some people will say some hurtful stuff that they might not mean, but just because it is said never means it is true. And no matter what anyone says, you are the stronger person, so don’t be afraid. Stand up and rise against society, and be the bigger person. Respect other people and their ideals, even if they seem stupid or unuseful, because their ideals could be the reason they are very successful and you end up on your buttOverall Jordan has helped me in ways I can not even start to comprehend, Jordan has helped me achieve many of my goals I didn't even know I had. It inspired me to become the best person I can be and dream big dreams. During my time here I’ve made so many friends and had so much fun, being ourselves, hanging out, and dreaming together. And with that, I pass my torch to the amazing, creative, strong, beautiful group of middle schoolers, here to come.

It feels like just yesterday I was walking into Jordan for the first time, a wide-eyed 11-year-old. And here we are graduating three years later. My time at Jordan has provided me with many great memories to last for years on top of years.I would like to thank my teachers from 6th grade, the Glevy/Tassa team, for making the difficult transition from elementary school to middle school so smooth. Thank you to my 7th grade teachers, the Cobalt team, for teaching me new material everyday while still keeping it interesting. And to my 8th grade teachers of the Gold team for proving me wrong when I thought that 8th grade was going to be dreadful. And I can’t forget my elective teachers. When the days got long and my eyelids got heavy, those classes gave me something to look forward to and time to recharge. Due to all the support from teachers, parents and our peers, our class has achieved much in our three years as Jaguars. Before, I had not enjoyed school and I had counted down the days to the next break. But now, although I still enjoy breaks, I enjoy school as well. I’ve grown to love the packed halls, filled with those banshee shrieks that leave your ears ringing for the next hour or two, the worrying absence of epilepsy warnings as those 6th graders flicker the light switches on and off like their lives depend on it, the feeling of being shoved and waiting for an apology that never comes, and that one kid who thinks he’s in the Olympic qualifying rounds for the 400m sprint with the B-wing as his track. I’ll miss this beautiful, quaint mess but there are things I won’t have to leave behind too, like the knowledge gained from all my classes.In U.S. History class this year, I learned that before the American Revolution, Americans had a very hard time under England’s control. They were taxed relentlessly and were not treated fairly. The fact that average colonists with no military background came together so quickly and defeated a global superpower is incredible and it has taught me to be thankful for the thousands of men who lost their lives so I could have all the freedom and rights America has given me. If Americans weren’t so brave and passionate, I probably wouldn’t have been born. As a child of immigrants from different sides of the world, I am eternally proud of America’s “melting pot” status. As my time at Jordan comes to an end, I must pass the baton to the upcoming 6th graders, the class of 2020. Things that are becoming my lasts will soon be their firsts.If I may offer some at advice, take advantage of TEAM. I know it’s a new concept and it doesn’t seem necessary, but staying a few minutes after school to clarify something confusing from class, no matter how small, can make all the difference. Not understanding one thing in class can be a downward spiral as days go on. If something on Infinite Campus looks strange, talk to your teacher! I can’t tell you how many times I was scared to ask for a correction on my grade and when I did, I was shocked at the teacher quickly agreeing with me and changing it in less than a minute. TEAM is there to help you so use it.Unfortunately, everything must come to an end, including my three years as a Jaguar. Everything I learned will be utilized in the future. Obviously, I have become smarter and more knowledgeable, but less obvious is what I have learned about myself during middle school. I am much more confident in my skin and I’m finally okay with being okay. I hope these feelings don’t fade away and I doubt they will. Along with parabolas and the periodic table, I’ll take the knowledge of myself with me till the day I die.I have greatly enjoyed my time at Jordan and have learned a lot, academics along with other things. Thank you again to everyone, parents, fellow students, and staff for making my experience here so worthwhile. I wouldn’t change anything that happened in these three years. I will miss Jordan but I’ll take what I learned here with me to high school. Thank you.

My experience at Jordan has been like a roller coaster, with its ups and downs and occasional surprises along the way. Everything goes by in a blur, because there’s so much stuff going on. It’s crazy, really, when you need to get off the rollercoaster, and you look at the whole ride like, “Wow, I did all that?” If I could choose to do it all again, I would definitely choose to wait in that line for as long as I did before, again.But this couldn’t have happened without everyone’s help, which is why I decided to say thanks;To all the teachers who directed where and which path on the rollercoaster to follow; to all the students and friends who helped me move forwards and feel welcome; you guys are really amazing to keep me moving on the right path, so that we could move forwards and experience the whole ride together. To all the staff, thank you for making sure I stayed on the ride and didn’t fall off, especially when there was a sudden drop on the track, a road problem that would’ve slowed everyone down. I couldn’t have made it this far without your help.There are many achievements that we all helped each other accomplish. Learning a new language, creating videos, joining the community of students and teachers, learning even more about ourselves; It’s all passed by, in a blur of fun events, like dances and clubs, brunches and lunches within friend groups, and sometimes, in classes that we all wish to avoid. And friendships and relationships tied us together throughout the weeks and weeks of school. We linked together to make friend groups, clubs, dances, and social events happen for everyone.In history, there was something that I learned that stuck with me throughout the year: A key part of how America was formed was from national pride and the unions and bonds that states and people made to create the United States of America. Creating groups that are welcoming will create a stronger union between people, which, in our case, stronger feelings and stronger bonds with the community and with everyone on campus. It will make people feel less insecure and welcomed in the Jordan community.For all the new kids coming in; Jordan will welcome you with open arms. The transition between being a 5th grader and becoming a 6th grader might seem extreme, or for some, straightforward. Don’t worry about fitting in, because you all are great and wonderful people. To make school more fun, join the clubs and groups that you want to join, whether it be chess club, StuCo, leadership, or anything in between. We will always welcome anyone who is interested in any of these courses.Middle school is only one of many huge rides in life’s amusement park, so ending middle school is only a small part of everyone’s planned future. Everyone will still be around, meeting others all the time. Although I am leaving this community, I hope that I would be able to come back and help everyone, either in Jordan or in any other community.Now it is finally the time when I leave; Along with the rest of 8th grade, I will meet all of the high schoolers and hope for the best, whether it be for the Jordan Community or for everyone that I know. Hopefully, we will all have a smooth transition into the next school year, with smiles and hope. Thank you, and I hope we all have a great year of school to come.

Stephanie PengSS8-Diven- Period 34/11/178th Grade Farewell AddressHello Jordan Jaguars, For the past 3 years I have been a student a Jordan Middle School and the day has finally come.I will graduate from the class of 2017. Middle school has been an adventure full of ups, downs, and fun surprises.From 6th grade Jaguar Journey to now, I have grown and learned a lot and as a student. Anyway, you probably don’t know who I am. My name is Stephanie Peng and I am in 8th grade, going to 9th. Back in 6th grade, I remember trying to get to each class with the 5 minute passing period struggling to get there on time. The size of the school was much bigger than my old school Addison. And the time when I mixed up my PE locker combo with my regular locker. Or when I would accidently walk into the wrong class or mix up class periods. Well, those days are long gone. What a relief! Now, as a graduating 8th grader, I feel ready to start on a clean slate and conquer my next four years as a high school student at PALY.To start off my speech, I would like to give some gratitude and appreciation to all the people that have helped me all along. I am very thankful for my great teachers and friends. I would like to thank my all my teachers from 6th to 8th grade that have helped me improve my Math, English, Science, and Social Studies skills and because t hey all really helped me and pushed me to work harder and accomplish my goals.I have learned more than I would've ever imagined in middle school thanks to my great teachers. They have helped me succeed and are always willing to help me. For example, if I had a question on the homework or an assignment, I would email or talk to my teachers and they always respond back. I would like to thank all my friends from elementary to middle school, and the new ones I have gained along the way.Most of all, I would also like to thank my parents who have been there and helped me with my problems and have just been there for me throughout my whole life. They have given me a great education in an amazing school.Next, some accomplishments that I have achieved was getting the honor roll in 6th grade, which is a certificate given for work hard during the semester, keeping my grades up, working on the yearbook for the past 3 years, and becoming an editor of the school yearbook this year In Yearbook Club, it is just a few of us working on it. Since, it is not a full class and there are only a few of us ,my friends and I come in everyday to work on it and make the best we can. I have also paid a lot of attention in my classes so that I can succeed and understand what’s taught in class. Also, I have barely gotten any tardies and have been a role model to the 6th and 7th graders by following the Jordan ROCKS acronym. I am sure to always be kind and open minded towards my peers and listen to to their ideas and opinions and supporting them. I have also supported my peers, the school and other students by attending in school events such as plays and dances. This year in U.S History Class we covered many topics ranging from Native Americans to the Civil War, all the way to current events and politics such as Donald Trump winning the presidential election-- well, not exactly the best moment.My favorite project this year was the collage project, “What does it mean to be American?”. My project was about Tituba, an enslaved African American living in Salem, Massachusetts, during the Salem Witch Trials. Back then, life of an enslaved african american woman, and life for a white man was a lot different back in the 1800s time period. This really gave me a chance to understand that life as an American is a lot different for different people, depending on their race, gender, skin color or time period that they lived in. I am also proud to say that I know the Bill of Rights and the 10 amendments. Social Studies this year has taught me so much about our country and its rich history such as the civil war and the about the constitution. I have learned about the mistreatment of African American slaves after the civil war, and how they felt. And I have learned about the Declaration of Independence and “ Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”. Throughout this year, I have learned about the hardships and happy moments in American History. After learning about these events, it has helped me to become to better citizen and young American. After being at Jordan for 3 years, I have learned many important and valuable First of all, don’t let school take over your entire your life and stress out yourself. School is important and keeping your grades up is important but you shouldn’t stress too much. Take breaks and find some time in your schedule to do something fun or hang out with friends. Second of all, I have learned this the hard way- so please follow this! Whenever you have multiple days to do an assignments do them as soon as possible, don’t wait for the last minute! I would find myself stuck in situations where I would be putting a project together the night before or stuck on assignment the day before. Which leads me to my 4th piece of advice, which is go to TEAM to ask questions and get feedback on your work or any questions in general. Seeing my teachers at TEAM has really helped me out has raised my grades, and showed my teachers that I care about school , and that I want to succeed. 5th, make sure to stay positive and have fun! Happiness and positive. Happiness is the key to life, and keeps you going everyday. Oh yeah, 6th graders- Don’t complain about homework, you have nothing compared to 7th and 8th grade :-).Overall, Jordan has really helped me accomplish my goals and has taught me life skills and lessons that will make me a better person for future and years to come such as cooperating and listening to other people’s ideas. Everything that was taught to me here will be forever remembered and never forgotten, I am very grateful to be this safe and close community and Jordan sometimes feels like a second home to me.Now is the time to say good bye. I will be forever thankful for this journey and how it has helped me along the way. I did not expect to learn this much from my time here and will treasure everything that I have done here and will never forget it. Once again, I would like to thank everyone that has helped me along the way greatly and everything I have learned. Farewell Jordan.

Isabella KoutsoyannisSS8-Diven- p3 April 11, 2017 8th Grade Farewell AddressHEY 8TH GRADERS We made it! Remember graduating from elementary school? Where did the time go? Remember your first day of school? I do. Walking through the halls trying to find my locker before that D$@!# bell rings. Oh that bell is so annoying.And To all of you 6th graders who might think High School is so far away, I say, it’s much closer than you can even imagine and DO NOT BE LATE TO MRS MCCALMONT class.8th graders, High School is upon us. Which means this might be our last time seeing each other, or this might be a time when we make new friends, stay close to old ones and definitely have new experiences. No matter which one, I plan to make my High School experience extraordinary. I am sure by now you are probably thinking to yourselves that this speech will be a traditional boring speech that you have heard before. Maybe?I want to thank all the teachers who put up with us 8th graders, I know we can be loud, annoying and disruptive, but we all somehow, worked hard and learned to get what we needed done. Also, I want to thank you the administrators who put together all the events at Jordan, just so the school can be a better place. I remember how excited I was when I got the slip to be attend challenge day. Challenge day was a day where selected students gathered in the MPR room and opened up about their everyday challenges. Some of the challenges were heartfelt and some were tragic, but I was so proud of everyone who shared their challenges that I changed my perspective of some of the student and realize how important it is not to be too quick to judge. In all the three years I have attended Jordan we have had three principals, two of which have been men, but this year we have a woman. I would like to give a special thanks to Mrs.Kinnaman for making me feel safe at Jordan and making it easy from me to vent to her about my many problems and for just showing me that being myself is the best person to be. Mrs. Kinnaman thank you. My time at Jordan has been special. It is where I developed many wonderful friendships, the ability to have the confidence to speak my mind and finally just not be afraid of anything or anyone. Academics has not been always easy for me, but for those teachers who were patient with me and helped me learn new topics quickly and not be afraid to ask you questions. I thank you as well. But ever since elementary school I have really wanted to be in High School. I am really not sure why. My parents, teachers and friends all told me to slow down and enjoy middle school, enjoy growing, enjoy learning, enjoy building friendships that are sustainable and last through good times and bad times. Now that I look back at my 3 years at Jodan I can say I had some of the best times and some of the worst times, but you see, that is life, a string of good times and bad times, but how you carry yourself through those times is what can define you or help shape who you ultimately become. But the truth be told, I am kinda freaking out! High School. It’s here. I am finally going, “Uh, it’s going to be ok right?” Mr.Diven is a unique Social Studies teacher. I remember when we were studying the Civil War he actually made the whole class get up and learn how to square dance. Not only was it humiliating and awkward, it was really fun too. I have learned so much in Mr.Diven class that I will take with me to High School. Mr.Diven’s history class made me a better citizen by helping me understand that there is an etiquette that one must practice to achieve in order to become a good citizen. For example, being respectful, kind and following the school rules are some of the things I had to practice. Being respectful is the one I took to heart. I believe respect is one of the most underrated and yet most important for all of us to practice that is why I try to be an example for my friends who some of them could use a good civics lesson. Overall, I feel that Mr.divens class had a good learning environment that helped me learn, grow and enjoy History. My advice to you fellow 6th graders, is make sure that you do what you are told and get along with your teachers. I know that Middle School can be scary, because it is a big school with big kids, which can be intimidating. But remember that the 8th graders were once 6th graders just like yourselves and they probably went through the same feelings that you are all having now. It is okay to hangout with your friends once and awhile but just make sure before you hangout with anyone, finish your homework first because otherwise you will regret it later. I know I might sound like your mother but mothers always give good advice so you should listen to me, Yea..I probably should have listened to my own advice. To conclude, just make sure you don't get into any trouble even though, you might think that it is cool to do so, but in the long run you will regret it. Also, keep in mind that it does not matter what clothes you have or shoes you wear your in school for one reason and that is to learn and grow as a human being. So get on with it. Overall, Jordan has been great at preparing me for high school not just academically but as a well rounded human being. Teachers such as Mr.Diven,taught me how to be a better citizen while Mrs Kinnaman taught me to believe in myself. The activities I have done in class has helped me become more open and tolerant of other students. During these activities such as group projects my teachers would partner me up with people I am not acquainted with in doing so I became more open and socially accepting of anyone I met.Goodbye Jordan Community we have been together long enough that it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter of my growth, PALY! I could not not have done it without the great support of Jordan Middle School Community, my parents and my friends that I hold so dear. It is time for all of us 8 graders to go and have an extraordinary year. GOOD LUCK!!!

Hello to the parents, teachers, staff, and students of the Jordan community. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Emily Cheng, and I am here to talk about the amazing three years I've spent at Jordan Middle School. Having undergone the nerve wracking experience of the first few weeks of 6th grade, I would also like to share some advice for incoming 6th graders next school year.Middle school was probably where I grew the most—mentally, physically, and just in general. First off, I’d like to thank all of the teachers I’ve ever had, whether they’re here or not. You’ve all taught me something, and every one of those things have helped me in some way no matter how insignificant it may seem. In every single class each year I’ve learned something, from grammar to quadratic equations to Newton’s third law to the U.S. Constitution. Not just academics, either—group projects have taught me teamwork and cooperation, and sudden changes in agenda or plans have helped me become more open-minded. Some of my elective teachers have told me and my classmates anecdotes in class, some for amusement, and some with important underlying life lessons. I’ve learned so much from all of you, and not just in school, but also about myself, other people, and the world.I’m also incredibly grateful for all the friends I’ve ever made, as well as the Jordan community as a whole. My friends, because they don’t expect me to be anyone other than myself...and because they’re just as weird as I am. Each and every one of us is different, and even though we may not understand each other completely we acknowledge each other’s uniqueness. The community, for giving me a place where I felt a part of something bigger, a place where I could belong. Unconditional acceptance is an amazing thing, especially when your being part of a community is accepted without question.The support and understanding between my friends and within the community has given me more motivation to accomplish things. When thinking of my achievements at Jordan, the first thing that comes to mind is how much I’ve developed as a person. In each of my classes there were people of very different personalities and opinions. As a result, I’ve become a lot more open-minded with others, which in turn led to smooth cooperation during group projects and an easier time talking to classmates. Even if there are people I dislike, I find it easier not to judge immediately, and instead take time to get used to them.The second thing major accomplishment is the constant cycle of learning new things. Even though I...most likely forgot everything I’ve learned, I find all the knowledge I’ve obtained to be an achievement. I’ve learned at least three new things in each class, that’s for sure, and if there was ever a topic I wasn’t clear on, I would try to find time to go into more depth in my own time. In Science I’ve learned about density, states of matter, physics, and once, even a bit of astronomy. In Math I’ve learned about transformations, evaluated expressions, and written equations based on different types of graphs. In English I’ve written several essays based on books we’ve read, made group grammer videos, and created my own poetry collection. I’ve learned countless things here, and personally, I don’t think I’d be able to have the same unique learning experience if I had gone anywhere else other than Jordan.An especially important but sometimes undervalued subject is history. In this year’s Social Studies class, we learned about the history of the United States. We learned about a variety of battles, acts, people, and more. The wars and battles throughout American history are important because they give us an uncensored view of the pride and dignity our ancestors displayed when they fought for what the believed in. They give us a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made to ensure our freedom today, and of what our country stands for. The acts passed and that events that occurred were also significant in that they were the reason for the American Revolution, the smaller battles of defiance that eventually led to our freedom. The United States of America would not exist if not for the colonists’ rebellion. Knowing how our country came to be helps us appreciate how privileged we are to be living in such a wonderful place.We also learned about past politics involving the colonists, which gives us a sense of awareness of how political circumstances in the past affected politics today. When we understand previous political flaws and downsides, we can avoid destroying the ideas our founders fought so hard for, instead building onto and improving them. Based on the mistakes of the past, we can work towards making America better than it already is.And just a few words of advice for incoming 6th graders...please try to be open-minded when it comes to unexpected change, because you’ll never know what opportunities a small mishap can bring. And once you see an opportunity, no matter how daunting it may seem—take it!Respect others’ opinions even if you heavily disagree with it. Unless their reasons are completely irrational and silly.Even if you’re 100 percent introvert, I encourage you to join a club or activity, whether inside or outside of school (hopefully it’s something you like). It’ll help you connect with people who share the same interests, and you may make lifelong friends in the process (I should know—personal experience).Expect your friend groups to change. It happens, don’t panic. Just go with the flow and see where it takes you. Sometimes your best friend in 6th grade may grow apart from you and you guys may make new best friends, whether due to difference between interests, or just because. We’re all still maturing, and besides, teenagers are complicated.Don’t get stressed if you don’t finish an assignment or something. Teachers understand that you have a life and things happen, but just remember to communicate with them instead of completely ignoring the assignment, panicking, or trying to make an excuse out of fear. If it’s a legitimate reason, you can work out a solution together. They’re there to help you, not torture you. As long as you’re responsible about your own work and decisions, you should be fine.All in all, Jordan has taught me many important things, and I’ll be sure to bring everything I’ve learned to Paly to continue building my knowledge. I’ve known the anxiety of an incoming 6th grader, experienced the initial disappointment of growing distant from a friend, and felt the simultaneous nostalgia and anticipation of an 8th grader in the last few weeks of middle school. After spending three years with a huge variety of people, I have grown to be much more open-minded and patient with those who different than me. As I’ve matured, I’ve become more respectful of both my teachers and my peers. I am careful not to judge too quickly and to be accepting of and kind to everyone, because the person sitting next to you in Art could one day be the person who lends you a helping hand when you need it the most. All of my experiences will contribute to my future, and the countless life lessons I’ve learned will help me become a better person when I’m older.I won’t ever forget everything I’ve learned, experienced, and felt here at this amazing middle school. I’ve made many memories here, both good and bad, and I’m content with that. Thank you for listening, and, no matter how indirectly—for accepting me.

Hello, the Jordan middle school community. Today, I, a graduating 8th grader, in the form of a speech like a farewell address, am here to share my experiences at Jordan and what it means to me. This speech won’t be lengthy, it will only take a few minutes of your time, so I hope that you will listen through it. Thank you all for what our community has done for me. I have learned much, and became a better person, in this year in the Jordan middle school community. This school is nice, physically. The school is clean, and has nice equipment. I had a good time at this school, so thank you school. Thank you, every building. Thank you, every tree growing in the school. And of course, I would thank all people in this school. I have accomplished and achieved many things at Jordan, mostly related to academics. I acquired many knowledge from my eight courses I took this year. Out of the core subjects, I learned most in science and social studies, less in math and english. Also, I practiced my skills in different areas, through the classes PE, and Symphonic band. Most of the classes were interesting and I liked what I learned.In this year’s U.S. History class we have learned the history of the United States of America, from 10,000 years before it even existed, to today. We have learned about what had happened, why it happened, and what will happen on this piece of land. Throughout history, people have made changes. They needed to adapt to different things, such as environment. People change things, when they are not working, or when they don’t like it. This is what made our country better. This is what made me a better person. To the new Jordan six graders, it is not easy to be successful and happy all the time, unless doing school work makes you happy. I think you should try to balance out the successful and happy times. Sometimes, you need to sacrifice your happiness to finish some school work, and you should understand this. But I think it is also very important to have fun. Take breaks more often, and go do something you like. As a six grader, you should have quite a lot of spare time. But still, plan out your time. After you get used to this environment, you will be fine. Soon, I will leave Jordan, and go to Paly. It would not be easy for us 8th graders to go to high school, but sooner or later, we should adapt to that environment. We will become high schoolers, learning more things, and having more responsibility. Thank you for listening, and I would like to say goodbye, to you people, to the whole Jordan community, and of course to the trees in the school. Farewell!

Hello, fellow students and staff of Jordan Middle school. It’s been a long journey. Well, not that long. Only 3 years. But it’s still a fourth of my life so yeah, it’s been awhile. This trip was an amazing experience. Many lessons taught, many lessons learnt. And not just academic lessons, many other lessons on life and how to make good decisions. So, life skills level up for me then, I guess. Yay. This trip wasn’t perfect though, but you know what they say! A few bumps in the road just makes things more fun. Or something like that. I’ve made many friends here, and also some enemies. Probably. I don’t know how many people I’ve annoyed yet. Anyways, these last couple of years have been truly amazing.First off, I would like to thank the staff and students for making my experience here at Jordan great. I am grateful to the staff for everything they have done for us. Without the teachers, everyone would be dumb. Without the custodians, the school would be a dumpster. Instantly. Without the people in the office, the school would be in a huge mess. The staff here has helped me many times. When I make mistakes, they come to show my mistakes and help me correct them. When I need help, they are always there. I am thankful that they are here, otherwise I would be in a pretty bad position right now. The students are also great people. Most of the time. Some people mess around sometimes(like me), but it doesn’t matter because they are usually nice. Many times I have had trouble completing a project or homework assignment, and my friends swoop out on the internet and help me solve the problem. They help me when I need it, and are always encouraging me. Overall, I am very thankful to everyone at Jordan for always being positive and supportive of me.Here at Jordan, I’ve learned many, many things. Because it’s a school, obviously. I’ve learned a lot of math things, history things, science things, and I wrote a ton of english essays that I am not very good at. But I’ve learned so many other things during my time at Jordan. I learned how to cook, how to design websites, how to design buildings, and how to film and edit videos. Here I made my first short animation of a little stick figure jumping around. It could be better, but it’s the first and no matter how bad it is it’s still the best for me. I also learned how to draw better here, and now all I need to learn is how to not draw an oversized head or small feet! There is also a cool afterschool program called FUSE, where you can do Technology things! I learned how to 3d print, design games(well, I already knew how, but this was interesting), Sketchup, and how to animate(in 3d :A). I also learned things from friends. Stuff like animating(not in 3d :A), designing a website(but not in a class), and how to edit videos! Jordan is a great place to walk up the stairs of success and learn things, so do it!Sometimes, if you want to succeed, you need to prevent failure and learn from your mistakes. One of the classes I had this year was US History, where we learned the History of the US. Duh. Anyways, an old guy called George Santayana once said that “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it”. This year we learned about America from before Christopher Columbus “discovered” it to the near-present, we learned about how life was like back then, what caused and the results of the revolutionary and civil war, the industrial revolution, and a lot more. That I will probably forget soon, but that doesn’t matter. This is why history is important. (I’m glad I learned about a ton of bad things. Now it’s not going to ever happen. Is that how it works?) But yeah. In history, you learn a lot about not only history, but lessons about life and decision making. It’s helped me realize that you can’t always just take the easy way out, that you have to support the collapsing tunnel instead of just running out and leaving others behind. This class is pretty important, trust me.Okay. Time to greet the new jaguars. HELLOOO 5th grade kids who are going to be 6th grade kids and are going to Jordan Middle School except I’m not sure it’s going to be called Jordan Middle School next year! You are about to go through a horrifying but not really horrifying experience called middle school! More classes, more homework, and more choices! Welcome to William’s Guide to Thriving in Middle School with an unnecessary overuse of exclamation marks! First off, spend time wisely! You only have about 16 hours every school day to finish your homework, if you don’t require sleep. If you get a healthy amount of sleep every day, then you only have 8 hours to do ALL of the homework that you got for the day. So finish it all in the first hour and play video games the rest of the day do important study things and other activities that will make your parents proud for the rest of the day! And second tip, make friends. They are great when you need them, and they will always be around to keep you not lonely and encourage you. That’s all I have for you kids, good luck and have fun! Okay. I have to be serious now. I’m leaving Jordan. Middle School is officially over for me, and I have a big future to plan. Life is about to get a lot harder, and if I want to survive high school, and adulthood, I need to start to work a lot harder. Because more homework is more fun, amiright? After 4 years of high school, I’m pretty much an adult. Life is about to get both a lot more interesting and boring at the same time. Let’s go.Well, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s been a great trip, and I will remember it forever. Everyone here is great, and will be great to the next generation of Jordan students. This is the last time I am ever going to be a student at Jordan Middle school. Thank you for the experience, and goodbye everyone.

Alex SelwynSS8 - Diven - 5April 11 20178th Grade Farewell Address[a]Good evening friends, family, faculty, and my fellow classmates,I would like to thank you all for being here today. I will begin my speech by sharing with you how I think of my Jordan experience. You see, I consider Jordan middle school a patchwork quilt. If you are unfamiliar with the term, it defines as a quilt consisting of small pieces of cloth in different designs, colors, or textures that are sewn together to form a work of art. In a metaphorical way, Jordan is very similar. Every class has a different learning environment distinguishing it from others. Teachers have varying styles, classes have subject-related curriculums; but when all classes are combined together, just like the different cloths in a patchwork quilt, they create our unique middle school, which is unlike any other. To begin, let me express my gratitude for those who have helped me along my educational journey by saying a few “thank you’s.” First, I would like to recognize my classmates, with whom I have developed meaningful relationships. You have been with me every step along the way, spending time with me at lunch and making class interesting and entertaining. Next, I would like to say thanks to all my Jordan teachers. Every one of you has been patient with me, and given me strength, courage, and confidence in myself. And lastly, thank you to my brother, for being a source of support, and to my parents, for helping me reach my full potential and encouraging me on my path toward high school. Your belief in my ability to thrive at Jordan and unparalleled support have contributed to my success as a student. During my time as a student in Jordan, I am proud to say that I have accomplished many achievements. I start out every school year by writing down several goals that I plan on fulfilling by the end of the year. The objective could be straightforward like earning A’s, or more complex like enhancing my literary analysis by use of structure and vocabulary. This tradition is imperative to my success here at our middle school, because when one of my goals is in tangible form, I am more likely to complete it. Over my three years at Jordan, I have significantly improved my writing and analysis, and substantially expanded my vocabulary. I have learned about the different ancient countries and their separate mores, in addition to studying the American Revolution and Civil War. Furthermore, I have successfully started learning French at Jordan. Outside of school, I have pursued several extracurricular activities including piano, track and field, cross country, and hebrew school. I take pride in the time and effort I put into each of these endeavors, and regard each of them as an achievement.Throughout the course of U.S. History this year, we have explored the American Revolution and the Civil War. We have also studied the Constitution in depth, and learned about life in the Antebellum Period. We were taught that in 1861, America partitioned into two separate regions; the North and the South. Their economies were distinct; the North was based on industry and manufacturing, whereas the South operated off slavery. During my studies, I researched the causes of the Civil War, based on the political, economic, and moral conflicts between the North region of the United States and the South. History has not only enabled me to assess evidence and make a coherent argument based on a variety of data, it has helped me understand more of the modern world and how history has affected modern society and the future. In addition, I have learned to appreciate certain things more after studying the customs of different groups of people. For example, I have learned to appreciate freedom from learning about the American Revolution and all the people who died fighting for independence. Knowing that ordinary Americans turned themselves into bellicose patriots, regarding their freedom with paramount importance, makes me treasure the privileges and rights that I have as a result of their warfare. The basic rights that we all are entitled to now, like marriage, voting, due process, and equal protection clause did not exist back in 1776. That being said, we should all be grateful for the freedom we have been given.Now, I could go into the shallow recommendations for the incoming 6th graders, like “don’t procrastinate,” or “do your homework,” but I’m going to suggest something more concrete and general: communicate. This word is very ambiguous, so I will share with you how I interpret it. In order to thrive at Jordan, you must communicate with your teachers, your parents, and your peers. If you don’t understand a certain concept in class, stay after school for review or send your teacher an email. If you have a sufficient amount of homework on specific days as opposed to others, converse with your parents to create an efficient schedule. If you are absent one day, let your teacher know in advance, or contact a friend to catch up on the missed material. Here at Jordan, if you wish to have a happy and successful experience, you must stay on top of your work and be organized. It is essential to your prosperity as a Jordan Jaguar, because if you do not focus on completing work following a specific procedure, it creates stress. As a wise 8th grader who has endured the ups and downs of middle school, I assure you that if you put in the time and effort for each class, you will be successful. And remember, always communicate!Sadly, my time at Jordan has come to an end. But looking back, I accomplished many of my aspirations that will benefit me prospectively. In addition, I had the opportunity to start learning a new language, which I will continue to study in high school. High school will be a new world, full of new opportunities, and new people. I will take with me the morals I have been taught here at Jordan, the information I have learned, and the memories I have built here for the rest of my life. As I grow older, it is important that I realize who I am in the community and what kind of difference I want to make in the world, and Jordan has helped to guide me on a path toward success in my future years. One of the most worthwhile lessons I have learned here is that the benefits of our education will depend on the amount of work and effort we do on it. That being said, we should strive for excellence and proficiency in all the domains that schooling offers. Likewise, education plays an essential role in helping the people of the world to live together in harmony as one unit. I am eternally grateful for my access to teaching, because it will have a powerful impact on the rest of my life.As I say my final goodbye to Jordan Middle School, I would like to take the time to recognize the successful students who have accompanied me in my time at middle school. Our class of 2017 is full of bright, remarkable, and diverse students who have the capability of influencing the world. We must all cherish the unique vibe we carry, and the spirit that propels us to exceed the limitations placed before us.So long, Jordan. Hello, high school, and congratulations to the Jordan class of 2017!Thank you!

You might not know me because there are a lot of people who go to Jordan. So, hi, I’m Malia Wanderer and I’m an 8th grader. Over the three years I’ve been here, I’ve met a lot of people, had plenty of wonderful teachers, learned a lot, come along way from the start of 6th grade, and most importantly, made lots of memories. I have mixed feelings about graduating and going to Paly because I have had so much fun here with my friends and don’t want my grades to matter. However, I’m excited to make new friends, start over, and become more independent. First, I’m going to thank everyone who made my experience here so great.I’ve had lots of fun here thanks to my classmates so they’re the people I’d like to recognize first. We worked hard together on assignments and had fun together which is why they made my time here a blast They’d also motivate me in PE to finish the sprints or whatever exercise we were doing so I didn’t let them down. Next, I want to thank the administration because they are the people who have helped the school run well, by enforcing rules and making schedules. Without them, school would be really chaotic because everyone would do whatever they felt like doing. I also would like to thank the crossing guards because if not for them reckless drivers could hit us when we’re biking to school. In addition, when most people cross the street they just ignore them even though they’re doing so much for us. I also want to express my gratitude to all of my teachers. Teaching and putting up with us which is a hard job. Teaching us requires hard work and dedication because teachers have hundreds of papers that they have to grade and always get them back to us. Finally, I want to thank my parents for supporting me all the time, being understanding, and helping me when I need help on homework. My parents have led me to accomplish many things by always being there for me and offering their support before I have to ask. So, next, I’m going to be talking about my achievements.During the time I’ve spent a Jordan, there are a few things that I’ve accomplished that I want to mention. First, I’ve made many new friends. Friends are the best and most important part about school because you get to see them and they make school more enjoyable. They can give you help if you need it and push you to be your best. In 7th grade I started taking Japanese and even though I’m not very good at it I’ve still learned a lot and taking a language has helped me experience what other cultures are like and grow as a person. This year I made the Jordan 8A basketball team after not playing basketball in 7th grade. Over the course of the season, I improved a lot and had tons of fun. I also realized how much I missed out on in 6th and 7th grade. Playing a school sport allowed me to get to know my teammates better and get exercise during the winter. In addition I went on the D.C. trip this year which was the first time I went on a trip without my family. This trip helped me bond with my friends because of the memories we made and all the time we spent together. Going on this trip helped me grow because I had to become more responsible by making sure that my friends and I didn’t get separated in museums, and that we didn’t miss any deadlines. Finally, over the course of 8th grade, I’ve learned a lot in every class which has helped me become who I am right now because I can incorporate the ideas into my everyday life.Many of the ideas that have helped me become a better person I learned in social studies. This year we started with the Bering Land Bridge, and finished with the Civil War. Learning all this helped me become a better citizen because the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence taught me what it really meant to be American. These documents taught me that it’s not all about patriotism, but also about having the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Learning this made me more amazed with the creation of our country and respect these ideas because they are why we have a democracy. In addition, exploring different viewpoints during the Civil War taught me that when people disagree and only one side is supported, there could be conflict as a result. This helped me realize that people voted for Trump because they’re unhappy with their lack of success.At Jordan, if you want to be happy and successful, you need to make friends. Making friends might be easy for some people, but there are lots of people who might have trouble. Friends can help you have fun during lunch and brunch, give you advice on your homework, or anything else because good friends should be there for each other. In addition to making friends, you have to try hard. Trying hard isn’t always fun, but if you look back when the year’s almost over, it reminds you how much effort you’ve already put in and how you shouldn’t give up. When you try hard, you also do well which gives you something to be proud of, especially if you didn’t think you would do as well and then you did. In addition, it helps you figure out what you can and can’t do because you never know what you can do until you try, and when you have a certain goal you want to accomplish in the future, you have to try hard to get there.We don’t know where we’re going to end up in 5, 10, or 20 years from now, but we can influence where we end up with our attitude. You might end up happy and successful, or you might be a hobo and live off the change that people give you. If you always have a positive attitude and try hard then you’ll be happy. However, if you’re always complaining and you don’t try at anything because you don’t feel like it, you definitely won’t be happy and you probably won’t be successful, but, hopefully we’ll all at least be happy where we are and what we’re doing. Overall, I had a great time here and I hope that everyone else did too because they were the people who helped make my experience awesome. I don’t really like goodbyes and because I know I’ll pass by sometime, this is just a see you later.

What an incredible 3 years! It feels like both an eternity and no time at all has passed since the beginning of 6th grade, and middle school has definitely been interesting since then. The good times and the bad times — they were all an inseparable part of the Jordan experience. My name is Jeffrey Wang, and you probably don’t recognize me since, admittedly, I haven’t done a great job of making my presence known. When I arrived here in 6th grade, I was bewildered and confused by the cacophony, rules, and procedures of middle school. It was so different from my former sheltered private school. But after 3 long/short years, I have learned more than I could have ever hoped to know about how to survive, both in middle school, and beyond.However, that couldn’t have been possible without the most important part: the students. If you guys didn’t exist, how else would I have gotten valuable experience and expertise in the field of navigating social situations, or received such motivational friendship and companionship? Who else would have sat with me during lunchtime, or laughed at my stupid jokes in class? How else could I have truly learned how to become a Jordan Jaguar, or have gotten such important preparation for the years to come? You guys are the central gear of a complex machine, the strongest link in the chain.Now, let’s switch “gears” and talk about my accomplishments here at Jordan. Really, none of them merit mentioning. I’ve qualified for the Geo Bee and Spelling Bee 3 times in a row, but I’ve never had the pleasure of reaching first place. I’ve tried to qualify for both the AMC 8 and AMC 10 multiple times — for the uninitiated, they’re basically two prestigious math competitions — but each time, my scores have been less than stellar. And then, I’ve also skipped 7th grade math. While this may seem like a big deal, scores of other students have replicated my seemingly impossible feat. Whenever I tell someone I’m in Geometry Honors, instead of getting a surprised “Wow, really?” in return, I usually only get a small double take. As you can tell, it’s more than a little disheartening. Perhaps, then, my best achievement is reaching some semblance of assimilation into the Jordan community, and, again, for that I have you guys to thank.Changing topics once again, during my U.S. History class, I learned about the United States’ origins and, along with it, the many injustices suffered by numerous groups at the hands of white Americans, such as the Native Americans and, most prominently, the African Americans. For example, I’ve learned about how the Europeans regarded the Native Americans as inferior savages, prompting them to take their land and force their own religion onto them, entirely disrespecting their rights as humans. The same thing happened later with the whites and the Africans. Disregarding their natural rights, the whites decided to take Africans against their will from their native land and forced them to work for them on their plantations, often in inhumane conditions. The wrongs that have been dealt to these groups have spurred me to become more accepting of other religions, ethnicities, and people in general, making me a better citizen, student, and human being.But enough about the past year. Let’s talk about the future of Jordan for a while: the incoming 6th graders. You guys will be the next generation of Jordan Jaguars, and to live up to that moniker, you’ll need some advice. Here’s mine: just try to enjoy yourself and be happy in middle school while you still can. The next step in the path to a successful life is high school, and it is not to be taken lightly. With high school comes a bigger workload, more homework, harder tests, and generally an overall decline in your well-being. As you can imagine, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. However, middle school is quite the opposite. Happiness is easily attained, and while high school may be a gauntlet, middle school has little bearing on your future and is, as they say, a walk in the park. There’s less classwork and homework, easier tests, and, as said before, can be taken quite lightly indeed. So don’t be too serious in middle school; instead, savor the freedom that comes with it while you still can. Join the sports team. Choose your electives on impulse. Go to five lunchtime clubs, one for every day of the school week. I don’t care! The important thing, and I cannot stress this enough, is to have fun and enjoy yourself while you’re still young and school doesn’t matter.To conclude, now that I’ve had an impromptu 3-year course on how to survive socially in public, it’s time to put my skills to the test in high school, college, and after. On the way, I may pick up some more skills. Once out of college, I may discover a cure for cancer. I may become president. I may found a billion-dollar startup. Who knows? All I know is that, while my youth may be over, the future is ripe for the taking.So goodbye, Jordan Middle School. I’ll never forget my experiences here, both the good and the bad, both the failures and the triumphs, both the embarrassing parts and the parts which I could point to later on and show off like a proud parent talking about their supposedly precocious offspring. As I’ve said before, all of those experiences were an inseparable part of the Jordan experience. Thank you all, and goodbye.

Nessa OrumchianSocial Studies Diven 8Period 38th grade Farewell AddressMost of you don’t know me, so let me tell you who I am. I’m Nessa, an 8th grader here at Jordan Middle School. I have gone to Jordan for all 3 years and it taught me very valuable lessons that I will carry with me into high school and the rest of my life. I’m going to share with you those lessons, what they mean to me, my future, and how they shaped me into the person that is standing in front of you today.I would like to start off by just saying thank you to the staff, community, and students at Jordan for giving me an unforgettable middle school experience. One day, I was having a really bad day, I got back a test that I didn’t get the score I wanted and so on. And I can remember the staff at jordan and the students being so nice and supportive and encouraging and that really shows how much they care. As I journey into high school, and the excitement and struggles that come with it, I will remember my family here at Jordan. To those who helped me learn, grow, and mold into the person I am today, I would like to say how I will forever be grateful. I appreciate everything you did for me to enable me to become a more successful student and person. Now I haven’t done anything super out of the ordinary, but I have accomplished some things. I achieved my goal of middle school, to learn good social and academic skills. All of these things have gone into preparing me for high school. The girls volleyball A team, we were victors for 2 years! I remember the joy our victory brought us and the last couple minutes that defined the game and led us to victory. It felt like we had just won the whole world and all of our hard work had paid off. Leadership, a place where I got to build social skills and collaborate to help make our school a safer kinder and better place. We put together dances, lunch time activities, and started things such as a toy drive that helped those in need. I remember when we had started collecting toys for the toy drive and how we thought it wasn’t going to be successful. Then, when we were done going to classes, we looked at all the toys we had gathered and that feeling of satisfaction rushed through my veins. The fact that we had done something to be able to help someone was incredible. And class, just everyday class. That is what we do from 8:10 - 2:55 for 5 days a week. We learn and practice each subject and gives us the background so that in the future we can accomplish even bigger things. During my last year at Jordan, I learned many new and fascinating things. In my U.S. History Class, we studied the past of our country and how we got to where we are today. At the beginning of the year, we were assigned a project. It was called “What does it mean to be an American to you” we had to write down 5 things and why. But now looking back on everything I have learned, the Constitution, slavery, wars, and so much more, I realized that being an American not only means that you live here, but that you have certain traits, characteristics, and ideas that want to make the world a better place. I know that the meaning of being an American could mean so many different things to so many different people. To me, it means being productive, innovative, and caring no matter what race or skin color you are. America is made up of immigrants from all over the world and we should continue to embrace that rather than diminish it. This year in social studies class, learning about U.S. History has taught me to be a better citizen because I now know the true intentions of what being an American means from our founding fathers. I now want to do more and try my best to embody the traits of what I think it means to be an american and an amazing citizen. Advice, something a lot of people aren’t qualified to give. However, I believe my 3 years here at Jordan have given me maybe enough qualification to say this to incoming 6th graders. Don’t be nervous, I know when you first come here, Jordan can seem as big as the world, but just remember that you will be fine and that it's not that big. You will adjust to it and soon, by the time you are up here, graduating, it will seem small. Thinking about it this way will enable you to thrive because your mind won’t be focused on how you aren’t used to this and you will excell. When you start middle school, it can feel like you have just entered an unrecognizable world where nothing makes sense, but if you just remember that you will adjust and it will get easier, your nerves will be calmed. When this graduation is over and you go home, what will you remember from my speech. Hopefully, that I’m an 8th grader at Jordan Middle School and I am graduating today. I’m moving on to highschool positive and confident because of Jordan and all they have done to prepare me for the future.Now that my speech is coming to a close, and these are my last minutes as a student at Jordan I would like to say a final goodbye to everyone who has helped me, I’m forever grateful, for you have given me an unforgettable experience. To my family, friends, and everyone. Thank you.