Student Spotlight
Kaliyah W. – 8th Grade
Do you have a favorite teacher at school?
Ms. Tracey is my favorite teacher. She is helpful, but pushes me to try harder. Ms. Tracey says I can do anything that I put to my mind. She says that I have potential to do anything and it is my choice as to whether I choose to do it. I cannot control what other people do but I can control what I do. Ms. Tracey thinks I am very smart.
What is something you are really proud of having accomplished recently at school?
I am the Ambassador for the High Road School of Baltimore County girls’ group. This is a social learning group that Ms. Noy started here. We go out into the community and help people in need. We visit an assisted living home for elderly people. We have helped to hand out food to people who were in need. Another thing that I am proud of is that Ms. Tracey and Mr. Paul have helped me to learn how to control my behaviors, well really that is the plan here at High Road School because once we can control our behaviors we can learn more. That is why we have point sheets to help remind us of what is expected. That way I know what I have to do and what I can do.
What do you enjoy most about coming to school every day?
I have learned so much in Ms. Tracey’s class and have learned some mad Math skills so now my favorite thing I like about coming to school is Math. I raised my I-Ready scores two grade levels!
What would you tell a new student who is just starting at school and is nervous on their first day?
Be confident. Just follow the rules, they are like a guide on how to be successful and you really will learn. It is tough at first because you want to show off. It is kind of like you want to prove a point, but if you just realize that the rules are not going to change and the consequence is not going to change if you just do what you need to do well then you can earn privileges.
What advice do they have for their fellow students on achieving their goals?
I am applying for Silver Level! My parents are so happy. I cannot believe it either. I follow the behavior plan on the point sheet. I had bumps in the road but I got over it and did not let it totally mess me up. My goal was to try to do good so that I can go back to public school. Well guess what I got my behavior under control, and I was able to catch up on the learning that I missed before. If I can do that anyone can do it. You just have to try and like Ms. Tracey says “Everyday is a new day, a new change to get it right.”
