September 12, 2019, MS Girl Assembly
GEMS Program Directors, Carolyn and Alexa, met with MS Girls during their assembly period to introduce the new program.
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November 8, 2019, Identity Month
For Fareen's November GEMS meeting, identity was chosen as the topic. In this meeting, we discussed elements of our identity and how our gender, race/ethnicity, beliefs, etc. influence our sense of belonging at St. John's. At GEMS, we are firm believers that you learn best from people who look like you, so we hosted a panel of high school girls in different affinity groups to answer questions and share experiences. ​
February 12, 2020, Family Month
During Ava's Family month, GEMS held four different stations that investigated familial relationships through identity work.
Station 1: Primary Love Language. Station 2: GEMnogram Drawing. Station 3: Rate and Discussion. Station 4: Valentine Making.
September 18, 2020, Friendship Month
Friendship month, led by all month leaders, was the first GEMS event of the 2020-2021 school year! GEMS unraveled the true elements of a good versus bad friendship/support system by creating "Wanted Posters" for their friendships. And most importantly, the GEMS event fell on Dr. Powell's birthday! GEMS leaders came together to wish her a happy birthday :)
​October 4, 2019, Review Article
Fareen, Identity Month Leader, wrote a Review article about GEMS. Visit the October issue here.
December 2, 2019, Fullness Month
During Louisa and Susu's month, GEMS discussed stress management during finals month. We did a fullness check activity, split up into small groups to color and talk, and then Señora Scotty from the HS Yoga Club did a 20 minute session with GEMS!
January 10, 2020, Addiction Awareness Month
For Alexa's month, GEMS discussed the consequences of substance abuse. We did a reality check activity to see the (low) percentages of highschool students that do use different substances. After, we split into small groups to color and talk!
March 9, 2020, Compassion Month
For Lindsay and Carolyn's month, GEMS unpacked the snap-judgments we make to instead practice conscious compassion. We navigated both outward and inward compassion to have a healthier relationship with ourselves and others. Our activities consisted of a debrief on snap-judgments, open session, and reflection!