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Student Letters About the Fourth Annual Film Festival
When I talk with students about the film festival several themes repeatedly come up:
- this technology-based, difficult, demanding project which spans 4 months is extremely meaningful and highly significant to them
- students are willing to invest enormous amounts of time in work they feel is compelling
- students care more about what our community thinks about the quality of their work than they do getting a grade on that work
- students want our community to celebrate their hard work
- students value the opportunity to compel and persuade
I frequently receive letters from students. They are excellent writers, expressing themselves very well. I wanted to share with you a small number of the letters I received about the Fourth Annual Mabry Film Festival. When you read these letters, you get a glimpse into how meaningful this activity is for our students and how truly special our students are.
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Dear Dr. Tyson,
I believe the Fourth Annual Mabry Oscar Night was a great success. The movies were great, and they really stress the importance of technology at Mabry. Everyone I talked to seemed really impresses with the final products of groups of middle schoolers with some technology and a lot of determination.
Holding the Oscars in the gym was a great idea. At first, I was a little skeptical, but in the end, I liked the gym better than the theater. With everyone in the gym, more people were able to see the great movies coming from Mabry’s talented, well-rounded students.
Sincerely,
Cassaundra
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Dear Dr. Tyson,
I think having an Oscars each year is a really good idea. It is fun to go to a big thing like this, when you get to see productions made by other students. The best thing about it, though, is that so many people get to see what you created. After all the hours working on this, people get to see how long and how hard you worked on it.
I worked on the Antarctica I-movie with Will, Anna, and Katie. We were nominated for two categories, and we won an Oscar for the seventh grade independent film. I was very excited when we won, because of all I had learned, and everything people have seen that I did.
Sincerely,
Matthew
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Dear Dr. Tyson,
Last night was such an exciting night, and my friends and I winning an Oscar definitely made the evening a memorable night. Some movies made us laugh, and others made us cry, but overall, all of the nominated movies made us think. What is achievement?
All the movies were amazing, but one movie really touched me, 7A’s film. It was sort of a reality check for me. Everyday we go through life and take the gifts we have been given for granted. People don’t realize what adversity we all have to overcome. Casey is such a kind person, and I know that I will always have a friend in her. She has inspired many, including me, to love life and to always do your best.
Sincerely,
Lauren
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Dear Dr. Tyson,
Last night, half of the school dressed formally to attend the Fourth Annual Mabry Oscars. Some had come just to view the movies, while others, including myself, wanted to bring the golden statue home. Awards were given to groups, independents, and grade level teams. Every Oscar decision was well made.
None of the movies were humorous; they focused more on making a point. Many were touching while some received standing ovations. I believe that every deserving team won an award last night, especially 7A’s I-movie. My team immediately congratulated them.
The best part of the night was when my team won. The wait for the winners seemed to last forever. But then Antarctica was announced. Our team went through quite a bit together, and winning made everything the better. We were all excited, though the announcements of retirees dampened the mood. Otherwise, it was a wonderful evening.
Sincerely,
Anna
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Dear Dr. Tyson,
This year’s Film Festival was an important opportunity for me to experience. I loved each movie for different reasons. Some made me laugh, others made me cry, others made me think, and still others truly touched my heart. The emcees were amazing. I loved the humor and acting. Each one was great.
I loved dressing up and receiving “Oscars.” The only thing I did not like was how long it was, and how late into the night it was. I think there was an excellent script, but I think the show should have been started earlier.
I loved your dedications to our retiring teachers! This was so sad, because I loved each one of them. I also enjoyed the Jekyll re-cap video. I appreciate everything you have done for technology, the Film Festival, and everything you do. This was the best night of my life!
Thank you so much Dr. Tyson for every single thing you do for Mabry Middle School and for me.
Sincerely,
Samantha
Posted by Dr. Tyson
