August 2, 1999

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Morning Meeting Reform

by Aaron Kulka

Morning meeting is a drag.  For one thing, meetings are too long!  A few days ago we had about two minutes for snack because moning meeting went over 20 minutes.  There were many factors that contributed to this particular case.

First, several announcements that were in morning announcements were repeated unneccessarily  We don't need to hear about the middle school's movie night twice within two hours!  Especially if we heard it in the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning announcements!

Second: excessive length in announcements.  One that comes to mind is the senios whining about juniors sitting in the wrong section.  The Vick's Chicks was nice but WAY too long, not to mention that it was unclear as to what it was about!  And by the way, talking on the "telephone" is not creative or funny.

Third, people clapping!  People, you don't need to do this.  I can't stress this enough.  It's understandable to clap after someone has received an award or something, but you don't need to clap after someone makes a general announcement like "so and so needs to stay after" or "we need you to do some stuff."  I now everyone loves to support each other.  That's great.  But clapping wastes time.

Some announcements are OK: special awards, presentations, quick reminders to stay after, and the like.  Everything else can be put in morning announcements!

So please, I'm begging you down on my knees, don't make morning meeting longer that it has to be!