Marshall students learn to ‘Shake Off’ shyness, social fears (+video)

For Yamilete del Valle, a seventh-grader at Marshall Middle School in Wichita, greeting strangers with a firm handshake, eye contact and casual conversation didn’t come naturally.

“I had to practice. I was shy and scared,” she said. “I have to think about answering questions quickly and not saying, ‘Ummm, ummm.’ That’s kind of hard.

“But now, since I had this experience, I think it’s going to be better for me in the future.”

Yamilete was one of 60 students who participated Wednesday in the school’s first “Shake Off,” a lightning-fast contest in which they were judged on their ability to look, sound and act professional.

About 30 business professionals and community members stood around the perimeter of Marshall’s gymnasium. Students stood on the basketball court, facing the adults. One by one, they introduced themselves and conducted a 45-second conversation, speed-dating style.

“Hi there, I’m Aaron,” eighth-grader Aaron Doell said, reaching out his hand to Terry Williams, a pastor.

“Nice to meet you, Aaron. How are you today?” Williams asked.

“I’m fine. How are you? Have you ever been to our school before?”

Amid the cacophony of dozens of conversations, the students smiled and chatted, trying to remember all the lessons they had learned: Look people in the eyes. Smile. Relax. Don’t fidget. If someone asks you a question, try to ask a question in return. Don’t monopolize the conversation.

They talked about favorite subjects, favorite sports and what they hope to do in high school and beyond. They asked the adult visitors about their jobs and their families. They smiled, nodded and tried to breathe.

This school year, Marshall teachers and administrators are working to instill the importance of leadership, citizenship and professionalism by teaching students “soft skills” that will benefit them beyond school.

Guided by “The Essential 55,” a life skills book by educator Ron Clark, teachers have conducted lessons on punctuality, basic etiquette, eye contact, a polished appearance and how to play up strengths in an interview.

The four highest scorers from Wednesday’s Shake Off – Juan Esparza, J’Alize Griffin, Luke Johnson and Caleb Steele – will get dinner at a formal restaurant along with another lesson in dining etiquette.

“Some of the students in here struggle academically, with behavior, or both. Some struggle socially, yet they have this strength,” said Leslianne Craft, an assistant principal at Marshall, near 13th and Waco in north Wichita.

Nearly 90 percent of the school’s student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, an indicator of poverty.

Since practicing interpersonal skills with teachers and classmates, “Their confidence has just gone through the roof,” Craft said.

“They advocate for themselves more, in and outside the classroom. You can see them becoming leaders in the hallways and the common areas, among their peers.”

Luis Balandran and Ty Smith, employees from Koch Industries, conducted a brief mock interview with each student Wednesday, asking them to list their strengths or why they would make a good addition to the company.

Balandran’s favorite response was from a boy who, when asked why he’d like a position with the company, answered, “Because I want to make money and make my wife happy.”

“I was like, ‘You got it, kid. You’ve got what it takes,’ ” Balandran said.

“We offered him a job,” Smith added, smiling.

Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson announced recently that schools should emphasize non-academic skills such as persistence, communication, emotional stability and work ethic as much as or more than test scores.

During a series of community conversations held across the state earlier this year, an overwhelming majority of business leaders said personality traits and soft skills are more important for success than academic knowledge.

Twelve-year-old Edna Flores-Cisneros, a sixth-grader who wants to be a teacher someday, said she enjoyed Wednesday’s event and understood the reason for it, even though it made her nervous.

“You get to meet people, and when you get older you’ll know how to shake hands,” Edna said, demonstrating her firm, confident handshake.

Sixth-grader Micaela Cruz said her biggest challenge was keeping a straight face through the interviews and smiling without breaking into nervous giggles.

“It’s not easy for me, but I practiced with my friends. Like this,” she said, smiling but not giggling.

Well done.

This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 6:43 PM with the headline "Marshall students learn to ‘Shake Off’ shyness, social fears (+video)."