Experiencing MicroSociety
There are many student achievement success stories at MICROSOCIETY schools. Please go to our page entitled ‘National Studies’ for more information. Below are some examples of how outstanding MicroSociety program implementation can translate to outstanding student achievement.

Girls Inc. of Sarasota, FL
Marisa Monroe Director of Program Operations

Meet Emma, a 9 year old Vice Mayor of her MicroSociety – a true leader. This wasn’t always the case.

Emma has Asperger’s Syndrome. She was filled with anxiety and struggled to overcome social isolation. Just four months ago, Emma joined our MicroSociety program at Girl’s, Inc. She shared few common interests with other girls and avoided social interactions at all costs. She perceived many activities as opportunities to be bullied. Indeed, Emma was very familiar with bullying at school, both by her peers and even by children as young as five. Emma once asked me, “Do you have any idea how humiliating it is for someone my size to be bullied by a kindergartener?”

Now Emma enjoys the respect of others and takes pride in a job well done. When she ran for Vice Mayor she explained that this is “finally my chance to do something big!” She has gained such confidence.

In her new role, Emma has lived up to her campaign promises. She has launched a recycling program and leads the drive toward an eco-friendly culture. She won the election by a landslide with 56% of votes! Even one of her opponents voted for her!

While Emma continues to face obstacles, she now does so with her head held high. Emma’s experience illustrates our mission to “inspire ALL girls to be strong, smart and bold” and has provided even greater inspiration to those around her!

Renway Wins Prestigious National Boys and Girls Club, Seattle, WA
Hunter Eider

Hunter Eider is learning about leadership, compassion, hard work and responsibility through real-life experiences: he's 12 years old, in the sixth grade and the president-elect of the city of Renway. Hunter and his cabinet of officers review business proposals, approve Renway bank loans and "if the paychecks are wrong, we have to organize things." Every Wednesday at 4pm, Hunter leads the town meeting. When asked what he wants his legacy to be, Hunter said he wants to "help everybody cooperate with each other so we can work together to solve things."

Joyner Elementary School, San Diego,CA
Juliet dela Paz

A teacher at Joyner Elementary shared  a story of one young student with autism who did not speak for two years after arriving at the school. All that changed with MicroSociety when she joined Readers’ Cafe. This year, that same student asked her venture facilitator if she could audition on their television network to advertise for her business. I caught a glimpse of brilliance in action at this school. May this model school breathe inspiration into the work we all do!


National Certified Trainer J.S. Clark Elementary School, Shreveport, LA
Suzanne Downing

When I visited the newspaper at Clark, about 18 students were so focused & engaged that I felt as though I were truly interfering when I stopped to ask questions. The only time the students stopped was when the manager came in and announced that they had purchased their business license and vendor permit. (The entire company cheered.....and returned to work immediately.)

Among the group, I spotted a young man with a sketch pad and asked if I could see his work. Very tentatively he shared his cartoons, two splendid, biting commentaries: one on health care reform and one on the plight of Tiger Woods.

Later in the day I learned that this young man with remarkable talent has had his share of trouble in school. Undaunted, I took him several issues of USA Today and The Wall Street Journal showcasing political cartoons marked with post-it stickers. We talked again about his talent. Suddenly, this serious young man looked at me and said, "Thank you. I promise that I won’t let you down." It was then that I noticed the tears in his eyes. We went on to talk about him becoming a syndicated cartoonist someday.


Imagine School at South Vero Beach, South Vero Beach, FL
Brice, age 9

“Mrs. Bailey, I have to take the bar exam for court. I hope I do better than my dad who had to take it three times.”


Tioga MicroSociety Magnet Middle School, Fresno, CA
Jim Stanphill

After writing our charter (the ruling document of our MicroSociety) we visited City Hall and had photos taken with the mayor. I had the privilege of introducing Lafayette, a young African-American from the poorest section of our community (and who recently lost his father) to the mayor. This was a defining moment for Lafayette. He is presently a MicroSociety judge and has made up his mind that he wants to go to Harvard Law School. Even if I accomplish nothing else, I‘d be happy that I was there when Lafayette met the mayor.


Chiles Academy for Unwed Mothers, Daytona, FL
One of our girls was at risk of dropping out. Her family didn’t support her and she was struggling academically. In MicroSociety, she became the manager of the bank and was elected President. She was also the first senior to organize the senior class to actually meet and fundraise for graduation night. This year, that same young woman is graduating and had 2 job offers to choose from. She wants to become a phlebotomist.


Imagine, Vero Beach, FL
3rd grader

As “grown-ups” we take so much control from our children. We inadvertently silence their voices, their thoughts. A MicroSociety learning environment calls upon us to give up much of that control – and it isn’t easy for us as educators. If I had not witnessed the power of actually doing it, I would not have thought it possible, let alone the right thing to do. MicroSociety children think out loud. They are inspired and excited. When these young explorers speak to each other – they stop fighting because they want to be heard. I saw our children gradually become equals. Background differences disappeared. Their cumulative opinions help generate new ideas and enhanced decision making to help their venture flourish.

It is amazing how children in Micro find their place. During our first week of selling in the marketplace, a third grade boy bounded through the door. I knew him well – admittedly by reputation mostly. Still, anxiety shot through my veins until I remembered to let go.  I observed the boy and noticed that he was bright and focused, ready for his first day on the job.  The venture owner came to me – wide eyed with fear.
"Mrs. Melton. He has to go. No way is he going to be okay in the Science Lab.” I sat back in my chair and said calmly “Well, let’s see. He never stops moving. He is talking to just about everyone. He has a voice that can be heard from the Hubble Space Station. How can those qualities benefit both him and the Science Lab?”

The owner’s face transformed. His index finger shot up like a flag on a mail box. “Mrs. Melton! Advertising – he would be perfect in advertising!”
Wouldn’t you know – this child normally labeled “trouble maker” suddenly had purpose. Drive. When he entered the room, he walked calmly with a straight back and watchful eyes and needed little instruction. He grabbed his Advertiser Card and went to work. Within 2 weeks, this walking talking billboard had earned a bonus for exceptional work. He was responsible for dramatically increasing the customer base of the Science Lab. One more child re-invented – by none other than myself – because I gave up my need to control. Amazing!

MicroCommunity School at West, Newburgh, NY
Gloria Moreau, Teacher

In early October, we had a Constitutional Convention. Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders wrote our Constitution and presented it at our first Town Meeting – an assembly of all our citizens. Several days earlier we had given copies of the Constitution to all the teachers to share with their students. This original Constitution excluded the kindergarten and first grade from the responsibilities of voting and paying taxes. It was felt they were too young for these tasks. At the Assembly, delegates discussed various articles of the Constitution. When it came to the point of deciding on rights of citizens such as voting and paying taxes, the younger ones started stamping their feet and stood up shaking signs saying, “Don’t Take Our Vote,” “We Want Our Vote.” The delegates were appalled. As far as they were concerned they had done a good deed. When we all settled down and discussed the matter, the kindergartners and first graders were able to ask questions and speak about wanting to vote. One of the delegates screamed back, “But you don’t have to pay taxes.” The younger students responded, “We want to vote. We’ll pay taxes.” It was decided to take a vote then and there. The decision for equal vote and sharing tax responsibilities was unanimous.

Danny,  5th grader

I’m so very sorry that I don’t own my business any more. The reason is, well, people did not like my  items for sale. Very few people liked them, but, I was able to pay the rent and other things that I needed to pay. Then, one day, I was very low on profits.  I ran out of ideas. The next day, I was surprised that I was bankrupt!! I couldn’t pay my bills or even my rent. I was very ashamed that I couldn’t own my business anymore. I closed my  business without anyone telling me to shut down.  I know that I will not make that same mistake when I’m older.  My next one in my mind is Physical Fitness. Now I work. I do not own the Drawing Club.
From,
Danny

Sarah Cobb Real World Academy, Americus, GA
Jody Arrington, Coordinator

Torrencia’s homeroom desk was in the corner isolated far from her classmates. She was an imposing 5th grader standing 5’6” and weighing about 170lbs. She was known as a bully and prone to violent outbursts. I personally pulled her off a boy whose head she was severely beating.
One day Torrencia was hired by Craft Shack. Unknown to the teacher facilitator she moved into the job of assistant manager. Within weeks Torrencia was promoted to manager. Her facilitators gave her glowing evaluations. She was firm, fair, and encouraging, everything a manager should be. By spring, Torrencia was voted manager of the month from thirty five venture managers. As it turned out Torrencia was a born leader. Would we have discovered Torrencia’s hidden talents without Micro? I think not.

MicroSociety Magnet School, New Haven, CT
Denise Tafuto, Teacher

I have a unique micro moment because this is one of the rare occasions when it’s not about the kids, it’s about me. As beneficial as the micro model is for students, I feel doubly rewarded as a teacher. Four year ago, I started my teaching career with enthusiasm and optimism that I felt would help make a difference in the lives of at-risk inner-city kids. After serving time in a struggling school where achievement was declining and faculty moral was plummeting, I seriously considered a new career. My enthusiasm & optimism was replaced with despair and hopelessness. That’s when I was awarded an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, a position at a MicroSociety school. Since then my energy has been restored and I finally feel that I’m achieving what I set out to do four years ago when I started out on my teaching career. I’m part of a community that will change kids’ lives.

Duranes Elementary School, Albuquerque, NM
Brian Valenzuela, Teaher

Some students didn’t understand that checks represent the money they have in the bank. So one of my students gave a lecture to his class about how check books work.

Send us your Success Stories aka Experiencing MicroSociety and then read them here!