Normangee MS Faculty Newsletter
December 23, 2024
Quote of the Week
"You will either step forward into growth, or you will step backward into safety."—John R. Wooden
From Mr. Wingfield
Thank you all for participating in the door decorating contests. In all my years of Holiday door decorum, I have never seen so much creativity. I am not sure how much each of you embraced help from your little elves we call students, but I do know that they enjoy being part of the process and of course love some friendly competition. The more we empower kids, the more we can see them grow as students and individuals. Don't ever be afraid to do the same in your classroom. Let them lead and take part in the daily processes. Provide them a job in class that they can take pride in call their own. They will always surprise you.
In years past I have always done gift exchanges. Many times the items I receive may wind up in a garage sale years later or something that collects dust. This year I want to do something different. I want each of us to take the time to say things that we don't have time to say. Each of you bring so much to work every day and I am extremely proud to be part of this campus. In a world where teachers don't get the credit they deserve, you guys bring the passion every day. Our students are extremely lucky to have each of you. Instead of a gift exchange, I want to have a card exchange. Mrs. Frederick has purchased Christmas cards and she will have each of you draw a name of someone on our campus. Before you leave on Friday I would like for you to write a card to the person you select and let them know how much you appreciate them and what they bring to our campus. We don't always hear the positives from those outside the teaching community, but no one knows more than y'all do what it takes to do the job we do. It's never easy, but it is worth it! Please turn those cards back in to Mrs. Frederick when you are done and she will distribute to each teacher the last day of school.
This morning when I released the kids, I added the message of, "In case someone hasn't told you today, we love you and are glad you are here." I hope that we can add more positive affirmations to our daily launch and remind our students everyday that they are important. It may be something they don't hear at home every day.
Remember we have the Holiday parade in downtown Normangee this weekend that starts at 12:00. Our band, basketball, and cheerleaders will be participating. Come out and watch if you can.
Thanks to the Life Skills class for the wonderful potatoes today. This is a great way for our LS students to be visible and part of our school community. The handmade tree ornaments was a great addition. We are hoping to make this a monthly tradition (it won't always be potatoes). The proceeds go towards Community Based Instruction and additional resources they need for class. If you were unable to participate this time there will be other opportunities.
Next week we are wanting to have a potluck meal after school lets out on Friday. We can get together in the foyer. I know this is a busy time of year so if you feel like making a food item will be difficult, let me or Mrs. Frederick know and we will make sure we have what we need. You can sign up with us in the office. I know you may have a lot to do so we do not have to stay long. This is just an opportunity to say goodbye and thanks before the break.
Have a Great Weekend!!
Door Decorating Contest
Congratulations to Coach Biddle's RTI class on winning first in the door decorating contest. Next Thursday her class will receive a Sundae party.
Teacher Observations
In the next week, Mrs Frederick will be scheduling observations for those that are up in the rotation this year. We need to complete the observations by the end of February so that means we need to schedule a pre-conferences and the observation times. I would like to have that scheduled before we leave for the break. Mrs Lankford will also be setting dates with those she is observing.
Character Talks
Lesson Plans and Lesson Designs
ARDs Scheduled for the week
No ARDs scheduled
UIL Meet on Monday
12 Days of Denim
Join us in our 12 Days of Christmas Denim. If you wear the associated Christmas Spirit attire on the assigned days you can wear Jeans. Join in if you can! If you can't participate, you can wear Jeans everyday anyway. My gift to you!!
Upcoming Events
FFriday, December 8
HS Girl's Basketball @ Leon Tournament
HS Boy's Basketball @ Leon Tournament
Saturday, December 9
HS Girl's Basketball @ Leon Tournament
HS Boy's Basketball @ Leon Tournament
City of Normangee Christmas Parade, 12:00 in Downtown Normangee (HS/ MS Students will be participating)
Monday, December 11
MS Boys and Girls Basketball vs Somerville, Girl's 8th grade only, 4:30, 5:30, 6:30
Tuesday, December 12
HS Boys Basketball @ Latexo, 5:00
HS Girls Basketball @ Latexo, 5:30
Wednesday, December 13
Panthers for Christ, 7:20
Thursday, December 14
Elementary Christmas Program, 6:00 in the Auditorium
Friday, December 15
Early Release Day, 12:30
HS Girl's Basketball @ Groveton, 2:30
HS Boy's Basketball vs Lovelady, 5:00
December 16-January 5
Christmas Break
Saturday, December 16
Hs Girl's JV Basketball @ Centerville Tournament
Monday, December 18
HS Boy's Basketball @ North Zulch, 11:00
Community Christmas Dinner @ NISD Cafeteria, 6-8:00
Tuesday, December 19
HS Boys Basketball vs Cypress Christian, 3:00
HS Girl's Basketball vs Crossroads, 5:30
Thursday-Friday, December 28-29
HS Boy's Basketball @ Latexo Tournament
Friday, December 29
HS Girl's Basketball @ Elkhart, 11:00
Tuesday, January 2
HS Girl's Basketball vs Leon, 4:00
HS Boy's Basketball vs Leon, 5:00
Wednesday, -Thursday, January 3-4
UIL State Cheer Competition @ Ft Worth
Friday, January 5
HS Girls Basketball vs Mumford, 4:30
HS Boy's Basketball vs Mumford, 6:30
Teen Leadership Pet Drive
Our Teen Leadership classes were able to collect a few items for the Hilltop Animal Shelter through their recent Pet Drive. Thanks to Coach Wagley and our 6th graders for creating opportunities to help our local community
NMS Students Clean Up Project
While students were participating in UIL on Monday, I split groups up to help clean up and organize the campus. Thanks to Mrs. Lankford, Coach Q, and Coach Kiss for helping organize and facilitate this project. We were able to clean up the Little Dribblers gym and picked up 32 bags of trash around the entire NISD property.