Minnewaska Memo
Minnewaska Middle School News
Here we GO!!!
" Symptoms of anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, substance use and suicidal thoughts have increased in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, with over 40 percent of individuals in June reporting an adverse mental or behavioral health condition, according to a report released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
https://www.rollcall.com/2020/08/13/cdc-study-coronavirus-mental-health-anxiety-substance-abuse/
It is no surprise that our kids need us. They need normalcy, interaction and an adult excited they're here. They're coming to us with mixed messages and trying to make sense of the world around us that is different than anything we've experienced. Whether it be mixed messages about COVID, masks, politics or race and rioting, we have a job to do crew. You have all been chosen to do this job because you have an incredible gift to do it. Although technology and the unknowns make us a bit skittish, being there for kids, listening to them, providing structure and stability might be all they need. So, I ask you this week to bring your energy, flexibility and heart to be there for kids, parents and our staff. It is without a doubt we will make an incredible difference to the kids we work with this year. I'm so honored to be alongside you in this journey and know there is nothing our team can't overcome.
Today's message has many new things, make sure to read through it.
Laker Maker 1
Dismissal
We're asking for dismissal to happen in stages. Here's the plan:
3:07 8th, 4th and 5th dismiss
3:10 7th and 6th dismiss
As we get going there will be bus duty after school, likely each teacher will have a week. Mr. Meissner is working on a schedule for our entire 4-12. For our first week, please join us outside as we have all hands on deck making sure kids get where they need to.
Bells
As we've talked about before, we are starting the year without bells. Please use your computer clock to guide you as to when students should report and dismiss from class. As you have students take advantage of this plan, please keep me in the loop as we'd like to take care of those issues right away!
Classroom Needs
We're growing! And with that comes some growing pains. There are a couple times through the day we'll need to use classroom spaces for study halls/study skills as we have more students enrolled than fit into their classroom spaces. Should this affect you, I will connect with you directly.
If you are a teacher who doesn't have access to their classroom during study hall/study skills, you can find a space in the media center, use the conference room at MAMS or MAHS, use the lounges or there are a couple offices in the principal's office that can be yours for an hour here or there.
Staff & BLT Meetings
As for BLT meetings, we'll plan to meet on Thursday mornings. At this point, I'm thinking Thursday, September 10th will be our first regular meeting.
Locker Rooms
Lunch Changes
Recess
Connecting
Sarah's Schedule
Monday, August 31
9:00 St. Paul-pick up Braille Note
3:45 Command Team Mtg.
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Entrances
Lunches
2:45 ITP
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Entrances
Lunches
Thursday, Sept. 3
Entrances
8:00 Teacher Eval Mtg. w Principals
Lunches
3:00 ITP
Friday, Sept. 4
7:45 ITP
9:00 Budget Mtg.
Lunches