In the Middle Newsletter
Week of September 24-28
Principal Ponderings: Curiosity
Do we grow out of our curiosities or are we pushed out because of societal expectations? Do we become more specific in our curiosities about the world or topics of interests that ultimately eliminate others? Why do some follow curiosities that put them harmful situations rather than put themselves in experiences that can propel them forward? As LMS educators, we certainly want to nudge students towards their own curiosities that are "run to risks" and as we encourage others I hope that we follow through on our own curiosities as well.
What are you curious about right now?
Administrative Items
- Announcements/Lunch Duty next week: Schau, Stephens/Bacon, Sherwood Lunch Duty Form
- SPOW: 7th Lakeshore
- Reminder: when you are out of the building for whatever reason it is the staff member's responsibility to put days in both AESOP and Skyward.
- Pre-inquiry meetings will begin this week and extend into next week. If you have any questions, please, see me.
- The Positivity Project: I tried to make it around to all 6th and 8th grade LTs on Tuesday. Facilitating the slides and questions will get smoother, but I appreciate the solid start. Again, continue to dedicate the first 10-15 of Lancer Time so that all staff are consistent. Give kudos to Armella K. Cydney B. and Isabella J. for their efforts on creating a great bulletin board using art from Mrs. Harrah's students last year.
Upcoming Dates
9/20
- School Improvement Team Meeting, 2:50 Conference Room
9/26
- Late Start: Department meetings
9/27
- Tech Team Meeting, 2:50, Conference Room
9/28
- MEMSPA Region 5 Officers Meeting in Mason, Swegles out 9:00-rest of the day
10/2
- Admin Meeting, Swegles and Arend out of building, 1:15-rest of the day
10/3
- Count Day
10/4
- School Improvement Team Meeting, 2:50 conference room
Instructional Strategy
Resources Worth Sharing
Tweet of the Week
What I'm Reading: Culturize, Jimmy Casas
Every student and staff member at LMS has the fundamental capacity to lead in our building. Following are some thoughts that Mr. Casas shares how we can build upon that capacity.
Take from pages 65-66 of Culturize:
1. Embrace your vulnerability: We ask kids to put themselves out there every day, and we sometimes forget what it feels like to be completely vulnerable.
2. Don't wait for others to do what needs to be done; do it yourself: Take initiative and be the change you so desire to see happen.
3. Take time to enjoy what you do: Celebrate your success! When we focus our energy on giving of ourselves to others, others notice the magnitude of our joy and passion to serve and become inspired to do the same.
4. If you want people to be less anxious, provide more clarity: Ask yourself, "Were the directions as clear as they could have been? If not, own it, regroup, and try again, this time focusing on more specifics of what you want.
5. You are the difference between today and tomorrow. Every success story beings when someone takes the vital first step to hope and believe that change is possible.
6. Stay the Course: We don't always get the benefit of seeing the immediate results of our work, but you can trust that others eventually will.
7. Experience is still the best teacher: One of the best skills we can teach kids is failure recovery.
8. Build a resume of failures: We must teach and model to our students that failures don't have to equate to long-term doom; they benefit us by developing our grit, perseverance, and empathy when we commit to working through them.