In the Middle Newsletter
February 24-28
Principal Ponderings: Gratitude Walks
This time of year can certainly be a drain on the psyche. One way to counteract that is by taking gratitude walks. Last Thursday, I made a commitment to share my gratitude with at least one person in the building before I exit for the day through the end of February (at least). Not only does practicing gratitude help us, but it provides a boost to the recipient.
What might you see on your own gratitude walk?
Administrative Items
- Lunch Duty: Goulette/Lint, Van/Bacon, Veldman
- Lancer Leader of the Week: 7th grade Lakeshore
- Late Start: Grade Level (8th)/Course 6th/7th
- P2: Zest/Enthusiasm
- Jeans Days through Spring Break: Feel free to wear your jeans on payday Fridays through spring break. Several folks will be wearing red shirts with their jeans in support of public education, too. Feel free to join in with that.
P2 Odds and Ends
Keep in mind the items below regarding P2...
There is now a Facebook group page for P2 partner schools in Michigan. This will serve as a place to share ideas, post about things you are doing in your classroom, and connect with other P2 facilitators in our state. The Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/P2MichiganEducators. It's just getting off its feet and I'd love to have you share some of the great things you are doing in your classroom.
Our Peer Recognition in support of positive character strengths that are on display here at LMS has been a fantastic early success. We are now up to 135 responses. What a great way for students to recognize their peers. It has been so uplifting to read the responses and see who the kind words are coming from.
One more idea regarding P2 is to create more student ownership of the lessons. If there is a character strength coming up that students are interested in facilitating that week and you think they would do a quality job, give them the reigns. The expectation is P2 every morning other than Wednesday, but it doesn't always have to be the adult in the room. It can be students. You could also TEAM up with another teacher and combine P2 classes to increase the dialogue among a larger group.
Upcoming Dates and Events
2/24
- 8th grade Orientation combined with Hidden Figures presentation in auditorium
2/25
- Admin meeting, Swegles/Arend, CO, 1:15
- Band Concert, 7:00pm
2/26
- UNITED WAY WEDNESDAY, JEANS, $5
2/27
- SIT, 2:50, LMS Learning Center
Presentation: Dr. Joe Johnson
I've had the pleasure of knowing Joe for over a decade and have watched him progress from a Master's counseling student at Western to earning his Doctorate from the University of Florida. From there he has taken the stage all around the country. Not only will Joe be presenting to our whole group on power of purpose and building positive relationships, but he will also be working with two small groups (one male, one female) of at-risk students for 30 minutes each.
From his bio at Cool Speak: Dr. Joe Johnson is a former standout college athlete who understands the importance of education and developing individuals and organizations in as many ways as possible. As a Licensed School Counselor, he has worked in a variety of K-12 school settings but has also done extensive work with undergraduate and graduate populations, corporate organizations, and with many entrepreneurs. Serving as an Educator, Mentor, Trainer, Peak Performance Coach, and Entrepreneur Leader across the country, Dr. Johnson continues to transform the lives of individuals and organizations by shifting mindsets which translates into purposeful thinking, acting, and living.
As the author of the books “Pursue Your Purpose Not Your Dreams” and “The College Kids” which is one of the first bilingual books in the country about college for elementary school-aged students, Dr. Johnson is excited to spread his message of versatility, purpose, and self-esteem to the world. His personal story is captivating and his charming ability to engage his audience with humor and authenticity is one of a kind. Known around the country as the man with the best smile in the world, Dr. Joe Johnson is always excited to watch the transition into one’s PURPOSE!
Friday, Feb 28, 2020, 02:00 PM
LMS gymnasium
Here is one video from Dr. Joe's library on goal setting with purpose.
Scott Sherwood, February 24
Jim Tetzlaff, February 24
Pam Porter, February 26
LEF Grants are Now Open!
LEF Grants are Now Open!
Two Staff-Related Grants - closes April 15th
Foundation Grant - the best ideas in education come from teachers, and LEF supports these ideas with our grants. Do you have a big idea (over $2500) for a quality educational experience that would benefit a large constituency of Lakeshore students, staff, and/or the community?
Professional Development Grant - for staff who seek to bring continual energy, talent and passion to their roles. Do you have a great opportunity to develop and strengthen your professional talents and skills by attending a conference, seminar, workshop, college course or other experience?
Student Focus Grant - Closes March 15th - Please pass this info on to your Students!
Patti Florian Student Enrichment Grant - If you are a Lakeshore student in any grade, kindergarten through high school, this grant may be of interest to you! Patti Florian Student Enrichment Grants are awarded for activities or events that promote self-improvement through exploration, discovery, study and interaction.
Grants — Bring Your Idea to Life – Lakeshore Excellence Foundation
Resources Worth Sharing
Effect size of classroom discussion is .82, over two years of growth! So many positive benefits of incorporating turn and talks as a daily instructional practice.