The Cat's Connection
November 19, 2014
Come and visit us!
A fresh look at parent-teacher conferences --
Aaauugh! When I was a kid, the thought of getting a call home from my teacher or the principal was horrifying! And, I don’t remember much about conferences, other than I didn’t particularly look forward to them. I conjured up a picture of my parent getting a full report on what things were not going so well. Maybe you remember that feeling, too. Well, our own past experiences in school can have an impact on how we perceive parent-teacher conferences for our kids today. However, I want to assure you, our staff likes to look at conferences a bit differently! Parent-teacher conferences are a good thing!
Student success is what we value most, and getting to know you is an integral part of that. We genuinely value partnerships with families and realize how communication and positive relationships help ensure success for our students. Parent-teacher conferences are a great time to get to know each other better and work together to help our kids through challenges and build on their strengths so they can be successful. With that in mind, I would encourage you, no matter what your child’s circumstances, to schedule a conference so we can work together to ensure your child’s optimal learning and best experience at school.
So, as we look ahead to parent-teacher conferences, here are few ideas:
· Sign up for parent-teacher conferences using the following link: http://goo.gl/H8yEOq. If you prefer, call our Counseling Center at 503-623-6663.
· Review your child’s work, grades, and progress reports. Talk with your child about his or her progress in school.
· Make a list of questions to ask during the conference or things going on in your child’s life of which school might not be aware. Think about ways you would like to be involved in your child’s learning so that you can discuss them with the teacher.
It’s natural for our kids to become more independent. Although it might not always appear so, students still want their parents involved – even in middle school -- and conferences are a great way to do just that.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I hope to see you next week at conferences.
Great Things Are Happening at LaCreole
CRACKED!
Drama has returned to LaCreole! Come join us for our performance of CRACKED! written by our very own Mrs. Jackson.
- December 5th - 7 p.m.
- December 6th - 2 p.m. (Matinee) & 7 p.m.
Evening performances
- $5 General Admission
- $3 with Student ID
Matinee performance
- $4 General Admission
- $2 with Student ID
All proceeds go to support our drama department! Thanks for your support! We are very proud of our kids and the hard work they have put in!
8th Grade Thank-you Thoughts
In keeping with the season, our wonderful 8th graders put together their thank-you thoughts for staff in our school. Thank YOU, 8th graders, for your encouragement and thoughtfulness!
New Program Coming Soon: Girls on Track
Girls on Track
This spring we will be partnering with Girls on the Run Willamette Valley to offer an afterschool wellness program for 6th - 8th grade girls. The program creatively integrates running and activities that empower girls to make thoughtful and healthy choices. The program presents opportunities for girls to talk with friends and coaches about the challenges many middle school students face. The season ends with a celebratory 5K.
Practices: March 9 – June 2 (Tuesday/Thursday 3:45 - 5:15 p.m.)
Registration Deadline: January 10
School Contact: Mrs. Walter tiffany.walter@dsd2.org
Program Fee: $150 (scholarships available)
Program Includes: 20 90-minute lessons, water bottle, Girls on the Run T-shirt, healthy snacks at each practice, journal, and entry in the 5K
More Information/Registration/Scholarship Applications: http://www.gotrwillamette.org/
Spirit Wear!
Newly designed Wildcat Wear looks great!
Order your spirit wear now! The deadline is quickly approaching. Order by Tuesday, November 25, and get your spirit wear in time for holiday gifts! Click the "Spirit Wear Order Form" link below.
THANK YOU Dallas Education Foundation!
Food Drive Update
Our students have been actively involved in our annual food drive to support our Dallas Area Christmas Cheer Program. We will extend our friendly competition through Friday December 5th.
In our Girls vs. Boys competition our Girls are ahead 1,323 to 847.
Grade level competitions are lead by our 6th grade with 995, 8th grade 588.5 and hanging in a close third our 7th grade with 587.
There is still plenty of time to contribute! We appreciate the family support for such a worthy cause.
Staff Spotlight
Meet Mrs. Janssen
LaCreole Middle School is so fortunate to have a staff member who is kid-centered, friendly, and absolutely loves kids. Meet Mrs. Julie Janssen. Julie comes to life when she talks about her job as our school’s behavior support specialist. Kids flock to her, whether they need help with a conflict or just to connect. Julie loves to make connections with students. She sees middle school students as people and loves to encourage them. It seems she knows just about everybody who walks the halls after teaching pre-school for eight years in Dallas. She looks forward to coming to work each day and feels blessed to have a job that is fulfilling and makes people feel good.
When she isn’t encouraging students in the classroom, Julie can be seen throughout the community at just about any sporting event. She loves all sports! From volleyball to baseball, football to cross country, Julie loves to support students by attending games. In her spare time, Julie is excited to help with the conditioning aspect of DHS girls varsity basketball team this winter. She is a part of the booster club, Kids, Inc., and adult rec. organizations here in Dallas. And, of course, her family is the most important to her. In her office, Julie proudly displays pictures of her three sons Dylan, Tyson, and Cody. If you stop by, I’m quite sure you will hear a story or two.
I encourage you to reach out and say "hi" the next time you see Julie. I’m confident you will walk away with a smile.
Class Updates
6th Grade Wildcat Science Camp
Mark your calendar for 6th Grade Wildcat Science Camp!
Wildcat Science Camp is designed for 6th grade students at LaCreole who want to experience learning in the outdoor classroom. Activities are aligned with core curriculum goals for 6th grade, and so students experience outdoor fun!
An informational meeting will be held in March, and more information will be coming home in February.
Location: Camp Tapawingo in Falls City
Dates: Session #1 May 12-13 or Session #2 May 14-15
Cost: $60 (payment plan is optional) due by April 15
Order your yearbook!
It's not too late to order your yearbook! Turn in your $18 payment to the main office (cash or check payable to LaCreole Middle School). The price increases to $25 this Spring, so order now and save $$!
Last chance to personalize your year-book! Click the following link for the order form: http://media.wix.com/ugd/98fb7d_f7eaadf95adc4659a50e887575f4e300.pdf Turn in your completed form and $4 payment (cash or check payable to LaCreole PTC) by Friday, November 21 (the yearbook company's deadline for processing).
Upcoming Events
LaCreole Food Drive to Support Dallas Area Christmas Cheer!
Monday, Nov 3, 2014, 08:00 AM
LaCreole Middle School, Dallas, OR, United States
Winter Band Concert
The next band concert is Thursday, December 11, 7 p.m. at Bollman Auditorium.
Thursday, Dec 11, 2014, 07:00 PM
Dallas High School, Southeast Holman Avenue, Dallas, OR, United States
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
November 24, 25 -- Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 26 - 28 -- Thanksgiving Holiday (school office closed as well)
December 18 - January 4 -- Winter Break. School begins Monday, January 5 (school office closed as well)
Happy Thanksgiving!
We are LaCreole! Stay Connected!
Website: www.lacreolemiddleschool.org
Phone: 5036236662
Facebook: facebook.com/lacreolems
Twitter: @lacreolems