Mariner Memo
Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020
This Week at Marine City Middle School...
Week 2 of the home learning plan is in the books and I am very impressed by the number of students that are engaging in their work. Our teachers have been busy reaching out through email, Google Classroom, Hangouts, phone call, and text message and we are very excited to be connecting with all of our students once again.
As we progress with the learning plan through the end of our school year it is very important that students continue the great engagement that we've seen at the beginning of the plan. While we have traditionally viewed learning as something that is done only at school, the hidden truth has always been that learning happens everywhere. For students learning how to learn outside of the traditional school setting is a vastly important life lesson. One the positive takeaways from this whole crisis is students learning that lesson through the remote structure that our teachers are still providing. A difficult challenge that schools have often faced is how to make our students life-long learners and I believe that we are seeing steps towards surmounting that challenge right now. Keep it up Mariners!
Next week, May 4-8, is Teacher Appreciation Week. Though this year has looked very different from any other school year in modern times, one thing that we can all agree on is that our teachers are amazing. The work that they do is important and the skill they possess is incredible and needs to be celebrated. I encourage everyone reading this newsletter to reach out to their teachers and let them know what they mean to you. Students, this would be a great chance to write or create something beautiful to show your GRATITUDE (P2 strength!). Parents, while it would be great for you to do the same for your child's teachers, I challenge you to reach out to that teacher that had an impact in your life. I know that I have a special phone call that I'll be making next week to my high school biology teacher, the man that showed me the education path.
Thanks for reading. Stay safe and MARINER STRONG.
-Mr. Ming
Distance Learning Lesson Archives
Scheduling for 2020-21 School Year
On Monday, May 4th, Mr. Ming will be sending an email to all parents of current 6th and 7th grade students for scheduling for next school year. We are asking that all parents complete this quick Google Form WITH their student and submit it by 3pm on Friday, May 8th.
The scheduling process takes a long time and we expect it to take a bit longer this year due to our current situation. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for filling out our forms next week.
Student Kahoot Winners
8th Grade: Parker Atkinson
7th Grade: Billie (last name ?)
6th Grade: Emma Arnold
Food Bag Distribution
MCMS PTO
Check out the minutes of the PTO meeting from April 29th.
The next PTO Meeting will be May 11, 2020 at 6pm. This meeting will be held remotely and is open to any parent of an MCMS student (or 5th grade parent) to attend. If you would like to attend the meeting please email Mr. Ming (cming@ecsd.us) for the meeting code.
Hungry Howies Night
Counselor's Corner
Mr. Scheel's phone number for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year is: (810) 366-1523. He can also be reached via email at ascheel@ecsd.us
Counseling Resources
Calm.com or The Calm App-As advertised most recently by Lebron James. An interactive digital app based on mindfulness and meditation. Good for parents, too.
The Character Playbook-A partnership between The United Way and NFL. Covers a variety of Wellness and Relationship activities. Good for parents/child connectivity.
The Positivity Project
I hope that everyone had the chance to view the slides for purpose this week that were posted to the MCMS Facebook page. The PURPOSE slides access will close on Sunday and the LEADERSHIP slides are open and posted now for your viewing.
Next week's Positivity Project focus will be on the character strength of LEADERSHIP. When people think about leadership they often think about Army generals, or NFL quarterbacks, or other people that have large followings of others. LEADERSHIP, however, is about much more than being in charge of many people. At the heart of LEADERSHIP is valuing each member of your group and using your knowledge of the people with you to inspire them. In many ways LEADERSHIP is the execution of the knowledge gained through the development of strong relationships.
LEADERSHIP Slides (open now through Sunday, May 10)
This week, I would like all students to think about the situations in which they are a leader and how they can enhance their LEADERSHIP skills. It could something as simple as being a member of a family and leading your parents in a technology explanation. Everyone is a leader in some way or another. Remember, we all possess each of the character strengths in us and our P2 learning is designed to enhance the skills inherent in all of us.