In the Middle Newsletter
September 30-October 4
Principal Ponderings: Adding Goodness
I finished up Beast Rider this weekend and in the final stages of the story, Manuel, the immigrant to Los Angeles makes friends with his neighbor, Mr. James Ito. After months of polite nods and small waves, they eventually create a friendship and share their stories with one another. There was a one piece of dialogue that Mr. James Ito shared that stuck with me. In speaking of the beauty of his bonsai tree, Mr. Ito shares, "Patience is the way. It takes a lifetime to create beauty. But one must keep working at it. To add beauty to the world--goodness too--these things are of importance."
Let's continue to be intentional about putting beauty and goodness into the world. The returns will not be immediate, but the ripple effect extends far and wide. The tiniest of events can create the greatest disruptions.
Administrative Items
- Lunch Duty: King, Keim, M., Porter/MGU
- Lancer Leader of the Week: 8th Language Arts
- Late Start: Departments
- P2: Open-mindedness
- Lancer Leader Tickets: Drawings for LL tickets will be drawn starting Friday.
- Check out the LEF website for ways to donate as well as apply for potential grants. LEF has been VERY supportive of LMS through a variety of classroom projects and professional learning opportunities. You also have until October 15 to apply for a Staff Support Grant upto $2500.
- Progress Reports and Conferences: More information coming early part of this week regarding these two items. We will send progress reports home this week and start getting the word out for conferences as well.
- HS/MS Conferences: I recognize the conferences were scheduled on the same evenings. If you are not able to meet with your child's teachers at a different day and time or connect digitally, you can step away at an opportune time and return to the middle school. Please, leave a communication on your door as to your whereabouts and when you will return so that parents are aware.
Upcoming Dates and Events
9/30
- Healthy Minds Healthy Lives meeting, 4pm, Roosevelt Elementary
10/2
- Count Day, Tammy will be sending information regarding the process as needed
- Custodial Appreciation Day
- PSAT/College Board Workshop, Swegles 1-4pm
Child Study Team
Our first Child Study Team meeting is three weeks away. If you feel that you have a student that you would like to have a discussion around, now is the time to start discussing potential strategies and structures with your colleagues to support their learning/behavior and collect data. You will need to fill out as much information as possible on the CST form. You'll need to make a copy for each individual student.
It is also important to note that if you are having early concerns regarding student learning or behavior, be proactive in contacting home early and often to build that collaborative relationship with the parent now.
Let me know if you would like a student added to the schedule. Thank you.
Laura Sokol, September 29
Gregg Buschlen, October 1
Two Resources Worth Sharing
Seven ways educators can help students look beyond grades.
Four quick activities to create an inclusive environment for all of our students.