In the Middle Newsletter
September 13-20
Principal Ponderings: TEAMwork
As we head into TEAMwork week, here is a blog post I wrote about TEAMwork last August.
IMG 2755
I've trained her well.
Administrative Items
- Lunch Duty: Keim, B., Jonatzke, Sherwood
- Lancer Leader of the Week: 7th Lakeshore
- Late Start: Course
- P2: TEAMWORK Week. Dylan Clem will be coming over to share the message of F.A.M.I.L.Y. that the football program uses to connect with one another to build supportive relationships. New video from Mike Erwin here.
- Lancer Leader Tickets: You all received Lancer Leader tickets in your mailbox. Have a goal of one a day. Last year we handed out 559 tickets beginning in mid-November. All staff can hand these tickets out. Use SBI feedback when doing so. "Timmy, when you encouraged your friend to volunteer in class it really gave her the confidence to explain her thinking. Thanks for taking care of each other." BAM! Lancer Leader ticket for taking care of each other!
- Sharing is Caring: If you haven't done so already, a reminder to share lesson plans and add us to your Classroom (only one Classroom if multiple of the same grade level and subject).
- Pre-Inquiry Meetings: It has been great having conversations with you this week not only on the items required as part of the process, but also the side conversations that ultimately happen during these meetings. I learn a great deal from you and I enjoy the conversation.
- Go over fire drill procedures with your students. Do add that "Karen" will tell them to go to the nearest exit, however, we first stage and pause, and wait for an announcement over the PA before proceeding to the nearest exit.
- On the heels of Mr. Anderson and Mr. Scaletta's presentation, 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.
United Way Wednesday
In an effort to increase our support of United Way, the district is implementing United Way Wednesday. For a minimum $5 donation, you are welcome to wear denim/dress down. Jane will have an envelope in the office. There will also be a United Way week. For future dates see below:
Checks can be made payable to United Way of Southwest Michigan and receipts can be issued upon request.
United Way Week: $20 for the week or $5 a day
October 14th-18th
United Way Wednesdays: $5
September 25th
October 30th
November 26th (Tuesday because of Thanksgiving Break)
December 18th
January 29th
February 26th
March 25th
April 29th
May 27th
Upcoming Dates and Events
9/23-24
- Adaptive School training, Swegles, Arend, King, Van, Carlisle, Hooper at LGI all day (Allison in Lansing on 24th). I'll be checking email periodically and am available via phone for emergencies.
9/25
- United Way Wednesday, jeans for $5 donation to United Way
9/26-27
- Swegles at MEMSPA (Michgian Elementary and Middle School Principals Association) Board Conference
Child Study Team
Our first Child Study Team meeting is about a month 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.
Nancy Mason, September 26
Two Resources Worth Sharing
"There are a lot of skills necessary to succeed in school that aren't directly about mastering content, including the ability to recognize, name and control one's emotions."
GREAT infographic on Think-Pair-Share. I loved this strategy to discuss content. One extension is to add music. When the music is on, mill about the room. Music stops, fist bump person closest, that is your partner. Two minutes to share. Repeat process 1-2 more times or for additional questions that remain.