Archie Connections
From Principal Gaddie's Desk - August 2022
Gaddie Gab
CELL PHONES!
Schools everywhere are adjusting their cell phone policies. I'm sure you've heard this come up in conversations and have seen things on social media. The reality is that phones and other electronic devices cause a major disruption to the learning environment and schools have chosen to take a firm stance to protect the education of students.
At Archie, we have had a no cell phone board policy in place since the 2008-2009 school year. You can read it on our website. https://www.archie.k12.mo.us/district/school_board/board_policies
The discipline policy in the back of our student handbook has included a section since that time. I've added it below for your reference.
As you can see, the policy includes not only cell phones, but any audio, music, or gaming device as well (including earbuds/airpods). You may also notice that "teachers may grant approval inside the classroom" but that is at the teacher's discretion and can vary from day to day depending on the circumstances.
While our policy at Archie has been in place since 2008, there is now more than ever a great need to protect the learning environment from these distractions. Our teachers have the responsibility of creating and enforcing a healthy, productive learning environment and our administration and school board support them in doing so.
Though our policy has not changed, based on the buzz of this topic, we have added clarifying language to our student handbook for this 2022-2023 school year which can also be accessed from our website. We have an amazing community and we thank you for your ongoing support of our district!
We're Back!
The administrative team and office secretaries are back in the building full time on August 1st. This is always an exciting time for me. On one hand, it feels like we just wrapped up last year a short time ago. Summer has been packed with travel, visiting family and friends, taking time to rest and reset, and yes...working. Where has the summer gone? On the other hand, when I start seeing students in the building again, it feels like months have gone by. They've changed, grown up, and I realize how much I've missed seeing their faces every day. It motivates me to work hard to get everything ready for them for start another wonderful year of school. It makes me realize how much I've missed my kids, and I get excited, wishing anxiously for the first day of school to arrive!Mission Moment
Student and Staff Highlights!
Caring Custodial and Maintenance Crew
Shout Out! to our custodial and maintenance crew. They have worked hard all summer and aren't letting a little construction get in their way of welcoming the community back into a beautiful facility in August.
Welcome Dr. Wityk
Summer Activities
Coach Drew Smith
This month we are highlighting Coach Drew Smith. Here's what people are saying...
"I want to recognize Coach Smith for his leadership of this (summer weights) program. It takes an immense amount of organization, planning, and scheduling to pull off a successful summer program that keeps athletes engaged."
Since Coach Smith took the lead in our summer weights program, participation has increased from 15 to 80 participants. Students, both boys and girls, feel welcome and encouraged to attend and actually look forward to the fun and competition of Coach Smith's summer weights program.
Way to go, Coach Smith! We appreciate you!
Fun Fact
Meditation can improve your memory.
- Mindfulness makes for a more masterful memory. Just ask the scientists over at University of California at Santa Barbara: They found that college students who participated in 45-minute meditation sessions four times a week scored 60 points higher on the GRE's verbal exam after just two weeks. Still don't believe us? Well, the proof is in the pudding—and if you have trouble clearing your mind when you sit cross-legged, try these 10 Ways to Focus Better During Meditation. https://bestlifeonline.com/facts-about-memory/
UPCOMING EVENTS
- August 4th-5th 8:00 am-4:00 pm - New Student Enrollment
- August 8th - HS Sports Practices Begin
- August 8th 8:00 am-4:00 pm - Schedule Changes
- August 15th 4:30 pm-6:30 pm - Meet Dr. Wityk
- August 23rd 6:00 pm-8:00 pm - Open House
- August 23rd 6:30 pm - Dual Credit meeting
- August 25th 8:00 am - First Day of School
- Athletic Events https://www.mshsaa.org/MySchool/Calendar.aspx?s=22&month=8&y=2022
Contact us
Email: mgaddie@archie.k12.mo.us
Website: archie.k12.mo.us
Location: 302 State Highway A, Archie, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 293-5312
Facebook: facebook.com/archieschooldistrictofficial
Twitter: @MichelleGaddie6