In the Middle Newsletter
August 26-30
Welcome Back!
The building is looking great thanks to our awesome summer staff who had to contend with carpet installations, alarm system upgrades, and bathroom renovations. There were times in early July where a haze and layer of dust covered the hallways, but Bill, Sherie, Willie, and a handful of others got LMS back into shape just in time for Lancer Days. We still have a few finishing touches, but we are excited about the upgrades.
Our office staff has been busy enrolling new students, preparing schedules, and the all-important lockers situated. As of today, we are sitting at 644 students which is consistent with our numbers from last year. We had a growing 7th and 8th-grade student count which made up for a smaller 6th-grade crew coming in than what we have been used to in recent years. Lancer Days were well attended and I know we have students who cannot wait to get into the building next Tuesday.
I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow morning and can't wait to get back to the important work that we do here at Lakeshore Middle School.
Sincerely,
Jonathan
Principal Ponderings: Workout
"You got this!"
For me personally, everything started off great with a little 20-minute spin class. High-intensity cardio working the legs, core, and arms. The trainer was fantastic. Towards the end of the 20-minutes, she ramped it up just before getting us cooled down. Seeing the looks on our faces she repeatedly yelled out, "You got this!" While the comment didn't make my thighs burn any less, it did make me think to myself, "you know what, I do got this!" When our students, and colleagues, find a challenge in the road this year remind them that they got this and support them through it.
"You look great!"
Moved across the hall for the next 20-minute segment that involved dumbells and WAY TOO MANY squats for this guy's liking. A new edition was the mirrors we were facing and you could see everybody. Maybe more worrisome was that everybody could see you. Again, after the squats increased in number and the looks of consternation started to appear, out came "You look great!" Over and over. I figured she wasn't looking at me as I was riding the struggle bus, but the mirrors provided a great reminder that it doesn't have to look pretty if the important work is getting done. Same goes with teaching and learning. It isn't always pretty, but if done with purpose the end result will look great.
"Here's a modification"
Then came the yoga. I don't know what Angela makes fun of me more for. My lack of experience with power tools or lack of flexibility. There were a lot of grunts coming from my area because at this point I'm driving the struggle bus. Luckily for me, our instructor continued to provide modifications for each pose should we need a little something more appropriate for our skillset. When our students come back next week, they all aren't coming with the same abilities and it's okay, and appropriate, to provide some modifications in order for them to achieve an expected level of success.
Thanks again, Allison, for inviting us. It was a great learning experience.
Administrative Items
- Contracts are in your mailbox, sign and return to Jane
- Allison is working on P2 lesson plans. They can be found in each individual strengths P2 folder. Slides will be accessed via www.posproject.org resources page. Link in our new newsletter section, The Hub, below.
- August 27-28, basic agenda
- We will have a student-intern working with Sara Van this year. Her name is Gina Dressander and she is studying at Western. We will learn more about Gina in the coming days. Welcome, Gina!
Welcome, Mrs. Leslie Woods
From Mrs. Woods: "I’m looking forward to working with the staff and students at LMS and encouraging the students in achieving their goals"
Welcome, Mrs. Woods. We are very excited to have you join the LMS TEAM!
Upcoming Dates and Events
- District Program, 8:00, HS Auditorium (7:30-8:00 is a light breakfast)
- Staff meeting, 9:30-11:00
- Teacher Time, 12:00-2:30 (lunch 11:00-12:00)
8/28
- PD, 7:30-2:30
8/29-9/2
- Labor Day Weekend (I'll be in Thursday and in the morning on Friday if you need me)
9/3
- 1/2 day students
- Staff Meeting, 12:00-12:30, media center
- Teacher workday, 12:30-2:43
9/4
- 6th grade BTS night, 6-7:30
9/5
- 7th/8th grade BTS night, 6-7:30
9/11
- First Late Start
Two Resources Worth Sharing
Tweet of the Week
What I Read This Summer
- Long Way Down, Jason Reynolds
- The Hate You Give, Angie Thomas
- American Street, Ibi Zoboi
- Beast Rider, Maria Elena Fontanot De Rhoads (currently reading)
Through these books, it allowed me to think about the challenges that students face when they are not at school, yet, affect their performance in school. All of these books are in our building so give them a read if you are so inclined.