#sparkinfo. Weekly Update
Week 20, January 13th- 17th
Builiding the Whole Student
This was my message to families with the monthly newsletter:
"One Word"
This month, at morning assembly, we will once again be discussing "one word". The purpose of the one word is to give the Pickens Middle family a focus for the new year. Students and staff we will be sharing their one word with the goal of encouraging and inspiring others. The "one word" concept comes from author Jimmy Page. Below is a quote about Gordon, Britton, and Page's One Word That Will Change Your Life:
"One Word that Will Change Your Life will inspire you to simplify your life and work by focusing on just one word for this year. That’s right! One Word creates clarity, power, passion and life-change. The simple power of One Word is that it impacts all six dimensions of your life – mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, and financial. Simply put, One Word sticks. There is a word meant for you and when you find it, live it, and share it, your life will become more rewarding and exciting than ever."
We hope that you will speak with your middle schooler about their one word. We would love for you to do the exercise as a family. We are looking forward to a great 2020 with everyone at Pickens Middle!
Instructional Updates
On Thursday, we will meet discuss next year's potential schedules and other ideas to enhance personalized learning on our campus. We want to provide a curriculum that provides for the greater instructional time need tied to accountability and also discuss how we increase student engagement. I feel very good about where we are headed and am eager to include you all in the decision-making process. Our potential is great! What will we do with it?
The Literacy Plan Update
We are looking forward to another reading challenge in late January called "Tic Tac SNOW!" and will be providing more information for students very soon.
Photos from last week and December!
Minute to Win It!!
Winners of the Lip Sync Battle!!
And the winner is....
Charitable Service
USC Football in the house!
Sparks Finest at the Cinema
We have some talented students!
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Another incredible guest speaker!
This Week's Agenda-
Wed., Jan. 15th-
Class Geo Bees
Th., Jan. 16th-
Inclusive Practices/Schedule Feedback PD (PM Planning)
Basketball @ Walhalla
Fr. Jan. 17th-
SPARKS Finest Ceremony (PM Act.)
Mon., Jan., 20th-
Holiday!!
Happy Birthday!!
Half Birthdays This Week!
July 14th Vasha Dickerson
July 16th Sheila Roper
July 18th Shelley Searcy
SPARK SPOTLIGHT!!!!
A shout out from your colleague!
Thank you! Have you ever taken the time to recognize those around you? It feels good to recognize others!
Bryan Lively- I had to write a student up for fighting. He and Coach Morris was in my classroom in like two minutes! The kids were in shock at how fast they arrived! It was beautiful. A student asked how did they get here so fast I said they are always watching there are cameras everywhere! So thankful for admin who love the students but also back thief teachers! Thank you for looking out for us!
McKenzie Morrow- She is always so kind and positive in all the IEP meetings I have had the opportunity to be in with her! She also has some dance moves! She patiently worked with me on the teacher dance for the pep rally! Thanks to her I got it down!
Olivia and Selena- These two talented young ladies did an excellent job of organizing and planning the dances for the pep rally! They are so good at what they do! I’m thankful to work with these two amazing girls!
Mrs. Sothen- She is so professional and good at what she does. I love her attention to detail and her competence! I learn so much from working with her!
Justin Bramblett- Because he went with me to the Finland workshop. I know he didn’t have to go but HE DID because he is good like that. Besides I introduced him to the Pollo Fundido which he loved and we got to ride in Mrs. Porter’s hot new Toyota four Runner!
Kelsey Porter- She drove us around in her beautiful four runner and sat through training with me. She is always a joy to be around. I love spending time with her whether at bus duty or some meeting somewhere. I know she will be one amazing mom!!
Lizzie Fela- She might me young but she has got confidence and delegation skills!! No wonder she is the new Pickens High Girls Softball Coach! By the ways she has some awesome dance skills!
Melissa Riddle- She did an outstanding job with our robotics tournament. I admire her dedication and work ethic! She is smart, cool, calm, and collected especially under stressful situations! Resilient is what she is!
Coach Morris- Because he is COACH Morris that’s why! He is still telling me you do the right thing because it’s the right thing. And when something doesn’t go as planned “it could always be worse” and to stay positive!
Brad Tankersley and Marion Lawson- These men know their History!!Our students are blessed to have them! I learn something from them everyday! Im blessed to work with them. Now if you really want to be entertained throw Justin in there and be prepared for some humor sprinkled with some famous movie quotes or historical quotes or some lyrics from an old rock song.... and a little Star Trek too!
Cindy Whittemore- I have never seen Cindy Whittemore in workout clothes before! She rocked it along with her smooth dance moves! Your simply the best!
Sherri Lee and Selena- These two know how to brighten up a Hall way! Sherri Lee definitely supports her mentee. I see them collaborating everyday! They look out for each other!
Click on the link below as you see and hear great things happening in the building. Please let us know about them by filling out the form. You may want to bookmark the link as we will be "Spotlighting" teachers and staff all year. Please note, this is a new link for this school year.
From Sparks of Knowledge Grow Flames of Success
Email: jamesking@pickens.k12.sc.us
Website: http://pms.pickens.k12.sc.us/
Location: 140 Torch Lane, Pickens, SC, 29671
Phone: (864) 397-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pickensms/?scrlybrkr=85865011
Twitter: @pmssparks