In the Middle Newsletter
December 14-21
Principal Ponderings: Horse Blankets
Reader: "Is Swegles really going to tell us a story about horse blankets?"
Swegles: "Yes."
When I was around 7 years old, my great aunt and uncle gifted my sister and I blankets for Christmas. What the...? Mine was brown with a teddy bear and hers was blue with a horse. Being the young boy I was and still working on the character strength of gratitude, I was not pleased. I think tears were shed and said blanket got launched across the room. It probably wasn't that bad, but my revisionist history has been influenced through the years. Funny thing is now, 30+ years later, whenever we go to my parents house and reach for a blanket, my sister's blue horse blanket, in all its faded and frayed glory, is reached for first.
My hope for you all this holiday season is that you all receive warmth, safety, and comfort disguised as a blanket with a horse on it.
In an effort to bring some added holiday cheer, Allison and I will be providing a variety of treats next week and extra time for camaraderie. Thanks to Kristen Pennington, Roosevelt Principal, for letting me harvest this idea.
Administrative Items
- Lunch Duty: Stampfly, Tetzlaff, Graziano
- SPOW: 6th TEAM Lancer
- Late Start: Staff Breakfast in Library
- P2: Self-control folder
- Lancer Leader tickets: Saw a number of students putting Lancer Leader tickets in the box today. One a day is the goal. One.
- 8th grade PE swimming unit will finish up on Thursday, December 13. Thank you everyone for your flexibility and understanding.
- Reminder that Band will combine again on Friday.
-Friday December 14 - Combine 6th grade during 6th hour
- HC shot sales will start Thursday morning. Ticket sheet if needed.
- Honors Choir will be out most of the day on Thursday, December 20. Student list.
- Assembly on Friday, December 21. Schedule and assembly agenda.
Upcoming Dates and Events
12/13
- PTO Open Meeting, 2:50, room 314, need one rep from each grade level
12/14
- Intervention Meeting, 10:30, Arend/Swegles at HS conference room
12/17
- Band Collage Concert, 7:00, HS gymnasium
12/19
- Hat or Pajama Day, $1 for both items to be paid during ADV.
- County Principals Meeting, 11:30, Swegles potentially out TBD
Are you interested in donating dollars for denim in December? Proceeds will go towards the holiday fundraiser. If you pay upfront from the 6 days then the total cost is $25. If you pay by the day it will be $5 each day. Jeans may be worn on:
Thursday, December 6
Friday, December 7
Thursday, December 13
Friday, December 14
Thursday, December 20
Friday, December 21
Jane has the envelope.
Instructional Strategy
G-mail, Post-It Notes...just a couple items that came out of 20% time (Genius Hour).
Resources Worth Sharing
Make sure you watch it all the way through. Teaching is what we do, but the why is what makes it meaningful.
Groundbreaking study examines effects of screen time on kids
60 Minutes goes inside a landmark government study of young minds to see if phones, tablets and other screens are impacting adolescent brain development
Tweet of the Week
What I'm Reading (listening to): Dare to Lead, by Brene Brown
“If we want people to fully show up, to bring their whole selves including their unarmored, whole hearts—so that we can innovate, solve problems, and serve people—we have to be vigilant about creating a culture in which people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected.”
Holiday Fundraisers and Events
Pie in Da Face: It's all over but the pie tossing. Hmmm, smelling dairy for days!
Half Court Shots: Tickets are $2. If they make it, they will get $20. We'll shoot some at Family Meeting on Wednesday and then again on Friday during the assembly.
Dodgeball Tournament: $20 per team. The tournament will run after school on December 14 to approximately 4:30. Update to staff TEAM: we will play champions on Friday during assembly.
Hat and/or Pajama Day: $1 for one or $2 for both. December 19
LMS Stand Ugly Sweater Contest: Information from Amy in email.
Retiree/Staff Luncheon: Money to be turned into envelope on Jane's desk.