In the Middle Newsletter
September 3-6
Principal Ponderings: Crayons
On Sunday, I heard a gentleman tell a story about his favorite back to school event when he was a kid. School supply shopping. His excitement when he got that 96 piece crayon set was a highlight and he had a solid message to go with it about how individually we have value, but when we connect with others we can make great things happen. A few take aways:
- We all bring something different to the table and all the differences are important. Blue is just as important as sepia much like prudence is just as important of being open-minded.
- The 96 crayon box comes with the sharpener in the back. Much like crayons, we all need to "sharpen our saw" so to speak in order to us to be as effective as possible.
- Ninety-six crayons allows for beautiful art to be created. Can we do great things insolation, yes. But we can go further in our success when we go together.
The man telling the story...Mr. Bill Shepard. He's still dropping knowledge on LMS!
Administrative Items
- Sign and return contracts to Jane if not completed yet
- P2: Please, have students complete the VIA survey prior to next week so they are familiar with their top positive character strengths. Sixth graders and some seventh graders will have to adjust the birth year for students to take it. It may take some students longer than time allotted in Lancer Time.
- Clarification on Tardies: Students arriving late to P2 first thing without a pass means they were in the building prior to 7:40. Mark them tardy and keep them in class. Students arriving after 7:40 will be filtered through the office (only door open) and will have a pass from Mrs. Pallett.
- Clarification on Attendance: Our handbook reflects board policy for excused absences. Students out for family travel should be directed to the office to get extended absence form and returned prior to their departure (5 days in advance is preferred).
- Back to School Nights: Related Arts teachers are expected to attend 7th and 8th grade BTS night beginning at 6:00. If there is information you'd like to get out to 6th grade families, we can potentially use School Messenger/email to get that to families.
Upcoming Dates and Events
9/3
- 1/2 day students
- Staff Meeting, 12:00-12:30, media center, clarification on early collaborative items and information on child study team.
- 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
Amy Czech, September 3
Two Resources Worth Sharing
If you know of anybody any need, please, share these support services. What a tremendous resource for area families.
Seven ways secondary classrooms can create community. Data shows when we are intentionally about creating community there is an "increase in academic engagement and a reduction in disruptive behavior."