Paw Prints
Volume 1, Issue 1 - August 17, 2020
IN THIS EDITION
- From the Principal's Desk - Tackling Challenges Together
- 6th Grade "Meet the Teacher" Information
- LEAP Day Information
- Meet Our Staff (Some of our 6th Grade Teachers)
- Counselor's Corner - Tips for Preparing for the New School Year
- Upcoming Dates
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK - Tackling Challenges Together
In 1803, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Nearly two years later, Lewis and Clark thought their journey was close to an end. In August 1805, Lewis had taken a smaller group ahead of Clark and the rest of their party. As he worked his way to the plateau of the dangerous Lemhi Pass in the Rocky Mountains, near the present day Montana/Idaho border, Lewis expected to see an open plain with a waterway to the Pacific Ocean.
Instead, what Lewis saw were more mountains. Patrick Gass, travelling with the party, called them "the most terrible mountains I ever beheld." Lewis and Clark were faced with a decision. After investing two years in the journey, should they turn back or continue in their goal of reaching the Pacific Ocean?
It likely was gut wrenching to be in the shoes of Lewis and Clark in August 1805. Like many of us can relate to today, there were many more questions about the journey ahead than there were answers.
An educational leader that I admire is Will Parker. Recently, he talked about challenging journeys on his podcast. Just as Lewis and Clark faced a challenging journey more than two centuries ago; today, we find ourselves in a trying time as educators, parents, and community members. Will talked about the following four points that make trying times easier:
(1) Challenging times require courage and determination.
(2) Challenging times require planning for the knowns and quick decisions for the unknowns.
(3) Challenging times are easier with teamwork and encouragement from others.
(4) Challenging times require selfless moments and looking out for one another.
As we continue to prepare for the 2020-21 school year at Clinton Middle School, please know that we are committed to creating not only the safest learning environment possible for our students, but also the most productive learning environment as well. Daily, our staff works hard to put the planning in place to make that vision a reality.
In the coming days, weeks, and months, teamwork will be vital. Our team is not only the educators and staff that work in our building, but also the parents and community members that cheer so hard for the success of the students at Clinton Middle School.
The story of Lewis and Clark brings up one final thought. Often, the most challenging journeys create the best memories. There is no doubt that the future ahead will require us to scale mountains. However, through this journey, we look forward to the amazing experiences that our teachers, staff, parents, and community will create for our students!
Go Wildcats,
Jeff Parks
6th Grade "Meet the Teacher" Information
On the dates of Wednesday August 26th and Thursday August 27th, Clinton Middle School will host face-to-face 6th grade students for our "Meet the Teacher" night.
In order to follow social distancing guidelines, students should attend during their designated time frame. Students are encouraged to only bring one parent or guardian if possible and all students and guests must wear masks.
The days and times to attend are as follows:
- Students with last names A-E --- Wednesday August 26th from 3:30 pm until 4:45 pm.
- Students with last names F-L --- Wednesday August 26th from 4:45 pm until 6:00 pm.
- Students with last names M-R --- Thursday August 27th from 3:30 pm until 4:45 pm.
- Students with last names S-Z --- Thursday August 27th from 4:45 pm until 6:00 pm.
During the "Meet the Teacher" night, students that attend can pick up their schedules and Chromebooks. Parents are asked to return any paperwork that was mailed in the LEAP day packets!
We look forward to welcoming our 6th graders!
Join us for LEAP Days!
Each student should have received in the mail a letter inviting them to one of our five LEAP Days. LEAP Days are open to students receiving face-to-face instruction or virtual instruction. So as to help teachers build relationships with teachers and promote our new safety measures, students should only attend the LEAP Day for which they have been invited.
During this day, students will receive schedules and Chromebooks, meet their teachers, learn about our new procedures, and take assessments to help our teachers guide instructional practices for the upcoming year.
If you have a question about your LEAP Day, please contact Clinton Middle School at (864) 833-0807.
Monday, Aug 31, 2020, 08:00 AM
Clinton Middle School, North Adair Street, Clinton, SC, USA
Meet Our Staff
Kathi Manley - 6th Grade ELA/Social Studies
To be able to be in more than one place at one time
What is your favorite candy?
Reese's peanut butter cups
What is your bucket list item?
To zipline Fremont Street
What are your thoughts about pineapple on pizza?
I love pineapple, BBQ sauce, and chicken on pizza.
Why do you love teaching?
I love to inspire others to learn. To see that lightbulb go off as an idea falls into place is priceless. I love to form a bond with students where they know I am always there for them.
Becky Burrow - 6th Grade Math/Science
To be able to heal people.
What is your favorite candy?
Snickers
What is your bucket list item?
To travel to Italy. Or visit a place in the Bahamas (a newly renovated resort I've been watching).
What are your thoughts about pineapple on pizza?
I like pineapple on pizza. I usually don't get it, but have had it before and like it.
Why do you love teaching?
One reason I love to teach is because I love to see the "lightbulb" turn on when a student gets it. I also like to make a positive influence in the lives of my students.
Autumn Brittain - 6th Grade Math/Science
Teleportation so I wouldn't have to drive anywhere
What is your favorite candy?
Reese's peanut butter cups or Airhead Xtremes
What is your bucket list item?
To visit as many big cities in the United States as I can
What are your thoughts about pineapple on pizza?
It is absolutely disgusting. Pineapple does not belong on pizza.
Why do you love teaching?
I've loved teaching since I was old enough to talk. I couldn't read yet, so I would make up stories to pictures in books and pretend to read them to my class of stuffed animals. I love being a person in a child's life that they know they can always talk to and count on. I love seeing the faces of students light up when they understand something.
COUNSELOR'S CORNER - Tips for Preparing for the New School Year
We are excited for the start of a new school year! Although there are to be many uncertainties this year, there are many things that we can count on for a new school year. We are sure to have a year full of new adventures, new friends, and lots of new learning.
In order to be your best each day and to be ready for the start of the year, we want to remind you of the importance of getting enough sleep. Having been out of a "routine" for several months now, it is going to take your body some time to adjust to getting back to normal.
Research shows that middle school students need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night to be well-rested and ready to take on a new day. We also know that it takes the body about two weeks to adjust to a new schedule and get your body and brain acclimated. As we move closer to the start of school, keep this in mind.
August 25th will be exactly two weeks before the first day of school. Mark this day on your calendar and start working with your student to get their body into a new routine. Set a bedtime for students and encourage them to begin waking up to an alarm clock. This will take some time to get used to and your student may find that they need a nap. However, by the time that September 8th rolls around, your student will be glad that they planned ahead. Their body and mind will be well rested and ready to take on a new school year!
We cannot wait to see the beautiful faces of our students! We hope that our students and their families are staying safe. While September 8th may be a few weeks away, don't forget that August 25th is a good time to start preparing the body for the first day of school!
LOOKING AHEAD - Dates to Remember
Wednesday August 26th & Thursday August 27th
- "Meet The Teacher" for 6th Grade Students
- Last Names (A-E) - 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm on Wednesday 8/26
- Last Names (F-L) - 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm on Wednesday 8/26
- Last Names (M-R) - 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm on Thursday 8/27
- Last Names (S-Z) - 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm on Thursday 8/27
- LEAP Days for Face-to-Face & Virtual Students
Tuesday September 8th
- First Day of School
Thursday September 10th
- Virtual Principal's Chat (6:30 pm)
- https://meet.google.com/wob-jsst-kwu?hs=122&authuser=1
About Us
Email: info@lcsd56g.com
Website: https://cms.lcsd56.org/
Location: 800 North Adair Street, Clinton, SC, USA
Phone: (864) 833-0807
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Middle-School/Clinton-Middle-School-1738237073147580/
Twitter: @CMS_insc