MVMS Jacket Update
10/12/18
MVMS Shared Vision for Instruction
Developing a Focus
Several weeks ago, I shared an update with you that had an article called Finding Our Identity. The article described how important it was for our school to determine priorities and set areas of focus. Click here to re-read the article. At that time, PAC was in the middle of determining focus areas for our school. During that time, ODE released their new priorities for schools and when discussed with the group, their areas of focus aligned with what we believe is needed for all middle school students to succeed. The future focus areas for schools will be: Foundational Knowledge and Skills, Well Rounded Content, Student Leadership, and Social Emotional Learning. After revealing this information to PAC, it was decided that we will start focusing on these areas now, as we believe they highlight what is needed for our school and for all of our students to be successful. To read the entire release from ODE, please click here.
Vision Quest
Given that a focus had been determined, we were able to turn our attention to developing a shared vision for instruction geared towards those areas. During our the September waiver day, PAC went on a Vision Quest. During the quest, I asked teachers to share their best lesson ever. We dug deeper as a group to determine what lead to the lesson being awesome. What was the teacher doing? What were the kids doing? What was the outcome? We then grouped the results into 4 distinct areas: Data Driven, Real World, Personalized Instruction, Student Engagement.
Putting it Together
At our staff meeting next week, we will discuss the proposed shared vision for instruction and then take a vote on if it will in fact become reality for our school. If so, PAC will be developing a clear explanation of what Driven, Real. Personalized. Engaged. looks like in our classrooms. Our strategies during TBTs will be focused on these areas for years to come.
Thank you to all that have been a part of this process thus far. I am excited for the great things we will all be doing together as a result.
Purposeful Relationship Building - Be Present
As teachers, we are able to be there for our students as well. I am proud of how many students that we have in our building that are part of extracurricular activities, to include sports, the arts, and clubs. Showing up to a concert, game or even a practice can create a bond with a student that lasts. I was invited to come out and run with the cross country team and it has been one of my favorite things I have done here at Mount Vernon so far. No... it is not because I like to run. We have been through that with the Warrior Dash. It is because of how many kids came up to me the following day to talk about the run. What made the greatest impact for me was that is made it home to the dinner table with their parents. A parent called and left an anonymous message that she appreciated me running with the kids. I'll take that any day.
Are there any students you know of that just need someone to be present for them? An appearance by their teacher just may go further than you think.
Staff Meeting - Oct 17th
- MVMS Shared Vision for Instruction
- PBIS Pride Awards
- Agenda for the October 22nd waiver day
Teacher In-Service/Work Day
WEPS for Students in Regular Education Settings
Meetings will be held in the conference room and the following schedule will be used:
1st period - 6th grade
3rd period - 7th grade
6th period - 8th grade
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Upcoming Concerts
End of 1st Quarter - Friday, October 19th
Friday, October 19th - MVMS 1st Quarter Pride Awards, Hat Day, Lip Sync Battle
***Please note that we will be on a one hour early release schedule that day***
PTO Meeting Minutes
MVMS PTO Meeting October 2, 2018, 7pm
Minutes
---
Participants:
- Colleen Clarkson (president)
- Ann Burky (treasurer)
- Alison Furlong (secretary)
- Rachelle Byrnes
- Sarah Keller
- Darin Prince
- Meghan Durbin
- Sarah Yoakam
- Kathy Thayer
- Amber Thomas (Nikki)
- Jene Schoenfeld
Welcome/Introductions (Colleen Clarkson)
Secretary's report (Alison Furlong) - none
Treasurer's report (Ann Burky)
Our current bank balance is $4023. State taxes have been filed, federal taxes are due before the end of the year.
Principal's report (Darin Prince)
Mr. Prince has looked into where additional bottle-filling fountains are needed. He says they need one on the 6th grade hall, as well as one in each locker room. He noted that the students use them a lot. However, they are expensive, and he has learned that parts are no longer available for these particular fountains.
- The pencil machine is fully stocked. There is no need to recorder at this time.
- Kroger Rewards flyer as distributed to staff. $5 coffee cards ill be issued as they are returned through October. We also plan to have a volunteer on site during teacher conferences to help parents sign up. It was proposed to have a volunteer do this during concerts and other events as well.
New Business:
- PTO still needs a Vice President! Recruits or recommendations requested.
- The 6th grade assembly will take place on Tuesday, October 23. Mobile Ed is presenting an assembly on robotics in the gym. There will be two assembly times (11:45 and 12:45). Mr. Prince will determine how to divide up students. Ms. Clarkson will assist with setup at 10:45am, and will need to 6-foot long tables This is a less hands-on event than in previous years - students will be seated on the floor or in the bleachers.
- Cinch Sacks - Mr. Prince has purchased the remaining cinch sacks from his budget and transferred money to the PTO budget. They will be used to stock the new PBIS shop.
- Hat Day - Hat day will be held on October 19, in conjunction with the PBIS assembly. Students who bring in $1 will be allowed to wear a hat throughout the day. There is still some concern about low participation among 6th graders, possibly related to 1st period unified arts.
- Fall Book Fair - The Fall Book Fair will be held November 5-14 (except 11/9), overlapping with teacher conferences. Ann Burky has created a preliminary schedule, and we solicit volunteers during the week of 10/22.
- Teacher Dinner - PTO will provide dinner to teachers on 11/7, including granola bars, fruit, water, pizza, and desserts (along with paper plates and napkins). Mr. Prince will be providing smoothies as well.
- Other items for 2018-19:
- Change Wars will be held in February. We will set a firm date as it gets closer.
- Alison Furlong and Colleen Clarkson will draft a solicitation letter to send to parents.
- The issue of finances for PBIS came up again; the budget for the program is around $12,000 and it is currently unfunded. There will be a spring dodgeball tournament to raise funds for PBIS. The PTO has offered to run concessions for that event. The PTO has also contributed $500 to the PBIS committee to help stock the new PBIS store off the Commons. Items there will include pencils, candy, notebooks, earbuds, cinch sacks, and various MVMS gear.
- Mr. Prince expressed an interest in getting more parents into the Middle School to see what the school and students are doing. One proposal was to bring a photographer in to take family pictures before the holidays, perhaps during conferences (although that may not be practical). He would also like to do a spring showcase of student work - academics, artwork, music, etc.
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, November 6, 7pm.
Veterans Day Breakfast Fundraiser
Reminders
- Math teachers... you are up next week. Don't forget to put in a date on the spreadsheet. Second Step Calendar
- Update your grade book weekly
Looking Ahead
October
15 MS Choir Concert, Time: 7:00 p.m.
17 Staff Meeting, 2:40-3:00
18 7/8th Grade Orchestra Fall Concert @ HS Theater, Time: 7:00
18 Real Money, Real World
19 End 1st quarter
22 Teacher In-Service/ Work Day
25 MS Special Ed Meeting, Time: 2:30-3:15
30 BLT Meeting
November
6 PTO Meeting, Time: 7:00
7-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences
9 No School in lieu of Conferences
13 PAC Meeting
15 6th Grade Band/Orchestra Concert @ MS Gym, Time: 7:00
16 Career Day
19 NWEA MAP window 2 opens
21-23 Thanksgiving Break
27 BLT Meeting
29 MS Special Ed Meeting, Time: 2:30-3:15
Darin Prince
Email: dprince@mvcsd.us
Website: www.mt-vernon.k12.oh.us
Location: 298 Martinsburg Rd, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050, USA
Phone: (740) 392-6867
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mount-Vernon-Middle-School-1428107840766187/
Twitter: @DarinLPrince