Midland Messenger
September 14-18, 2020
Midland Elementary
Email: midland@fpschools.org
Website: http://midland.fpschools.org/
Location: Midland Elementary School, 105th Street East, Tacoma, WA, USA
Phone: 253-298-4500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Midland-Elementary-Mustangs-112865059416899/?ref=settings
Dear Parents and Families,
Well, let's be honest. The first week of school was really not what we envisioned. Technical computer issues kept us from fully engaging in the ways we hoped. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we worked out the bugs. However, we also had an amazing turn out in our family conferences, which allowed us to connect much more personally than in any other year. It was great to have so many families meeting the teacher, picking up supplies, and learning about the virtual learning platform. If you did not get a chance to pick up your child's supplies, please email your child's teacher to arrange for pick-up.
Starting on Monday, we are expecting our technology repairs to allow a "more normal" school day. Beginning this week, students will "attend" during their cohort time, and do their other work during the other parts of the day. Our school day is 8:30-3:30 daily, and attendance is being taken at the cohort teacher-led time.
We have sent a lot of communication recently, but here is an overview of what you can typically expect each week.
Communication...how do families know what is happening at Midland?
- The Midland Messenger is our newsletter that goes home weekly. This bulletin is designed to be a quick look at what's coming up, with some short articles of information. It goes home through SMORE to your email.
- The Sunday Night phone call from me. I hope you find it helpful about what's happening for the week each Sunday evening.
- Our school website can be accessed through midland.fpschools.org. Our website is updated regularly with important dates and information.
- Classroom emails and information come from your child's teacher. If you ever have a question about that, you are welcome to email the teacher directly!
- Like us on Facebook at Midland Elementary Mustangs for news and information almost daily!
It's great to be a MUSTANG!
~Mrs. Dawson
First Day Photos
Thanks for sending your first day pictures! Here are a few of our Mustangs getting ready for their new school year!
Social Emotional Learning Corner by Mrs. Blaisdell
Social Emotional Learning is a process through which individuals build awareness and skills in managing emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships, and making responsible decisions that support success in school and in life.
This week’s focus is COMMUNITY—Students and staff worked last week to assure that many struggles with online learning were resolved to assure that everyone had access to a connection with their community of online learners and staff. My goal this week to get to know the cohorts that are in my specialist groups and build social connections within their cohort groups. I will be asking your children to share strengths and struggles both in class and in a Canvas assignment.
As a family—Talk about individual strengths that include character strengths (I am brave when I try new things) as well as skill strengths (I can type quickly). Also discuss things that you might struggle with. (I struggle to write neatly if I have to write fast) Discussing and celebrating, as a family, all of the strengths that exist, should be a joyful discussion. Shedding light on the fact that we ALL have struggles will help to build perseverance and a growth mindset to understand that everyone is working on skills to be the best that they can be.
Have a joyful week and I am so grateful that you are a part of my learning COMMUNITY.
Still having laptop issues?
If you are still not able to use the school device, or if the audio/video is not working, please let us know! We want to make sure you have the "fix" so your child can access learning each day.
The help number for the IT department is 253-298-4647 or you can fill out a form, linked below.
Franklin Pierce Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to James Hester, Compliance Coordinator for State and Civil Rights Laws; Wendy Malich, Title IX Officer; or John Sander, 504/ADA Coordinator at 315 129th ST S, Tacoma, WA 98444-5099 or at (253)298-3000.