The benefits of testing- more time to read!

I bet the title of this week's blog caught your attention.  Testing is something that we are required to do, a mandate from the state or federal government.  Testing is going to take our students a lot of time and it takes away from your instructional time, a chance to be creative and engaging.  On the flip side, I see the opportunity for our students to also have more time to read.  You might be able to model reading, too.  Let's look on the bright side.  I'm sure that you all have a book you've wanted to read.  This might be the perfect opportunity.

Calendar
Monday, April 18th         Screening for 6th grade position ("All day")
                                           BLT meeting 4:15-5:15PM
                                           Kickball game at Hartland-Lakeside  4:30PM
Wednesday, April 20th    A-team meeting 1:30-3:30PM
                                           Culver's Night  4:00-8:00PM
Friday, April 22nd           Katie Welnetz visits for lunch
                                           (Please stop in to meet our newest School Board member.)
                                          Student Senate Carnival 5:00PM

Tweets, quotes, and blogs
"Be not afraid of greatness.  Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."- William Shakespeare, playwright and poet
"Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance."- Coco Chanel, fashion designer

(from PixTeller)

"Individual commitment to a group effort--that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."- Vince Lombardi, coach
"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision...It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."- Andrew Carnegie, industrialist

(from PixTeller)

"I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university."- Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist
"Respect yourself, and others will respect you."- Confucius, teacher and philosopher
An Open Letter From an Asperger's Mom to a Teacher (from CPI newsletter- I thought this was an awesome way to honor National Autism Month)
"To become a master at any skill, it takes the total effort of your heart, mind and soul working together in tandem."- Maurice Young, rapper and producer
"Know who you are, and be it.  Know what you want, and go out and get it."- -Carroll Bryant, writer
@mertonint on Twitter
#mertonint on Twitter
Merton Intermediate School Facebook page
Family smore for 4.15.16

Google Innovator Program
I got an email this week that has information about a program through Google.  I thought that some of you might have an interest in learning a little more about it.  Here is a link to a Q&A session that will occur on Tuesday, April 26th.  This is no pressure at all, just sharing an opportunity.

National Junior Honor Society
Yesterday was a fantastic day of celebration, and you and the kids all looked awesome!  Thanks to Heather and Megan for all of their work getting this organized.  Our custodial staff all chipped in to get everything ready.  Your flexibility and understanding to help make the day so special for our inductees is greatly appreciated.  Here's a picture Mary took of the celebration.

Did you see the weather forecast for the weekend?  Get out and enjoy it with family and friends.  I know I will!  Remember, take care of our kids, take care of each other, and take care of yourself.

Jay