It's about the learners

Saturday morning I was reading a post by George Couros called Focus on the "Learner" and it got me to thinking about the choices we make for our students every day.  We decide when classes start and stop, the learning activities during those classes, and when and if they can leave the classroom.  As we approach the month of May, please continue to be deliberate about the choices we make for our students.  Provide more opportunity for choices for our students, too.  Let's do what George mentions- focus on the learner and not just on the learning.

Great things I saw this week...

• Robots in 5th grade.
• Kids reading and writing, in LA classes and outside of LA classes.
• Passion projects in 6th grade.
• Kids excited for the play.
• The nervous energy and excitement of Jackie and Michael getting ready for the play.
• Roller skating, rugby, and golf in PE.
• Kids learning together in Geometry.
• The kids in the play, and Michael and Jackie and Carey's son, Ben.
• 5th grade at BizTown.  Check out this animoto of the day.
• Field trip in the hallways by 6th graders to develop ideas for fantasy writing.
• Miniature golf design in PE due to the inclement weather.
• Listening to a student and parent speak German during Homework Club.
• The flexibility of the staff providing opportunities for learning in different environments.

Calendar

Monday, May 1st

• Student Senate spirit week
• Mayhem Monday (wear wacky attire)
• 7:15-8:30  volleyball practice

Tuesday, May 2nd

• Student Senate spirit week
• Pajama Day
• Power Day
• 8:00  IEP
• 9:45  IEP
• 3:15  IEP
• 4:15-5:15  Homework Club

Wednesday, May 3rd

• Student Senate spirit week
• College Gear Day
• 7:15-8:30  volleyball practice
• 1:30  A-team meeting

Thursday, May 4th

• Student Senate spirit week
• Fandom Day (May the 4th be with you)
• Grade level/specials meetings
• 4:15-5:15  Homework Club
• 4:30  Literacy meeting

Friday, May 5th

• Student Senate spirit week
• Squad Day (Twin Day)
• Grandparents'/ Special Person's Day
• See the link here
• 7:15-8:30  volleyball practice

Saturday, May 6th

• Volleyball tournament at Arrowhead

Tweets, blogs, and quotes
Why Spirit Week Matters to Middle Schoolers (from MiddleWeb, a daily newsletter I subscribe to for inspiration.  Please think about this during Spirit Week next week)

How to Be A Teacher Reading Role Model- Without Actually Reading In Front of Your Class (from Pernille Ripp)

Because of 4AM (from Brett Hagler)

#PIAchat from Monday (Check out what my colleagues are all about.  We'll be presenting at the National Principals' Conference in July.)

There is Not Only One Road to Success (from George Couros)

Your Guide to Running a School Like Disney World (from Lynn Colon, one of my #principalsinaction friends. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

@mertonint on Twitter

#mertonint on Twitter

Merton Intermediate on Facebook

Merton Intermediate on Instagram

School board presentation from 4.24.17

Family smore from 4.27.17

Mustang Medal Challenge

Let's try to write at least one Mustang Medal by lunch time today.  I'd love to send out a picture on Twitter showing examples of the great things our kids do for each other and you every day.  Check your mailbox for a few to fill out.  I'll be making phone calls and sending these home early next week.  C'mon!  Help me make phone calls all day on Monday!

Be the one!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell