It's May!

What an exciting week!  It was Spirit Week and so many students, and staff, dressed up.  I was able to get some pictures that you can check out on social media or in our family smore.  Having a chance to be a bit silly with the kids and each other further helps to build relationships.  As someone once said, "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."  As the weeks wind down, the emotions of our kids, and our own emotions, will be as predictable as the weather.  Take a deep breath, contemplate your response or lack of response, and realize that we are dealing with middle school kids.  The best thing about middle school kids is that they are middle school kids.  Whether they admit it or not, they do want to learn.  Keep providing engaging activities, keep showing them you care, and they will surprise you with their effort, creativity, and work ethic.

Great things I saw this week...

• Dissections in Science (starfish and frogs)!
• Kids rollerskating, playing rugby and playing golf.
• Tweets from many staff about the things going on in your classrooms and on the NJHS camp experience.
• The flexibility of staff for all of the activities that happen in May.  These activities help us develop more well-rounded kids.  Thank you for understanding the importance of that.
• The incredible work our IAs do with all of our kids.  It doesn't go unnoticed.
• IEP meetings- Wow for all of you!
• Grade level meeting discussions about kids and what's best for kids.
• The stuff our PTO does for our students and us is amazing.
• Spirit Week was amazing thanks to Student Senate.
• All of the students and adults working hard to be ready for Grandparents' Day.

Calendar
Staff Appreciation Week (Always the first full week in May)
Monday, May 8th

• Coffee and doughnut breakfast from the PTO

Tuesday, May 9th

• Garden gift from the PTO
• 4:15-5:15  Homework Club

Wednesday, May 10th

• Soup, salad, and potato lunch buffet from the PTO
• 8:00-8:30  Staff meeting
• 3:40-4:00  All school assembly
• Adjusted schedule for 7th/8th.
• We always impact our morning classes, so we're going to impact afternoon classes this time.
• All staff will attend with their classes.
• 4:15-5:15  Insurance meeting

Thursday, May 11th

• Treat day from the PTO
• 8:00-8:30  IA meeting
• Grade level/Specials meetings
• 4:15-5:15  Homework Club

Friday, May 12th

• Gift presentation from the PTO
• Please be at the flag pole by 8:35.  You won't want to miss it!

Tweets, quotes, and blogs
The Fence (from Jon Harper)

3 Misconceptions About Innovation in Education (from George Couros)

5 Reasons to Ban Fidget Spinners from Every Classroom in America (Shared with me by a staff member, and it's not what you think.  Please read it!)

On the Reality of Trying to Create More Readers (from Pernille Ripp)

@mertonint on Twitter
#mertonint on Twitter
Merton Intermediate on Facebook
Merton Intermediate on Instagram
Family smore for 5.5.17

As a reminder...

• Please make sure to be a presence in our hallways during passing times and before and after school.
• Check your grade level meeting agenda for notes and important dates.
• Kids will live up to your expectations so keep those expectations high.
• Find something nice to say about each student at least once a week.  It will help them know that you really care, and I know you really do care.

What are you proud of?

We all have something we are proud of.  I'm proud of our work in school, I'm proud of our kids, and I'm proud of you.  First and foremost, I'm proud of my daughter and my wife.  They have to put up with me every day, and I'm not the easiest person to get along with on a daily basis.  They know that there are times when school must come first, and I hope they know that sometimes I'm able to change something on my schedule to make sure that family comes first.  You've heard me say "Family first" how many times?  Sometimes Lauren and Jen need to remind me of that, too.  This weekend is a weekend for family.  It's Lauren's final recital, and I get to dance with her in the father/daughter dance tonight and tomorrow.  I'm sure a video will pop up somewhere, but I had to share this video of Lauren and some of her friends dancing to "Space Between".  You can even vote for it, if you'd like.  Enjoy!

http://www.dancemedia.com/v/15464

Have a great weekend!

Be the one!

Jay

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