Reflections

I celebrated, and dreaded, September 5th.  It was our first day of school- a real celebration- because the kids were back.  We're in education for kids, not for the adults.  And I don't mean for that to sound negative or offensive.  The kids are why I'm an educator.  End of story.  I also dreaded September 5th as it was the day of a funeral of one of my friends, Johnny.  He was not a close friend, but when we were together, he had time for me, he listened to me, he told great jokes, and we ended every meeting with a hug.  I knew that he was suffering from cancer, but I didn't take the time to reach out to him, and before I could, he died.  It's not a very upbeat message, but it does make a point.
Our kids look up to us, every day, whether they show it or not.  Do we take the time to recognize them, each of them, every day?  It can be a daunting task, but it sure is an important one.  Think about your interactions with kids this week.  Did you find the time for them or use time as an excuse?  Did you head into the hallway between classes?  Did you stop down into the lunch room or go out for recess?  Did you greet them at the door more than just on Tuesday?  Did you walk them to the buses?  If you did, they noticed.  If you didn't, they noticed that, too.  Please find a way to reach out to the kids that is a little different than just classroom interactions.  It will build relationships that will pay dividends throughout the school year and beyond.  Because some day it may be too late.  Just like it was for me with Johnny.

Great things I noticed...
7th and 8th grade staff performing the Merton Way rap
Kids reading
Relationship building activities (too many to mention)
Patrick reading aloud the whizpopper section of BFG
Kids reaching out to our new kids to make connections
The gaga ball pit is a hit
Procedures are being established and practiced
The family atmosphere in our grade level meetings
Discussion of penny wars to help support a school impacted by the hurricanes

Calendar
Tuesday, September 12th
Homework Club  4:15-5:15PM
Annual meeting  7:00PM

Wednesday, September 13th
Merton Blue Day!
Staff meeting 8:15
RtI Wednesday assembly  8:40 (All staff will sit with their homerooms.)

Thursday, September 14th
Grade level meetings!
Homework Club  4:15-5:15PM

Friday, September 15th
Coaches meeting  8:00-8:30
7th and 8th grade dance  7:00-9:00PM (Want to chaperone?  You will be compensated!)

Tweets, quotes, and blogs
Finding the Good in the Bad (from George Couros)

(from Pinterest)

What are the Expectations for Your Classroom? (from George Couros)

(from Pinterest)

A Phone Call Home Makes All the Difference (from Edutopia)

(from The Minds Consciousness via Facebook)

@mertonint on Twitter

#mertonint on Twitter

mertonint on Instagram

Merton Intermediate School facebook page

Family smore for 9.8.17

Positive phone calls home

Don't forget about sending one student to me per grade level this morning, along with the reason or reasons for the phone call.  Please don't tell them why you're sending them to the office.  If you have more than one student per grade level, find a moment or two to make the phone call home yourself.  You'll be glad that you did.

My hat is off to you for a great first week!

Be the one!

Jay

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