Struggles

We work hard, but are we working harder than the kids?  Sometimes we don't let our kids struggle enough, and sometimes we don't let ourselves struggle, either.  How many times have you dialed 5555 instead of trouble shooting on your own first?  As we move through February, take the time to struggle and to allow our kids to struggle, too.  I admit, I like to try to provide answers sometimes because it's faster.  But who is the learner in that situation?  Nobody.  Sit down next to the student, or a colleague, and work through the question together.  And don't give them the answer.  Leave for a minute, or 3, and then come back and check on their progress.  Repeat as necessary.  That's when the learning really will happen.

Great things I saw this week...
Students and staff helping one another out in Homework Club.
Watching teachers in action while being an instructional assistant (Our IAs are amazing, by the way!).
The joy on a student's face as she read me her argument essay.
Stations being used in math class.
Music at lunch time.
Listening to the jazz band in the morning (I didn't see it, but I heard it).
Visitors from Oostburg in awe of our school.
The learning lounge being used more and more.
Conversations about our kids and how we can connect better with them.

Calendar
Tuesday, February 27th
4:15  Homework Club

Thursday, March 1st
4:15  Homework Club

Friday, March 2nd
Health screening
Student Senate carnival

Saturday, March 3rd
EdCampElmbrook

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

Because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

Edward Everett Hale, writer and clergyman

Why Schools Should Focus More on "Innovation" Than "EdTech" (from George Couros)

(from Pinterest)

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, poet and educator

"There are risks and costs to a program of action.  But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction."

John F. Kennedy, 35th president of the United States

Hope is Not a Strategy (from George Couros)

They can because they think they can.

Virgil, poet

Always Err on the Side of Positive (from George Couros)

The better part of one's life consists of his friendships.

Abraham Lincoln, 16th US president

#mertonint on Twitter

#MertonProud on Twitter

Merton Intermediate Facebook page

Merton Intermediate Instagram page

Family smore for 2.23.18

Because we teach...(taken, word for word, from Pernille Ripp's most recent post)
On my computer hangs a post-it note that says, "Which child are you giving up on?"  Inspired by a conversation Lisa Meade shared, this simple note is my constant reminder that in our school we don't give up on anyone.  That in our school, we seek out all of the kids.  That in our school we don't want invisible children.  That when we think we have done enough, there is always more to do.

Be the one!
Jay
Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell