It's April

I'm amazed at how quickly this school year seems to be going.  I know that some days are longer than others.  We all have those kind of days.  But overall, I bet you would agree that the year is flying by.  I heard a number of you on Monday say, "How is it already April?"  With the days zooming by, it's important for us to keep a focus on the kids, how they're doing- academically, behaviorally, and socially- and providing the necessary supports or direction.  The same can be said for our colleagues.  That was one of my big takeaways from Wednesday's SEL meeting.  SEL is not just for our kids.  It's for the adults, too.  If you'd like to speak further about the SEL meeting, please speak with Jackie, Lori, Jolie, Dave, Matt, or me.  We'd be happy to share.

Great things I saw this week...
Despite April Fool's Day on Monday, the students and you got back to learning right away.
The gender reveal for Ashley's baby during 5th and 6th grade lunch recess.
The positive attitude you had toward test prep and the environment you created for testing to provide the best environment and level of focus for students to do their best.
Kids outside playing, and quickly transitioning to indoor recess when the rain came.
The effort of our kids, and you, during the Forward Exam this week.
Volleyball practices and games
The SEL meeting on Wednesday provided some of us with a much better understanding of SEL, and we will be sharing that with you soon.

Calendar
Intermediate School Special Events
Forward Exam Schedule

Tuesday, April 9th
Band competition

Wednesday, April 10th
WIN meeting 8:00-8:30 (No assembly)

Thursday, April 11th
Jay at AWSA meeting in Madison all morning
Mary Poppins Jr from 10:30-11:44
Opening night for Mary Poppins Jr

Friday, April 12th
Mary Poppins Jr

Saturday, April 13th
Mary Poppins Jr

Tuesday, April 16th
Choir trip

Wednesday, April 17th
Culver's Night

Thursday, April 18th
Family Forum on Vaping 6:30PM

Friday, April 19th-Monday, April 22nd
No School

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

I want people to walk around delusional about how great they can be -- and then to fight so hard for it every day that the lie becomes the truth.

Lady Gaga, singer, actress, Academy Award-winning songwriter and first artist to log more than 1 billion YouTube views

Thank You Teachers, But... (from Jon Harper)

I am different, not less.

Temple Grandin, professor of animal science, author and advocate for those with autism April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day

Sometimes you think of things to say and you don't say them and you think, "What a good decision!"

Jeffrey Toobin, lawyer, author and political analyst

#mertonint on Twitter

#MertonProud on Twitter

Merton Intermediate School Facebook page

mertonint on Instagram

Family smore from 4.5.19

Thanks for a great week!  I missed being in classes this week as much as normal.  Thanks to those of you who posted on Twitter or sent me pictures of the kids in class, especially on Wednesday.  I'll be visiting classrooms a lot more next week.  Please keep in mind that the play is next week.  The kids are excited about the performance, and so are Michael, Jackie, and Carey, so their focus might not be completely on class work and homework.  That doesn't give them a pass on the content, but please be considerate of their "out of class" work amount.  They will appreciate it, and so will I.

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