July celebrations

July 4th is a day of celebration for the birth of our country.  It's also a celebration of family and friends, and the fireworks are pretty cool, too.  Think back on the school year.  It's been about a month since school let out for the summer.  With July being a month of celebrations, please think about a celebration you have from last school year.  If you would like, please share them with me.  I'd like to celebrate along with you!

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

Starting from Where the Learner Thrives (from George Couros)

Hard work is often the easy work you did not do at the proper time.

Bernard Meltzer radio host and city planner

Build Relationships with Students in 3 Seconds (from Chuck Rinkes in NASSP Principal's Update)

This is the real secret of life: to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.

Alan Watts, philosopher

35 Things You Never Thought You'd Say Until You Became a Teacher (from WeAreTeachers- Nothing wrong with a little humor.)

What Parents Wish We Would Ask their Child (from Pernille Ripp)

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, but only saps today of its strength.

A.J. Cronin, novelist and physician

Perfectly Imperfect (from Beth Houf, co-author of Lead Like a Pirate)

Whatever you've accomplished, there's always more to experience.

Alicia Witt, actress and musician

Time is Short (from George Couros)

#mertonint on Twitter

#MertonProud on Twitter

Merton Intermediate School Facebook page

mertonint on Instagram

Want a 15% off coupon for Target
Here's a link with information.  The deal is good from July 13-20!

Goal setting sheet
I know that most of you like to find ways to have students set goals, and you might even set goals yourself.  Just kidding.  I know you set goals, too.  This is another way of helping our students, and helping ourselves, set goals for the week, month, or year.  Click on the image below and you should be able to download it.  If not, just email me and I'll send it to you in an email.

One final thought...

After reading George Couros' latest blog, "With the Support of Others", I needed to share it with you.  If you read nothing else from the tweets, quotes, and blogs section, please read this.  George includes one of my favorite videos of all time.  Never forget to get up, and remember someone is always there to support you.

I'll be back in touch in two weeks.

Be the spark!

Jay

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