Reconnect

One of the most important things we did this week was reconnecting with one another.  We haven't been together as a school family since June 7th, and even on that day, we didn't have much of a chance to all be together to say that one last goodbye.  These three days have been a whirlwind of learning and thinking about how we will use all of our learning to make our classrooms better learning spaces for our kids.  And we got to reconnect, to share our stories from the summer, to share our hopes and dreams, and insecurities, for the upcoming school year.  We have a long weekend ahead of us, a chance to reflect and to relax before we come back to almost all of our students for Wednesday's Open House.  (Yes, you need to be here on Tuesday for our SEL work.  I didn't forget about that.)

Great things I saw this week...
all of you back at school!

Calendar
Make sure to add the Intermediate School Event Calendar to your Google calendar (I'm not sure if the link will work for you, but I gave it a try!)
Monday, August 26th
Summer Academy (flex day)

Tuesday, August 27th
Summer Academy (SEL in the Primary School cafeteria)

Wednesday, August 28th
We are here from 11AM-7PM
Open House 5-7PM

Monday, September 2nd
Labor Day- No School

Tuesday, September 3rd
1st day of school!

Reminders and "new news"
*We will continue our Thursday grade level meetings.  Due to A-team meetings being on Thursdays, we will meet on Wednesdays for our specials meetings.
*If you need a green card for your classroom, please let me know.
*I sent an email to those of you who are on cycle for Educator Effectiveness.
*WIN Wednesday assemblies will be the second Wednesday of the month.  These are subject to change based upon discussions with the BLT and other circumstances.  Our first one is September 11th.
*Don't forget about PTO grants and Culvers' Nights

Tweets, quotes, and blogs
Three Students You Need to Reach Right Away (from Jon Harper)

As one goes through life, one learns that if you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move.

Katharine Hepburn, actress

(from my first teacher, my mom)

Why Writing Sucks and We Need to Talk About It (from Pernille Ripp. I thought this was a good reflection after our three days of learning.)

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.

Victor Frankl, neurologist, psychologist who founded logotherapy

Developing Wisdom in the Service of Learners (from George Couros.  PLEASE take a moment to read this and think about it as you determine classroom and grade level rules.)

All knowledge is sacred, but it should not be secret.

Susan Cooper, writer

No Room for Competition (from the Writer's Notebook)

We should not feel embarrassed by our difficulties, only by our failure to grow anything beautiful from them.

Alain de Botton, writer

#mertonint on Twitter

#MertonProud on Twitter

Merton Intermediate School Facebook page

mertonint on Instagram
Staff lunch presentation from 8.22.19
Family smore from 8.23.19 (The flipgrid video is linked in the smore, so please make sure to complete your video before 2:00 today as the smore is going live to families then!)

10 Ways to Have an Amazing Week

My friend, Danny "Sunshine" Bauer (@alienearbud on the Twitters), always finds ways to make me think differently about things.  This list is something I have kept in the forefront of my thinking ever since I read it two weeks ago.

Thanks for an amazing three days.  Your passion for your learning and our kids doesn't go unnoticed.  See you all on Tuesday!

#JustInspire

Jay

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