Conference reflections

Yesterday was a long day but hopefully an incredible day.  You were able to meet with families and their children to share successes and plans for improvement.  I want you to realize the power each of these conversations possesses.  Our students and their families know that you know our students, both academically and socially.  They listen to what you have to say and know that it comes from a place that will help their child be a little better either academically or socially or both.  Words are powerful, especially those that are spoken face to face.  They can have a lasting impact and can and should be a source of encouragement.  Think about the conferences you had last night.  Do any of them cause you to want to pick up the phone or send an email to follow up?  Maybe it won't happen today but maybe it will happen next week.  I encourage you to connect again with at least some of the families that you saw tonight as a sign of encouragement and support.  Those connections can be really powerful.

Calendar

Monday, February 21st    BLT meeting 4:15PM

Wednesday, February 23rd    Grade level meetings at 7:45AM

Monday, February 28th    School board meeting 6PM

Tuesday, March 1st    Merton Arts Night 5:30PM

Wednesday, March 2nd    Building meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, March 3rd    Family conferences 4:30-8:15PM

Friday, March 4th    Half day noon release (AM classes)

Tuesday, March 8th    Spring Band concert 6:30PM

Wednesday, March 9th    District meeting 7:45AM

Monday, March 14th    School Board meeting 6PM

Wednesday, March 16th    Content meetings 7:45AM

Saturday, March 19th-Sunday, March 27th    Spring Break

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"Sometimes you forget that just beyond the clouds the sun is shining."

Desmond Tutu, Anglican archbishop, theologian, human rights activist, Nobel Peace Prize winner

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"Find the good.  It's all around you.  Find it, showcase it and you'll start believing in it."

Jesse Owens, track and field athlete, four-time Olympic gold medalist

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"10 years from now, what do you think you'll regret doing too much of or too little of at this point in your life?  Put that in a pill and I will take it every day."

Andrew McAfee, American research scientist

"Growth doesn't come with a single action.  It is the consequence of persistence, courage, and hard work."

Anonymous, from Teachonomy email

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"I have found that the happiest people are those who do the most for others; the most miserable are those who do the least."

Booker T. Washington, educator, writer, orator

A-team update

• Emergency procedures: Hazardous waste update/review
• Lockdown inside, turn off HVAC, etc., we will review at our next building staff meeting
• Buildings and grounds
• If there are items/rooms not being cleaned, please let me know
• Beyond cleaning, please use the B&G request form
• Shed will be resided this year/ getting bids
• Community communication
• Planning for monthly postcards to our community (80% of Merton households do not have children in our district and we want to highlight fantastic work)
• Chronic attendance concerns
• Principals sent letters to families who have had 10 or more absences or tardies for the year

Some reminders from Wednesday's meeting

• Remember to turn in your Forward Exam proctor sheet to Tanya
• We have a full custodial staff so if you have concerns about things getting done, please let me know
• Assessing Student Work meetings with Maria and/or me
• Take a breath in your classroom before acting erratically (you know the story I told)
• Don't share information about students in emails or Google docs (you know the story I told)

Thanks for a great 5 day week.  We may only have had students in the building for 4 of the days, but it was still a full week.  On Monday we learned together, spoke about our kids, hopefully had some time to socialize and catch up, and were able to get some things taken off of our to do lists.  Take some time for yourself this weekend, and maybe watch a little NASCAR.  I know that's what I'll be doing.

Happy Friday!

Jay

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