They're back!

(from the Nerdiverse)

In just a few short days, our students, our kids, the reason we come to school every day, will be back in our school.  The building looks amazing (thanks to our custodial crew).  Your rooms look amazing.  And you look amazing.

(from BuzzFeed)

I'm sure the students will look amazing, too.  Take time this weekend to relax, go over your plans for the first day once today and then again on Monday.  Take Saturday and Sunday to make that one last connection with family and friends.  They are your support and it's important to put a deposit in the bank for the year as often as you can.  You will need them next week and they will be there for you.

They're back, and I've never been so excited!

Calendar
Intermediate School Special Events

Tuesday, September 4th
First day of school! (Let's wear our Merton baseball jerseys and meet the kids outside!)

Wednesday, September 5th
Merton biking club after school

Thursday, September 6th
Grade level meetings (Family Information Night dates/best story of the first two days)

Saturday, September 15th
Choir car wash and grill at Hartland Piggly Wiggly

Tuesday, September 25th
Boosterthon kickoff

Thursday, October 4th
Boosterthon fun run

Tweets, quotes, and blogs
Important Questions to Ask Your Students (from edutopia)

(from @danieldmccabe)

10 Tips for New Teachers (...but the tips are good for all of us!-from George Couros)

(from Daniel Bauer's blog)

One Caring Adult (great video from Josh Shipp)

ShakeUpLearning Quick Start Guide (from Kasey Bell on a Twitter chat Saturday morning)

Without laughter, life on our planet would be intolerable.

Steve Allen, TV personality and comedian

All Toward Supporting Students (from George Couros)

The smile is the shortest distance between two people.

Victor Borge, comedian, conductor and pianist

(from Dan's room)

Focusing on the Time You Have, Not How Much You Have (from AJ Juliani- a heart warming story about his brother)

(from George Couros' blog)

That This Year... (from Pernille Ripp)

#mertonint on Twitter
#MertonProud on Twitter
Merton Intermediate School Facebook page
mertonint on Instagram
Family smore from 8.31.18

Don't forget your "assignment"...

I hope that you have an amazing weekend.  You've worked hard the last two weeks and I appreciate your effort and attention.  Get outside, when it's not raining, or get outside and play in the rain.  It's fun to get back to being a kid, and it will get you in the proper mindset for our kids.
Be the spark!
Jay
Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell