Parent Blog
December 14, 2015
As We Head Into the Holidays
Secret Santas spent the week teasing their intended victims. All week long, students have been dropping little tokens, treats and gifts to the staff member assigned to them. Boxes and bags filled with personal and individual clues lead to the REVEAL on Friday morning before school. Staff spent all week trying to guess, but the final announcements confirmed all their suspicions.
Collaboration among adults
One of the best ways to support students is for adults to communicate. Teachers will be calling homes this week to facilitate those conversations, talking with parents and proving to students that we all care together. Success means we all improve, not just a few of us. Phone calls are an opportunity to dialogue with parents of struggling students, offering strategies and support so students can get critical coursework completed before the end of the semester. Occasionally, students postpone an assignment, assuming they have plenty of time to get the work done and handed in to their teachers. Then the end of the semester sneaks up on them and they fail the semester, often times because they have not turned in a major project. Seldom does a student not understand the material. They are not yet organized. Most parents have a good pulse on their pupil’s performance, but just as an extra reinforcement, teachers may be calling to ask for help in getting all the work completed and submitted for grading.
Student Stress
Characteristically, middle school years are filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, students are developing into their own individuals. They are still the offspring of their parents but are becoming a new person. This potential identity crisis causes insecurities and outbursts. Yet, on the other hand, students want to fit in and be just like their friends. Peer influence is blamed for as many accidents as the phrase “watch this!” :) This range of emotions, feelings and dissimilarities within the same student, within the same day and often within the same class period is what makes our jobs so exciting. It also endears each student to us.
The best photobomb ever!?
This Week at WMS…
Photobombs seem to be everyone’s favorite at WMS. We all want to jump in and contribute. This feel of fun develops a foundation for students to enjoy themselves, feeling safe and secure. Then, when asked to take an educational risks, it seems a little easier. Students will not be as willing to share when they feel discouraged, unappreciated or even the victims of sarcasm and harsh talk. But when students are comfortable and confident, they may take a chance, grow, mature and learn. Some of these photos show our students thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Persistence
We are focusing on finishing what we have begun. The book fair, projects, assignments, and final tests are overshadowed by the impending two week “holiday.” Most of us will not add major assignments this last week of school since many have projects culminating during this last week. This stress or pressure may result in random outbursts, even from students typically level headed and calm. We do spend time guiding and redirecting these students and often times, conversations are all that’s necessary. In very rare occasions, consequences might become necessary, but only as a last resort. We admonish, encourage and remind students to remain focused and disciplined all the way to the finish line.
That’s a Wrap
The middle school hosted Minute-to-Win-It type games between students and their grand people. Students could invite an adult guest who has made a meaningful impact on their lives. Nearly fifty people lined up and took the challenge, braving the potential ridicule of hundreds, all in the name of fun, approbation and glory for winning the ultimate prize. One student even went home with a Razor Scooter from Wal-mart, funded by the PBiS Program. Stay tuned and encourage your student to get involved. We are always working to go over the top.
Could you launch a wand of pipe insulation through the opening if this mouth? You may be a good candidate for the next contest. Stay in touch with your student for details on the next one!
End of the Semester Schedule
BOOK FAIR GOING ON UNTIL THURSDAY
Monday 12/14
8th Grade Basketball travels to Frontier Middle School
Tuesday 12/15
Winfield School Board Regular Meeting at the new Central Office
Wednesday 12/16
A big day for all 7th graders as they take the field trip to the Repertory Theater of St. Louis. As a class, they are currently reading the novel version of the production they’ll be seeing Wednesday, Peter and the Starcatchers. This novel, a prequel to the traditional story of Peter Pan, initiates a variety of conversations about growing up, including the subject of “The Peter Pan Syndrome.” This syndrome describes the occasional reluctance among young men to launch into adulthood and start off on their own. Instead, they spend time looking for a mother figure to step into their lives. The men fear commitment, thinking they might get a better offer. Modern media capitalizes on this with shows such as Two and a Half Men and Failure to Launch.
Art Show/Contest
Middle School Band Concert at the Middle School at 7:00 pm
Middle School/High School Choir Concert at the High School also at 7:00 pm
Thursday 12/17
8th Grade Basketball - Home against South Middle
Friday 12/18 - Half Day - Dismiss at 12:32
Ac Lab Challenge “Christmas Variety Show”
Penny War Finale
Great friends add so much. One of mine sent me this reminder:
As we head into this winter transition season, please keep this in mind: so many of our students might become discouraged or sad while missing their friends. Of course, they might not say they miss school but their friends are always a great part of the day, especially in middle school. We are looking forward to seeing them again in January 2016.
Thanks
Tom McCracken
PS. If we have a snowy day over the break, look for a team of us at Blanchette Park, cooking BBQ, taking sled rides and having an overall good time.
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