January 30, 2017
Slow and steady wins the race.
Comparing the current eValuate score card with last year, again this month we notice positive, clear growth worth celebrating. It is better than last year across the board.
Well done, Team. Keep up the good work.
“Don’t Smile!”
Students typically bury their heads in thought and contemplation throughout the entire building. Math students ciphering, ELA authors creating, Social Studies debating deep thoughts and abstract ideas, science exploring space, PE burning up gobs of expendable energy and elective classes investigating various specialties. Welcome to the Middle School.
Frequently, this is the real deal! They needed very little prompting to “look like they were working!” These views, although obviously posed, were actually real only just moments before.
Students could not keep from smiling, even when instructed “not to smile” and “pretend you are working!”
#BestPlaceEver
Cold and Flu Season is upon us!
Who is that masked man wearing the cool word cloud NJHS shirt?
Ask the photobombers!
To improve your chances of staying healthy, stay clean and wash your hands frequently. Limit the hi-fives and try a fist bump instead.
Additionally, student yearbooks are on sale. Order NOW but delivery won’t be till May. Here is a little step where we can encourage them to plan ahead. For only $15, they get a great nostalgic memento, fun memories and a chance to get as many signatures as possible from ALL their friends.
Schedule for January 30th - February 3rd
Monday
- Valentine's Day Chocolate Fundraiser Complete TODAY.
- Students to hand in money to office today
Tuesday
- Community Bright Futures Meeting at the Central Office at 6:00 pm.
Wednesday
Thursday
- Chess Club in Mr. Utlaut’s room
Upcoming/Ongoing items to keep on your radar
- Yearbook Sales Window - Jan 23rd - Feb 17th
- Feb 6-13 NJHS CANDY GRAM sales at lunch, delivered Feb 14th during ac lab
- February 14th - Glow Dance 2:45-4:30
- Harlem Wizards at TBHS, Feb 19th @ 2:00 pm
- NJHS - DodgeBall Tournament - February 22nd 2:45-4:30
- March 10th - NJHS volunteer day at Food bank (7th/8th grade only)
#NoDryEye
A bit more about #goodbye21. Emma came to the board meeting to listen to the recitation of her poem. Arriving early, her family gathered together in the lobby to prepare for the Middle School portion of the meeting. We had a few minutes to wait while the other buildings presented their recognitions. When asked if she was ready to read the verse, Emma replied with an emphatic “No!” We did not want to pressure her into the recitation but when it came time to read the poem, she was right there, ready to perform and willing to confront the saga, one more time.
Moving, heartfelt and authentic! These are just a few terms that could describe the experience. Those fortunate enough to be in the room, saw a little girl overcome her barriers and conquer the obstacles of fear and rejection that might hold others back. Many in the audience were visibly moved by the event and those familiar with her backstory seemed most impacted.
About halfway through, Emma was about to break down when asked by her uncle, “Do you want Mr McCracken to finish?” she mustered up her courage and said “No, I got this!” Redoubling her efforts, taking comfort from her little niece, Emma pressed onto the finale, got through and received a raving round of applause from the audience. Thank you, Emma, for sharing your heart with us.
Goodbye 21
God has a way of saying Goodbye
He says it through those who fly
They soar Through the Sky Seeking those who Cry
He tried to Run
But at Twenty-One he drifted toward the Sun
He had A Goliath Heart and a Brand New Start
She is a Sweetheart With a face like a piece of Art and oh so smart
He was her Dad Who Wore plaid it was So sad
Who Knew that little Green car Could leave Such A Scar
Left, Head Spinning, She’s just Skimming All the Memories
So, Loving But no one to Love She’s left alone in Sorrow wishing there was no tomorrow
Jesse, He was a family Man he just wanted to love his Daughter, now he Never Can
No one could ever be as Happy as Gabby Until there was no more Daddy
Candius Is a Great Mom she knew to be calm and knew her daughter like the back of her palm
The bond between that little girl and her Dad was Amazing it’s like she Would praise him
And for that little Girl nothing could phase him
Without her Dad there’s an Empty Space inside, that little Girl lost all Her Grace
She was so sad it was like I watched her Heart Slowly Crack down the Middle
Sad doesn’t even Start to Express her emotion Her tears as White as the waves of the Ocean.
#Backstory
An organic experience like that, where things come together and a student gets a chance to overcome, build confidence and reach beyond themselves reminds me of WHY we all take these jobs in education. After Emma presented to the Board of Education, her parent wrote:
Thank you to you for the opportunity to teach Emma that there are situations that arise in life that although may be difficult are worth the temporary struggle and uncomfortable environment. She was so proud of herself for facing all those people despite her fears when we left! She was terrified. What a great life lesson especially when facing a fear. Teaching her in a scary situation that she felt pressure in, to have Faith. That in a situation (even like the ones she confronts at school) in the end she did it. It wasn’t all that bad even if it seemed terrifying in the beginning!
;)
This would be one more contribution to a scrapbook, one like we all build, reminding us of the children, families, lives and in turn, the future that we influence daily with every conversation. Keep up that great work and remember it is for today AND tomorrow that we serve community of Winfield School District.
Humbled and honored to be a part of this experience at Winfield Middle School.
Tom McCracken
No comments:
Post a Comment