Who is right? What is right? Read on...

This week in the Middle School

Winfield Middle School Parent Blog

September 12, 2016

Attendance Matters:

90% of us here 90% of the time

It’s hard to mess up cookies and milk…  

She is thoroughly enjoying this surprise visit by the Attendance Team. They come by to see if everyone is present. Classes that are picked with 100% attendance get the pleasant little treat of cookies and milk!

As the adults in the school, we strive  to be authentic and inviting. As a result, we have been seeing great attendance rates, with even some days at 100% for subgroups, especially the 6th grade girls!

What’s going on at WINFIELD?

Screenshot

This screenshot of our district calendar shows just a bit of the detail available on the Calendar Homepage. Additional information can be found just by clicking and highlighting any event!

Find this by searching WINFIELD TANDEM CALENDAR in your favorite browser.

You can also get there from our Winfield Home Page or the links here and below!

This blog from the middle school is a summary of what we have going on. It is not meant to be the definitive, end all, be all planner for our building. That GREAT resource is our district TANDEM calendar maintained by the (@goWinfield) ACTIVITIES OFFICE. https://winfield.tandem.co/ Updates based on weather, water boil issues or transportation will often show up here first! Log into the page and subscribe using the button on the right side to get email or text updates to sporting events or programs. For a Middle School summary, see below.

THIS WEEK at WMS:

Monday

• 8th grade softball at Troy
• Cross Country at Bowling Green
• 7th & 8th Grade Volleyball to Bowling Green

Tuesday

• Special Musical Guests in Gym. Intermediate Students to join us - 12:30 - 1:30
• Football to South Callaway (Early departure and a late night. Be sure and get back to school on Wednesday. Attendance counts!)
• 8th grade softball at Troy

Wednesday

• 8th Grade Softball vs Warrenton

Thursday

• Volleyball vs Warrenton at home

Friday

• 8th Grade Softball vs Hannibal

Saturday

• 7th Grade Volleyball - Troy Tournament

 

#ExperienceTeachesBest

Last week, our staff participated in an experiment in social exploration. We all drew cards, like the game of Life, and each card portrayed a situation that may have offered some stress, some comfort and some choices that brought the real world even closer! Situations about job loss, poor health, and unexpected surprises such as evictions, unplanned pregnancy and insurance issues were thrust on the teams and together, they had to divide and conquer.

#Empathy through #experiences

#ThisFamily got evicted from their home right before payday and were struggling to find a place to live.

#evictionISNTpretty and when your chairs get tossed, it gets tough to find a place to call home.

#homeless shelters became familiar haunts when looking for suitable housing. The kids added another layer of stress to the situation as well.

Teacher Take-aways

Rules changed without notice.

Frustration abounds at every step.

The situations were familiar.

It was fun, educational, interesting and engaging.

    

What is your favorite class? LUNCH!

Warriors versus Warriors

This year, we battled Warrenton on their field. Compared to last year, when we ended up with a running clock because we were so far behind, we kept it to an 18 point game!

WELL DONE WMS FOOTBALL!

Competition or Collaboration or Communication?

  As we face problems, issues, obstacles and hurdles, I instantly think of the teachers in the middle school as the best resources for developing plans to address the problems. I know some concerns are not easy to articulate and others aren't easy to solve. Many times, it seems like the problem is so deeply ingrained, it is insurmountable. Regardless, I think of their opinions, ideas and brainstorming sessions as valuable. In fact, often times when I get over my stubbornness, we apply staff created and designed solutions addressing things with deft, tact and creativity. It was no longer necessary for me to solve every problem by myself!

  Back in the day, a realtor told me, “‘No’ means ‘Maybe’ and ‘Maybe’ means ‘Yes!’” As someone is looking for a house, they may like everything but the carpet! That is a ‘Maybe’ and it brings us one step closer to satisfying their housing needs. Additionally, ‘No’ just lets us know what is not working! All we need to do is keep trying to maximize the benefit for ALL parties, from the students and parents to the teachers and district. What works for ALL of us to help students achieve the most?!

  Gathering opinions, insights and experiences for the true good of the group maximizes buy-in, effectiveness and participation. Proposing ideas and brainstorming brings out the best.

We grow through collaboration by communication and shying away from the competition!

An argument seeks WHO is right. A discussion seeks WHAT is right!

Tom

Middle School: Show me your friends...

Show me your friends...

...and I will show you your future.

Three years is enough time for...

Watching students grow and develop provides a daily reminder of the strides made during these formative middle years.  Students, cautiously leaving childhood behind, continue forward on their path toward  becoming fine young men and women.  It is our distinct pleasure to aid and support them in this progress. One issue we teach frequently is what we call “locus of control.” Circumstances can cause young people to gravitate toward a perspective that “life happens to me,” instead of seeing themselves as having control or power over their own lives. We often make decisions based on partial or limited information but our connections and relationships with this group affects them the most profoundly.

I spoke Friday at lunch over the saying: “Show me your friends and I will show you your future." Looking around the room, I saw so many young people who have overcome staggering adversity and obstacles along their short paths. I  felt both encouraged as well as overwhelmed. We must continue to offer aid, teach them with compassion, and remind ourselves of our self-appointed role as their teachers. Some relationships in that room may be only a few weeks old, but other relationships have gone on for generations. (Thanks Ms. Mix)

Hall Decor

Since the mind can't think two thoughts at the same time, we want students to focus on the positive. Wall decorations featuring student-created motivational sayings are going up all over school. Students often read and consider these quotes from their peers as pertinent and worthy of consideration. We are preparing for our Parent / Teacher Conferences coming up next week and are trying to add individuality and a personal touch to our school. Let us know how things look when you come up, please.

Updates

Note the changes to this webpage. It is becoming a clearinghouse for all things Middle School. Favorite links, parenting pointers, staff bios and the SIS Portal (which is the teacher's’ online gradebook) are all listed there on the right hand side. Additional items can be added by contacting the office through email. (kristengross@winfield.k12.mo.us)

Communication

Staff are currently considering the best method for staying in touch with parents. Some options are regular emails through SIS, a weeblie web page, a link to their planbook or their curriculum guide. Stay tuned as we improve our building to parent communication. (We secretly want to be the school that communicates too much!)  Facebook may not be the most reliable and regular source of pure academic news so we are considering additional modes as well.

Schedule

We try and list as many things as possible pertinent to our building but the District Tandem Calendar has everything. (We recently discovered a feature that allows you to add individual items to your own calendar!)  Below are some of the highlights of this week.

Monday – 10/5/15

PICTURE RE-TAKES on Monday, first thing at the Middle School

Softball hosts Montgomery County at 5:00 pm

Tuesday – 10/6/15

Our new teachers receive training through a “how to” book titled Teach Like Champion, by Doug Lemov.

Football travels to Montgomery County for a 5:30 pm kick off

Volleyball to Wright City at 5:00 pm

Wednesday – 10/7/15

Early Release Day

Little Cheer Clinic begins in our Gym @ 6:00 pm

Friday – 10/9/15

End of the Quarter – Report cards will be delivered at the Parent / Teacher Conferences next Tuesday and Thursday with Parent Portal access in place through the duration.

Upcoming

Fall Break

NO SCHOOL -

Friday-October 16th

Monday-October 19th

Tuesday-October 20th

See our Facebook page for fun details.

...a child to make the turn?

Monday Memo from the Middle School-Sept 28, 2015

Winfield Middle School

Sept 28 - Oct 2

Define Busy: “Busy” is when you cease to live a life that is proactive and intentional, and begin living one where life happens to you. Your behavior becomes reactionary, your life lacks fulfillment and eventually even lacks basic maintenance.

Do you own your schedule? Or does your schedule own you? During this busy time of year, all sports are in season, so schedules have no room left for down time, “me” time, or margins of unscheduled time. Although the body can handle this stress in limited intervals,a release is necessary to maintain optimal health. Please take extra time to exercise and eat right while things are the busiest. Also, remember--seasons change. This busyness is temporary.

My brother sent me this shot of the Golden Gate Bridge. The years it took to build it. In his book, Outliers, author Malcom Gladwell claims overnight success takes five years. We are on that path! Keep the focus and goal in mind but not to the point of personal sacrifice.

Define Manners:   “Manners” are efforts to make those around you comfortable

Our board of education approved the Peer Mistreatment Handbook at their last meeting. We are reviewing the language in Ac Lab and during lunch conversations.  For example, some of the terms we discuss are

PEER CONFLICT,

MEAN BEHAVIOR,

BULLYING,

UPSTANDERS and

BYSTANDERS

Parenting Hints

We follow the PBiS Warrior Way at school, but at home, what can parents do to help? Here is one of my favorite writers on the perspective of student behavior, motivation and discipline without stress. Take a look at his website for practical and useful hints and ideas. His book, Parenting without Stress:  Punishment or Rewards shows how to use adult authority WITHOUT coercion or force.

Monday 9/28

Each day this week, The Crider Center ( www.cridercenter.org) will be presenting to the 6th graders in Mrs. Cosby’s Social Studies class a program examining the merits of healthy relationships . Information about this  went home last week with the progress reports.

Volleyball at Home against Troy @ 5:00pm

Cross Country at Elsberry 4:00pm

Tuesday 9/29

Football v Louisiana at home @ 5:00pm

Wednesday 9/30

During Ac Lab, we’ll have our Fall Fundraiser assembly.

Details can be found here on the  Fall Fundraiser Kickoff flyer.

The Middle School would like to get additional books for the library and new sound equipment for the gym, depending on the amounts earned. In addition, Student Activities and PBiS are always looking for contributions. Great prizes are available for top sellers.

Softball at Elsberry @ 5:00pm

Thursday 10/1

Middle School Softball Party

Volleyball to host Hannibal @ 5:00pm

Upcoming Events

See this district calendar maintained by Stacy Diederich for up to the minute details on most district events

Early Release Oct 7th

End of Term 1 (1st quarter) Oct 9th

Parent / Teacher Conference Dates

Middle School & Intermediate Oct 13th & 15th

Primary & High School Oct 12th & 14th

Fall Break Oct 16th, 19th & 20th (No school for students)

New Teacher Bio Pages

Some have asked for some way to get to know our staff new to the building.

Linked here, you will see a brief bio from Mr. Crump.

Stay tuned for bi-weekly updates from other new members of the team.

Conclusion

One of the best things about Winfield Middle School is the fun we can have, yet still work so hard at learning. Our students enjoy entertainment and good, fun competitive games. See our facebook page for proof as we show off Class Color Day and the assembly to the end the week! We all gathered in the gym and had a Knock-out Basketball Contest for the new Ac Lab Champion. Mr. Daugherty took the trophy back to the Batcave.

Mr. McCracken and Ms. Mix interrupted Ms. Hines discussing the warrior way, responsible, respectful and safe! Mix Money or McCracken Money?

Which is more valuable? Let’s find out!

There is talk of Pink becoming the new Gray!?!?

Maybe we could Gray Tape somebody to the wall!??

#Homecoming this year has gone smoothly due to the flexibility of the teachers, great behavior from the students and the support of the parents. Thank you to all.

October begins this week! WOW.

Tom McCracken

Winfield Middle School Principal

McCrackens Monday Memo to the Middle School

Mom: How was school today?

Middle School Student: Fine

Mom:  What happened?

MS Student: Nuthin'

How often does this conversation take place in kitchens and living rooms across the country?

This blog will help fill the gap between what happens at school and what parents need to know.

Check weekly for updates.

Winfield Middle School in July

Seasons at the Middle School, green grass, flowers and even snow, remind us of the frequent shifts in the focus, interest and energy of our middle school friends.  

This blog will strive to crystallize an inside perspective of the microcosm we call the middle school, organize the diversity and present a "behind the scene" point of view to this animated microcosm we call Winfield Middle School for parents, guardians and student care-givers.

Goal
Increase regular and consistent use of communication between Winfield Middle School and parents of our students, through a Monday blog sharing weekly, monthly and, upcoming events.  After a few discussions about various needs in the district as well as individual buildings, we thought a weekly letter/blog might support the daily announcements.  A link to this blog will be posted on the daily announcements as well as Remind 101.

Let's begin.

Components
Every day, I feel so honored and fortunate to be trusted to share with students of our community.  Daily, staff and teachers have heart to heart, serious conversations with students in classes, hallways and even lunch. For instance,  Friday we talked about "over-reacting" and how to address friends that are fine one day but get offended the next day, over the exact same behaviors.  Sensitivity and empathy is key here. Prior to that, Thursday we talked about integrity and doing things right, even though nobody is really watching.
One use of this column may be to share those conversations with parents and the community.

Life Lessons, such as Social Currency
As a staff, we address topics such as student motivation, discipline, accountability and "social currency."  Middle School students are often enthused and motivated by the amount of social currency they can earn from their teachers and each other.  Deposits and withdrawals are tallied continuously and mentally by each student.  Some accounts are filled with praise and encouragement.  Other accounts are filled with criticism and discouragement. Middle School students are hypersensitive to the perceived balance required to connect. Motivations shift from extrinsic to intrinsic after sufficient social capital has built up.  Building relationships between staff and student improves social capital. Middle school students gain confidence and security sufficient to take those educational risks necessary to grow and learn.  Hence, our favorite book, Green Eggs and Ham is really about intentional relationship building.

Middle School Clubs
We are working to allow and organize student clubs during our school day here at the middle school so bus riding students have an opportunity to participate.  So far this year we have these clubs and sponsors coming together to host meetings during Wednesdays when we do not have early release.
YEARBOOK - GUILE
STUCO - UHLMEYER
ART - FLAMM
PEER INTERACTION - MIX/MCCRACKEN
WJHS - HINES
SPIRIT/PEP - HOFF

Calendar of the Week - September 14th - 25th

Monday
Cross Country to Bowling Green
Softball hosts Troy at 4:30
Volleyball hosts Bowling Green @ 5:00 here

Tuesday
Winfield School Board Meeting-6:30 at Central Office
Middle School Football Game against Troy at our house -  Start time 5:00 pm –

 Wednesday

Early Release Day

Softball @ Warrenton Jr High at 4:30

Thursday

Volleyball at Warrenton @ 5:00

Softball hosts Elsberry at 5:30

Friday

End of Progress Report #2

Saturday

7^th Grade Troy Volleyball Tourney at 9:00 at Troy Middle School

Upcoming

Homecoming and Spirit Week is next week, Sept 21-26…  Assembly, fun outfits, daily.
Pepsi with the Principal - Sept 23, Middle School Cafe at 5:30 - School Improvement Meeting
Red Ribbon Week in October 26- 30th - Dodgeball Kickoff on Monday right after school

Crider Presentations to begin Sept 28th (www.cridercenter.org) to 6th Graders on youth issues such as healthy choices, cyber concerns and self-esteem.  Check out their website and continue to watch this site for additional information and forms as we approach the time frame. 

Winfield Middle School in January

As the snow blankets our infield, we are reminded again that life past is a story and we must go on, persist and endure.  Middle school is filled with extremes, therefore the staff at Winfield Middle School enthusiastically support all the variety that comes in this great time of life.

Thanks

Tom McCracken
tommccracken@winfield.k12.mo.us 
Winfield Middle School
207 8th Street
Winfield MO 63389
636-358-9268

 ps.   This blog, McCrackens's Monday Memo to the Middle School, will focus on the interests, needs and activities for parents of the middle school.  There are other blogs from Mr McCracken as well.  Feel free to peruse his education blog here.