Friday, June 5, 2020

The Middle Update 6/5/2020

I think it goes without saying that this has been a week in our country's history that will be highlighted and written about when people learn about what happened in the year 2020 in the United States.  The events that have followed George Floyd's death in Minneapolis have caused me to reflect on my own beliefs, biases, and way of thinking.  After listening to the message of protestors and from people of color, I have decided that I need to seek to understand and learn more to broaden my perspective and increase my understanding and empathy.  That inner reflection led me to purchase the audiobook "White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo.  The resource of the week sheds more light on this topic for educators.

 Resource of the Week
Race relations and racism are sometimes uncomfortable topics to think and talk about for many people.  The article this week provides a summary of the book "White Fragility" from an educator's perspective.  The article uncovers some valuable reasons for all of us to learn more about our role in making our country a better place for all people.  I have purchased the audiobook...if you are interested and have the Apple Books app...I think I can share it...just reach out to me, and we'll give it a shot.  Growing our understanding of this topic is perhaps even more critical for us, as we lead students in a rural, primarily white population of students.

Robin DiAngelo on Educators' "White Fragility" - Sarah McKibben in Ed. Leadership

"The PUMA Way"
Great steps were taken in our last couple of staff meetings laying some groundwork for identifying and reinforcing the culture we want at Poynette Middle School.  I would love to have some interested people work on this a bit more over the summer months.  If you are interested in this work, and wouldn't mind committing to a Google Meeting once every couple of weeks or so, let me know and we'll put a group together to continue the momentum we have started and plan for a solid, effective implementation.  I really am excited about the possibilities that many of us have discussed with this work.

 Construction Update
The demolition work is nearing completion this week, and the rebuild part will be starting soon.  I took some pictures to share...things are starting to look a bit different.

Cafeteria Space
New Band Space


Hallway Outside of Mrs. Mrnak's room

IMC
New Elementary School
I was able to visit and tour the new Elementary School this past week, and it's really awesome.  It really is amazing the steps our district has come in the past couple of years.  As I walk by Mr. Hausser's empty office this week, I feel the type of sadness you feel when a neighbor moves away.  I believe the presence of this building in our district will help guide us on our path to be the best district there ever was and ever will be...lots of work to do yet!!
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The Middle Update 6/5/2020

I think it goes without saying that this has been a week in our country's history that will be highlighted and written about when people learn about what happened in the year 2020 in the United States.  The events that have followed George Floyd's death in Minneapolis have caused me to reflect on my own beliefs, biases, and way of thinking.  After listening to the message of protestors and from people of color, I have decided that I need to seek to understand and learn more to broaden my perspective and increase my understanding and empathy.  That inner reflection led me to purchase the audiobook "White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo.  The resource of the week sheds more light on this topic for educators.

 Resource of the Week
Race relations and racism are sometimes uncomfortable topics to think and talk about for many people.  The article this week provides a summary of the book "White Fragility" from an educator's perspective.  The article uncovers some valuable reasons for all of us to learn more about our role in making our country a better place for all people.  I have purchased the audiobook...if you are interested and have the Apple Books app...I think I can share it...just reach out to me, and we'll give it a shot.  Growing our understanding of this topic is perhaps even more critical for us, as we lead students in a rural, primarily white population of students.

Robin DiAngelo on Educators' "White Fragility" - Sarah McKibben in Ed. Leadership

"The PUMA Way"
Great steps were taken in our last couple of staff meetings laying some groundwork for identifying and reinforcing the culture we want at Poynette Middle School.  I would love to have some interested people work on this a bit more over the summer months.  If you are interested in this work, and wouldn't mind committing to a Google Meeting once every couple of weeks or so, let me know and we'll put a group together to continue the momentum we have started and plan for a solid, effective implementation.  I really am excited about the possibilities that many of us have discussed with this work.

 Construction Update
The demolition work is nearing completion this week, and the rebuild part will be starting soon.  I took some pictures to share...things are starting to look a bit different.

Cafeteria Space
New Band Space


Hallway Outside of Mrs. Mrnak's room

IMC
New Elementary School
I was able to visit and tour the new Elementary School this past week, and it's really awesome.  It really is amazing the steps our district has come in the past couple of years.  As I walk by Mr. Hausser's empty office this week, I feel the type of sadness you feel when a neighbor moves away.  I believe the presence of this building in our district will help guide us on our path to be the best district there ever was and ever will be...lots of work to do yet!!