Friday, April 15, 2022

The Middle Update 4/15/22

Our first week of Forward Testing is in the books and we look forward to completing the rest of the sessions this week.  Thank you to everyone for your approach to testing.  We had a solid testing environment, with definitely a strong majority of our students putting their best effort forward.  I am excited to see the results this summer.

I hope you enjoy the long weekend and get a chance to recharge before the stretch run! 


Resource of the Week

On Monday, we'll all get the opportunity to take part in GSafe Training, which will shine a light into how we can continue our efforts to make our school a safer place for all students.  The website this week points to data collected from the CDC about the mental health status of students across the country.  As you review the statistics (see a snapshot below), take a close look at the impact of racism felt among students.  We, along with most places, have work to do to improve in this area.

  • Female students and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, other or questioning (LGBQ) are experiencing disproportionate levels of poor mental health and suicide-related behaviors. For example, in 2021, 12% of female students, more than 25% of LGB students, and 17% of other or questioning students attempted suicide during the past year compared to 5% of their male peers and 5% of their heterosexual peers, respectively.

"Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey" Report - CDC


PD Day Monday

I look forward to Monday's day to come together and learn.  We'll meet as a Middle School team in the cafeteria at 8:00 on Monday.  We'll briefly touch base as a staff, with Ryan and Carib kicking off our time together.  We'll then move into PLC groups to reflect on progress made and plan for how improvements can be made moving forward to maximize the collaboration opportunities.

We'll meet back in the cafeteria at 9:15 for a meeting led by Dr. Shappell.  We'll then take part in a GSafe Training opportunity.  Lunch will be on your own afterwards, and you'll have the afternoon for planning and collaboration time.


Forward Testing Update

ELA sessions are in the books.  All students will participate in the Math sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.  8th grade will test on Tuesday (Science) and Friday (Social Studies).  On Tuesday and Friday, only 8th grade will have a modified schedule.  I'm hoping the long weekend will help students bring a strong energy for the remaining sessions next week.  

We'll be working to get students who were absent to make up their testing sessions in a timely manner.  I am looking forward to putting the testing season in the rear view mirror, and am so appreciative of everyone's efforts to create an environment that puts students in the best position to show what they know.


Hoops 4 Heart Basketball Game

A big shout out to our Student Leadership Team, with the help of Mr. Williams, Mrs. Hutchinson, and many others for planning and executing a successful event Thursday night.  The students came out triumphant on a game winning 3 point basket by Cam Klosky in double overtime (there may have been some questionable calls, points appearing, and things like that)...but all in all a fun night and some money raised for a good cause.


Images from the Week







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The Middle Update 4/15/22

Our first week of Forward Testing is in the books and we look forward to completing the rest of the sessions this week.  Thank you to everyone for your approach to testing.  We had a solid testing environment, with definitely a strong majority of our students putting their best effort forward.  I am excited to see the results this summer.

I hope you enjoy the long weekend and get a chance to recharge before the stretch run! 


Resource of the Week

On Monday, we'll all get the opportunity to take part in GSafe Training, which will shine a light into how we can continue our efforts to make our school a safer place for all students.  The website this week points to data collected from the CDC about the mental health status of students across the country.  As you review the statistics (see a snapshot below), take a close look at the impact of racism felt among students.  We, along with most places, have work to do to improve in this area.

  • Female students and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, other or questioning (LGBQ) are experiencing disproportionate levels of poor mental health and suicide-related behaviors. For example, in 2021, 12% of female students, more than 25% of LGB students, and 17% of other or questioning students attempted suicide during the past year compared to 5% of their male peers and 5% of their heterosexual peers, respectively.

"Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey" Report - CDC


PD Day Monday

I look forward to Monday's day to come together and learn.  We'll meet as a Middle School team in the cafeteria at 8:00 on Monday.  We'll briefly touch base as a staff, with Ryan and Carib kicking off our time together.  We'll then move into PLC groups to reflect on progress made and plan for how improvements can be made moving forward to maximize the collaboration opportunities.

We'll meet back in the cafeteria at 9:15 for a meeting led by Dr. Shappell.  We'll then take part in a GSafe Training opportunity.  Lunch will be on your own afterwards, and you'll have the afternoon for planning and collaboration time.


Forward Testing Update

ELA sessions are in the books.  All students will participate in the Math sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.  8th grade will test on Tuesday (Science) and Friday (Social Studies).  On Tuesday and Friday, only 8th grade will have a modified schedule.  I'm hoping the long weekend will help students bring a strong energy for the remaining sessions next week.  

We'll be working to get students who were absent to make up their testing sessions in a timely manner.  I am looking forward to putting the testing season in the rear view mirror, and am so appreciative of everyone's efforts to create an environment that puts students in the best position to show what they know.


Hoops 4 Heart Basketball Game

A big shout out to our Student Leadership Team, with the help of Mr. Williams, Mrs. Hutchinson, and many others for planning and executing a successful event Thursday night.  The students came out triumphant on a game winning 3 point basket by Cam Klosky in double overtime (there may have been some questionable calls, points appearing, and things like that)...but all in all a fun night and some money raised for a good cause.


Images from the Week