What would John Wooden do if he worked at Winfield Middle School? At the risk of being sarcastic, mean, flippant or obnoxious, I looked for gratitude to be my attitude this morning at an impromptu staff meeting. A sincere authentic share of what every (almost) every person means to the excellence around the middle school. Winfield Middle School Teachers, THANK YOU.
Later, talking with Coach, it reminds us of how a coach might focus on Wins and Losses over fundamentals, building skills, learning the basics and ground laying foundation work. Similarly, I may have pulled us off the mark by focusing too much energy on the ENDS and not enough focus on the MEANS. Do I focus too much on the eValuate scores? Do I show that I value the product over the producer? I have to recenter myself and as we wind down and not quit or give up, but remember these things about our students…
Their struggle is real.
Students are filled with the uncertainty, doubt and ambiguity about their future.
All of us, especially the developing mind of students, are especially susceptible to the changes and transitions happening at the beginning and end of a school year.
Assignment? Have students free write after contemplating this poem:
“Cause I Ain’t Got a Pencil,” Joshua T. Dickerson describes the damaging effects of poverty:
"I woke myself up
Because we ain’t got an alarm clock
Dug in the dirty clothes basket,
Cause ain’t nobody washed my uniform
Brushed my hair and teeth in the dark,
Cause the lights ain’t on
Even got my baby sister ready,
Cause my mama wasn’t home.
Got us both to school on time,
To eat us a good breakfast.
Then when I got to class the teacher fussed
Cause I ain’t got no pencil"
Academics Matter?
Well done. Here is the list for students who earned a Hot Dog coupon. We will allow each student a credit during the field day concessions for a hot dog. They will be able to upgrade that as well.
Mathematics
ELA
Keep it up!
2016-17 in Green
2015-16 in Red
(Is our focus on the scores or the excellence? Is this what the first quote is trying to address? Is my focus to narrow? Do I define success in only one scale or are there multiple indicators?)
Summer Academy
Similar but not exactly like Summer Journey, Summer Academy will meet daily as well. The AM will be an academic focus and the PM will use the kinesthetic adventures to build relational connections to the high school. Students will be able to use transportation and meals are provided as well.
BLOCK SCHEDULING
Remind me please, not to match the high school block scheduling next year. We need no additional stress added during this season of the school year, especially in front of the MAP, Field Day, Six Flags, etc, all impending, stress inducing and filled with uncertainty for students.
Teacher Appreciation Week
And the week after
May 1st - May 12th
Monday - May 1
- BLACK/Even Day LAST DAY OF BLOCK SCHEDULING -
- (We’re not doing that again!)
Tuesday - May 2
- Culture / Climate
- Final Student of the Month (student of the Year for the BOE - 6th grade team, 7th grade team and 8th grade team.
- Spring Choir Concert - Middle School Gym at 7:00 PM
Wednesday - May 3
Thursday - May 4
- MAP TESTING CONTINUES
- Start with the 6th grade ELA in the AM and Math in the PM
Friday - Cinco de Mayo
- MAP- 8th Grade ELA, All day
Monday - May 8
- MAP TESTING CONTINUES
- 8th Grade Science in the AM
- 6th & 8th grade Make ups in the PM
Tuesday - May 9
- MAP TESTING CONTINUES
- 7th grade ELA in the AM and Math in the PM
Wednesday - May 10
- MAP TESTING CONTINUES
- 8th grade Math
Thursday - May 11
- MAP TESTING Make ups
Friday - May 12
- Six Flags
THE NEXT WEEK, IT BEGINS!
Please follow Test Taking Suggestions
Plenty of rest, exercise and stress free activities
Upcoming/Ongoing
- Step Up Days for the 5th Graders
- We have worked these days into a different type of event this year. We are working on a plan to maximize our learning as well as set the minds at ease of the incoming 5th graders.
- TBD: May 15th or 16th (Not the Field Day)
- All 5th grade students will visit the building together
- They will travel, tour, explore lockers and eat lunch in small groups
- Details will follow
- Spring Choir Concert - May 2nd
- Middle School MAP Testing - May 4th - 11th
- Please follow Test Taking Suggestions
- Plenty of rest, exercise and stress free activities
- SIX FLAGS TRIP - MAY 12
- Senior Clap Out - May 12th
- Field Day - May 15th - The Consummate Ac Lab Challenge
- Spring Band Concert - May 16th
- Chris’s Cakes - May 17th
- Last Day of School - May 17th
- High School Graduation - May 21st at 2:00 PM
- 2017-18 6th Grade Back to School Night - Thursday, August 10, 2017
As I contemplate our efforts, what we have done so far and where we have come from, I see what that looks like from my enlightened perspective. As a coach, I should worry more about the process and less about the actual outcome. Although it is still valuable, the journey deserves more attention! I should make sure they know how to turn a double play, use intentional office, bunt at the right time and swing for the fences as well!
Again, thank you for ALL you do!
Tom McCracken
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