January 26, 2017
2017 over 2016!!!
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. 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 moments before. Some 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, remind students that the 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!
Schedule for January 30th - February 3rd
Monday
- Valentine's Day Chocolate Fundraiser Complete TODAY.
- Students to hand in moneys to office today
Tuesday
- PBiS Tier 2 Meeting in Strouds Room?
- Community Bright Futures Meeting at the Central Office at 6:00 pm.
Wednesday
- We provide the locations and students.
- NAEP will come and bring everything necessary.
Thursday
- Chess Club in Mr. Utlaut’s room
- 6th Grade ELA Collaboration Day
- Binder Teams to work in the afternoon - Data Cycles, Common Assessments, Collaboration or U of I’s.
- 6th ELA Collaboration Day - To be rescheduled
Friday
- Valentine's Day Fundraiser Kick Off -
- Sales over today
Upcoming/Ongoing items to keep on your radar
- Yearbook Sales Window - Jan 23rd - Feb 17th
- Feb 6-13 NJHS candy grams at lunch, delivered 14th during ac lab
- February 13-15 METC Conference
- February 14th - Glow Dance 2:45-4:30 (will need chaperones)
- Harlem Wizards at TBHS, Feb 19th @ 2:00 pm
- NJHS - DodgeBall Tournament - February 22nd - 2:45-4:30 (will need help)
- March 10th - NJHS volunteer day at Food bank (7th/ 8th grade only)
- Math Vertical Collaboration day with the High School - tbd
Six Flags
#BestDayEver
The Activities Committee met and discussed a few preliminary concerns about our Field Trip parameters surrounding our Six Flags Trip.
Near $40 for the final price,
Including Meal Ticket and Park Admission & Sponsor Tickets
Transportation: Early Bus and Late Bus sign ups to know up front to get estimation of transportation needs.
Ac Lab Registrations
#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 Recognition. 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 rejections 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 and with every conversation. Keep up that great work and remember it is for today AND tomorrow that we serve Winfield School District.
Hidden, in Plain View
Honored and pleasantly surprised to find the nice WOW providing authentic feedback and
discretely placed where I might readily notice it!
Thank you for the Staff Written WOW regarding feedback from our PD day last week. It was energizing to watch you work, overhear the conversations and see each of you make valuable contributions to the Middle School, the students and the community as a whole! Thank you and Thank you.
Humbled by all each of you contribute,
Tom
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