Icing on the cake . . .

How many of you like icing? I know I do and would probably not eat cake without it (well, not as much!). We have made a great cake this year (our initial EOG test scores) and now it's time for the topping (re-test)!

You all seemed to have a great plan to work with the students that did not pass. All classes that I saw seemed really engaged. Teachers (well all but 1) that I talked to, said this year's plan was better than last year. Looking at the scores - most of the scores were level II and many were only a few points for passing. So, we will see next week. I feel we have done our best!

Thanks to Lisha Vannoy for coordinating the Student Council sponsored (8th grade boys vs 8th grade girls) basketball game. We had approx. 200 students to stay and watch. They all seemed to enjoy the game. I did notice a couple of new 8th grade girls though. Kinda looked like Mark Schnably and Dave Jenkins - scary!

The Sports Banquet was a huge success. A big THANKS to all the coaches and assistants. We had a great year winning: Girls/Boys Soccer, Girls/Boys Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Boys Track, and Overall for girls/boys track. So to say we did great is actually a huge understatement. But as I said last night, at the banquet, I feel our coaches do much more than just help the team win. They teach work ethic (which leads to many victories) and also good sportsmanship.

Okay with all the talk about desserts, I'm ready for a big piece of strawberry cake. And I especially look forward to the icing! Get the charcoal ready and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. Also some rest and I will see you Tuesday.

PS - Our staff member of the week is Kathy MacDonald. "Kathy is always at school (early and late) and pays attention to every detail". Congratulations Kathy! You are another silent cog that makes TJMS the BEST!

Go Patriots!

Game is over . . . well almost

Well, the game is over and just waiting on the score. Thanks to everyone for your attention to detail, team work, flexibility, and most of all PATIENCE! I feel the score will take care of itself based on the hard work that you did this year with your students.

A HUGE thank you to BENIKA THOMPSON. I will admit that I was concerned during 3rd quarter EOQ testing but WOW what a finish! Benika put in the time and effort to prepare and organize the testing. I loved the way she was open to suggestions then incorporated them to perfection. She involved many of you in the process (thank you!) which resulted in a less panicked atmosphere than in the past. This was a huge "elephant" to swallow but I believe it was devored "piece by piece" with Benika's direction and all your help! It's not quite over but the huge production has been completed. Now to GREEN ZONE/RED ZONE :)

Let's finish the year strong. Plan some fun, exciting, hands-on activities that are WELL STRUCTURED so we don't have alot of discipline to worry about. This can be a very fun time of the year - please be proactive and think about your plans for the last couple of weeks.

As always, I hope you enjoy the weekend. 13 more! Go Patriots!!

It's Show Time . . .

You have worked and worked and worked with your students throughout the year. Like any great coach, you have prepared your "players" for the championship game. Our championship game (series) is next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You have prepared your team. The work has been done - it will pay off next week!

We had some nice performances this week. Dr. Burton's 6th/7th grade students performed Monday evening. I would like thank Dr. Burton for stepping in this year and not missing a beat. She is such a team player in our school - thank you! The 8th grade band performed last evening at the PTA meeting. A huge THANK YOU to John Gardner for filling in for Kathy Fox. The students sounded great but more importantly the students have continued to grow in band in preparation for high school. Mr. Gardner has made them feel comfortable and safe with Mrs. Fox being out. Mike McDowell was recognized as TOY at the PTA meeting also. Brent Atkinson delivered a wonderful speech about Mr. McDowell. Both of these young men are great leaders within our school. And once again I say this is the strength of our school - the staff and your willingness to get involved for positive results for our students. THANK YOU!!

As some of you know, I played on and coached many teams in my lifetime. So I will use an athletic metaphor. I know by your efforts this year, your team is ready. Now, it's time for a last minute "pep talk" to relax your players and motivate them to do what they have been coached all year to do. I anticipate championship results!

Enjoy the weekend . . . 18 more! Go Patriots!!

Happy Mothers Day . . .

What would life be without someone telling you what to do or just being there to show you unconditional love? Well . . . that would be life without a mother. For as long as I can remember, my mother has "guided" me with decisions. Even now (at my advanced age) dear mom is there. Now, it's not the day to day "instructions" but I know she is there and will always be there for support. Moms just do things that dads can't. Thank you moms!

This week - we celebrated two more athletic championships. The boy's track team won 1st place at the city/co championship on Tuesday. The boys and girls also placed 1st place overall. Congratulations to Mr. Fossa and Mrs. Sullivan for their efforts this spring. Also, thanks to all the teachers that volunteered to help the meet. The girls soccer team won the county championship yesterday by defeating Southeast Middle by the score of 1-0. Mr. Shearer and Mr. Jenkins coached TWO undefeated soccer teams this year. Congratulations to both of these fine young men!

I do wish all the "mothers" a wonderful Mother's Day. I hope you get some rest and are around the people that matter most to you.

Have a great weekend. 23 more . . . Go Patriots!!!

Head down and grinding it out . . .

Do you feel like a bulldozer? I know I sure do! There is so much to do and very little time to do it, especially this time of the year. You simply get out the heavy equipment (bulldozer) and push your way through!

I know many of you are gearing up for your EOG reviews. The test begin in 11 days! You have worked hard all year to get to this point. Just like the last few minutes of a ballgame, finish strong. Your team of students are prepared - they will do great!

Congratulations to Dave Jenkins and Jeremy Shearer on a great girls soccer season. They are undefeated and will play for the county championship next Thursday at Mount Tabor. Come out and support the lady Patiots to bring home another championship!!

The staff member of the week is Gena Loflin. The note said, "She is an awesome example for her students and did a great job with the Flight of Honor. Is a "tropper" - feels bad a lot of days, but rarely shows it." Congratulations Gena!

It is going a be another beautiful weekend. Get outside and enjoy the weather! 28 more . . . Go Patriots!!!

Count your blessings . . .

This one is going to be brief but to the point. Don't take for granted what you have in life. It is easy to get caught up in "your own life" that you forget about what and the people who really matter. I know everyone has and will be thinking/praying for Kathy Fox and her family.

Hug your loved ones a little harder this weekend. Go Patriots!

Celebrate the successes . . .

"Celebrate good times, come on"! Who can tell me the group that sang that song? I bet Kirby Carespodi will know! If you don't know, that's okay. The message is when something good happens take the time to celebrate!

Today, the school recognized and celebrated our scholars. Students that have maintained a 3.75 GPA and have participated in community service were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. Thank you to Kathy MacDonald, Denise Francis, Candi Fernandez, and Susan Riddle for their efforts with these students and the program. This was a fabulous program. The officers delivered wonderful speeches and the guest speaker Jim O'Neille (our County District Attorney) was great. I know students and parents walked away from this event feeling very good about TJMS!

Also, this week our entire 6th grade visited the Planatarium in Chapel Hill and Life Science Museum in Durham. All students enjoyed the trip. It was lots of fun and very educational. Big "THANK YOU" to Daniel Bryant for being the man in charge of this event. In house leadership, so important in our school!

Oh yea, my little "dramatic moment" for asking Mr. Moon to send out the survey question if you want a new principal . . . Well, it looks like you are stuck with me. Over 95% of the staff that responded, said you want me as principal. I guess I just needed some validation that I'm what you want in a principal. You know what you have . . . I will continue to listen and do the best I can to move TJMS in the right direction.

Our TJMS staff member of the week is John Downs! "John Downs is patient and wonderful working with all levels of technology users." Congratulations John - he is definitely another silent cog in our great school!

Find something to "celebrate" this weekend! 38 more days . . . Go Patriots!!

The Ant Bully . . .

Have any of you read the book "The Ant Bully" or have seen the movie or played the video? As you know, bullying can be a real problem at the middle school level. I feel we have put an emphasis on this topic and are making a difference. The videos and discussions that follow the videos are giving students an opportunity to think about what is right and wrong.

In school this week, I've been in and out of most 8th grade classrooms. Michele Hamby, Susan Sullivan, Leigh Humphrey, Kaye Hunter, Brent Atkinson, Mark Mercer, John Garwood, Cindy Neininger, and Marty Tedrow all had students actively engaged in actvities and educational discussions. Also (on the dark side as they call the Annex building), Mark Schnably, Jan Sullivan, Gail Frank, Gena Loflin, Lacey Brigman, Kim Pickell, Kirby Carespodi, and John Cardarelli were relentless in their strategies of putting knowledge into their student's brains! Thanks for your efforts with our Seniors! A formal observation of Jennifer Holland validated why I hired her. She was organized and prepared for a lesson on China that involved all students actively participating and enjoying the lesson. No, I didn't hire her JUST because she is a HOKIE!! = but didn't hurt :)!

Finished the week off with the recognition and presentation of the money raised to the veterans from WWII. I know I have mentioned it several times but Gena Loflin put her heart and soul into this project. It is one that students/staff will remember for a LONG time! Thanks to everyone!!

Remember, we are making a difference in addressing students about bullying. Stay the course and I promise we will see the results in our school - we already are!!

Staff member of the Week - Cathy Blevins - "because she does a vital yet thankless job everyday". Congratulations Mrs. Blevins and yes "THANK YOU" for what you do each day!

Have a great weekend. Enjoy the weather! Go Patriots!!!

Spring Break . . .

I know it's hard to remember a couple of months ago when we had all that beautiful snow and you were enjoying being home drinking hot chocolate, making a snowman, and sledding - but it did happen. Now, with spring break upon us, it's easy to wish we didn't get snow this year. Oh well . . . it was fun and we still have a few days of r & r!

We now have completed 3/4 of our year and have 6 weeks left before EOG test. Enjoy the time away from school next week but know things should be in "high gear" until May 14.

We did lots of testing this week. Thank you to ALL the staff for their efforts, patience, and teamwork this week. A big thank you to Benika Thompson. Benika has been working extremely hard this week and I'm sure has "learned" a whole lot from this experience. I feel this week was a good practice for EOGs. There will be much reflection/discussion to make EOG the best they can.

Take a deep breath . . . enjoy the break and your families. Come back ready to finish the year strong!

Linda Dawson-Levy is the lucky staff person of the week! The comments about Linda was "creates the most creative and hands-on activities and shares w/all".

Congratulations Linda - thanks for what you do to help these children!

Go Patriots!!

March madness . . .

March Madness, especially in this part of the country, means college basketball tournaments. As you know, I am a sports fan, and when I hear "March Madness" that is what I think of. March madness, to educators, can mean - "starting the stress of preparing students for their EOG test"!

With 70% of our year completed, you are now starting the home stretch of the school year. Just like a good coach, you are continuing to prepare your students for the championship game - EOG test.

I want to mention a couple of things that stood out to me this week. First of all, the ICON students were working on a reflective project about the DC trip. Mr. Atkinson, Mrs. Humphrey, Mrs. Sullivan, and Mrs. Hamby have adjusted the assessment of the students to contain a reflective project. The students were using a variety of technology (powerpoint, photo story, and prezi) to display their knowledge. All students (including the ones that didn't go) were diligently working on this assignment. This shows a reflection, from teachers,about evaluating/selecting assessments - thank you!

I also want to recognize the Trailblazers (Laura LeMay, Dave Jenkins, Charles Jones, and Jami Jones) and Roadrunners (Amy Newsom and Meredith Ebert) for their efforts with the Iditarod project. I saw students excited about this project especially ones that are normally not very happy to be in school. They were thoroughly engaged in learning. They brought in a guest speaker to talk about the dogs that are used for the race. An Alaskan Husky was even brought in with the speaker - what a cute pup!

So . . . enjoy the "March Madness" of basketball and/or school. They both can be stressful but they both can provide much fulfillment :)

The lucky staff member of the week is Diana Westmoreland. The statement on the card was "she does so much for all of us. I find her easy to talk to. She is very understanding."

Congratulations to Mike McDowell on being selected as one of eleven semi-finalist for the WS/FCS Teacher of the Year. We are all proud of you!
Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend. Go Patriots!!

Walk the walk . . .

In the school business, we are in the position to give directions quite often. Think about the rules for your classroom. There has been much discussion about school rules/discipline lately. I applaud all of you that want improvement within "your house". But, I will caution you about expecting students to follow rules that you don't . . .

A few examples could be - dress code, food, and tardiness to class (students are assigned detention or are written up often for these offenses). Before you get too upset about the student (11 to 15 year olds) who is chewing gum in class, think about yourself. Do you chew gum or eat/drink while students don't get that opportunity? How about students reporting late to class? Do you ever come to school late? Finally, the question of student dress code often arises. Do you set a good example of what students should follow? We are professionals and should set a higher standard than our young people.

I know this blog isn't my normal (great job!) keep it up sermon. And, please don't misinterpret what I'm saying. You should have high expectations for your students but your actions will say much more than your words. If you expect it, then model your expectations . . . walk the walk.

I do want to recognize, Mike McDowell, and the SIT for their continued efforts to improve this wonderful school. We are blessed with good students and supportive parents but I really feel that caring teachers who have HIGH expectations will make TJMS continue to be the best middle school!

Hope you get some rest this weekend. 64 more days . . .

Go Patriots!!

We are the champions . . .

Thought I would throw a little Queen "We are the Champions" your way. If you stayed Friday afternoon and watched our 8th grade girls play, you know what I'm talking about. Yes, we beat Northwest and won the county championship. This is a special group of girls. They only lost 1 game in two years. There is no doubt that many of these girls will go on to play high school basketball. Mark Schnably did a great job with these girls. Thanks for his efforts along with Dave Jenkins.

This atmosphere was great. I estimate that we had 300+ students in attendance. They were wearing blue/gold and extremely enthusiastic! We have worked hard to employ our students to display positive comments. I'm very proud of how our students represented TJMS. I also want to recognize our cheerleaders. Mrs. Peverall and Mrs. Schmidt have prepared our squad of cheerleaders to be the best in the county also. Our girls look and cheer as well as any JV high school team.

We have now finished the winter sports season and will proceed to the final Spring season of girls soccer and boys/girls track. We have won county championships in boys soccer, girls and boys volleyball, and now girls basketball. 4 out of 5 championships so far . . . not bad! We are definitely "The Champions"!

Four weeks left in the 3rd quarter. Thanks for your hard work with your students! We ARE THE CHAMPIONS . . .

Go Patriots!

Doing service for the community . . .

With such a tough economy, you would think people would NOT be so willing to give . . . but they are! So far this year, Student Council & National Jr. Honor Society(sponsored by Mrs. Vannoy and Mrs. MacDonald) have helped to raise money for children of Africa - over $3,500, money for people of Haiti - $900, and canned food for local shelters. Ms. Francis sponsored a toy drive before Christmas and Ms. Barfield ran a coat drive. Now, Ms. Loflin (plus the efforts of the Surfer students) are running a campaign to raise money to send Veterans to Washington to see the WWII memorial. Over $500 has been raised so far!!

These activities can be extremely meaning for our students and staff. I'm very proud to tell others about all the caring things our teachers and students do for others. We also have several staff members that have experienced unfortunate events. You all are the first to take up money, make dinners, and send special notes.

Thanks for doing your best each day to teach these youngsters the curriculum but more importantly teaching them that doing something nice for others is a good thing to do!

It is supposed to be in the 50's this weekend . . . will feel like summertime:) Enjoy the sunshine.

Go Patriots!!

Have some fun . . .

Now that we have been in school for a FULL WEEK (well . .. almost - 2 hr. delay Wed.) today was a good day to just have "some fun"! The student/staff basketball game was just that. With all the serious "stuff" that we do, it is important sometimes to just release and laugh!

I thought the band, cheerleaders, players, and staff were great! Mrs. Fox and her band students added some "game atmosphere" to the event - thank you! Mrs. Peverall and Mrs. Schmidt prepared their cheerleaders wonderfully and their half-time routine was "high school like"! And . . . the "he-shes" were really . . . . not sure of the adjective - would "pretty" be fitting? I'll let you be the judge . . .

Students will not remember your "curriculum" that was taught in a few years (maybe days for some) but they will always remember the "fun" activities that they were involved with in school. You definitely made today a FUN day at TJMS!

Enjoy the weekend and dare I say they are calling for more . . . snow!

Go Patriots!!

Let it snow . . .

I think it is amazing how attitudes change when there is talk about SNOW. People get so excited about the possibility of snow and especially the thought of getting out of school. Don't get me wrong . . . I do like snow but I also know the days have to be made up. So . . . enjoy your spring break because this one sounds like a Big One!!

This week, I want to highlight our NAL team. Our team is 4-0 and have scored many points each match. Mr. Cardarelli, Ms. Miller, and Ms. Holland have really helped recruit and mold this team. They are extremely smart but also very nice youngsters. Academics tends to get overlooked by athletic teams but this is a group of young people that deserve recognition. If you get the chance, come watch a match. The kids would love to see you!

I'm going to be like the kids . . . get my vintage "red rider" out and race them down the hills. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend. Go Patriots!!

Going the extra mile . . .

How many of you are tired of my cliches? Well, the one today is "Going the extra mile". I heard this from my teachers but especially my coaches when I was growing up. "If you are going to be the best, you must go the extra mile"!

It a pretty simple concept that extra hard work produces results. Usually that turns out to be true. I want to note one particular teacher this week that is "going the extra mile" with his students.

Mike McDowell has approximately 15 students that are failing both Math and Science for second quarter. He decided to contact all the parents (which he has done throughout the year) and offer his Saturday to work with them to pass for the quarter. Mike is not giving grades but making students come to school on their day off (and his) to make up the work and earn a passing grade. Lisha Vannoy has been helping Mike to make these parent contacts and will be also coming to school Saturday to help. Now, will all the students show up? Probably not but the ones that do will truly benefit from their efforts and also the teacher's effort.

There are many more "going the extra mile" stories with our staff but this was just one example. Keep in mind what you can do for your students and not what the students can't or won't do.

Alright, short sermon this week . . . End of the the First Semester! 90 more days :)

Enjoy your weekend. Go Patriots!!

School is more than learning about the three R's . . .

We do a great job of teaching the three R's (reading , writing, and arithmetic) - not really 3 R's but you know what I mean. The facts are facts and if you look at the data, Jefferson Middle does it second to none in Forsyth County when it come to EOG test. Approximately 90% of all students will score proficiency and more importantly they will show growth (especially in math). We know that we can improve reading comprehensive and I hope all of you have been doing some things to help students with their EOG in reading. But, even with all that positive data there are many other important things that we teach our middle schoolers.

How about our Patriot Path? The path doesn't address the 3 R's but does address Pride, Attitude, Tolerance, Respect, Integrity, Opportunity, and Teamwork. These traits are one's that we teach our students that hopefully they will use for a lifetime.

Community service is a way for students to learn the importance of doing something for others. Student Council with the direction of Lisha Vannoy has done a great job of providing opportunities for all students to get involved. The "Feed the Children of Africa" project was extremely successful where lots of money was raised for a great cause. It's amazing to watch how idea that was brought to us by a 6th grade (Josie Britt) turned into a school wide mission. Student council is getting ready to kick off another community service project - can food drive. Let's all get behind this project.

My point of teaching our student more than the 3 R's is one that I would like for you to reflect on. I can't remember what was taught to me in elementary (1st - 7th grade) or high school (8th - 12 grade) but I can remember some of my teachers. The one's I remember are Mr. Love (6th grade teacher), Mr. Rigby (12 grade English teacher), and my high school baseball coach (Mr. Tobler). All these men were teachers but more importantly (to me) they left a lasting memory of just caring people that taught me the value of working hard and being an honest person.
I challenge all of you to make a lasting impression on your students this year.

Keep up the hard work and enjoy what you do.

Go Patriots!

Here we go again . . .

I don't know about you but I did enjoy my holiday break. Spent some time traveling, some time with family, some time eating (well . . . probably more than some time), some time being a couch potato, and some time reflecting. I hope all of you recharged your batteries and are ready for a great New Year!

I don't remember when I heard the statement "the glass is half empty or half full" but it is one that I always remember. I think it came from my US History teacher in the 9th grade. He had the funniest laugh - like Horshack from Welcome Back Kotter. Young folks ask Mrs. Carespodi about it! Anyway . . . I try to remember this throughout my day. We can get pulled to the "dark side" and look at the "half empty" glass but try to catch yourself and move to the "half full" side. It is a habit that can be fixed. We lead by example so I will leave my Positive comments at that . . .

We are getting close to the end of 2nd quarter. Keep up your hard work and motivating efforts with your students. Be relentless . . .

Time for me to get the H1N1 shot . . . it's better than getting the flu :)

Have a restful weekend. Go Patriots!!