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!!