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!!!