Dear Blake Families,
I hope that everyone has been enjoying a relaxing and restful summer with family and friends, and that you have found time to truly take a break from the 'hurried pace' of the school year. Although the time has flown by, Katie and I have appreciated and taken advantage of this time with the kids (family visits to Cape Cod and the Berkshires, weddings, annual trip to the Norman Rockwell Museum, concerts on town greens, to name a few) as we try and recharge in preparation for the upcoming school year. The months of July and August have been productive ones here at Blake, as our teachers have been preparing lessons and revising their curriculum units while our excellent maintenance staff has been getting the building ready for our students. The first official day is approaching, and I am writing to provide you with some important information about regarding the beginning of the school year.
Opening Day
The 2014-2015 school year will begin on Wednesday, August 27. As we have done in past years, we will stagger our starting times for the students. Arrival information for the opening day is as follows:
- Students in grade six report to the gymnasium by 7:40 a.m. for opening orientation
- Students in grade seven report to the gymnasium by 10:00 a.m.
- Students in grade eight report to the cafeteria by 10:00 a.m.
- There will be a separate bus run beginning at 9:15 a.m. on the first day for students in grades seven and eight.
- Students in grades seven and eight should not report to school before 9:40 a.m. on opening day
My intention is to continue to share and highlight articles that I have read as well as resources that I believe may be of interest and use to you as parents. I fully recognize that not all articles will be read, but my hope is that some will strike a chord, spark an interest, or foster a discussion that is worth engagement. As we begin our formal work together for this 2014-2015 academic year, I am highlighting three posts...
Teachers: Five Ways to Ease Back Into School
by Elena Aguilar (@artofcoaching1) in Edutopia
Although the audience of Aguilar's post is intended for teachers, I believe her tips hold true for students and parents as well as we are all in similar boats transitioning back into school mode. In particular, I like her advice for establishing a healthy mindset as we approach each day: "Our thoughts create our realities. If we can notice our tendencies and make shifts towards those that give us energy we'll have a much better re-entry into the school year."
Starting Over Again - Some New Teacher Tips from a Not So Veteran Teacher
post by Pernille Ripp (@pernilleripp)
I always enjoy reading Ripp's posts and I found myself identifying with these words of advice. They hold true for all teachers, and my hope is that we can keep this advice in mind for our students as they embark upon a new school year.
"Finally, don’t be afraid. I know a new job is terrifying, I am right there in the thick of it, and yet my fear is being replaced with a little bit of thrill, a little bit of giddy, a little bit of excitement. The dreams I have for my new students are starting to fire me up, the passion I have for teaching is pushing me forward. A new adventure awaits and I cannot wait to go on it."
In Praise of Buildings and Grounds Staffs Everywhere
by Peter Gow (@pgow) in Education Week
I shared this post last year as we approached the start of school, and I believe his words are a perfect reminder for all of us of the true communal effort it takes to establish, foster, and maintain a healthy school. We are truly blessed at Blake to have such a supportive behind-the-scenes crew, and they are worthy of our recognition:
"Ask these men and women why they work so hard and take such care in their efforts, and nine times out of ten they'll tell you it's for the school, for the kids, for the program...They may sometimes be invisible to us in our classrooms and offices, but they are watching--watching us, watching the kids, looking for ways to make our lives go a little more smoothly...when school starts in a few weeks take a moment to contemplate and appreciate the men and women--and sometimes the summer kids--who have made it a point of pride that the school look "just so" when the kids stream back and what we consider the "real" work of the school begins. It's their real work year-round, in rain and shine, and they do it for us."
It is my sincere hope that we can take this message to heart throughout the year, finding ways to remember to recognize one another, students and adults alike, and keep this theme of gratitude and appreciation at the forefront of our thinking. As I have shared many times, I am blessed to work in in a community of inspiring students, teachers, and families. Blake Middle School aims to foster a wonderful, nurturing, and challenging environment and it is truly a privilege and honor to come to work every day, greeted by our mission: Blake Middle School believes in a living mission statement, based on the concept that our community seeks and respects knowledge, integrity, character, wisdom, and the willingness to adapt to a continually evolving world. I look forward to working with you and your students throughout the year as we collectively strive to continue to cultivate a culture of learning and respect. We have both successes and challenges that lie ahead and I am excited about what the future brings for all of us. I wish everyone an enjoyable and memorable next couple of weeks.
As always, please feel free to contact me, Kelly C., or your student's guidance counselor with any questions or concerns.
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Take care.
Nat Vaughn