Principal's Message - January 2012

Dear Families,

 

The second marking period will end January 20th with no school for students on that day.  This will also represent the end of the first semester.  On that day, the teachers will be involved in professional development preparing for the start of the second semester. 

 

The Middle School enjoyed a terrific first half of the school year.  Our MiBLSi initiative has taken hold and the students are definitely responding to our increased efforts to improve academically and behaviorally.  As we move into the second part of the 2011-2012 school year I would like to share a few reminders. First, please be sure your child is dressed for the weather as we do go outside each day for lunch.  Second, continue to check Power School to help monitor your child’s progress.  If you notice any irregularities, contact the school right away so we can help to resolve the issue. Third, please remember to contact the school each day your child needs to be absent.  Currently, we are experiencing a challenging time with so many students out sick and without notification to the school.  Attendance is vital to the overall success of each student. The more often a student is in school, on time and prepared for class the easier it might be for them to enjoy all aspects of school life.  Most of the time, we can see a direct connection between low attendance and low grades and low enthusiasm for school. Finally, I would like to share a little about our AIC (Academic Intervention Center).  Last year we started using the AIC as an academic intervention.  Students use the AIC during lunch for “homework club”; they retake test and quizzes; make up missed assignments; and receive tutoring and mentoring.  Starting second semester we will be adding a behavioral element to the AIC. 

 

Students who are sent to the AIC for behavior issues will write a “Plan” that outlines why they were sent and what they plan to do differently to avoid losing class time.  After the Plan is completed, and has been reviewed by the AIC Supervisor, the student will discuss the issue with their teacher. One of the goals is to reduce the number of times a student is sent from class to the AIC.  It is very important that students are in class all day and are not a disturbance to themselves or others.  Once a student has been sent to the AIC for a third time the family will be notified.  If a student is sent to the AIC additional times for behavior concerns they may lose the AIC as a behavior intervention and need to go home for the balance of the day and all of the next day. 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Chad Culver

 

 

 COUNSELOR’S CORNER

Hello Mancelona parents!

 

I bet you are as surprised as I am about how quickly the half-way mark of this school year has arrived!  Soon we will be full steam ahead into our Spring activities. There are many exciting adventures for us to look forward to in the next several months. I will highlight just a few here, but as always, please feel free to contact me if you should wish for more information at any time.

 

I look forward to the start of a new semester for many reasons. Students will experience a change in their Encore classes, most students enjoy this break in the academics of the day and have the opportunity to test their hand at Art, PE, Media Technologies or Speech class. Of course we also offer Middle School band and as my office is located near the band room I know they have been practicing diligently for their spring competitions and concerts!  Keep your eyes turned to the Honor Roll Bulletin Board as well as we have many students working hard to see their accomplishments highlighted here. We are also planning an Honor Roll Breakfast for students, staff, parents and community members so stay tuned for more information on this event.

 

Starting soon I will begin our Career Education lessons with students. This especially involves our 7th and 8th grade students as they will explore various career and education options on an on-line program called Career Cruising. Parents are welcome to check out this site at Careercruising.org as well; lots of valuable information available there.

 

If you ever have a concern or question regarding your child’s school experiences please do not hesitate to contact me at the extension below.

 

 

 

Bethany Onthank, Middle School Counselor

231-587-9869  Ext. 224