Principal's Message - December 2009

 

Dear Families,

This principal’s message will be in the form of bullets or highlighted information useful by our families and all stakeholders.

  • We have begun to address the need for improved reading abilities with all our students. Aimsweb testing started earlier in the year with a plan to test ALL students three times per year and then test those students who are in need of some extra help more frequently. The Aimsweb testing is a quick and simple test that offers an accurate assessment of your child’s reading capabilities. We began testing in October and will again test all students in January. All parents are welcome to call the school to find out your child’s testing score. We are seeing that some of our students are in need of intensive intervention to help develop appropriate reading skills. Also, we are seeing some of our students who simply need a little extra support to build upon existing skills. These are the students who may only need a few weeks of support to give them the extra push to put them over the hump. In every case, our goal is to offer the necessary reading supports that will enable the Middle School to continue its long standing tradition of making reading a top priority.
  • Don’t forget that ALL parents have access to POWERSCHOOL. Parents (and students) have full access to your child’s grades. This site will include all missing and late assignments. Call the school to receive your Username and Password. Go to our website and click on the Powerschool icon at the top of the page. Input your username and password and the information will be immediately accessible. This is the best way to keep track of how your child is doing academically. If you see trends or find information to be confusing call the teacher right away.
  • We are looking for parent volunteers to work in the school and in the classrooms. If you are interested please contact the office and/or talk with Amy Derrer to work out days and times. We truly appreciate your support and hope to find ways to include as many of you as possible.
  • As the weather becomes much colder, please help by making sure your child is properly dressed for the conditions. Many of our students enjoy going outside during lunch for some exercise, but the cold weather can be dangerous if not properly dressed. Those students who walk to school should leave home in time to get to school by 7:45 if they are eating breakfast or no later than 8:10 if they are going to class.
    • Students are not allowed to throw snowballs or pretend to throw snowballs. This can be a very serious concern and must be addressed in a serious manner. Please help by making sure your child does not participate in this activity.

Thank you,

Chad Culver
Principal

 

 

 COUNSELOR’S CORNER

Hello Mancelona Middle School Students and Parents:

The Mancelona Schools Counseling Program consists of many comprehensive activities and programs to assist all school students, k-12, and their families to be happy, healthy, and successful.  As the Middle School Guidance Counselor, my mission is to assist the 5-8 grade students and families to this goal. 

The Middle School Guidance Program offers several programs including an introduction to Career Development and Education using a really fun computer-based exploration program called Career Cruising.   We have available opportunities for group activities as well. Depending upon need topics might include Changing Families, Social Skills, groups and activities to promote healthy, respectful and responsible peer relationships, and Lunch Buddy time.  Time to meet with parents and students individually is always available, no matter what your concern or question.

I look forward to a great year getting to know all the Middle School students and families.  Please do not hesitate to reach me at extension 224.

Bethany Onthank
Middle School Guidance Counselor