"Long after they've forgotten what you taught them, they will remember how you treated them."
-author unknown

Monday, January 17, 2011

1-17-11 We Believe

"This We Believe" is the name of a belief statement created and published by the National Middle School Association (the link to this organization is on the right side of the blog).  This belief statement comes as a result of many years of research on best practice in middle schools.  Prior to school beginning, the OHMS staff examined some of this work.  We sought to put into writing what we as a staff believed about educating middle school students.  Through discussion and collaboration, the staff arrived at a set of statements that summarized our beliefs, called "We believe:"

"We believe:

-in making collaborative decisions that are based on a shared vision in order to achieve the goals of our learning community.

-in high expectations for every learner and in providing meaningful, active, engaging and rigorous educational experiences that meet the diverse needs of students.

-in making informed decisions about student learning based on all relevant data pertaining to the WHOLE student.

-in providing all students with an adult advocate in a safe, respectful, supportive and caring environment.

-in providing students with a staff who value and appreciate the unique characteristics of middle school students.

in the importance of involving our parents and community as a vital voice in the education of our students."

We seek to make decisions at OHMS that are in line with these beliefs.  The OHMS staff will be completing an assessment of our current structure and how it relates to these beliefs.  You will find them posted in each classroom as well as various other places in the school.  If you have questions or comments about these beliefs or the research that supports them, please feel free to contact me.

Friday, January 7, 2011

1/7/11- First blog

So, this is my first blog.  You may be asking: Why blog?  Why now?  I have had a number of conversations about the best ways to get information to parents and to the public.  A clear answer is to use the technology available and to use the most common methods.  A blog seemed to make sense.  I will be seeking to share current events at OHMS along with information and literature around middle school education.

As an example, this is a good time to remind parents that the second quarter will be coming to an end on January 21st.  It is always a good idea to check in with your child's teachers and to check his/her grades on Infinite Campus.

Thanks for reading my first blog and any constructive feedback would be most welcome!