Dear Families,
As we move into the month of May, we can't help but be reminded that EOG season is right around the corner. Rest assured, "our kids" are well prepared! MCMS students and staff have worked hard and continue to work hard every day. Then End-of-Grade tests measure somethings, but they don't measure everything.
Just this past week, our students and staff experienced some amazing events that will undoubtedly be memorable learning experiences. Both our girl's and boy's track teams posted first place finishes at the Crystal Coast Conference tournament. This is quite an accomplishment and there is much to be celebrated in this cooperative effort!
The boy's baseball team capped off an incredible season, posting yet another victory on Thursday. This team demonstrated the real definition of sportsmanship this season, when our own MCMS team member pitched for the opposing team - now that says something about character and what truly is important.
On Thursday evening, I attended the three MCMS band concerts. These concerts were THE BEST middle school band concerts I have attended in my career...and I've been to many over the years. The concerts were bittersweet as Mr. Fye announced his resignation to the group. Additionally, the performance of all individuals was exemplary, including the percussion groups. But, the performance of one very special student stood out for me. Let's just refer to this student as "Oscar." If you missed seeing this joy-filled drummer, you missed quite an experience. Now THAT is what school's are all about - students finding joy in their learning and performance. Thanks, Oscar, Mr. David Fye, Mr. Andy Wright, and the MCMS Bands! It was a magical evening and beyond measure!
Best to you and your family as we prepare for a strong finish to the school year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Technology - Friend or Foe?
Dear Families,
Perhaps your family is a lot like ours. Our twenty year old is the technology expert of the household. Everything appears to be so easy for her. I guess that's why the term "digital native" came to be. Our kids have grown up with new and innovative technologies that seem a bit overwhelming to those of us admitting to not having computers around as we grew up. Yes, I guess sometimes we just need to admit we are getting older...but are we getting wiser when it comes to our use and the our kids' use of technology?
The integration of technology both for students and teachers, has been high on our list of priorities with our School Improvement Plan for several years now. It's amazing to see the inventory of equipment available to our staff and students on a daily basis. As adults, we learn alongside our students. And sometimes, they become the teachers! There's no doubt that learning increases when technology is utilized. Just come in and see! From interactive whiteboards, wireless laptops, student response systems, document cameras, and more. You will see students and staff members actively engaged with technology to enhance the learning process at MCMS.
We all have heard the horror stories associated with the misuse of technology and hope that our students understand the power of the transfer of information, including photos over the Internet and cell phones. Cyber bullying is becoming an increasingly used method to harass others. In fact, cyber bullying is defined as one of the three types of harassment the NC Department of Public Instruction outlines as unacceptable behaviors in our schools. One might ask how a comment posted from home may impact school? When the comment makes its way to interfering with the teaching or learning process, whether the behavior was initiated within the school walls or not, it becomes subject to the disciplinary guidelines and procedures as established by the Carteret County Schools.
I believe that we must entrust our students with the use of technology, but teaching and reteaching appropriate uses of technology must be a shared responsibility between families and school personnel. Certainly, I believe that technology is our friend. However, we must constantly reinforce the risks associated with misuse.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
Perhaps your family is a lot like ours. Our twenty year old is the technology expert of the household. Everything appears to be so easy for her. I guess that's why the term "digital native" came to be. Our kids have grown up with new and innovative technologies that seem a bit overwhelming to those of us admitting to not having computers around as we grew up. Yes, I guess sometimes we just need to admit we are getting older...but are we getting wiser when it comes to our use and the our kids' use of technology?
The integration of technology both for students and teachers, has been high on our list of priorities with our School Improvement Plan for several years now. It's amazing to see the inventory of equipment available to our staff and students on a daily basis. As adults, we learn alongside our students. And sometimes, they become the teachers! There's no doubt that learning increases when technology is utilized. Just come in and see! From interactive whiteboards, wireless laptops, student response systems, document cameras, and more. You will see students and staff members actively engaged with technology to enhance the learning process at MCMS.
We all have heard the horror stories associated with the misuse of technology and hope that our students understand the power of the transfer of information, including photos over the Internet and cell phones. Cyber bullying is becoming an increasingly used method to harass others. In fact, cyber bullying is defined as one of the three types of harassment the NC Department of Public Instruction outlines as unacceptable behaviors in our schools. One might ask how a comment posted from home may impact school? When the comment makes its way to interfering with the teaching or learning process, whether the behavior was initiated within the school walls or not, it becomes subject to the disciplinary guidelines and procedures as established by the Carteret County Schools.
I believe that we must entrust our students with the use of technology, but teaching and reteaching appropriate uses of technology must be a shared responsibility between families and school personnel. Certainly, I believe that technology is our friend. However, we must constantly reinforce the risks associated with misuse.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Art of Listening and "Growing" A Teenager
Dear Families,
We continue to be amazed a the support you provide for "our" kids and our school. We do not take your active involvement for granted. We appreciate your willingness to stay connected; your support with our athletic program; your on-going support through PTO, including teacher and student recognition. We are very fortunate at MCMS!
"Talk to your students as though they are five years older than they really are; listen as though they are five years younger." This quote from David Puckett is powerful and really makes sense when working with adolescent students!
In the most recent edition of "The Family Connection" published by the National Middle School Association, Judith Baenen gives great advice in walking the tightrope in raising a son or daughter during the adolescent years.
We continue to be amazed a the support you provide for "our" kids and our school. We do not take your active involvement for granted. We appreciate your willingness to stay connected; your support with our athletic program; your on-going support through PTO, including teacher and student recognition. We are very fortunate at MCMS!
"Talk to your students as though they are five years older than they really are; listen as though they are five years younger." This quote from David Puckett is powerful and really makes sense when working with adolescent students!
In the most recent edition of "The Family Connection" published by the National Middle School Association, Judith Baenen gives great advice in walking the tightrope in raising a son or daughter during the adolescent years.
Young adolescents believe that they are quite capable of being on their own; unfortunately, many parents and guardians go along with this idea. More independence, more responsibilities, more privacy—yes, but complete freedom? Absolutely not.
Research suggests that 10- to 15-year-olds have trouble planning ahead and making reasonable decisions because certain areas of their brains are not yet fully developed. Additionally, we know that peer pressure is strongest at this age. To allow a young adolescent—even the most charming and seemingly dependable boy or girl—to be alone unsupervised for more than a few hours is definitely asking for trouble.
Try to limit the amount of time your child is home alone. Be sure to set up guidelines as to what behavior is expected during the time he or she is unsupervised and whether or not he or she is allowed to have friends over. If possible, monitor by phone at set check-in times. If your child is planning to go to a friend's house, make sure you call to check with the other parent or guardian about supervision.
Some young adolescents will complain, saying, "You don't trust me." Assure them that it is not a matter of trust but a requirement of parenting. It is our responsibility to set boundaries and think ahead in an effort to protect them from unintended consequences.
This is some good advice, as all of us know, there are no easy answers or foolproof guidebook for raising our kids. Thanks for your continued partnership as we do our best to raise "our kids!"
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
Monday, December 21, 2009
A Community of Caring
Dear Families,
As we approach this time of year, we can easily get caught up in the "busyness" of it all. Just a bit of reflection is all it takes to understand how fortunate our school community really is. The spirit of giving and supporting each other is alive and well at MCMS!
For the first time, our school initiated a "Caring by Sharing" campaign that allowed our families to support others who are less fortunate. Food items, clothing, gift cards and cash were donated at an overwhelming rate. Our counselors coordinated the effort and delivered care packages to fifteen MCMS families late last week. With the challenging economic times we all are facing, the success of the event is even more dramatic. The thoughts and acts of caring for one another is a true testament of the wonderful people who make up our school community. Thank you for your part in making a positive difference at our school!
The new year brings us a fresh start as we return on January 4, 2010. We'd like you to be aware of our School Improvement Plan priorities as we move further into the school year.
These include:
*Establishing and fostering strong teacher/student relationships
*Analyzing the effectiveness of math interventions such as math blast, FASTT math and accelerated math
*Study and implement best practices in brain-based learning
*Utilize flexibility in core teaching team schedules
We look forward to our continued partnership in 2010!
Best to you and your families!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
As we approach this time of year, we can easily get caught up in the "busyness" of it all. Just a bit of reflection is all it takes to understand how fortunate our school community really is. The spirit of giving and supporting each other is alive and well at MCMS!
For the first time, our school initiated a "Caring by Sharing" campaign that allowed our families to support others who are less fortunate. Food items, clothing, gift cards and cash were donated at an overwhelming rate. Our counselors coordinated the effort and delivered care packages to fifteen MCMS families late last week. With the challenging economic times we all are facing, the success of the event is even more dramatic. The thoughts and acts of caring for one another is a true testament of the wonderful people who make up our school community. Thank you for your part in making a positive difference at our school!
The new year brings us a fresh start as we return on January 4, 2010. We'd like you to be aware of our School Improvement Plan priorities as we move further into the school year.
These include:
*Establishing and fostering strong teacher/student relationships
*Analyzing the effectiveness of math interventions such as math blast, FASTT math and accelerated math
*Study and implement best practices in brain-based learning
*Utilize flexibility in core teaching team schedules
We look forward to our continued partnership in 2010!
Best to you and your families!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Rain is better than snow!
Dear Families,
Our football team will be braving the elements this afternoon. Kudos to our team, the coaching staff and parents for tolerating some nasty weather. My hometown in Minnesota had four inches of snow this week, so I guess a little rain isn't so bad!
Our daily attendance has returned to average numbers of absent students and staff members. Thank you for your support in keeping students home when they are ill. Let's hope that our school community is on the mend. Your continued reminders to students regarding hand washing and not sharing food and drinks with others are essential in our school remaining healthy.
As we approach the eighth week of school, I encourage you to be diligent in setting daily routines for checking your student's planner as well as supporting a regular time and place for homework completion. All students will have a math assignment related to accelerated math and all students should be reading a book of their choice. So, when you hear, "I don't have any homework," please note that there is always some math and reading to do!
I continue to be amazed with the great group of kids we have at our school. Thank you for sending us such an enjoyable group!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
Our football team will be braving the elements this afternoon. Kudos to our team, the coaching staff and parents for tolerating some nasty weather. My hometown in Minnesota had four inches of snow this week, so I guess a little rain isn't so bad!
Our daily attendance has returned to average numbers of absent students and staff members. Thank you for your support in keeping students home when they are ill. Let's hope that our school community is on the mend. Your continued reminders to students regarding hand washing and not sharing food and drinks with others are essential in our school remaining healthy.
As we approach the eighth week of school, I encourage you to be diligent in setting daily routines for checking your student's planner as well as supporting a regular time and place for homework completion. All students will have a math assignment related to accelerated math and all students should be reading a book of their choice. So, when you hear, "I don't have any homework," please note that there is always some math and reading to do!
I continue to be amazed with the great group of kids we have at our school. Thank you for sending us such an enjoyable group!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Let Us Know Your Thoughts on Open House
Dear MCMS Families,
Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend our Open House! The event was well-attended. We'd like to know if we met your needs, or if you have suggestions for improvement. Please let us know your thoughts.
Within the next several weeks we should be able to update our school community with fundraiser news. Preliminary numbers look promising! Please note that our PTO is also supporting the sales of day-to-day items such as energy efficient light bulbs as well as Lowe's Foods' gift cards. Please consider supporting our school by stopping by the office to by light bulbs for $2 each (100% profit) or Lowes' cards for $50 each (6% profit.)
Thank you for your continued partnership!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend our Open House! The event was well-attended. We'd like to know if we met your needs, or if you have suggestions for improvement. Please let us know your thoughts.
Within the next several weeks we should be able to update our school community with fundraiser news. Preliminary numbers look promising! Please note that our PTO is also supporting the sales of day-to-day items such as energy efficient light bulbs as well as Lowe's Foods' gift cards. Please consider supporting our school by stopping by the office to by light bulbs for $2 each (100% profit) or Lowes' cards for $50 each (6% profit.)
Thank you for your continued partnership!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Welcome Back!
What a great start we have had to the 2009-10 school year! We are very proud of our past accomplishments, especially the 2009 recognition as “Honor School of Excellence!” This acknowledgement is a tribute to the total school community working together to be the best middle school we can be. We are very fortunate to have committed parents who partner with our dedicated staff members to provide an awesome educational opportunity for “our kids.”
We look forward to continual improvement and growth this year and are well on our way. The beginning of a school year provides for a fresh start and high hopes for the best school year, ever.
We spend time as a professional learning community reflecting upon our practices. As we consider the start of the year, we are interested in your thoughts on our transitional programs, including spring and fall orientation sessions for rising sixth grade students and parents. Tell us how we can improve our processes from communication, to orientation day as well as open house. We value your opinion!
Thanks for making MCMS a great place to be!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
We look forward to continual improvement and growth this year and are well on our way. The beginning of a school year provides for a fresh start and high hopes for the best school year, ever.
We spend time as a professional learning community reflecting upon our practices. As we consider the start of the year, we are interested in your thoughts on our transitional programs, including spring and fall orientation sessions for rising sixth grade students and parents. Tell us how we can improve our processes from communication, to orientation day as well as open house. We value your opinion!
Thanks for making MCMS a great place to be!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
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