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

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

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

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