10/6

So over the last week or so, random people and parents have reached out to congratulate me....and I didn't know why. I finally did some digging and discovered that US News has named our middle school #1 in the state. They weren't really congratulating me, they were congratulating us! I wrote a blurb for parents that I will paste below but I wanted to take a moment to congratulate all of you. This is a heck of a distinction and one that I hear TPS has enjoyed before. While kudos definitely go to our MS teachers, I also want to recognize that, especially in a small school like ours, every adult in the building has had a part in making a positive impact on our kids. Here is what I wrote to our parents: "I don't normally put too much stock in outside group's rating and ranking of schools, however, every once in a while, it is really nice to be recognized. This year, US News has once again ranked TPS as the #1 Middle School in the state. The rankings seem to be largely influenced by testing scores. But I view this as a testament to the work of all our teachers (K through 8), support staff, and of course the effort of our students. I feel lucky to work at such an exceptional place!"

If you could all plan to leave your sub binders out next week, I'm going to take a peak while doing walk-throughs next week. Again, if you need anything to complete them don't hesitate to reach out to Tracy. 

We have a staff meeting planned for next Wednesday. Similar to the last one, MS Advisors will meet in room 209. We will have a Zoom presentation on Advisory. Elementary Staff will meet in the library with BethAnne to complete the second half of the Strategic Planning protocols. If you've already participated in this work and don't fit into the Advisory discussion please reach out to me. 

Karina emailed out about screening next week. I'm linking the schedule here as well. Please note this impacts all grades except 6th and 8th.  For the most part, this screening will take place during specials. The other tricky thing of note is that because of advisories vs. homerooms, we are asking 7th grades to be sent down in their alphabetical cohort (A-J and K-Z). 

Attention K-5 teachers of ELA! The ELA curriculum committee is looking for your feedback. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and help drive their discussions. 

Faculty Council is on the calendar for next Thursday if anyone has any agenda items. I'd like to gather feedback on the new Open House format and also on the adjustments made to Half Day schedules. Anyone is welcome to attend. 

We've had a few issues pop up in the bathrooms, specifically the MS boy's room. I'm going to ask teachers to stick to sign-out sheets so that we can track down the perpetrators (that sounded rough, maybe knuckleheads). 

The PTA is looking to expand the recess equipment and has asked me to share this form for feedback. 

A Note from BethAnne

Have you ever been a part of a special ed/initial IEP meeting where a disability was being identified and you weren't entirely sure what the disability's definition entailed? I thought it would be worthwhile to share the disability definitions as defined by DESE.  If you haven't read these over in a while, it would be a great idea to do so before your next IEP meeting!  

Looking Ahead: 

• Monday (10/9) 
• No School - Indigenous Peoples Day / Columbus Day
• Tuesday (10/10) Day D
• Election Day
• Day 1 of Screenings 
• Cross Country Meet
• Wednesday (10/11) Day A
• Day 2 of Screenings
• Staff meeting
• Thursday (10/12) Day B
• Faculty Council
• Friday (10/13) Day C
• Saturday (10/14) 
• Courtyard clean-up! 

Way Ahead: 

• Tuesday (10/31) We do anticipate having a costume parade led by the TPS marching band that morning. Spectators are welcome. More details to follow.