šHello EMS STAFF!
I began meeting this week with students for our new Principal Advisory Council. There were 22 students made up of 7th and 8th graders who wanted to help to make EMS and even better place to learn! They are even meeting during their lunchtime every other week! For our first meeting students reviewed the results of our survey given to students and identified some great positives, as well as areas we want to improve. Here are some of what they noticed:
*Over 90% of students said they have a friend or group of friends they can count on
*Tribes have positive feedback
*Positive results for sports and clubs, but 15% say they want more variety so there's some work to do
*Almost half are not excited about what they are learning. This has lots of unanswered questions of why so they would like to do a more detailed survey (on agenda for next meeting)
*Over 90% of students say there are clear rules and expectations
We tend to focus in education on all the ways we need to improve. But as students looked at the same data we have in our certified and para meetings----they focused on what was really going well at EMS! There is much to celebrate and for that I am thankful once again for the amazing place we work.
We have a busy week together and we will NOT have a staff meeting this TUESDAY! I have in my notes that I 'owe' you some time and figure---no time like the present. So teachers---your Tuesday morning is now free :) I once again want to reiterate that going into each day with the assumption of positive intentions in all our relationships is critical as we move through our month of March together!
Happy Read Across America Week,
Tinaš
Setting the Stage for Success with Clear Expectations
Hello Team,
As I reflect on teaching, Iām reminded of the wisdom from Harry Wongās The First Days of Schoolāa book that has always held a spot on my shelf. One of Wongās key messages is the importance of CLEAR EXPECTATIONS in the classroom.
Why does this matter? Because clear expectations, along with well-defined learning targets or objectives, create the foundation for student success. When students understand what they need to do, how they should do it, and what success looks like, they are more likely to stay engaged and on taskāleading to fewer disruptions and a more focused learning environment.
Students thrive on structure and consistency, so take the time to clearly communicate learning goals at the start of each lesson, as well as what students need to do to be successful (success criteria). Setting these expectations ensures students know how to succeed, making a positive impact on both behavior and learning outcomes.
Letās keep setting our students up for success!
Best,
Levi
Congratulations to Josh Warbiany and Cindy Malone!
There will be a meeting MONDAY MARCH 3rd at 6pm at the EMS Library.
There will be Silent Auction Baskets to bid on during conferences! Some of them have over $500 value!
