Message from Principal Collins
Hello Evergreen Families,
The happenings for this week. This week our 8th graders soon-to-be 9th graders went to a skating party. There were a lot of students and staff there and they had a lot of fun. We had two assemblies one was the Million Bazillion Live. It was like a game show and scholars and staff had the opportunity to participate. This was our last Spirit Week and scholars had the opportunity to dress up in different themes each day. Our other assembly was our pep assembly we have a lot of spirit. Our athletes are going strong and we are proud of them. Thursday evening, we had our Orchestra and Choir Concert. these scholars created some beautiful music. This is the last day of May- as I reflect upon the beautiful month of May. May is a magical time for the scholars and staff. It is the final push of knowledge and skills for our students to ensure they are ready to move on to the next grade, level of content and our 8th graders are moving on to high school. Our staff members were digging deep this month and truly giving their students everything, they have left. The scholars (like us) are exhausted but we are all determined to dig a bit deeper to finish strong. The month of May was full of celebration opportunities for us to celebrate with our scholars and staff. Some were ridiculously simple and others will require a bit of prep work. But it is always that way as we conclude a school year. As always, I encourage you to regularly check ParentVue to monitor your child's grades and attendance. Finishing the year strong is extremely important we want to end the year on a high note. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teachers or school counselor. As we prepare for the final weeks of school, it is important to stay focused on academics but also reflect and celebrate the numerous successes of our students and staff. Throughout this year our students’ readiness for excellence was showcased in their academic, athletic, and artistic accomplishments. We have amazing students at Evergreen.
These are just some gentle reminders to ensure a safe and successful year-end.
- This is the time to stay steady, Grizzlies. Focus on your studies.
- Focus on the “end prize”. Focus on the practice of using kind words and actions toward your classmates, peers, and the EVG staff.
- Practice school safety. Keep your hands to yourself in class and the hallways. Ensure you have approval from your teacher to leave class and have a valid pass. Limit time in the hallways during class. Line up in a safe and orderly fashion during your lunchtime. Lastly, bus riders, please report to your assigned bus at dismissal quickly and orderly.
Help your child maintain motivation and momentum- As the school year winds down, middle school students tend to get a bit restless and start daydreaming about the summer break. But summer isn’t here just yet. Remember: The last few weeks of school are just as important as the rest. It’s vital for middle schoolers to be in school and stay focused so they can finish the school year strong. To motivate your child to keep working hard:
- Stick to routines. It’s easy to get wooed by warmer temperatures and more daylight. If you find yourself letting your child put off schoolwork longer and longer and stay up later and later, it’s time to get back on track. Morning comes as early as ever, and if your middle schooler doesn’t get enough sleep at night, it will be difficult to focus during class.
- Show your interest. By this point of the school year, families are pretty familiar with what goes on at school. However, don’t stop asking about it. Let your child know that you care and still want to hear about assignments and classes.
- Maintain expectations. Remind your child that if grades begin to slip near the end of the year—or if your child stops completing assignments—there will be consequences. The thought of missing an anticipated event or activity may inspire your child to buckle down.
Something for my 8th graders who will be moving on to high school- Most if not all of our middle schoolers are having a great school year. However, the thought of starting high school next fall seems to be overwhelming. Is there anything parents can do to make the transition go smoothly for their child? Absolutely! Although you can’t guarantee your child won’t worry, there are several things you can do this summer to help your child prepare for the move to high school:
- Listen carefully. When your child talks about fears regarding high school, pay attention. It may help you identify the real problem. For example, you might assume your child is worried about handling more difficult schoolwork. It could turn out, though, that your child is really worried about meeting new people and finding extracurricular activities.
- Help your child practice time management skills. High school means more classes and a bigger workload. Give your child a calendar or a planner and recommend using it to keep track of summer activities and appointments. This will reinforce the habit of planning time and writing things down.
- Check out the school website and social media platforms together. Find out what types of activities may be available for ninth graders. Learn about some of the policies and procedures your child will be expected to follow.
- Encourage your child to talk to a current high school freshman. Hearing first-hand about how high school differs from middle school may ease your child’s anxiety—and yours!
Moving forward, let’s make this an amazing last few weeks of school! I’m so thankful to serve each and everyone one of you!! Last, but not least, never forget that…It’s a great day to be a Grizzly!!
Thank you for partnering with us! I appreciate you and truly believe that we will finish this school year Grizzly Strong with your unwavering support. Thank you for being a part of the Grizzly family.
Your Partner in Education,
Mrs. Collins
253 945 5100
