Message from Principal Collins
Hello Evergreen Friends and Families,
What a busy week we had, we need this four-day weekend to relax and recharge. Thank you to those who came and supported our scholars at the CTE Showcase. We saw some amazing creative ideas coming out of the showcase. Our band scholars held their concert. Thank you again to all who came out to listen to some amazing music performed by our band scholars and Mr. Brenner. Don’t forget next week our Orchestra and Choir scholars will have their concert. Our athletes are strongly representing Evergreen. We are getting closer to the end of this sports season. Come on out and support them as we get closer to district events.
Thank you for helping prioritize your child’s attendance and continued education over early summer diversions. This helps ensure your child completes all of the academic requirements that are preparing them for our next school year and also enjoys events that build self-confidence and strengthen friendships. Because of your supporting and prioritizing your child’s attendance we have moved into 2nd place with the Attendance Competition.
Just a few more days and this school year will be finished. Eighth grade families you are on the finale side of the middle school experience. This is the time of year when students have many emotions as the summer approaches. Please remind your students that school rules still need to be followed. Sometimes, their feelings tend to take over their decision making. I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your principal these past three years and wish you the very best of luck as all of you begin the high school journey. Seventh grade families we are very excited for you to become our new school leaders next year. I look forward to having you guide, help and be the role models of our middle school. I appreciate your continued partnership and support. Thank you for partnering with us to educate your children. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
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
Getting Smart Over the Summer
Helping children “get smart” is an important goal of parenting and education. In previous posts, I’ve talked about how reading is one of the best ways to train the brain for successful thought. Having a nightly reading routine – and perhaps rewarding your child for the number of minutes they read – helps to ensure that they read enough. I encourage you to find time to read to your child this summer, even if it’s not their first choice of activity.
In addition to reading, researchers have discovered that having meaningful conversations with adults helps children “get smart”. They found this out by having kids wear tracking devices around their necks that recorded how many “conversational turns” they had each day. The kids who don’t have as many interactions, or are mostly “talked at” by their parents, don’t achieve as much as the kids who have lots of back-and-forth discussions with their parents. You will do great service to your child’s development this summer by simply asking them about their day and sharing a bit about our own.
Unfortunately, cell phones are often the biggest competition of reading and conversation. For this reason, I recommend that parents consider limiting their children’s phone use over the summer. When we implemented a cellphone-free policy here at school, we saw immediate results. Instead of staring at their screens, students began talking with each other and reading thick novels during downtimes. By replacing cell phone time with family/reading time this summer, parents ensure that their kids are getting the “smarts” they deserve.
Zach Groshell, Ph.D.
Instructional Coach
Evergreen Middle School
