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Principal Zeman's Notes
November 10, 2023
End of Quarter
As we wrap up first quarter and start second quarter on Tuesday, please remind your students to check their schedules for their new quarter class.
Tardies
All students are expected to be punctual to each class and have less than four tardies per quarter. In order for our students to succeed, we want to make sure they are present in all of their classes. Our building has seen great success in meeting this objective, and we want to continue this as we head into second quarter. If a student has four or more tardies in a quarter, a consequence may be issued which could include, but is not limited to, detention, student conference, parent conference and/or loss of privileges.
Cell Phones (Repeat)
As part of our ongoing effort to create a focused and productive learning environment, we have a strict policy in place that prohibits students from using cell phones in classrooms and during school hours. We would like to share some important points with you regarding the use of cell phones during the school day (according to the ISD 728 Middle School Handbook).
Minimizing Distractions: Phones can be a major distraction for students, making it challenging for them to concentrate on their lessons. We believe that by limiting phone usage, we can enhance the overall learning experience for our students.
Encouraging Responsibility: We kindly request your assistance in encouraging your child to leave their phone at home or securely stored in their locker during the school day. This helps instill a sense of responsibility and ensures that they can fully engage in their studies.
Emergencies: In case of emergencies, we ask that you reach out to the school office rather than contacting your child on his/her cell phone. Our office staff will promptly assist you and ensure that your child receives any necessary messages or assistance.
Health Concerns: If your child experiences any health-related issues during the school day, please advise them to go to the health office. Our Health Services Assistant will assess their condition and make informed decisions regarding their well-being.
Your Support Matters: We genuinely appreciate your support in adhering to these guidelines. By working together, we can maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all students.
Ultimately, we want our students to be safe and successful. Cell phones are extremely powerful tools, but it has been our experience that they can do a lot more harm than good in a classroom setting. Below is a TED talk by Rick Wisocki who I had the pleasure of seeing present at a National School Resource Officer (NASRO) Conference a couple years ago. It is about eleven minutes long, but it is eye opening. As a parent, I think it is valuable to know how to best keep our children safe in an online world as I did not grow up in their world.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that our school remains a place where students can thrive academically. If you have any questions or concerns about our phone practices, please feel free to reach out to our school office.
AirPods
We would like to encourage all students to keep their AirPods at home. AirPods have been one of the most commonly lost items at VMS, and we understand that they can be quite expensive to replace.
While technology can be a helpful tool, students do not need to use AirPods at school. In fact, using them during class time can be distracting and disruptive to the learning environment. We have a responsibility to create a focused and inclusive educational setting for all students.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Your support is essential in helping us maintain a positive and productive school environment.
Students of the Week
Article/ Tip of the Week
Important Dates
November 13, No School - Teacher Workshop Day
November 15, 7:00 - Tri-Elk-a-Thon Planning Meeting
November 22, No School - Teacher Comp Day
November 23-24, No School - Fall Break
November 30, 7:00 - 6th Grade Band & Choir Concert
December 4, No School - Staff Development Day
December 7, 7:00 - 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert