Busy, Busy, Busy!

Oh my!  It's been awhile since I've added to the blog!  I've been working with the students and staff in so many great ways lately, let me update you!

5th grade
Approaching Spring Break means getting to know the 5th grade students who will be joining our middle school soon.  I've had the pleasure of talking with staff at Lower School regarding this amazing group of kids coming our way!  I will be visiting the 5th grade group in March to talk about friendships and conflicts.  I am looking forward to talking with them about this issue that is so central to their lives and getting to show them a little bit of what I do in the middle school.

6th grade
Together with our Learning Specialist, Susan Tuncten, I have been working with the 6th grade teachers to develop "mini-lessons" in the Plus Period time for students needing a boost.  We have met with students regarding test taking skills, how to ask for help, how to manage your time, what to do when you are absent, keeping your locker clean and more!  Click here to see a Test Taking Tips document created by some 6th grade students working to improve their test taking skills.

7th grade
I'm very excited to have the chance to talk with the 7th grade next week during the Career Kaleidoscope day.  I'll be meeting with all students at the end of their sessions to recap the day and talk about "The 4 Cs of 21st Century Skills" which are: critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.  We will talk about how those are skills they are learning now and how that prepares them for success later.

8th grade
Last Friday I spent a portion of the day participating in East Asia Day activities.  Together we learned Feng Shui, how to use chopsticks, the art of Ikebana floral arrangements and how to write "horse" in Chinese calligraphy!  Such a fun day!

Earlier this week I had the chance to attend the annual KCPT Technology Conference.  I learned about so many great resources for bullying, college and career readiness, technology in the classroom and diversity awareness.  Now that I've had a couple days to get my head to stop spinning with possibilities, it's time to do some planning to bring in all this new learning I've experienced here to Pembroke Hill.  Better get to work!  Have a great weekend!