Reflections...

I have been spending much of my free time thinking through ideas I have for the coming school year. One of these ideas is how I am going to utilize the technology used to create this blog to become a better communicator. I am very excited about this as I realize the possibilities are endless. One of my plans is to use this blog to create and continually update the AP UPDATER newsletter that I implemented this past school year. I have received many positive responses to the UPDATER and I feel that an online version will enable me to "update" the UPDATER almost as events happen.

Below you will find a couple "best of" excerpts from this past years AP UPDATERS.

Again, I look forward to introducing this technology to the entire staff when the 07-08 school year starts.

Hope you are having a great Summer.

From Tuesday, April 3, 2007...

"There are so many great things that happen at Marinette Middle School. We have a great staff, great students (at least the majority) and a great learning environment all of which make coming to school each day worth it. Yesterday Ms. Falkenberg sent a student to me who made a choice to share some information she had learned from a friend over the weekend. This simple choice resulted in making our entire community of Marinette a safer place to live. It’s easy to get burdened with all the negative “stuff” around us. Let’s not forget the great things we do here."

From Wedesday, April 25, 2007...

"Whew!!! Yesterday was quite the day! I dealt with multiple fights, bizarre behaviors and many unreasonable (and a few reasonable) parents. By noon ISS was loaded up to capacity, not counting the 5^th graders I had already spread out in 8^th grade classrooms. Thanks to everyone who helped yesterday afternoon in housing additional ISS students – IT WAS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!! I may enlist your help again today if ISS fills up. I also sent two students home because of continued disruptions in ISS."

From Monday, April 30, 2007...

"Hope everyone had a good weekend! It’s that time of year…CRAZY!!! Last week alone there were 105 infractions written and almost 50 Behavior Referrals. Additionally, I supervised 6 students Saturday morning for “Saturday School”. I wish I had a magic wand to instantly solve the increase in student behaviors that I anticipate as the weather warms up and the school years comes closer to an end…but I do not. Continue to encourage students to make good choices and have a great week."

From Monday, May 7th, 2007...

"Hi. Hope everyone had a great weekend and had a chance to get out on the water for the fishing opener. Last week was a rollercoaster ride. I think I saw more blood from result of fights of Friday then I have all year. I’m not sure this is statistic to jump up and down about, but 1.46% of our total student body is suspended out of school. Have a great Monday!!!"