Madison Middle School

By barsotti_p 　https://blogs.4j.lane.edu/madisonstaff/2023/05/12/may-12th-2023/

Madison Staff,

Here are this week’s updates:

MADISON INFORMATION      

• End of the Year (More Structure versus Less Structure): Please do not let students go to other teachers room unless you have talked to the teacher.  Just writing a note because a student asked is not good.  We have a lot of subs in the building and I feel students are taking advantage. As we get closer to the end of the year, we need more structure than less.
• Staffing Update: I think a new principal has been hired and I am excited to hear the announcement.  I have no insider information of who they hired and waiting just like you.  In addition to the principal, we will be hiring two 7 hour EAs and a PE teacher.  If you know anyone interested, please let them know to be looking at the 4j job listings.  I do not know when they will get posted.
• Welcome Mike Riplinger – We are excited and relieved that Mike will again be joining us all next week, while Peter is in Portland supporting his ailing parents. It’s helpful to have Mike helping out because as the former principal of Awbrey Park, he has a relationship with many of our students and can effectively take on more student-centered issues than a random sub administrator would be able to.     
• Congrats to Robin Wellwood! Our former nurse, Robin Wellwood was recognized last week with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the ACE Awards. Robin was recognized for all her contributions to our school district over her amazing career. Congratulations, Robin! 
      
  

DISTRICT INFORMATION        

• Leadership Plans Postponed: The original plan was to work on next year’s leadership plan this year after school improvement plans were finished. The main team redesigning leadership plans hasn’t finished their work, so the new leadership plan structure will likely be introduced in the fall. The team is working to make compensation more equitable at all levels.      
       
• School Climate Survey: The annual school climate survey will be here soon. The climate survey asks kids about their safety at school, experience with bullying, and if they have trusted adults.  Gina will let us know when and where students will take this survey. We use the results to help us set goals for the following year. 
• Repeat: Upbeat Survey: You should have received a link to the end of year Upbeat Survey last week. It’ll look much the same as last time. We are hoping for 100% completion of the survey, so that everyone’s voice is heard. Submissions are being accepted until next Friday, 5/19.
• May SSD Newsletter: Linked here is this month’s SSD newsletter. It includes information on Transition Services, progress reports, CMA services, and playgrounds.
            

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND OTHER INFORMATION   

• Free Webinar: Zaretta Hammond – SOR + Culturally Responsive Instruction as a Path to Equity: Zaretta Hammond is hosting a free seminar on May 17 at 1pm (definitely not an ideal time) about using SOR alongside Culturally Responsive Instruction to bring truly equitable practices into the classroom. If you register, you’ll get access to a recording of the webinar.
  
  • Want to attend live? Add your name to this Google doc to let us know you’re interested. I’ll do a wheel spinner and we’ll cover two people’s classrooms so you can attend the webinar live with Carla!
        
• A Reminder About Mother’s Day: We have quite a few students who don’t live with their mothers, were removed from their mother’s care, or who have lost their mothers. Please consider shifting “Mother’s Day” themes to “Love Makes a Family” or “Adults I Love” themes. Students can celebrate and recognize any adult who takes care of them. This Welcoming Schools article has some ideas and resources.
       
• Discounts & Freebies for Teacher Appreciation Week: Check out some of the links below for discounts and freebies. There are offers from Applebees, Canva Pro, Adidas, Great Wolf Lodge, and many more.
  • Romper.com = list of deals available
  • Insomnia Cookies = free 6 pack of cookies with any $5 purchase.

Looking Ahead:

We hope you have a wonderful week!

Gina and Peter