We continuing to explore ways to greet each other in the morning, and how to help each other feel an important part of our community.  We had to have some hard talks this week, as mentioned to parents in an email.  I want each of you to know how proud of our Seniors I am.  They were mature, thoughtful, caring, supportive, and full of ideas.  They really seemed to understand the need and rise to the occasion.  That's what being community is all about.

I heard this great segment of "This American Life" this week.  It was all about middle school.  If you have time, listen to a few segments (or the whole thing!) and weigh in below with comments.  What was/is middle school like for you?  The best time of your life?  The worst time?  Somewhere in-between?  Why?

This American Life - 449: Middle School

With our deep talks this week, it was hard to get as much done as we'd planned with our portfolios.  I pushed the deadline back for the final draft of Portfolio covers, although I'm liking the drafts and ideas I saw this week.  We are in the beginning of the process of this year-long project.  It will take hours of work, lots of dedication, organization, reflection, and higher level thinking.  Next week we will start filing work and compiling ideas of what reflecting is all about.

Monday, September 24th

Tuesday, September 25th 
     - Subway Lunch orders due no later than 3:30 p.m. (later orders will not be accepted) – Please pay separate from your pizza order.
     - Homework Club 3-4pm

Wednesday, September 26th 
     - Subway Lunch and Early Release – 1:00 pm
     - Pizza orders and money due no later than 1:30 p.m.  (late orders will not be accepted)
     - 4th – 8th Grade Assembly in the Gym from 8:20 to 9:15 a.m.

 Thursday, September 27th 

 Friday, September 28th  
     - Pizza Lunch
     - Homework Club 3-4pm

Looking Ahead
 
·         October 2nd , 3:15 p.m.: MRA Booster Meeting at MRA
·         October 4th: Parent Math Night
·         October 5th:  Jogathon and HoopAThon
·         October 9th, 6:30 p.m.: MRA Board Meeting
·         Week of October 15th: Book Fair
·         October 19th: No School State Wide Inservice
·         October 20th : Harvest Festival
·         October 31th: Teacher Planning Day - No School
·         November 1st and 2nd: Parent Teacher Conferences - No School
·         T-Shirt Sale: MRA t-shirts are uniform approved. We will be selling shirts with the MRA Logo and the new mascot in October