10/28/22 A Message from Jonathan Davis: Fall Updates & Reminders

Dear Middle School Families,

Here we are at the end of October already. It has been a great start to the school year, and the positive energy from the students is palpable around the Middle School hallways.

As we head into deep fall and cooler temperatures, I wanted to give a few reminders and updates.

*The MS students can wear Halloween costumes on Monday if they would like to.  We have discussed with the students about what accessories they can bring with them to school as part of their costumes.  Of course, the big thing that needs to be left at home are any weapons that would go with the costume (like Stormtrooper guns, swords, etc.)

*We’ve also spoken with the students about “my culture is not your costume.”  Ms. Henry came to our MS assembly Wednesday to talk about how wearing a stereotypical cultural costume can be offensive, and that it is always a good idea to find costumes that are respectful.  I don’t expect this to be an issue, as it hasn’t been in the past, but we wanted to have that conversation with the student body.  If your student has questions about costume choices (accessories or appropriateness), please contact your grade level dean for clarification.

*There is no school next Friday, November 4.  This is a professional day for the teachers to write mid-semester comments.  The comments will provide you and the students with information on what is going well at this point in the year and what needs to be worked on going forward so the student can improve.  

*Middle School comments go out to students on November 10, and families get them the following day.  The comments are written to the student (knowing that families will also be reading them), and arrive the week before mid semester grades.  The goal is to emphasize the process of learning above the current product, which is the grade.

*It’s worth noting that many students are coming to school with Apple watches.  While there are many great uses for these devices, Apple watches can also be very distracting to the wearer in class.  If students do not need to wear them for a specific reason, please feel free to have them keep the watches at home.  If you need to get a hold of your student during the day, please contact Ms. Cebulski rather than texting them on their watch.

*Thanksgiving is coming sooner than we realize, so this is my plug to contact your grade level dean a week ahead of time if you have a planned absence.  Students will get a planned absence form that allows them to know what work will be missed and their responsibilities when they return to campus.  I assume that a few students will miss a day or two around that holiday break.

Wishing you a great weekend.  Hope to see you around campus at some point soon.

Regards,

Jonathan