Sharing Best Practices

At Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, our staff is working on new ways to share best practices in an effort to build our Professional Learning Community. At MEH, we have started using digital pictures and blogs to share ideas about great lessons and effective teaching practices. As I continue to do reading for my current research class I get great ideas that I can share. However, today I want to share with parents. At the last PTA meeting, the Falls Church Community Center presented their programs and services for both students and parents. Perhaps the most interesting thing for me was the parental interest in sharing and offerings for parents. As I researched middle school block scheduling and effective middle schools, I came across several articles outlining what the experts felt to be key indicators. However, what I noticed was missing, was the parent piece. In a school planning meeting and at the PTA meeting, we talked about the importance of parental involvement and expectations from parents as such a pivotal part of the middle school experience. This brings me to two points. 1. Parents, we love having you as part of our organization. We are always looking for volunteers - please come in and volunteer or just sit down and eat lunch with your student. 2. Read, read, read. There are many books that help parents deal with adolescence and the ever changing middle school child. Encourage your children to read as well. I am sure that many of you already know who Steven Covey is. If not, I am sure that you have at least heard of his 7 Habits. The Covey family has now written books for Teens (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens) as well as for the whole family. (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families). These are just 2 books from many that help parents and families.