Dr. McCarty's Blog

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2011-01-05T14:07:00.001-05:00

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A Wonderful First Day

2010-09-07T19:48:00.000-04:00

We had a great first day at MEH today. It was invigorating to see all of the students and students in classrooms creating a lively learning environment. Thank you to all of the teachers, parents, students, and members of our community who always make the first day of school so special!

A Book Discussion with my Nephew

2010-08-14T10:06:00.005-04:00

Last night I had a conversation with my nephew who is already back in school. We talked about the opening days and how things were going. We also had a conversation about the books that he was reading. He explained that reading wasn't really fun for him and that he didn't particularly enjoy the classroom library. To further his frustration, every time he went to the public library, every copy of the Wimpy Kid was either checked out or lost. He was convinced that they were never going to have that book. I asked him one easy question: "If you were reading books about football or things that you liked, you would read more of them?" And from the mouth of a 3rd grader, "Well of course!" Something for us to think about is student interest and empowerment when it comes to learning and materials. My nephew is only 8, but I think he speaks for kids everywhere - please, give me a choice and I will show greater interest. My charge to anyone who works with children, think about appropriate times and places where they can have a choice. Empowerment is a wonderful tool. I know it works on me!

Invigorating Meeting

2010-08-09T19:26:00.003-04:00

Today I met with our Literacy Team to plan our upcoming professional development and walked away even more excited about our venture into Reader's Workshop. Based on the work of Laura Robb, MEHMS teachers will go through ongoing professional development to prepare teachers to take on the task of implementation. Over the summer, teachers have read Teaching Reading in Middle School and Bringing Words to Life. Two wonderful books about strategic reading curriculum and robust vocabulary instruction. I am looking forward to Ms. Piscopo taking over as the Word Wizard. It is going to be a great year at MEH!

National Middle School Leadership Institute

2010-07-29T09:12:00.003-04:00

This past month, a team of MEH instructional leaders had the opportunity to attend the National Middle School Association Leadership Institute in Williamsburg. Our team was able to collaborate, deliberate, and most importantly learn from other middle level educators. Mr. Dippold and I had the please of being teamed with Mr. Juan Rodriguez as our Super Team Leader. We were able to learn more about leadership and how to transform schools to meet the needs of all students. It was an exceptional experience.

The institute is designed to meet the needs of middle level leaders through responsive planning and class sessions. Furthermore, the institute is completely designed through the lens of This We Believe. Anyone who has read this blog, knows that this is perhaps one of my favorite books. I challenge anyone to read this publication and argue that anything in it is not good for young adolescents. In fact, NMSA has taken out the word school on their newest edition because they believe that their recommendations are appropriate for anyone who works or spends time around young adolescents. If you have not read this book, I encourage you to do so. It will change and enrich your perspective and thinking about young adolescents and their specific needs.

Changing pedagogical practices - a reflection

2010-06-05T07:55:00.003-04:00

When we read a professional journal or a curriculum book, how does it change our thinking and what we do in the classroom? Do we try to think about what we are already doing and make it fit to that, or do we think about how to change current practices? My guess is that unfortunately, we fall into the comfort of the first. Why? Change is hard. The period of disequilibrium that is created when learning something new is so uncomfortable that as adults, we find it difficult to approach. Isn't it just easier to do what we have always done - that is our comfort zone after all. I say no. Every day we are stretching the minds of our young adolescents and asking them to change their thinking and ways of doing things; therefore, we as adults should model this as well. I do think that educators can fall prey to calling techniques different things or making them appear to be the latest and greatest. I believe that we go back to these words: developmentally appropriate. If we teach and build our repertoire from those two words, we will make our decisions with instructional integrity rendering a product that is in the best interest of students. All this to say, the next time you read your favorite educational piece, think about its root, its purpose, and how it applies to the development of the age of student with whom you are working. Keeping this in mind will make that element of change a bit easier. Our students continually change - so must we. How boring life would be without it.

Back to blogging..............................

2010-05-23T10:04:00.002-04:00

I must admit that the craziness of the busy school year and the dissertation writing took me away from keeping up with this blog. Now that the dissertation is done it is time to get back into this great habit. Throughout this year, we have learned about differentiated instruction; more of building the differentiation toolbox. The staff has learned a variety of reading strategies for multiple content areas as well as learned some very cool engagement strategies from our Math specialist. But what makes this unique? Nothing.
Mixed ability classrooms are a huge component of Middle School programs and teachers face this every day. Just like the sizes of middle school students vary, so do their learning styles and speeds. One could argue that those who teach young adolescents have one of the hardest jobs in education. I would agree. Being a Middle School educator means that you understand and accept the social, emotional, and academic roller coaster and are able to keep the car on the tracks. It is not an easy job, but it is a rewarding job. Young adolescents are some of the most impressionable people and as adults we can have a profound impact on their lives both in and out of the classroom.

I made it.......

2010-04-17T08:47:00.002-04:00

For anyone who has stuck with reading this blog while I have had it, you know that this is a combination of both work and school. I have discussed many of the things I learned in my research and studies that were applicable to the middle school setting. The good news is that I successfully defended my dissertation and am now officially Dr. McCarty. The hard part now is figuring out what I am going to do with all of the time I used to spend writing. I guess I keep writing! But first, I will complete some projects around the house.

Spring Weather

2010-03-21T20:14:00.002-04:00

I realized today just how long it had been since I blogged. It is hard to believe how quickly time flies when you are busy. This is our last week before spring break! Take some time to relax and enjoy the weather, and of course, the cherry blossoms. This is a busy time of year for students as we begin to work on transition and getting ready for next year. Make sure you get plenty of rest to keep up with everything that is going on at school.

Another wonderful show!

2010-02-27T21:50:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to all cast and crew of Music Man Jr that performed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The show was full of wonderful singing and lots of laughs. A special thank you to Mrs. Piscopo who takes on the task of making this special for all of the students involved. Another thank you to all of the parents who helped with rehearsals, costumes, and general support. The effort put into to making a production like this successful is simply amazing.

Snow, snow, and then more snow.....oh wait

2010-02-11T08:11:00.002-05:00

I have to honestly say that I don't know that I have seen snow happen like this in my lifetime. Growing up in the Midwest, you just get used to snow - from November to at least March, there is always a chance of snow and more than likely, some on the ground. Getting 4-6 inches only adds to what you already have on the ground - not really a big deal. However, over the past couple of months, the DC area has experienced 3 blizzards. While I think everyone is tired of digging out and shoveling, there is an upside to all of this madness. How many of you have caught up on necessary tasks? How many have spent more quality time with your loved ones than you ever thought you would? So in the grand scheme of things, we will continue to marvel at what mother nature has given us, but let's focus on this gift of time.

Time and Reflection

2010-02-06T09:34:00.003-05:00

Anyone who knows me as a school leader knows that I think second most precious resource is time - children are first. It seems that the winter snow has interrupted our time more than we care to talk about. However, while the students are busy enjoying this time sledding, snow boarding, or playing video games, faculty has been busy catching up with everything they wish they had time to do in the regular day. This past Monday, the teachers created a visual of how they use their time in their block periods. In turn, 7th grade students reflected on how they use their time during the day. This exercise, while a bit abstract and frightening, is worthwhile because it helps us focus and think about how we use our time. In education, there a plenty of studies done on time and how to use it effectively to help students. And self help authors will help us organize our lives to "maximize" our time. So, as the snow continues to fall and your car gets deeper into the depths of snow, think about how you will use this time. Make time for reflection - you will find that it can be a worthwhile activity helping you to prioritize and use your time better.

Romeo? Juliet? Julius?

2010-01-07T19:55:00.002-05:00

This has been a wonderful week of students participating in our Artist in Residency program and rehearsing for the performance tomorrow. We are looking forward to seeing our young artists perform various Shakespeare scenes! A special thank you to our PTA for making the AIR possible. Another special thank you to the parents who volunteered this week to help keep the sessions moving and supervising students.

Get those alarm clocks ready

2010-01-03T10:17:00.001-05:00

The end of winter break means we have to bring back out those alarm clocks for that early start time. Make sure you relax today Huskies and get to bed plenty early tonight. Hopefully, the Sunday night jitters won't keep you up. See you early tomorrow!

New Year's Resolutions

2009-12-30T23:35:00.002-05:00

Huskies,

It is that infamous time of year when we resolve to do things better, look at things differently, and set new goals for ourselves. As we begin the new calendar year think about how your want your new year to be - what will you do to make it different? better? What new goals will you set for yourself? I encourage students to think about the pledge you made at the beginning of our learning new year to make it a better year - are you still doing the things you said you would? Help us in making the rest of this learning year more fulfilling with your new year's goals and resolutions.

Real World Math Problem for Huskies for break!

2009-12-22T18:11:00.005-05:00

As we continue to explore the IBMYP, our questions become bigger and more relevant for our students. So today I pose this STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and Physical Education question to the MEH community (or DC community at large).

If a metropolitan city, like DC, were to get 20 inches of snow in less than 24 hours, what would be the best way to remove it given that the temperature stays close to or below freezing?

Things to remember and think about:
Parking lots are limited
Equipment
A lot of people park on the street - what happens to them?
How much snow can you move in an hour?
What will be your equipment of choice?

Happy thinking! Have a great break Huskies!

Questioning

2009-12-19T09:09:00.003-05:00

This year I have had a lot of conversations around the art of questioning. We often don't think about how we phrase our questions, we just ask them. But think about the power of purposeful questioning. Francis Hunkins states that "In a classroom atmosphere conducive to good questions and questioning, students realize a shared responsibility for their learning." Questions are a data gathering tool that can be used to guide instruction as well as provide insight to student schemas and understandings. When I attended the MYP Level I workshop, we did some extensive work on framing questions to guide curricular units and lessons, to which we were not allowed to lead the learner. Rather, foster the idea that there are no wrong answers. In fact, this is an integral part of the IB Mission statement noting that people, with their differences, can be right. Purposeful questioning allows us to provide rigor in the classroom through inquiry and advanced thinking - something we want for every student. The best part: it can be tailored to meet the needs of every student.
Want to know more, I recommend:
Quality Questioning - Research-Based Practice to Engage Every Learner by Jackie Walsh and Beth Sattes
or
Transforming the Classroom with Effective Questioning Practices

Principal's Coffee

2009-12-16T22:11:00.002-05:00

A special thank you to the parents who were able to attend today's coffee. I had a conversation with our PTA president after and she noted that while the subjects we talked about were "hot" topics, the type of discourse we had today helps us continue to make change and be a more responsive school. Talking about and implementing change is never easy and doing it is even more difficult. However, this is how we make progress!

Music, Music, Everywhere!

2009-12-15T15:16:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder for parents that tonight marks the start of our Concert Season. Come and listed to the beautiful voices of our 5th, 6th, 7th, and combined choirs. I got a preview today at lunch. A show sure to please.

Reindeer Romp

2009-12-05T12:25:00.001-05:00

This morning I participated in the Girls On Track Reindeer Romp at Reston Town Center. What a powerful event to see girls and their buddy runners out there in the cold striving to make it to the finish line. We are very proud of all of the MEH runners! They did a fantastic job running and had fun while doing so. Thank you to all of the adults who helped out either running, volunteering, or holding antlers!

Lesson Planning is a behind the scenes art form.

2009-11-21T10:02:00.002-05:00

I have been working on the results section of my dissertation and currently answering my research question on how teachers deliver developmentally appropriate instruction to middle school students during a block period. It seems the resounding answer is just three words: quality lesson planning. One of my favorite middle school gurus is Rick Wormeli who stated "extensive planning is essential for effective block schedule instruction." In his book Meet Me in the Middle, Wormeli discusses the challenges teachers face, but provides real examples to assist teachers with this large task called lesson planning. If you have ever planned a lesson, you know exactly how difficult it can be to make sure it is successful. I think Wormeli's take on the behind the scenes effort based on knowing your students and planning lessons that give all students access to the curriculum in a format that is engaging to them is the key to success.

Second Quarter Begins

2009-11-15T09:40:00.002-05:00

It is hard to believe that the 2nd quarter is already starting. It seems like we just finished with the first week of school. Remember to stay focused and keep up the good habits that your learned and practiced during the first quarter.

Report cards come home Friday!

Husky Spirit Week

2009-11-01T08:49:00.008-05:00

Huskies - show your crazy school spirit by participating in Spirit Week Activities

Monday Is Crazy Sock Day

Tuesday is Wear Your Favorite Sports/Team Day

Wednesday is Crazy Hat Day

Thursday is Crazy Hair Day

Friday is Husky Spirit or Blue and Green Day

The Art of Adult Learning

2009-10-31T10:57:00.002-04:00

As educators, we frequently focus just on our students and how they learn best. But the adult learning is just as important. Through my reading and research, I have found that the adult learning styles can be drastically different than students. Furthermore, adults, because we are older and a little more set in our ways, are not necessarily as adaptable as students. So as an instructional leader, it is important to realize that with my staff comes a host of different learning styles ( much like a classroom). So the question becomes, how do we do professional development so that it meets the needs of every learner. How many times, as an adult, have you walked into a training and you sit in front of a power point and "learn." Is this similar to the "old school" version of teaching and learning when the teacher lectured and the students took notes? No matter who we work with, we have to create the experience so that it is conducive to their learning. Empower the learning, get them involved, and most of all, personalize their learning.

Top 4 technology needs..............................

2009-10-18T11:24:00.002-04:00

Mr. Sparrgrove asked me this week, what are the top 4 technology needs for school administrators. It made me really think about what I use to help make me more effective. My list was quite simple: a land line phone, a computer, a lap top, and a camera. I told him if I could add a 5th it would be a walkie talkie. My motivation behind most of them was ability to communicate, document, and ensure safety. I have shared my thoughts with Mr. Sparrgrove several times that I fear that technology has moved us away from person to person interactions, which I feel is a huge part of my daily life. How often have you written an email or received and email and you just aren't sure how the other person wanted those words to sound? While I love technology, I encourage everyone to take some time to think about his question. I know that successful principals conducted business with very little technology, but were they more efficient? or did they have better relationships? or is it both?

Perhaps one of my favorite authors.........

2009-10-03T10:44:00.004-04:00

Along with Jonathan Kozol, Alfie Kohn is one of my favorite educational writers. He is not afraid to challenge our current thinking and push to move education forward - all while keeping students first. In his book, The Schools Our Children Deserve, Kohn challenges current myths and practices of the educational system charging educators with creating classrooms where children flourish under the less traditional teaching practices.
If you have been reading this blog, it is no secret that I am a fan of Constructivism in the classroom. My dissertation journey and a former colleague lead me to this book. Kohn encourages teachers to think outside of the traditional box and think about children as more than receptacles of knowledge. He wants us to think about students in terms of what they know, but also what they don't know - and to provide them with instruction that brings them to understanding - not simply memorization. While controversial, this book is a tremendous read for anyone embarking on leaving the traditional classroom behind and working toward making it an holistic endeavor that meets the needs of children and challenges them simultaneously.

BTSN Success

2009-09-26T13:16:00.001-04:00

It was great seeing all of the parents at Back to School Night on Thursday. The night was filled with excitement and positive energy. It is always fun to see parents as they live a day in the life of a Husky. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as we enjoyed having you.

A Great First Week

2009-09-12T09:48:00.002-04:00

To all Parents, Students, and Staff:

Thank you for a wonderful first week. It was great to have students back in the building reminding us why we are educators. We plan all summer for students to return, but having them back makes all of the difference. It was nice to see so many parents at our Back to School Social and all of the parents who have already dedicated time to volunteer to make sure our opening week was a success.

Sunday Night Jitters

2009-08-29T18:25:00.003-04:00

It is that time of year again where I successfully start the the Sunday Night Insomnia in anticipation of the next school day. I ran into a parent at Giant the other day and she was glad to hear that the principal suffers from the same problem as her child. I said, absolutely! Sunday nights have not gotten any easier since I was in middle school myself. I hope this is not the case for all of you, but if you do have a hard time going to bed on a Sunday school night, you are not alone. My fix is to watch TV or read a good book.

Welcome New Staff

2009-08-21T20:27:00.003-04:00

On Monday, our new staff will officially join us MEHMS. However, most of them have already been in the building working.

Returning to FCCPS, from Fairfax schools is Tish Pugh, our new counseling secretary. She has been busy with registrations and making sure files are in order.

New from Atlanta, is Felicia Mormon, our new Finance/Assistant Principal Secretary. She has been busy ordering teacher supplies and making sure Ms. Lovette is ready to go for this year.

New from New York City Public Schools, is Maureen Warfield, our new 7th Grade Spanish Teacher. She is coming to us with middle school experience and an enthusiasm for foreign language.

And all the way over from George Mason High School, is Chin Mah, our new 7th Grade French Teacher. She has been teaching 8th Grade French at Mason for a couple of years and is excited to be working with the students she will have next year.

Sadly, we say good bye to long time 5th grade teacher Lisa Mueller, but gladly welcome Gillian Thomson. Ms. Mueller has been granted the honor of participating in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program and is swapping lives with Ms. Thomson. Ms. Mueller will be teaching all subjects in a small school in Scotland and Ms. Thomson takes over on the 5th Grade Team. We are excited for both teachers and the rich experience this will be for them both personally and professionally. Congrats to Lisa Mueller for this great achievement. We welcome Ms. Thomson and wish Ms. Mueller all the best on her travels in Scotland!

Gearing Back Up

2009-08-15T19:55:00.002-04:00

We are on the horizon of a new year! I must admit that this is probably my favorite time of year. Teachers begin coming back into the building and preparing everything for students. It is a sight to see classrooms get decorated and furniture moved to just the right configuration.
Parents be on the look out for the Back to School Husky Happenings - it will have all of the information you need to get the year started. Mark your calendar for the Back to School Social for Wednesday September 3, 2009 @ 6:00. A reminder that PE uniforms will be on sale in the Cafetorium and sales will end at 6:45. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

This We Believe

2009-08-04T21:28:00.001-04:00

I know that I have blogged about this book before, but here I am again writing about this wonderful publication. I was reminded at the Middle School Conference about the importance of this book and its implications for middle grades reform and helping those who work with the middle grades (5-8) to better understand their needs and how to meet them. To learn more about the 14 characteristics of effective middle schools check out this site.

Education Data Systems

2009-07-30T17:10:00.001-04:00

Today in class we talked about data systems and the role of the state in data systems. How do we determine if our students are successful? How do we decide what gets shared and with who? Students are more than numbers so why have numbers become so important? As educators, we need to know what students don't know so that we can teach them what they need to know - it sounds very involved and I think data gets us there, we just can't lose the story in the process.

National Middle School Leadership Institute

2009-07-22T06:36:00.003-04:00

This week I have been attending the NMSA Leadership Institute - this has been a wonderful professional development experience. It is nice to be in a room with 200 other middle school people talking about the issues that adolescent children face and getting new ideas about how to do things. This weeks institute has focused heavily on Advisory, Formative Assessment, and Parent Engagement - 3 very important things. I am looking forward to getting back and meeting with our PTA President and generating some ideas around parent information, parent volunteering, and parent engagement!

"Dancing Through the Walls"

2009-07-15T21:35:00.005-04:00

The ENCORE Team is looking forward to piloting Arts Integration at 5th grade next year. This book, written in 1993, does a beautiful job of teaching teachers how to create lessons that connect the arts with other subject areas. Brain research tells us that middle school children perform when their subjects are connected to each other and they can cluster information. What a great way to enhance learning through creativity and a different form of expression. To learn more about the adolescent brain read this article by Eric Jensen.

What does the Washington Post say about the teenage brain?

Summer School Success

2009-07-10T21:47:00.002-04:00

Students have complete their first week of summer school. Students are given time to review Math and Language Arts concepts as well as receive enrichment in Science. Both teachers are students are enjoying the relaxing pace and smaller class sizes!

Summer Work

2009-07-09T10:23:00.004-04:00

We are busy this summer at MEH working on several new initiatives. Most notable among these is a switch over to a new student information system, a website redesign, and a revamp of our Stretch and Challenge class. This past spring we completed ANGEL training for teachers and parents will see a greater presence of this technology throughout the school. I am looking forward to watching all of these revised pieces come together to help our students!

Professional Development Tool

2009-06-25T21:29:00.002-04:00

Dr. Brott sent me a very cool professional development planning tool, from ASCD of course, today to assist with dissertation study. A quick and easy way to do a needs assessment for your school or your division. ASCD continually provides great resources for teachers and school leaders to improve instruction, assessment, and student achievement.

One Last Bus Loop

2009-06-18T15:51:00.000-04:00

MEH staff did a final bus loop wave as students left to begin their summer vacation. Thank you to all staff, students, and parents for making this such a great year!

Dissertation Reflection

2009-06-13T10:16:00.002-04:00

If you follow my twitter, you will know that I have been working on and revising Chapter 3 for quite some time now (at least it feels that way to me). Every time I work on it, the document gets better and more cohesive - as it should. However, I feel like I am never going to get out of the editing hole. Is this how people end up spending 10 years working on their doctorate? I am still in love with my topic and my dissertation committee is fantastic, which I am told is a big help. I understand how senior IB students feel as they are working on that 4000 word extended essay! I guess I have to think about the advice I would give to my students - nothing like giving yourself your own advice. So now I will stop procrastinating and get back to work. Time to focus!

Student Recognition

2009-06-11T20:49:00.003-04:00

Today at MEHMS, we hosted our Annual Awards Ceremony where we recognized students for attendance, citizenship, scholarship, and academic excellence. Additionally, 2 students were chosen from each grade level as the Husky Award Winners representing MEHMS as outstanding students/citizens. Other recognitions included Odyssey of the Mind, Math Olympiad, Science Fair, National History Day, Project Citizen, Poetry Slam, and several Writing contests. Thank you to all of the parents who attended today's assembly - it was great seeing so many of you there. Thank you to Mr. Levock who organized and facilitated today's event.

8 Days Left

2009-06-08T20:48:00.001-04:00

It is hard to believe that we only have 8 days left of school. Field Trips, Concerts, and School activities abound us at MEHMS. I am looking forward to Field Day on Monday the 15th. I am looking most forward to the Slip N Slide relay races - a special request on my behalf.

Does technology make you slower or faster?

2009-06-05T23:20:00.002-04:00

As I was working on my Chapter 3 this evening, I needed to recreate a flow chart that was in the book that I was reading. I attempted to do it in Word, but couldn't get a circle. I opened Excel and the flow chart option wasn't working in the program and who knows where the original installation disc is! I understand that part of this is probably my fault because I do need to upgrade my computer, but old habits die hard and it just isn't the right time. So I took to looking for free templates online because Mr. Sparrgrove is always talking up the free things on the internet and how easy it can make life. What I had to decide after trying out several searches and one free download later, was I ever going to get what I really needed? And, how long would it take? Do I really have the patience to sift through the www to find one flow chart maker? After 30 minutes, I gave up. I decided that the original pic I created in Word would work for now and I was losing precious minutes that I should be writing. So my reflection for this entry, did the technology help or hinder my process? I can't say either way, because as I was searching I came across this very cool website that would be an invaluable tool for teachers and students. Maybe I didn't get what I was looking for right then, but possibly something I can use in the future.

The Johari Window

2009-05-29T21:08:00.003-04:00

While I was doing a bit of reading about action research, I came across some exercises, most specifically one about the learning window - derived from the Johari Window. This was a blast from the past, given that my first experience with the Johari Window was in my Interpersonal Communications Class that I had to take at BGSU. So what is the Johari Window? Developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham, the Johari Window is a model of self-disclosure that shows how much one does and does not disclose to others. I remember this being a point of teasing with my brother and me while we were both attending BG. Now that I am using it in my research and everyday work, it is more than a funny interaction or a 4 square theory!

Welcoming Rising 5th Grade Students

2009-05-27T20:34:00.000-04:00

I had a great time welcoming our rising 5th grade students on Tuesday. Currently TJ Tigers, the future huskies asked great questions and took a tour of the building. Students also participated in a panel discussion with current 5th grade students. All in all, it was a successful visit. I am looking forward to seeing all of their happy faces when they officially arrive in September!

Written in 1969 and still true..................

2009-05-20T08:28:00.002-04:00

Along with the other books I am reading, I picked up Freedom to Learn by Carl Rogers. Perhaps the most interesting part of this book is its date of origination and practical application to today. Revised in 1994, reading today seems like Rogers and Freiberg are sitting in classrooms as I write. I came to know of Freedom to Learn after working with the Consistency Management/Cooperative Discipline Program used by Project Grad. I was reviewing old materials and came across my CMCD manual which indicated its basis on this book. My natural curiosity kicked in and away to Amazon I went. I began reading the book on a flight to Ohio, where I just happened to be sitting next to 2 high school students. I shared some of the ideas in the book with them to get their input - asking them if the "things students want in their schools" was still applicable today. They absolutely agreed! I told them the book was written in 1994....the response "Wow, that was a really long time ago!" After I got over my feeling of being old, I thanked them for their input and was reassured that my take on the book was relevant. While this book reads like a text book, I recommend it to anyone who is looking to improve the culture and climate of their school community and foster the elements of Constructivist learning.

The Latest Read

2009-05-18T19:03:00.003-04:00

Getting ready to start Summer Session I at Virginia Tech and Dr. Eller assigned this book. Perhaps my favorite part is the section on laughter and cheerfulness and its effective place in leadership!

Recognizing Special People in FCCPS

2009-05-07T21:00:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to all of those who were recognized at today's Agnes Meyer and Support Staff recognition awards ceremony. Amy Harding-Wright and Larry Allen were recognized this evening. A special congrats to Mr. Allen as he is our "Band Aid" and provides a silent force behind the success of our music programs in FCCPS.

A congratulations to John Levock, MEHMS principal's secretary, and 6th Grade Teacher Karen Post for their nominations as well. I know MEHMS would not be the place it is without them.

Staff Appreciation Week

2009-05-05T19:52:00.000-04:00

This week marks the tradition Teacher Appreciation Week. However, I prefer to use this week as staff appreciation. In a school it takes everyone to make the organization work efficiently to meet the needs of students - for that I celebrate not only our teachers, but the entire staff. A special thank you to the PTA for making this week extra special with their surprises and showering of gifts. It is great to see parents come out to support all of MEHMS!

Do deadlines work?

2009-05-02T11:01:00.002-04:00

I have often asked myself, how many people actually stick to deadlines? In education, we are bound by deadlines and time frames. We expect that our students will hand in their work on time, but do we apply the same standards to ourselves? I know that there are a lot of days when I leave the school building with things left to do on my plate and my desk very messy. There are days that I am okay with that, and then others that I wish there were a specific deadline where I would have to clean up everything. If I ever master this, I will write a book about it.
This past week, I talked with my dissertation chair and for the first time, we set a deadline for me. Dr. Glenn is not a fan of setting deadlines as he always encourages us to pace ourselves. However, I must admit that for once, I actually enjoyed setting a deadline.

Box Tops

2009-04-25T09:14:00.002-04:00

Remember to bring in your Box Tops - an easy way to raise funds for MEHMS one dime at a time!

Ms. White made it her personal goal to collect 2009 box tops this year!

A Great Guide for Dissertation Writing

2009-04-22T21:40:00.003-04:00

In my doctoral cohort, we have had many discussion about just getting something down on paper. One sentence, one paragraph, whatever it may be - something that you can revise. As you know, I am currently working on Chapters 1 & 3 and have found myself on a roller coaster of productive/nonproductive writing. I found this book, started reading, and it has helped me get my focus back. This is an easy read and, in my opinion, does a great job of lining out different methodologies, data collections, and components of the various chapters. I would recommend this to anyone who may have fallen off the writing wagon and needs to get back on, or possibly just needs a little refocusing.

Welcoming Future Huskies

2009-04-22T21:36:00.001-04:00

A special thank you to all of the parents who attended last night's Rising 5th Grade Parent Night. The night was fun, energetic, and informational. After receiving feedback from parents, we changed our format significantly and parents appreciated the change. I am looking forward to meeting our rising 5th grade students. Go Huskies!

Another Great Book from the NMSA!

2009-04-18T08:56:00.003-04:00

Over the next few weeks, all MEHMS teachers will be reading this book from the National Middle School Association. This short read is packed full of fantastic ideas for structuring the enrichment and remediation period. It is important that adolescent students find a connection with one or more of their teachers/staff and this book provides a framework to help facilitate that relationship. Built around the ASCA model, the suggested activities, planned by grade level teams and encore, focus on the Academic, Social, and Emotional learning needs of all students.

Grade Level Meetings Today

2009-04-13T14:54:00.002-04:00

As you know, middle school is a difficult time for a large part of the population. Students begin figuring out their friendship groups, establishing their own identity, and asserting themselves. An added layer to that is the use of technology and social networking. Today at MEH, we held grade level meetings to talk about our 3 rules of Respect: Respect Yourself, Respect Others, and Respect our Shared Environment. The second portion of today's meetings was an educational talk about bullying/cyberbullying and the law, and the various roles that students take on in the bullying process. Students were given tips and suggestions on how to handle these situations and change behaviors. The third portion of the meeting was about making good decisions presented by Coach Vicki Galliher from GMHS and Officer Steve Rau. Overall, the meetings went well and students walked away with a lot of valuable and helpful information. These meetings were also followed up with targeted activities and question/answer sessions that teachers lead during Stretch and Challenge.

Some great informational sites relating to these topics:

Interactive Cyberbullying Information
Bully Police USA for Virginia
FCCPS Student Code of Conduct
Internet Safety Information

An Excellent Read for Teachers!

2009-04-11T10:16:00.004-04:00

After attending the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principal's conference, Ms. Lovette came back with this book. At MEH, we have been exploring different ways to procure and preserve instructional time in order to best serve our students. After reading Time To Teach! I would recommend this book to every teacher on staff (and parents too). Time To Teach! is a school wide discipline program focused on using positive, yet consistent, messages to teach and improve student behavior. To learn more about the Center for Teacher Effectiveness, Time To Teach!, and its authors click here: Time to Teach!

Do you Tweet?

2009-04-09T21:51:00.003-04:00

Did you know that you can find several MEHMS Staff Members as well as get up to date information from FCCPS by following us on Twitter. If you are feeling a little out of the loop and not quite sure what Twitter is check it out here: http://twitter.com/about#about

Spring Break

2009-04-08T19:23:00.001-04:00

While it is not that fun to be working while everyone else is playing, I have been able to get so much accomplished the past couple of days. Work without interruptions - what an interesting concept!

Blossoms and Sunshine

2009-04-04T16:18:00.003-04:00

Took today off to go downtown and enjoy the fantastic weather and the beautiful cherry blossoms. It is nice to see the sun and feel like spring has finally arrived. I hope all staff, parents, and students are taking time to relax and recharge over the break.

Principal's Coffee and Parent Volunteering

2009-04-01T19:52:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all of the parents who came to our record breaking Principal's Coffee last week. It was great hearing from you and getting your input on volunteering. We are looking forward to getting parents in to help out with a variety of activities and partnering with you in this educational process.

Remember to join our Mary Ellen Henderson PTA Google Group to keep informed and updated.

Community Spirit

2009-03-22T22:04:00.001-04:00

It was great to see how many people came out for the March Madness event. What an overwhelming feeling to see so many students and parents in one place! A special shout out to the middle school students and the amount of school spirit they showed Friday night!

Authentic Assessment

2009-03-18T20:50:00.002-04:00

Today, K-12 Math CIRT Janet Weber presented to others about Authentic Assessment. Thea idea of real world problem solving seems easy enough, but when truly applied can be very difficult and thought provoking. In his research, Jean Piaget defined egocentric in the preoperational stage, but reiterated that during the stages of concrete and formal operation we can see the egocentricism resurface; however with more finesse in terms of fairness, justice, and the ability to hypothesize. Given that knowledge, it would only make sense that we would create assessments in a way where the students understand the relevance and can apply it to their lives.

To learn more about what the Nation Middle School Association says about Assessment-Authentic Assessment click here.

Dissertation Reflection on Assessment

2009-03-16T22:06:00.004-04:00

At MEH we often talk about different types of assessment. Assessments can tell us if our students are learning what we are teaching and are they able to make real world connections. Recently, we have discussed using questioning as a form of assessment. Questioning is a great tool to gain insight as to student understanding as well as a way to keep instruction focused and moving forward. Brooks and Brooks have written several books and articles about creating and maintaining Constructivist Classrooms. Perhaps their best advice to teachers is to never say "no" to a student who is answering a question. The answers students gives us to questions helps us understand what they know and what is their understanding. By allowing students to answer question, we understand what schemas they have and how to scaffold learning experiences for them.

Click here to learn about Brooks/Brooks - Assessment in Constructivist Classrooms

A Busy Time of Year

2009-03-15T20:24:00.002-04:00

I have been feeling like there is not enough time in the day to get even half of the things I need to get done. Of course, that is nothing new, but it seems to be more than usual. This weekend I decided to try and get some perspective on this and sit back and try to relax. This was not easy for me, but I do feel like I am going into this next week a bit more rested. Make sure you take time to relax and enjoy the small things. Try not to get caught up in the fast paced Northern Virginia race, and take time to watch a sunset, sit by the water, or take a nap.

Congrats

2009-03-08T13:36:00.002-04:00

Congrats to all who made Suessical Jr. a success. What a wonderful production. A special thank you to Ms. Piscopo, Ms. Seabridge, Ms. Baird, Ms. Eskin, and other members of the Encore team who pulled together to make the production happen. If you missed the show you can purchase it on DVD as well as check out the MEH website for upcoming photos.

All Things Suess

2009-03-04T15:16:00.001-05:00

This week at MEH marks a big deal about Seuss! Our middle school production "Seussical" will open Thursday evening as well as our Drop Everything And Read hour on Friday - to honor Dr. Seuss! Huskies will be busy reading and acting this week - you definitely need to check it out.

Career Fair Week

2009-02-18T20:00:00.002-05:00

This week at MEHMS, students have had the opportunity to meet and talk with people from various Career Clusters. Each day, we have had close to 15-20 people volunteer to work with students and answer questions about their respective jobs. This has been a successful event and I am looking forward to the last two days. A special thank you to the Counseling Department, Marybeth Connolly, our Business In Education Partners, and of course our volunteers for making this happen!

Spirit Week

2009-02-09T21:27:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to show your Husky Pride this week by participating in Spirit Week. See our main page for specific days! I know I am looking forward to crazy hair day and husky spirit day.

Powerful Meetings

2009-01-30T20:07:00.002-05:00

Today members of MEHMS and GMHS participated in grade level transition meetings where teachers shared program practices and swapped ideas. This was a powerful tool as we begin to think about moving students to the next grade level and making sure they are properly prepared. I am confident when I say that not a single person walked away without learning something new. It is always great for us to open the lines of communication and provide everyone with opportunities to teach each other about what we do. A special thank you to everyone who participated and made these meeting productive and reflective.

Snow Day!

2009-01-28T09:56:00.003-05:00

The Nation's Capitol looks a little like this today so school is closed. How are you spending your free time? I am catching up on some law reading and dissertation writing. Dr. Guba laughed when she called this morning and I was so happy to get a day to do homework. Hope everyone is enjoying their free day.

A trip to the historical event!

2009-01-23T21:29:00.005-05:00

This past week, like many others, I spent time on the National Mall taking in the events of the Presidential Inauguration. On Monday, I was able to make it to the Capitol, Ben's Chili Bowl, and help stimulate the economy by purchasing from numerous street vendors. I did have to go to bed very early Monday night so that I could get up Tuesday morning to make the 4:00 a.m. bus (that never showed). Thanks to Red Top Cab, our group was able to make it into the District and onto the Mall by 5:00 a.m. We even picked up Kim the volunteer who was stranded and needed to get to her post.
The day was full of excitement, hope, and friendly faces. It was exceptionally great for me because I was able to hear some of the most phenomenal musicians alive play the Williams arrangement of Air and Simple Gifts. To top it all off, the swearing in of our 44th president. It was a long, cold, and tiring day, but completely worth it.

Principal's Advisory Committee

2009-01-16T18:31:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I had the best meeting with students from grades 5-7. We have formed the Principal's Advisory Committee (PAC) - a group of students chosen to give me their honest input and feedback on school happenings. The synergy in the room was amazing and the feedback from the students was fantastic. I am looking forward to our next meeting.

Ice Skating and the DC Traffic

2009-01-15T18:50:00.000-05:00

I went with the 6th grade students to the ice rink at the Nation Gallery today. We had a great time, and I am happy to say that this year I didn't fall. We couldn't help but notice the set up for the upcoming inauguration or the extra traffic that has already arrived in our area. Looks like DC is geared up and ready to go - well, as ready as they can be for 2 million people (or so).

Saturday/Sunday Thoughts

2009-01-11T13:47:00.000-05:00

I started Saturday Thoughts a couple of months ago to acknowledge things that are going on with the internal community- very important to acknowledge a job well done. While I was using it as a procrastination tool for doing homework, it turns out that Saturday thoughts are more than my senseless ramblings. I had someone remind me today (Sunday) that I did not do my Saturday thought and needed to make sure I did a Sunday thought. It is good to know that at least one person is reading the email!

Personalization

2009-01-07T18:44:00.000-05:00

While I was home for break my dad shared an interesting article in Reader's Digest about a middle school whose teacher made a conscious effort to greet every student by name each day as they entered their classrooms. The result was a 27% increase in productivity (as reported by teachers). It is important for us to make the learning environment a safe and caring place where each students knows and understands that they are accepted, appreciated, and cared for. Personalization is the key to providing this type of atmosphere.

Gearing Back Up!

2009-01-03T12:48:00.000-05:00

Students and Parents,

Enjoy these last 2 days of break - take time to get rested up because we will hit the ground running when we get back. Upon return, students will be taking practice SOL test beginning Jan 6 with the Geography Bee to follow the following Monday. This is always a busy time of year, and who knows what will happen with the weather. Have a great weekend Huskies!

I can finally see the top of my desk!

2008-12-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

It has taken all of this school year so far, but I can officially see the top of my desk - yes, all of it. As a right brain person, it is often difficult to keep organization and order in my thinking patterns and most especially on my desk. I am thankful that I had this holiday break to catch on some much needed filing!

2008-12-06T19:42:00.000-05:00

I had a great, albeit extremely cold, time running with the Girls on Track this morning. Nothing like waking up plenty early on a fine, cold, Saturday morning to run a race. This was a great event and the girls, and staff members, should be proud of their efforts today.

Barnes and Noble Night

2008-12-06T19:41:00.000-05:00

A special congratulations to all of the students who participated in the PTA Barnes and Noble night. It was great to see all of the parents and the talent our students showed as they performed various acts!

MYP Parent Information Night

2008-11-16T18:50:00.001-05:00

GM and MEH Parents - don't forget Wednesday's parent information night. We will begin promptly at 6:30 in the MEH Cafetorium.

PTA Meeting

2008-11-12T18:11:00.000-05:00

Tonight's PTA meeting will host FCCPS Health/PE/FLE CIRT Vicki Galliher as our guest speaker. Ms. Galliher joins us to talk about Adolescent Body Image. Adolescence is a time of growth and physical development like no other and both boys and girls become very aware of their physical attributes. As adults in the lives of children, it is important for us to foster positive body image through modeling healthy choices for ourselves.
If you were unable to attend you can view Ms. Galliher's Power Point here.

Veterans Day Celebration

2008-11-12T18:10:00.000-05:00

A special thank you to all of our guests and Mr. Upton who made our Veteran's Day celebration special.

MEH/GMHS Begin MYP Exploration

2008-11-04T18:42:00.000-05:00

MEHMS and GMHS are joining together to begin exploration of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP). To begin our kick off, Sharon Pope, will join the staff and parents for a full day of conversation and education. We will host a parent information night on November 19 @ 6:30. You will also receive a short survey that we ask you to fill out to assist our guest with her presentation. This is an exciting time for us as we explore the potential benefits of MYP.
Want to know more?
MYP Pdf
Oxford University Press

Parent/Teacher Conferences

2008-11-03T19:51:00.000-05:00

Today and tomorrow at MEH are filled with Parent/Teacher conferences. We want to thank teacher and parents in advance for their efforts to make these days successful. Parents, please remember that you can always contact the teachers if you need more time!

Mock Election

2008-10-30T20:13:00.000-04:00

Today, students participated in the MEHMS mock election. This was a great learning opportunity for our entire student body as 7th grade Civic students learn about the process and electoral college. A special thank you to Mr. Dippold for organizing and for the parents who volunteered to help make it a big success.

Upcoming Spirit Week

2008-10-24T16:07:00.000-04:00

Next week will be spirit week for MEHMS students.

Monday - Pajama Day
Tuesday - Favorite Team/Sports Day
Wednesday - Husky Spirit Day
Thursday - Crazy Hair Day
Friday - Black and Orange Day

This will be a fun week for staff and students. More to come about our upcoming kickball challenge w TJ!

Red Ribbon Week

2008-10-21T13:03:00.001-04:00

This week our counseling department has scheduled yet another fabulous red ribbon week with lots of activities and positive messages for students. Congrats to the counselors to what is already a successful week!

http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/RedRibbonWeek/index.htm

PTA Meeting

2008-10-18T11:04:00.000-04:00

This past week our PTA hosted Laurie Chester and Kim Kidd Smith who shared their expertise on organization, ADHD, executive functions, and learning styles. They assisted parents with understanding the middle school student and struggles that adolescents may have. Their very real approach was good to hear. They talked about letting go a little and letting things happen naturally - and perhaps the most interesting to me was their advice for parents to not focus on grades. We have talked about grades/grading a lot at MEH and systems for demonstrating knowledge that are not necessarily number driven. To me this is an exciting concept which we will learn more about as we explore MYP.

Enjoying a day off?

2008-10-13T20:14:00.000-04:00

I spent today catching up on lots of work, both house and school, that have lapsed due to a busy schedule. It is nice to have a day off in order to get work done. I hope all of the MEH families had some good family time and enjoyed this beautiful weather.

Everything Pink

2008-10-05T21:14:00.000-04:00

As I strolled through Safeway I saw all of the pink items. Being that pink is one of my favorite colors, as well as the fight against breast cancer near and dear to my heart I was gently reminded of how being healthy is a key component to quality of life. We are entering cold and flu season and I encourage all parents and students to keep up with good exercise and eating habits and make sure routines are kept. Feeling good about your health and self will help students keep up with the rigors of middle school.

Get More ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ's

2008-09-29T17:22:00.000-04:00

Did you know that the average middle school student requires between 8-10 hours of sleep a night? I encourage parents and students to evaluate current sleep patterns and time spent sleeping. Remember to remove distractions to sleep from the room and establish a routine. Students who have healthy sleep patterns are more alert, retain more information, and feel better in general.

To learn more about this check out these sites:
http://www.pbs.org
http://www.cnn.com
http://www.apa.org

Principal's Coffee

2008-09-25T20:48:00.000-04:00

This past Wednesday I hosted the first Principal's Coffee. Although it was small, the parents shared some really great ideas about back to school night and spring orientation. Our conversation sparked yet another video project that I will begin smooth. A day in the life of a Husky. Who better to hear things from than parents and students. Thank you to the parents for their great input and feedback.

Newest Video Project at MEH

2008-09-23T19:48:00.001-04:00

Last week I solicited the help of several 7th grade students to assist me with a new video project. We shot some video about hallway behaviors and the what not to do's in the hall ways. This is the first of what plans to be several educational short clips. Stay tuned to MEH TV 14 for the viewing.

Lou Holtz Quote

2008-09-21T10:47:00.000-04:00

While I was watching college football last weekend I heard the commentators talk about Lou Holtz. In fact, they had a whole Dr. Lou skit that they did. That being said, they gave a quote from Dr. Lou that was so true. The more I thought about it the more I realized how applicable it is to working with adolescents. I have had many parents tell me how wonderful reading the book What Every Middle School Teacher Should Know. To follow that up, parents (and teachers) take these words from Lou and think about them as well. "When people need love and understanding the most is when they deserve it the least." There are times that we, as adults, become frustrated with behavior or misunderstand the social pressures of being 12....so I encourage you to take these words and understand that even though we may get upset, it is the person with us who needs the love and understanding.

Back To School Night

2008-09-21T10:44:00.000-04:00

A special thank you to everyone who helped make our back to school night so successful. It was wonderful to see all of the parents and feel the excitement as you walked through the halls. Off to a great start! GO Huskies!

Great to be a Husky, not so great to be a Buckeye

2008-09-14T08:18:00.001-04:00

Along with thousands of other Americans last night, I watched my Buckeyes experience defeat from USC. I listened as my favorite Buckeye commentator continued to ask the question "how will Jim Tressel ever pick his team back up to finish out the season strong?" So now you are probably wondering where am I going with this? I see this as a learning opportunity for the Buckeyes, much like that of a student who doesn't do well on a large test or project. This is not the end of the world for the Buckeyes. True, they may not have a chance to go to the National Championship, but they can still have a strong season with their heads held high.
When we work with middle school students, it is imperative for us to stress the importance of effort and perseverance. One bad grade does not render the whole quarter lost. Students, and hopefully the Buckeyes, are resilient. We must focus on their strengths and build on that. When we don't do well the first time, we must find the strength to study harder or do something differently in order to achieve our desired end result.
We could blame the refs or missed calls, but when it comes down to it, sometimes we get out played and have to readjust our game plan. This applies to principals, assistant principals, teachers, students, parents, and of course, my dearest Buckeyes.

Meeting w CIRTS - WOW!

2008-09-13T10:39:00.000-04:00

I had a meeting with two of our MEH CIRTS (curriculum instruction resource teachers) that just blew me away. Their desire to continue improvement and move MEH forward was truly an inspiration. Our discussion focused around school goals and their roles as teacher leaders. This Wednesday they will be leading their departments through exercises that help teachers enhance instruction through the use of technology - a goal brought to us from the letter S! As you know, technology plays an integral role in education, helping teachers and students in ways we never imagined. Technology integration will help us with assessment - one of our focuses this year.

First PTA Meeting

2008-09-11T10:27:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all of the parents that joined us for last night's PTA meeting. We shared a lot of great information and ideas in order to make MEHMS a great place for students. We have posted the Too Good For Drugs information on our main web page for parents who are interested. Looking forward to a great year!

Going back to go forward

2008-09-09T18:12:00.000-04:00

Mr. Sparrgrove and I had a great conversation today about using technology to enhance technology. He showed me a picture he took in a classroom where the teacher had used magnets on the white board to work on animal classifications. The teacher had created an interactive lesson by manipulating the white board with magnets and paper. Mr. Sparrgrove used technology to share this idea with others to enhance their instruction. Great idea on both people's part!

Reflections on the first week...................

2008-09-06T10:07:00.000-04:00

After a rough start the first two days, MEH was up and fully running. The good news is that the rough start was only in our main office and the transportation office. If you know what I am talking about, please know that we have taken care of this situation and apologize for any confusion and/or anxiety this caused. On to better things - let's talk about classrooms. I have seen some amazing things coming from our classrooms already. It is great to walk in and see students working in groups, teachers using a variety of language and accents to make lessons fun, and of course, there is already music coming from choir, band, and theatre. I even got to sample some chocolate chip cookies prepared by Ms. Moriarty's students yesterday. One student even had a tune that he sang for me - simply amazing. It is wonderful to have all of our students back in the building and making things exciting. I was having a conversation with our human resources director yesterday and she noted how much fun I was having - well of course. Perhaps one of the most beautiful things about working in a middle school is just that! Thank you everyone for a great start to the school year.