Today was the first day back for the 2013-2014 school year. The energy in the morning was electric. The incoming sixth grade students seemed both apprehensive and excited at the same time. The many returning 7th and 8th grade students greeted me with hellos and hugs. I asked the same question over and over, "How was your summer?" The overwhelming response from the students, "It was okay. I missed school."
That was the answer I wanted to hear. Our students want to be at school. Why? Because they are being challenged on a daily basis, because they are learning new things, and because they are able to express themselves and grow as human beings. We are so fortunate to be in education. We have the opportunity on a daily basis to better hundreds of lives. Actually, we don't just have the opportunity, we have the obligation to make each day at Crystal Middle School an unbelievable experience for each and everyone of our students.
This year I am going to capture the "Student Voices." What do the students see as engaging? What excites them in the classroom? What is it that makes them want more? I want to know from them so we can DELIVER!
I am so proud of the rigor I saw in the classrooms today August 14, 2013. Yes, teachers were reviewing routines and expectations, but a common thread found classroom to classroom was writing. The teachers at Crystal Middle School are making the commitment to have students writing in every class every day. Why? Our students are writing to learn. Our students are college bound. Our students and our staff have No Excuses!
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