July 30 - August 3

Bacon Bears,

As we approach the month of August, we are all anticipating the opening of the 2012-2013 school year. I am engaged in a lot of planning, and reflecting on how to ensure RM Bacon becomes a World Class School.

I am currently reading the book Drive, by Daniel Pink, and it is really helping me understand the science behind motivation. Enjoy this video, and think about what really motivates you?



Our summer trek team worked very hard the last 3 days on identifying a problem in our school. As a team, we worked collaboratively, and used the Performance Excellence Group (PEG) tools to develop goals, and an action plan!

Ken Biddle presenting Systems Thinking to the 11 Summer Trek Teams

This week we will be interviewing for our vacant positions. Good luck to all of the candidates!

Weekly Overview
Monday - Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday - Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday - Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday - Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Dr. Cook will be presenting at the Principals and Supervisors Conference at Rowan University
Friday - Office closed (except for interviews)

July 23 - 27

Bacon Bears,


Hot town, summer in the city! Wow, was it hot this week? Despite the heat, our staff has been working to get the school ready for September.


Have you taken your eye off of the ball? Take a few minutes to watch this video about The Ball:


The School Leadership Team (Summer Trek) will be descending on Lakeside Middle School for 3 days next week. Our goal for summer trek this year is to develop a world class school that uses a systems approach to continuous improvement. Impossible is Nothing!


Building Updates:

Room 14 in the process of a make-over

Room 22: Ready for cleaning

Main stage getting brighter with each cleaning

Weekly Overview:
Monday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Summer Trek, Lakeside Middle School
Wednesday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Summer Trek, Lakeside Middle School
Thursday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Summer Trek, Lakeside Middle School
Friday - Office Closed

July 16 - 20

Bacon Bears,



Mrs. Pedrick and her Cierra at Sesame Place

I hope everyone is making the most out of their summer. I have been busy preparing for the school year by reading, writing, reflecting, and most importantly, re-charging! Over the past few weeks, I have been engaged in a Skype project titled, "Educators Making a Difference." I contacted educators through twitter, and asked them to participate. We then Skyped, because everyone involved lives in different parts of the world. My learning curve, as a result of this project, has been tremendous! If you are interested in learning more about the project, please feel free to visit drspikecook.com. I would love to read your comments!

Summer Pictures:

Mrs. Simpson and baby Adam! How precious!

Mrs. Simpson's garden

Here is a great video on creativity. Take 2 minutes to watch it, and you will be glad you did!


Building Updates:
The third floor, except for Rooms 17 and 27, is completed. Teachers who are assigned to the third floor are able to visit, and begin setting up their classrooms. The custodian crew is working on the main floor, bottom floor, and the stage. I will let you know when the other classrooms are ready.

The crew is working on renovating the stage for all to see

Staffing Updates:
Due to increasing enrollment in Kindergarten, RM Bacon will be posting an Elementary Teaching position, and a Full Time Instructional Assistant position very shortly.

We are also seeking a Maternity Leave Teaching Position (September 4 - January 1) for 1st grade.

Interested candidates can access the online application:  http://www.generalasp.com/millville/onlineapp/default.aspx

Weekly Overview:
Monday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday - Office Closed - Dr. Cook at Administration Retreat
Wednesday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday - Office is closed

July 9 - 13

Look for the new bumper sticker, Fall 2012

Bacon Bears,

Hopefully everyone enjoyed their 4th of July. I know that with the power situation in Cumberland County, many families had to stay with friends, or in hotels. Our thoughts are with anyone who lost their power!

The custodian staff is closely approaching completion of the third floor! The paint crew dropped off paint, so they should be visiting soon! We are very excited about all of the great updates to the building this summer.

Here are some pictures that have been sent to me.... Keep them coming!



Ms. Woodman's mangled AC unit :(



My daughter, Catherine, graduated from Pre-K

Mrs. Harris (left) and Mrs. Brunetta

Mrs. Gandy enjoying some pool time!

Weekly overview:
Monday - Office Closed
Tuesday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday - Office Closed