RM Bacon Weekly: October 17

Bacon Bears,

Good things were happening at Bacon this week. I'd like to give a shout out (just like on our shout out board at school - see the pic above) to all the great people I have the pleasure of working with each day. You all make the school a wonderful place, and I look forward to coming every morning. It's fun for me to do what we do alongside each other. I also want to give a shout out to all the students (or should I say BEARS) who call Bacon home. Without you, there'd be...nothing to do all day. Okay, but seriously - I love seeing your smiling faces, and your joy is contagious. Keep learning. Keep working hard. Stay positive. Stay great!

Weekly Recap
We had our first PBIS Tier 2 meeting, and it was a success. The team was focused on helping students stay on track behaviorally and academically. Issues were addressed, ideas were shared, and plans were made - all in the interest of our students. Great job, Tier 2 team!

I also attended our monthly Leadership Team meeting at the Culver Center where I got to hear from other school and district administrators on the positive things going on around MPS. I'm proud to say I work alongside other individuals who believe that all students can learn and high levels and all means all.

Also this week, teachers during their PLC times began the process of drafting their SGOs (Student Growth Objectives) for the year under the guidance of Ray Jacobs. Teacher questions were addressed, and the planning that took place during these meetings was crucial to helping the staff and students have a successful year. Thanks to all who participated, and a big thanks to Ray for his steady hand and depth of knowledge in helping the teachers arrive at their growth targets.

On Thursday, our PBIS Events Planning Committee met before school to plan our PBIS Respect the 29th Pep Rally. A big shout out to all who came early to help prepare a fun and rewarding rally for our deserving students. Our first assembly was a big success because of your hard work, and I believe each will only get better. Thank you!

Wellness Week 2016

Next week (10/17 - 10/21) is Wellness Week! Staff and students - join in the fun as we show our commitment to wellness. Dig through your closet and get your "colors of the day" ready to help represent "wellness all the way!" Here's the schedule for the week:

Back-Black Monday: Dress in BLACK because you won't stand BACK when someone is being bullied
Spread-Red Tuesday: Get the word SPREAD by wearing RED - no drugs for me
True-Blue Wednesday: Dress in BLUE to represent a friend who is TRUE
Clean-Green Thursday: Keep the world CLEAN by wearing something GREEN
Think-Pink Friday: Dress in PINK to show you will THINK about ways to respect yourself and others (Breast cancer awareness)
**Each day, the homeroom with the most participation in wearing the designated color will be featured on the digital sign and on the Bacon Weekly.**

What is Wellness Week? (from Ms. Spanbauer, guidance)

Each year, the Millville School District celebrates Wellness Week. It incorporates Violence Awareness Week and Red Ribbon Week (anti-drugs).

Wellness week is a time to really stress to our students the importance of a drug-free, non-violent lifestyle that is full of healthy choices for our mind, body, spirit and world!

We will be celebrating with a “rainbow theme.” Each day of wellness week will be a special color day. Don’t be left out! Keep your eyes & ears open so you’ll know the color of the day!!!

Wellness Week Activities

K-5 classes will be doing various art projects which will be displayed around the school.

Kindergarten - Blooming with Respect
1st grade - Bucket Filler
2nd grade - Simon's Hook
3rd grade - Chrysanthemums
4th grade - Word Hurt
5th grade - Respect Bumper Sticker

Other announcements

This year's Halloween Frolic will take place on October 25th from 6-8 (rain date Oct 26th). If you are interested in helping, please contact the school. Note: Due to recent events and out of an abundance of caution, the Millville Police Department has recommended that no clown costumes be allowed this year. Bacon school is heeding this advice; therefore, no clown costumes will be permitted this year. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

On Monday, Dina and I will attend our first SAMS training session. SAMS is a program designed to help me focus my time on areas that improve instruction and learning through effective time management and task prioritization. It will be a new experience for me (and everyone at Bacon), and I'm looking forward to getting started to see how it will play out in our school. Dina and I met with one of the coaches last week, and he was able to answer what questions we had at this point in the game.

On Monday night, staff members who have reached various milestones in terms of years of service will be honored at the staff meeting. For those Bears who received letters stating that you'll be recognized - I hope to see you there!

On, Tuesday, I'll be attending my second and final personal coaching session. I had homework (sort of), so I hope I pass. Kidding aside, it will be nice (and no doubt enlightening and educational) to check in after a few weeks to discuss my progress in the areas on which we focused. While this sounds like I'm focused on me, the ultimate goal here is to help me serve the Bacon family in the best way possible.

Staff - there are various meetings throughout the week. Please see the weekly overview below and/or check your calendars.

On a personal note...
On Friday, I'll have the pleasure of attending Joe Baruffi's retirement party. I worked with Joe at Lakeside Middle School for 12 years. He always proved himself to be helpful and knowledgeable, and I appreciate his guidance, advice, and support through the years. We took many Phillies and Sixers trips together with the students, and his care for the kids showed in what he did. I am honored to call him a friend, and I'm looking forward to him receiving the honor he deserves at his party. Joe, you ran the race well - now enjoy your family and all that life has to offer! You more than earned it!

Everyone have a great week.

Be great. Be awesome.
Mike
"Together, we can. Together, we will."

Pictures from around the School