October Reflection

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We're Doing What We Do Best

I admit that I have neglected this blog for some time now.  Time weaves from minutes to hours to days to weeks... until you sit back and realize months have passed.  The world keeps moving, spinning, and so does our work...

Over the past week, our school district - our community - has been thrown into a torrent of intrigue, uncertainty, and change.  Yet, the ones in the trenches - teachers, administrators, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, office and support staff at each school - have continued spinning on our axes for our children.  I am a proud administrator at West Pine Middle School and have spent the better part of each evening, after my own children are tucked in bed, reading and catching up on the posts regarding the fate of our school system.  

One post struck me in particular, and I feel compelled to share with you all.  The post, I reference, questioned why some schools did not post a picture of their staff wearing black in support of Dr. Bob.  WPMS was one of those schools in question.  I can tell you that the overwhelming majority of our school was decorated in mourning attire, but a photo op did not occur... not because we didn't want to (or couldn't - as some may want to believe) but because we were busy doing what we do best: meeting the needs of our students. I am proud of WPMS and all we have achieved this year.  This is not a final list but one that will showcase what our teachers and coaches do on a daily basis for our students.  

• 9 Young Authors district winners and 1 state winner
• 74 students went to state band contest and received a rating of Superior
• 4 out of 4 superior ratings at Choral Competition Festival
• 4 out of 6 debate teams placed in competition (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th)
• 5 undefeated teams in sports this year 
• 71 students with perfect attendance
• 65 students take online high school courses
• 331 Beta Club students 
• 11 global travelers spent spring break in Ecuador and learned to be better global citizens
• 127 8th graders earned distinguished or honor roll this year
• 131 7th graders earned distinguished or honor roll this year
• 167 6th graders earned distinguished or honor roll this year
• 18 Science Olympiad students attended state competition after taking 3rd place in the region
• 42 students qualified for DUKE TIPS program

Kudos to ALL teachers and staff working tirelessly day in and day out, at school and at home, weekdays and weekends to ensure our children are successful and prepared for the next grade, next school, next step in life.  My hope is that the amount of energy that has been exhibited for Dr. Bob will grow in other areas for the sake of our children.

...and so it continues... 

...a note is worth a thousand smiles...

A valentine carnation for me from a student!

The Wonder Years

Power of the Paw - February

Power of the Paw

The last leg of the SLA journey...

Although the journey never ends, the final week of our SLA journey ended last week in Ocracoke.  It was a bitter-sweet end to the internship (sad because I will miss seeing everyone each week and happy because... well, I think that is self-explanatory!). I was honored with the task of sharing the final message with cohort 3.  That, in itself, was a very difficult task.  

Blessed to have had this amazing, wise woman by my side the entire way!

I received my AP pin during our week in Ocracoke.

End of Year Video

TRUE COLORS - ELISE MIDDLE SCHOOL 2013-14