Happy Fall, Y'all

It's October 2015 already.  We are ending the first six-weeks of school.  It's fast and furious already.  I was just thinking about how quickly this year has gone by, and how soon the holidays will be here.

We have many fun things going on at Irma Marsh Middle School.  The first thing coming up will be fun for students...  

October 12th is a student holiday.  Teachers will be developing professionally this day. 

October 15-17  Irma Marsh Volleyball team is hosting a tournament.  Locations are at IMMS gym and CHS north gym.

October 16 is our first dance of the year.  Student Council will host this in the cafeteria.

October 23 is our first annual Trunk or Treat. Join us for this fun community get-together.

Visit me monthly as I will be updating you on IMMS monthly activities.

  

 

Happy New Year!

Welcome back to the new school year, 2015-2016!

Can you believe it's August 2015?  Time flies when you are having fun.

School begins August 24th bright and early.  We had the privilege of meeting many new students at the Meet the Teacher event Saturday, the 22nd. 

We have many fun things planned for this school year.  Stay informed by visiting our Irma Marsh website in Castleberry ISD.  You can also find the latest events listed on the Irma Marsh Middle School Facebook page.

See you Monday!

Ahh, technology...

Getting Better

We have a very diverse skill-level of technology on our campus. Every year that goes by seems to be easier in implementing technology strategies. People resist using technology because of fear or disinterest, but I think our teachers are embracing it more everyday.  

As leaders on campus, we are responsible for promoting and practicing the use of technology.  This means we must stay abreast of recent technology trends in education.  Not only do we need to provide new ideas for teachers, but we need to ensure proper use with teachers and students.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has established a set of standards for administrators.  These look at the school as a system including ethics, culture, and practice. This link provides an explanation of ISTE standards.   http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_iste_standards-a_pdf.pdf

As a campus administrator, my vision is to get better.  This sounds vague but I can apply this to any goal I make for myself and my campus. This year, I am committed to developing my technology proficiencies and DEficiencies. I want to be a resource to my teachers and students.  

Irma Marsh has great momentum in culture and spirit. With the right approach, we will all get better.

Guess what day it is....  Guess. What. Day. It. IS!!

The STAAR test is HERE!  Three days away...I cannot believe it.  I love seeing the kids and teachers so serious about learning.  I don't know why, but I'm still pleasantly surprised when the kids ask when we will get our STAAR scores back.  "Are they here yet?!"  That tells me we are doing something right.

This is the busiest time of the year.  I have probably said that in every blog since ALL YEAR is busy!  We have family engagement activities, Coffee with Counselors, Great Character breakfast, and grade-level award ceremonies!  Whew!

Since we are ending the school year, we are beginning to look at the next school year already.  I recently attended a job fair representing Castleberry.  I am thoroughly impressed with the number of people who know us and say, "I know so and so.  She went to Castleberry."  We found a bunch of wonderful candidates for next year.  Let's see what the new year brings....

Stay tuned for details on all of these events coming up.  We are going to end this year with a BANG!

Our World

I love this cartoon.  Isn't this our world!?  Hey, face it.  Technology is here to stay.  My dad is a college professor.  He is retired from his profession in Marketing and Management, and now teaches these courses face-to-face and online.  He has recently asked me to show him "how to work social media."  He says it's everywhere and he needs to learn it because he feels stupid!  Okay, okay, that's a little dramatic.  Social media is not that difficult, right? 

He says he needs to learn Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  He said he got on Facebook the other day and looked around.  I chuckled, "you have a Facebook page?"  He said, "yes, everyone wants to be my friend!"

I'm far from being a pro, but I asked him what he needs this for.  He's needing to integrate this into his classes, because after all, he does teach Marketing.  I explained to him the endless resources I find from educators on all of these sites. I also told him about the live chats we have every Wednesday afternoon on certain topics. He was interested in all of this!

My cousin works for Fox Sports as the Marketing Manager in Social Media.  This is her actual job!  What I find surprising is that there is enough material to market over social media that a company can make this a full time position!  My dad brought her into his class over Skype one day for her to tell his class what she does all day.  He said his students loved it.  Okay, so he's not that far behind if he knows how to use Skype! 

I learn something new everyday.  One site leads me to another.  Next thing I know, an hour has passed.  Much of social media is intuitive.  Kids are super interested in technology.  So it's easy for them to learn.  Dads in their sixties... maybe not so interested, so it's much more challenging.  But he's a good student, I'm up for it. 

 

 

Change is Good

We are 1/12 into 2015.  As much as I like "the way things are," I realize change is good.  2015 has been rough for my family.  We lost a matriarch, a lovely lady with the kindest heart, within nine days of a diagnosis of acute leukemia.  Then, last week, we lost my great uncle, a very funny man who influenced many people with his sense of humor. I realize we aren't going to live forever. But 2015 hasn't been much fun.  My dad says he should have eaten his black-eyed peas.

When meaningful people leave your life, reflection is inevitable.  Everyone is different, but I always find myself thinking about what the person accomplished and whether or not he/she was a 'good' person. How were lives influenced, positively or negatively... Of course, that leads me to look at myself, and ask how I am influencing people.  The people I have most contact with are in the most impressionable stages of their lives. This will keep you in check, for sure!

We've enjoyed a good start to the new year at IMMS. CISD Board Appreciation was celebrated this month. We welcomed Tracy Gallman last week. I hope she enjoyed our visit as much as we enjoyed her seeing all the fun things we do at our school. 

Coming up this month, we are hosting our Boy's Basketball Tournament February 6 and 7.  Then, the third week of February, we will have district benchmark testing.  This will simulate the STAAR test each day which is four hours. Continue to watch Twitter, Facebook, district website, and our marquee for specific details.

It's already February 2015. Time will not slow. Our momentum is increasing. This is my favorite time of year.


 

We're Back!

The lions are back in their dens!

School is back in session full swing.  Today we began the new spring semester!  Can you believe this is spring 2015?  The new six-weeks began today.  I was in a classroom today and the teacher said, "you guys are so quiet today. What's the deal?"  The kids said it was like the first day of school. I guess, technically, it is!  The first day of the new semester.

We completed semester exams last week. Today, our 8th graders began new classes for the new semester.  Our basketball teams will finish regular season this week. Coffee with Counselors is Thursday morning at 8:10. And...the boy's basketball has a tournament February 6th and 7th.  Throw in a couple of band concerts and UIL competitions, and February is almost over!  Wow, I'm tired already!

Before I go, I want to mention that we need to remember our staff members who are going through hardships with health and family. As you know, I lost a very special family member last week. One of our staff members lost her dad this week. And she was not able to be with him before time.  Give your favorite IMMS family member a hug next time you see them.

Cheers to Spring 2015! 

2015

The year is 2015.  The uplifting phrase we hear every new year, "Wishing you a healthy and happy new year," has new meaning to me. 

As educators, we are responsible for making sure kids learn, saying it simply.  Expose, make progress, and come out knowing more than you went in with.  But we need to remember, we are dealing with kids.  And adults.  With people.  With people's lives.  It's not black and white.  People have lives beyond the schoolhouse. 

Today I learned that one of my family members has only a few weeks to live.  The ripple of heartbreak in the family is echoing. Nothing else matters right now.  And when she's gone, nothing else will matter for a while. Slowly, real life will creep back in, we will join our routines again. And we know this is a good thing. It begins to happen naturally.

I also look at my own health differently this new year.  One week ago, I had my gallbladder removed. After several months of curious pains, I finally narrowed down the culprit. Of course, this is the year I lowered my level of health insurance because "I never get sick." I began to question my ego of good health. I'm not a sickly person.  I'm proud of my good health. But what if I'm not that person? This entire experience affected my job, my family, and my pocketbook.

I am one person who boasts a drama-free life.  But these big things have happened to ME in one week.

When you tell someone that you wish them a happy and healthy new year, mean it.  People will feel your good energy.  And that is something we all need.

The Holiday Season

 

The holiday season is upon us!  Can you believe 2014 is almost over?  

Celebrating Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, feel nostalgia, and simply count our blessings.  I am thankful for good health, a family who loves me, and a job/career I enjoy.  I realize many, many people do not have any of these things. I believe we need to appreciate our good fortunes, either openly or privately.  So many other parts of the world do not have food, water, or shelter. Let's be happy we live in a country that tries to provide for everyone.

Only three more weeks until the next holiday!  Wow!  Each day that gets closer to December 19th (our last day of school!), the student's buzz of excitement gets louder and louder!  It is a happy time here.  We love seeing the students bring gifts for their friends and teachers.  That reminds me, I need to get started on my Christmas cookies.  I hand decorate each cookie I give as a gift.

We have many fun things to look forward to at IMMS the next few weeks.  Concerts and dances are coming up.  And remember, December 19th is early release at 1:45.

No matter what your beliefs are, we wish you a very happy and safe holiday season.

 


 

Flying Time

 

November.  What...?

Can you believe it's almost the holidays?  As the weather changes, the kids get frisky.  And, so do the teachers, rightfully so.  

Good things are happening at IMMS.  Athletics, band concerts, clubs...so many things for our kids to get involved with.

Rigor in classrooms has stepped up.  Benchmark testing is this week.  I'm looking forward to seeing the scores.  I want to see if suggestions I have made to teachers is paying off.

It's this time of year that we have to take, what I'll call, "attitude inventory."  I feel like we still have good momentum on campus.  Attitudes are positive with teachers.  I don't hear discouragement.  

I'm very conscious of my attitude as well.  The administrative team supports each other.  We are a team; we listen to each other; we have to take care of each other.

As the holiday season creeps in swiftly, and long hours at work consume us, let's remember why we are here...why we became educators...why we are so committed to the cause.  

We are here to contribute.  To make the world a better place.

Fall has arrived!

Wow.  Can you believe it's the 6th six-weeks?  You know what that means...six-weeks tests! Teachers and students have been working hard getting ready for this first round of testing.  We've been busy this last month and a half.  Football and volleyball are in full swing.  The first dance of the school year has come and gone too.  And now, here is October staring us in the face.  

October is always busy with activities.  Mark your calendar for our annual Fall Festival. It's at IMMS October 25th, from 9am to 1pm.  Cotton candy, snow cones, hot dogs, music, and a soccer tournament!  We usually have awesome weather this time of year.  I hope it continues for us this year.

Don't forget, the CHS Homecoming is this Friday, October 3rd.  IMMS students have their own special section.   We always anticipate a big crowd.  Be sure your student arrives in dress code.  Also, all students need to be picked up when the game is over, which is around 10pm.  

Happy Fall, ya'll!

News Flash from the IMMS AP Office!

I am excited to announce that the IMMS AP Office finally has a new secretary.  Our office is now blessed with Ms. Adilene Aguilera.  She is actually a Castleberry graduate.  Fun Fact:  She had Ms. Wilson as a technology teacher!  Ha!

Luckily, the mechanics of the AP office are relatively quiet for this time of year.  Things are starting to pick up so it's a good thing we have her now!  Come by and meet her!

Other fun news at IMMS is that football season has started!  It's a great atmosphere seeing the boys dress up so nicely on game days.  They are proud and excited.  We are too.

The girls have their first volleyball game this week also.  They are playing at home!  Come see them!

And don't forget, Fall Festival is just around the corner.  Start watching and listening for announcements about the fun things we do to prepare for our annual Fall Festival.  It is October 25th from 9am-1pm.

Have a great week!

We are in the final countdown!  

Only a few more days left until the kiddos report back.  Our newest IMMS teachers reported last Monday.  I know their brains are stuffed.  Returning IMMS teachers came back yesterday.  I love seeing the happiness in their faces when they see their old friends again.  EVERYONE was so excited!  I <heart> IMMS.  We are a family.  It's a great feeling working in a place where you feel so supported and loved.

Today, Mr. Jones and CISD hosted 2014 Convocation at CHS.  It was a time of celebration.  Lots of good energy in there.  People are well-rested and ready to return.  We are spending this week with teachers learning about things that are making us better educators.  I am so happy to work with great teachers who love what they are doing.  It makes their job, and mine, so much easier and more fun.  With less than a week left until the first day of school, we are checking our lists; checking them twice...  

Don't forget, we have Meet the Teacher Saturday from 9:30-11:00.  This will give our students a chance to pick up their schedules and tour the building.  This is especially helpful for our incoming wide-eyed 6th graders.  I can't wait to see them!

Back to School Already?

School registration is happening at IMMS this week!  That means the kids will return in two and a half weeks.  I cannot believe we are in the year 2014, and school year 2014-2015 is here.  Time flies when you are having fun!

It's cute to see the new 6th graders come in.  They are scared, they look really young, and when asked if they are coming to Irma Marsh this year, they shyly say, "yes..."  It's funny to see the shy side, then a completely confident, open side when they get to school with their friends.

I'm excited for the all the grade levels this year.  7th and 8th grades will have their very own netbooks.  The 6th grade classes will have a set in every classroom.  We also have our very own full time campus Technologist to help support our teachers.  I foresee a very creative year!

Please continue to visit the IMMS website or my blog for information about fun things going on at Irma Marsh!

I'm so...Techy!

Our Lives Today

The last week or so, I've been infused with technology.  My most recent excitement was receiving a Logitech Touchpad as an early birthday present.  If you know me, I am not that person who waits for the latest, greatest gadget to come on the market.   I find technology as something that makes my life easier.  But I LOVE my new gadget.  I spent yesterday using it and learning the "moves" while working on the computer all day.  I think I'm going to like it!

Lately, we have been spending more time talking about using technology in lessons at school.  I really like that our leaders understand that this is and will become more of a natural motion.  At school, we will see more of "let's grab our phones/netbooks and look up..."  This is how we are living now.  How many people between the ages of 18 and 60 do NOT carry cell phones with internet service?  My guess is that percentage is low.

I'm really enjoying learning about the new apps and sites to show the teachers.  I'm sure they will react like me...have some growing pains, but once the comfort level is there, they will enjoy using it.

Have a great weekend!

Tech, tock, tech, tock...

As we start planning for the new year, technology talk always comes up.  "How do you plan to integrate technology?"  Let's remember our purpose...  We want students to learn!

In Digital Leadership, Chapter 9's title is "Increasing Student Engagement and Enhancing Learning."  I'll sum this up for you.  Students already know how to use the technology.  In fact, they usually can drive faster than the teachers.  Our responsibility is to help them understand how to use the technology on a bigger scale while learning the content.  Technology supports engagement.

We need to remind teachers of the low- or no-cost tools.  Without leaving the classroom, students can reach out globally.  We can go on virtual field trips all over the world.  Then we can Skype with another class in another country for discussion.  Next, we can Tweet or create blogs to share with each other globally. Using identifying hashtags will help us share information with each other for note-taking, or for posting and finding answers.

Remember, we are teaching students to think globally, not only with the content they are learning, but the manner in which they are learning.  It is our responsibility to equip students to be prepared for the job market.  Employers are looking for a certain set of skills.  If we already know what these are, why not teach them NOW instead of waiting for college to teach them.

Let's remind our teachers what successes using the devices will bring.  Help them realize the "traditional" teaching methods aren't as effective.  Help them create "learner-led" environments.

"Technology is a tool, not a learning outcome." Figure 9.4

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Winding it up!

Is anyone else counting down the days??  I don't typically count down days to vacations, and I'm not sure why...maybe because time would go by slower.  But for some reason, this year, I'm ready for summer!  Aren't you?

As we wind up the year,  we have a lot going on at IMMS.  Award ceremonies, final exams, 8th grade field day...!  Before I go on, I want to express my GREAT appreciation for the custodians.  They work so hard making IMMS sparkle.  We love them.

Our teachers are working hard putting together awards for all the deserving children.  Teachers are also busy teaching the final exam details, turning books, entering grades... and I bet they are also counting down the days!

In the AP office, we schedule detentions, lunch detentions, and ISS.  As the year nears ending, we focus on processing and closing out all reports.  That means we will begin thinking about concluding detentions and ISS.  Friday should be the last day for these.

Thursday, we celebrated the grade level with the fewest tardies this week.  6th grade won this six-weeks' competition.  They earned a snack and music at lunch.  Fun!

Today and tomorrow we have our student awards ceremonies.  6th grade is Monday at 3:00.  7th grade is Tuesday at 3:00.  8th grade is Tuesday at 6:00.

Remind your student(s) that the last day of school is Thursday (like they don't know that!), and they will not need to bring anything to school on the last day.  Girls may bring purses, but backpacks, yearbooks, etc., are unnecessary.

We are all excited for the year to end, begin our summer breaks, and then begin planning for next school year.

Please keep yourself and your family safe, cool, and hydrated as summer approaches.  Thank you for being supportive of us at IMMS.  Have a great summer!

~Ms. Little