SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

At Meyer School, students have learned about green expected choices and red unexpected choices. We learned that everyone makes mistakes, and we can use them as opportunities to learn and grow.

To help students reflect on their behavior, we use a think sheet when an unexpected red choice happens at school. We use restorative questions to build self-awareness and think about how their behavior impacts others. We ask our students: What happened? How do you think it made others feel? What can you do to solve the problem? At the end, we review what green expected choices we can make next time and what strategies we can use to handle big feelings.

At home, you can use the think sheet or you can ask your child questions to reflect on an unexpected red choice.

FIRST GRADE ARRIVAL CHANGE: "SOFT START" — Attention 1st Grade families: On Monday, March 3, Middleton began piloting a "soft start" entry for 1st graders. The Middleton doors are opened at 8:15 a.m. for 1st graders only. When the 1st grade students arrive at school, they will the building immediately and start unpacking.

During indoor arrival due to recent cold weather, teachers found these additional 10 minutes to be an excellent way for 1st graders to emotionally regulate and get ready for the school day. The soft start entry will continue through the end of the school year.

Calling all McCracken students! Please join us for a fun-filled night at the McCracken Hornet Hangout on Friday, March 14 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This exciting event, sponsored by the Student Council, offers a great opportunity for students to enjoy dancing, games, and food/drink for sale. It’s a perfect evening for kids to come together, have fun, and make memories. Admission is $2 at the door (exact cash is appreciated) and all food and drink is either $1 or $2. Students MUST bring a signed permission slip with them to the Hangout for admission. Students present in school for at least half of the school day may attend the Hangout.

Please remember that students are expected to adhere to all school rules and policies when attending any school-sponsored functions. Students are allowed to bring cell phones, but they may only be used for photos during the Hangout. Videos or social media posts are not allowed during the Hangout. Students must have a plan for how they will get home: a ride home with a parent/guardian, family member, or another known adult. Due to how dark it will be, students are not permitted to walk home. Please arrive promptly at 7:00 p.m. for pick-up.

McCracken Student Council students also voted on spirit days leading up to the Hornet Hangout. Please see the Hornet Hangout Spirit Week poster below.

As the holy month of Ramadan begins for our Muslim families we are sharing how McCracken supports students who may be fasting during the school day. McCracken students have been given an optional form to complete during advisory to request an alternate comfortable space to go during their lunch periods. Students complete the form and then administration will reach out to families to notify them of their child’s plan for lunch during the month of Ramadan. Paper copies of the form are also available for students to take home to families. Students will go to the Learning Center during that time. Should students need a place to pray during that time we do have prayer mats available for students to use in that space. Families who have questions or need additional information can reach out to administration at any time.

As our middle school students continue to work toward academic and behavioral goals for the 2024-2025 school year, please see a few resources below to support your child with independent reading, executive functioning, and homework.

• 20 Ways to Keep Your Middle Schooler Interested in Reading from Scholastic
• Helping Kids Who Struggle with Executive Functions from Child Mind Institute
• Executive Function Activities for Adolescents from Harvard University
• 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School from KidsHealth

Parents and guardians who drive their student(s) to or from school must use the Circle Drive off of East Prairie Road.

Parents and guardians must enter the Circle Drive near the south entrance on East Prairie Road staying on the right side of the drive for pick up or drop off (leave the outside lane open to exiting cars at all times). Do NOT drop off or pick up your student in the left lane.

The Drive-Thru is for right lane drop off and pick up only. Do not park in the Drive-Thru lane. Please help to keep our students and staff safe at all times!

Drivers should NOT enter the Circle Drive coming north off East Prairie. Please enter the drop off or pick up line driving south on East Prairie.

Drive SLOWLY and carefully, watching for both students and cars at ALL times!

Students may NOT walk through the back parking lot for any reason, due to traffic.

Students must exit school property immediately following dismissal and may not stay to congregate with peers outdoors unless involved in an extracurricular activity.

Crossing guards are available to assist students crossing Oakton Street and Crawford Avenue and also on East Prairie Road and Warren Street.

Students may NOT cross the street at East Prairie Road and Oakton Street unless accompanied by a parent/guardian. There is no crosswalk or crossing guards and there is a high volume of traffic.

Middle school students are invited to learn computer programming, develop new skills, and showcase their talents at HACKWEST! Check the FLYER for details and click HERE to submit the Interest Form.