Communicating with parents and families is one of the most important things I do as principal.  The New York State Education Department’s policy on middle level education, The Essential Elements of Standards Focused Middle Level Schools and Programs (see link) , states that effective middle schools:

• Create, promote, and sustain a school culture of mutual support and collective responsibility for the educational and personal development of each and every young adolescent.
• Inform and involve parents of middle-level students in their children’s education by helping them understand the needs and developmental characteristics of young adolescents, the learning standards their children must meet, the instructional program, their children’ progress, and how to help their children at home with schoolwork, school decisions, and successful development through adolescence.
• Promote school/community partnerships and involve members of the community in school activities and initiatives, empowering and encouraging them to contribute and make decisions that benefit students.

This blog is intended to contribute to these goals.  Occasionally I will write about programs at the school, new initiatives, classroom activities, upcoming events, or share with you information that would be helpful to you in parenting a young adolescent.  I hope you will subscribe to receive updates whenever there is a new post or check in from time to time to see what’s up at the middle school!