Rewards for the Winners

Miss O'Connor's class was the seventh grade camp winner. They won a bus. I know that does not sound very exciting, but really it is. It is freedom. What junior higher does not want freedom? They get a bus for the morning to take wherever (within reason) they want to go. This year, (this is a repeat win for Miss O'Connor) her class wanted to go to Starbucks, the beach, and Metro Pointe for ice cream and lunch. We all had a great time, besides the sprained ankle. Thanks to Phil's wife for serving our whole class Starbucks at the drive thru. We walked up instead of driving thru with the bus. We went to a student's house on the beach. Her mom was very gracious to offer her house where we had snacks, Guitar Hero, and all sorts of beach fun. We made our way back to the area at Metro Pointe. Another parent offered up treats at Coldstone. All in all, it was a great time and a memorable occasion. Congrats to Miss O'Connor's seventh period!

Red Ribbon Week...why?

For the last few years, students have asked, "Why don't we have Red Ribbon Week?" My answer, "I don't see that as a need at our school." Just so you know, it is still not a need at our school. Though many local junior high schools may have drug use and the like, thankfully, we don't have those issues. Two of the many reasons, the Lord's protection and grace, and strong parental relationships. But, why are we having Red Ribbon Week now, you may ask.

This summer I began to consider the special weeks that we have every month. I always like to add a new one, and the Red Ribbon Week was in the mix. I realized that even though our students may not typically be exposed to drugs and alcohol now, the older they get, the more likely those temptations will become. Now is the time to get them the information they may need to make good decisions later. Another reason is that the world is constantly throwing information at them in the form of commercials, movies, and music that glorifies everything to do with smoking, drinking, and drugs. They are often treated as normal or a joke. And anything that is so funny, must be ok, right? Wrong. So, this week will include pastors, prizes, and police encouraging our students to serve the Lord with their body and be committed to holiness. Pictures will be posted later.

Campaign Week!

If you have walked down the main hallway at school you have probably noticed the posters and flyers covering the wall. It is campaign week here in junior high school. Students are running for spots on the Council of Five, our student government body. Yesterday during chapel, we had student speeches. Each seventh and eighth grader got up to share a little about themselves as well as things like a favorite Scripture, why they want to be elected, and something about leadership.
Two things really impressed me. One, the students were brave enough to address 300 of their peers. In junior high, you would have had to threaten me with bodily harm to get me to talk in front of the entire school about why they should vote for me. Secondly, so many of them had such a great perspective on leadership. Many of the students have taken part in our summer leadership retreats, and you can really see the results in their speeches. Many students spoke of listening, serving and being there for others. They were all so supportive and encouraging of each other. Only a few will be part of the Council, but I have enjoyed seeing each one of them going through the process.

Going Back to School

As I drove home last night from our Back to School Night, it made me think about how thankful I am to be serving you here at our school. I had the pleasure of talking with several parents last night, and it was so encouraging to hear and see your love for your child and your support of our school. This is a special place, not perfect, but special. My desire and prayer is that this year, you would know I am here for you. If you have a question, a problem, an idea, or just want to chat, give me a call, send me an email, or just stop by.

I have been here at this school for the last 13 years in sixth grade and junior high. I have a degree in Biblical Theology, a degree in Human Development, and a Masters in Education, but the time I spend talking to parents and students is always enlightening. I learn so much from listening to you. You matter at our school. You are our school. I look forward to serving you this year.

First Day of School

We looked forward to it for months and now it is over. The First Day of School is finished. It quite exciting. There were a few "deer in the headlights" moments, a few lost students, and several forgotten locker combinations, but we were able to point them in the right direction and send them on their way. Tomorrow will be a hundred times easier.

It was fun to see all the attentive faces in chapel as we discussed guidelines for the year. I helped more than a couple people find their class or open their locker, but everyone seemed to be in pretty good spirits. One of our traditions is to pass out ice cream at the end of the first day. First days of anything can be a bit daunting, so a little "Good Humor" goes a long way, I think. Day one, over; the rest of the year still to come.

Smells New!

Well, if you have made it here, I am impressed. You are going to get information this year from our blog that you might not get anywhere else. If you really want to know what is going on at school or in my head, you have come to the right place! I love our school, and I love to share with you ideas, thoughts and happenings. I have purposely left a few old blogs on the site for you to see. So, scroll down, and check out the expectations entry. I promise it will help you to get started on the right foot.
This year is going to be full of so many new things. New trimester system, new electives in 7th and 8th grade, a couple new teachers, new experiences, and new students. I love new things. God is so creative and rich, that He is always doing new works.
One of my prayers is that God would be doing a new work in our lives this year as well. When I think about something new, I often imagine the smell, new cars, new shoes, new surfboards all have a "new" smell. That smell helps you to know that something is new and fresh. When we spend time with Jesus, we take on a fragrance too. This year, may the Lord work in us that "new" smell of life and freshness as we spend time with Him serving and growing in His presence.

Nearing the Tape

I don't know whether it is the weather or just the whirlwind, but here we are in June, and I just can't believe it.  The older I get the faster it seems to go.  This year has been full of joy and sorrow.  I know that many of our students have endured trials, struggled through difficulties, and fought adversity.  Many have laughed and smiled and conquered.  For me, now is the time of year when I start to look back and ponder the year.  As I recall the year, countless faces flash through my mind, situations and conversations replay before me.  

Sometimes I feel like a worker at an aid station in some long distance race.  I stand pointing the way, encouraging them along, handing out Gatorade and wet sponges as they run by.  Some are flying by with the wind in their face and determination in their eyes, others are running along with a smile and strength, still others are jogging by laughing and enjoying the company of the other runners, and lastly there are those with a pained look on their face just putting one foot in front of the other.  In the case of each one, I am so proud of them.  They are in the game, they are giving it their best, and they are moving forward.  Some more quickly than others, some carrying more baggage than others, some not quite sure where they are going.  But they are all running the race.  I just feel so privileged to stand along the side, giving high fives, cheering them on, handing out the Gatorade and the wet sponges.  Thank you for a great year.  I will see you at the finish line.

Trees, Wind, and Junior High

I don't know if you saw the article in the paper last week regarding the wind we were having and trees.  It struck a cord with me, and prompted some thoughts.  The article was in some sort of gardening section that I typically don't read, but there was some sort of a snappy title that caught my attention, I don't know what it was now...I guess it wasn't that snappy!  Anyway, the lady was sharing that it is fine to tie up little trees to poles and stakes when they are young because it helps them to grow.  But, once they get bigger they should be untied and allowed to "blow in the wind."  This will help them to increase flexibility and grow strong roots.  If they are tied to tightly to the stakes and poles, when they reach maturity they will be weak and brittle.  Any little wind will snap or uproot them.  Mmmmh.  Immediately, my mind went to junior high-that is usually where my mind goes.  How similar to these young people we have here at school and you have in your home.  Now is the time to let them get blown around a bit by life and its circumstances.  Now is the time for them to learn from mistakes and figure out how to deal with issues and pressures they will no doubt continue to encounter as adults.  Tied too tightly to you and they will never fully develop.  When real life happens, maybe high school, maybe college, maybe marriage they snap or are uprooted.  Let them blow a bit.  Let God speak to them.  Keep them secure, watch over them, but let them feel talk and work through solutions and situations.  Guide them without telling them.  Pray with them without preaching at them.  They will be trees of righteousness, strong and stable.  That is really what we want for each one.

Expectations

As I have mentioned before, now is the time to set up some expectations for this year.  Verbalize and possibly even write out your expectations as your student moves into the new frontier of "junior high school."  Here are a few ideas about what to talk about and what we typically recommend at school:

Spending the night at a friend's house-not recommended on a school night 

Parties with boys and girls-parental supervision is a must

Grades-a minimum of 2.0, most students that do their homework and spend time studying will earn A-B work

Homework/Study time-set apart a time and place that is w/o distraction and consistent about an hour or hour and half is typical unless you procrastinate :)

Sports Teams-try out for those sports that you are interested in and see what happens

Service Hours-go on a trip with the jh ministry team, don't wait until the last minute

Tardies to class-tardies are bad! ;-)

Boy/Girl relationships-not necessary, don't encourage, put Jesus first in all your friendships, don't hang all over, front hug, hold hands etc.  hormones take them places their heads can't handle, it is not uncommon for them to "like each other" so talk about what is ok and not ok. forbidding them to like someone can bring out "Romeo and Juliet" flashbacks, "break ups" are usually pretty emotional and very hard socially.

Losing items-make them foot the bill to replace things and it will become more important

Number of Disc. Points-under 10 points in a semester is fine, under 5 points gets free dress during finals!

Consequences- take responsibility for your failures and mistakes, but it is what you do after that counts, make changes and never give up.  

Sit down and take some time to talk about these and other topics and find out what you think and what your student thinks.  You may be surprised with what happens.  

Set some positive goals for the year too.  I often ask the students to set goals and share them with me.  If you know where you are going your are more likely to get there!

Defibrillators in the News

I don't know if you saw the article in the Register this morning about defibrillators.  The article talked about an 11 year old boy that was saved using a defibrillator at a community gymnasium.  We trained our staff last year in the use of a defibrillator and have three on campus.  It is not something we talk about very often to the parents, but it is something we talk about as a school.  We are always concerned with the safety of our students and staff, and we are always looking ways to improve what we do.  Just thought you would like to know.

Parents: Are actions really louder than words?

Sometimes we think that our kids know we love them because we feed them, clothe them, and pay for their cell phone.  However, our kids need to hear us say things.  Don't assume they know.  Assuming is never good with a junior higher.  Say it and make it plain.  Here are a few things you may think or feel, but really need to say: "I love you-I am proud of you-That was a good choice-I really like listening to you-You are really good at that-You look handsome/beautiful."  I know we think it, let's let them know it by saying it.