We are off to a fantastic start at Elkton Middle!  The administration has had the opportunity to meet with all three grade levels in a class meeting to share our new PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) and High Five Expectations.  Students have risen to the occasion and strive for their High Five best every day.  We have recognized several students for their positive behavior and we have seen a decrease in negative behaviors from last year.

I have also had the opportunity to meet with a small group of parents at our last PTO meeting to share the vision and direction of Elkton Middle School.  We also set dates for upcoming events such as Holiday Fun Night, Family Bingo Night and Spring Fling.  If you are interested in helping coordinate these events, please contact me as soon as possible. 

This past month I was able to join 6th graders and their teachers at North Bay and had a wonderful time learning about our students, their interests and our environment.  Check out the pictures, videos and podcasts on our school website.  There are hundreds of pictures of our students experiencing the adventure of North Bay.  Thanks to all of the parents who gave up a week to be with us—you all did a fantastic job keeping track of our students!

In the upcoming month I hope to see you at Conference Night and I hope that you can join us during National Education Week for Shadow a Student Day and Recognition Rallies.  Remember that starting in October you will need to ring the bell to get in to EMS.  Please bring your identification.

Thank you all for your continued support of children and our school.

Link to pdf download of entire October-November newsletter

Welcome to another great year at Elkton Middle School!  It is my pleasure to begin my 18th year with Cecil County Public Schools in the Elkton Community.  This summer has been especially busy for me as I get reacquainted with Elkton Middle School.  I can say that everyone I have met and have worked with so far has been more than kind to me as I ask dozens of questions.  I imagine that I am experiencing feelings much like those of a new student.   

Our focus over the next few years will be on the following Five Components of Effective Schools. 

School Climate—continuing to make Elkton Middle School a safe and orderly place for your child to learn.
Essential Skills & Concepts—continuing to teach your child what is required by Maryland’s State Curriculum—a curriculum that has been recognized nationally as a model for other districts.
Instruction—providing our teachers with the most up to date research about teaching and learning so that it can be applied to your child’s classroom.
Assessment—making sure that students are learning what is being taught and providing feedback to students so they can continually improve their skills.
Technology—providing students with the opportunity to use the most up to date technology to enhance their learning. 

Parental involvement at home is another key to making children successful at school.  You can support learning by taking the time to ask your children three really important questions:  1) What goals have you set for yourself?; 2) What are you learning that supports your goal?; and 3)  How do you know you are learning?  Do not ever hesitate to call your child’s teachers if you have questions.

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you this year and I look forward to a productive 2007-08 school year!

Link to pdf download of entire August-September newsletter