Random Song Quote:

Okay, another Paul Simon Ditty. He just has some great stuff:

"Never been lonely, never been lied to

Never had to scuffle in fear, nothing denied to

Born at the instant, the church bells chimed

The world whispering, born at the right time"

Unofficially, it's Fall:

I hope you all had a good last weekend of summer. It seems the best was saved for last weather-wise as this weekend was a gem. Once Labor Day passes we quickly transition from the beginning of the school year into the meat of it. The homework will begin to ratchet up and tests, quizzes and other assessments will begin to show up on the combined calendar

We spend a lot of time in the Middle School getting adjusted. I have written in past blogs about the challenges that face students in each of the grade levels. As a result, we try to plan programming that we feel will help our students navigate their respective grade. Through large and small group activities, the purpose of these programs is to give students tools that they can use over the course of the year and perhaps beyond. There is certainly more than one way to successfully manage each school year and these programs are not intended to help all students in every circumstance. There is more than one way to skin the proverbial cat and these following programs are meant to give students tools that they can add to their toolbox.

In the next couple of weeks, the 6th Graders will have a bullying 101 program with Dr. Bishop, the 8th Graders will share with them the top 10 things they need to know about Middle School, and they will begin a four-week study skills unit. Study skills will cover a number of areas, including binder and note management, time management and test-taking strategies. The 7th Grade will complete a two-advisory lesson on the Bar/Bat MItzvah year with Rabbi Strauss, the Head of Jewish Life, they will have Bullying 102 with Dr. Bishop and will begin preparing for Tikkun Olam in their individual advisories. The 8th Grade will put their learned skills to use as they assist the 6th Graders in the top 10 things to know about the Middle School, and they will also begin to prepare for Tikkun Olam. The first Tikkun Olam day will take place on October 12, an early dismissal day.

We realize that these activities have the greatest impact when you all, as parents, share in the process. You can expect us to disseminate the details of many of these programs as they approach in order for us to continue to work together to provide the best middle school experience for your child.

Thanks and have a great week!

Happy Birthday to Ari Schwartzberg on Sept. 8

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs:

None

**If you notice that your child is not on the birthday list or the Bar/Bat Mitzvah list, and they should be, please drop Cathy Power an email so that we may update our records. We don't want to miss anyone. Thanks.

Athletics:

7th Girls Volleyball:
Tuesday @St. Mark's – 4 p.m.
Thursday @Awty – 4 p.m.

8th Girls Volleyball:
Tuesday @ St. Mark's – 5 p.m.
Thursday @ Awty – 5 p.m.

MS Boys Soccer:
Tuesday v. St. Mark's - 4:15 p.m.
Thursday v. Awty – 4 p.m.

Important events coming up in the MS:

September 14 -12:30 p.m. Dismissal
MS Open House - September 22