TAKS Testing----Again

Today marks the 3rd round of TAKS testing for DMS. Our 6th and 7th graders are taking the TAKS math test as I write this. I know they are prepared---my teachers have done a great job of teaching them the skills they need to be successful. High stakes testing is stressful on all involved, and I know the students want to do well. So, I am sending them positive thoughts and keeping my fingers crossed that they all get commended! :o)

Parent Support

A parent recently asked me what they could do to support their student in middle school. It is a question that I am asked on a daily basis. The middle years are difficult sometimes because as children turn into teenagers, their focus shifts from "wanting to please mom and dad" to "wanting to fit in and please their friends." Teens become more social and more aware of their peers and how they "fit in" the social network of school. As I ponder how parents can best support their child, then the best answer I can give is to use every opportunity as a teachable moment. It is so easy for us as parents to want our children to excel at everything, be the best, have a lot of friends, and always make the right decision. However, the reality is that there is always going to be someone better, smarter, or more popular. Kids are kids--they make mistakes. We have to teach them how to learn from those mistakes, and the first lesson is a lesson in personal responsibility. Students have to learn how to make good choices, and if we don't hold them accountable for the wrong choices, then how do we get them to see what the right choice is? It is so much easier to move past the teachable moments by blaming some other kid, blowing it off as "not that big of a deal," or simply ignoring it. Being a parent isn't easy, but we have to be parents. We can not simply sit by and allow society or the school to raise our children for us. So, my advice to parents on how best to support their child---hold your student accountable for all of their choices--good or bad. Celebrate when they make the right choice, and hold them accountable when they make the wrong choice and remember that a little bit of patience goes a long way! :o)

Blue Skies

I went outside a few minutes ago to go buy lunch. I stepped out of the building, and I was engulfed in the warmth of this beautiful spring day. There is nothing more beautiful than the blue skies of Texas in spring. I just wanted to stay outside the rest of the day and enjoy the sunshine, but school beckoned me back inside. It dawned on me that the kids probably have "cabin fever" as well. They are wanting to go outside as much as I am---they are wanting to bask in the sun as much as I do. As Summer quickly approaches, the kids become more and more anxious for school to be done (I think some of the adults do as well.) It is always a challenge to navigate these last 5-6 weeks because we want the kids to be focused on the learning that will prepare them for next year, but we are all looking outside at the blue skies. I will be talking with teachers over the next few weeks about having some lessons under the trees. The more we embrace this gorgeous Texas weather and the desire to be outside, the easier it will be on everyone---if only I can figure out a way to move my office outside! :o) So, as the song goes..."blue skies are shining on me--nothing but blue skies do I see!" Enjoy your weekend and if you live in Austin, Texas--enjoy the blue skies! :o)

Happy TAKS testing

Today, my 8th graders are taking the Math TAKS test. I was a little worried about them taking a test on a Monday, but this morning when I saw them, they were eager and ready. Many of them told me, "Don't worry---I've got this." I know our students are ready, and I will be excited to get back our scores in a few weeks. Tomorrow, the 8th graders take TAKS reading---and I know they will just do just as well. We have to keep the momentum going and the confidence soaring for our students as we reach for Exemplary! :o)