Week of May 12

              Thursday Thoughts May 12

10 days!  I repeat 10 more days!  There is something magical about the countdown that starts when we hit the single digits.  For many it is a countdown to true rest and relaxation.  For others it is a countdown to the close of a challenging school year.  For a few it is the countdown to the start of a new chapter in life.  This year has been rewarding, yet difficult.  We have celebrated with those who have experienced births and mourned with those who lost loved ones.  We have laughed and cried (sometimes simultaneously).  We haven't always done things the "right" way,  but we have done our best and most importantly, we have done right by kids.  Thank you for allowing me to be the "coach" of the Mustang Team once again.  You are an amazing staff and you keep me honest.  I am proud of the work that has been accomplished this year and I look forward to even greater accomplishments next year.  Have a wonderful summer!


Staff Spotlight
This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Madison Johnson.  We had a wonderful VIP breakfast for our parents last Friday and it was Madison's creative genius that made the event a big hit.  Most of us have a hard time identifying our talents, but Madison definitely operates within hers.  I can recall walking into her classroom the day before Sneak Peek this year and seeing the tepee that she had set up for her reading area.  I went into full panic mode.  The image played in my mind over and over again of a tepee falling on top of students.  Madison somehow convinced me that it was secure and I hesitantly agreed to let her keep it up.  Madison has many creative things that she does with her class; however she is constantly thinking of ways to boost staff morale as well (remember the Positive Dog bulletin board and our signature game at the holiday party).  She is a contributing member of the PBIS committee and is ready to lend her creative skills to the playground project set to take place in August.  We thank you Madison for being a team player and jumping in to make Medlock a great place to work and play.

Personalized Learning

2016 Possible Beach Reads 

          

       

          

          

          

         

        

Enjoy your time off!!!

Week of May 5

                   Thursday Thoughts May 5

Arts night was amazing!  It definitely gives me a greater appreciation for the work that English does with every K-5 student.  I also have kudos for Craig and the performances of the Chorus and Steel Drum Band.  When we immerse our students in the Arts, we unleash their creativity and set them up for lifelong success.  I often worry about the stress that we put on students and wonder what will come of it in the next decade or two.  Will society look back and regret the pressure that we put on children at such a young age?  While we have to teach the standards and prepare students for a competitive global workforce, I hope we never lose sight of the importance of educating the whole child.

Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Carrie Miller.  While we did not make a big deal about our 25 year anniversary (no program or celebratory event), I would be remiss if I did not recognize Carrie Miller for her commitment to the students and staff at Medlock since day one.  Carrie's heart is and will always be with the young child.  She has patience beyond measure and she has dedicated her career to teaching and nurturing a generation of kindergarten students.  You rarely see her without a smile on her face, even after a long day with no specials.  Her quiet and gentle spirit has reassured anxious parents and calmed the most rambunctious children.  Carrie shared with me that Medlock Bridge actually began it's first year ( August 1990) at Dolvin Elementary.  It was a separate school that shared the same building.  Many classes were held in portables, including the lunchroom.  The students and staff of Medlock Bridge moved into our current building over Spring Break in 1991.  I am so thankful that Carrie has continued to be a part of the Medlock Family over the years.  Carrie we thank you for the love that you have given our students and staff for 25 years.

Personalized Learning

No Articles for the rest of the year.  Just comics to make you laugh!!

Habitudes- (Growth Mindset)

Looking Ahead
It is confirmed that today, the State Board of Education approved a waiver of Rule 160-4-2.11 Promotion, Placement and Retention for students in grades 3-8 for the 2015-2016 school year.  Promotion and retention will not be based on Milestones Assessments for this school year. We have not received any news regarding when scores will be received.