Change is a challenging thing for all those involved. Although we can recognize that eventually the change will bring us to a higher and greater place, the change process can be very unsettling for many people. MMES is in the process of many changes, and I would like to communicate and reflect on some changes to our physical plant that are taking place at MMES this summer. I am very excited about the potential that these changes will bring to our school!
1. The library has been relocated to a newly renovated space adjacent to the computer lab. This space has been redesigned and remodeled to provide a place for children to engage in research and activities using both text and electronic media. The library and computer programs will work hand-in-hand to prepare our students for the expectations of a world that is rich with digital and text media. An exciting addition to these spaces will be ipads and new computer stations!
2. The former library space is being converted to a dynamic preschool teaching and activity space. Modifications to the room and outdoor play space will allow children to have developmentally appropriate learning and gross motor space (indoors and out).
3. I have been monitoring class sizes with central administration in regard to our district class size benchmarks. I am happy to report that MMES has been fortunate enough to maintain four sections for grade 2 and increase grade 3 to four sections. This will address significantly higher than benchmark class sizes. Additionally, in grade 4, we will be implementing a teaching assistant to reduce class size during academic lessons. This will enable our teachers to increase the amount of small-group instruction during lessons. This teaching assistant may also be available to other grades as needed and as schedules allow. As a result, I am very pleased with the small class sizes we are able to offer our students in 2011-2012.
4. Our custodial and maintenance staff have been working hard to make changes to the school that will increase the efficiency of our organization and increase safety for our students. In addition, they have been tirelessly cleaning, waxing, and painting the interior and exterior of the building so that your children feel proud and motivated to learn and grow with us this year at MMES.
As you can see, we have been very busy at MMES this summer. I extremely proud of the talented new staff we have selected to join our team. These educators are committed to our goal of making MMES the BEST school for your children!
I want to thank all of you for your patience regarding classroom placement notification. You can expect to receive a letter in the mail next week announcing your child's teacher. The staff has considered all factors and placed every child in an environment where they know the child with thrive both academically, socially, and developmentally.
If you have not had a chance to respond to my parent survey, please take a moment to share your ideas by clicking on the link below:
As we draw closer to the opening of school, I will update this blog with photos of the new teaching/learning spaces so that you can share the photos with your children.
Best,
John J. Willis
Principal
