Dear HKMS Families,

Mrs. Mohr and I had a chance to connect with nearly every student this week as we pulled all fifteen homerooms into a separate 20-minute mini-lesson on "ripple effects." Ripples are metaphors for the energy we put into the world through our words, actions, and behaviors. The power of this metaphor is using the example of waves moving through a pond, with an ever-expanding impact on calm and rough waters alike. We demonstrated how even a small classroom disruption or act of kindness can have far-reaching impacts on our entire community.  

During this lesson, we looked at our daily substitute return rate, a point of data I feel is very telling. Last year, six out of eleven of our daily subs did not return to HKMS for a second substitute experience.  If 55% of the people who sub here one day never come back, then there is more we can do for these guests when they come here to help.  Substituting in middle school is difficult, it may be one of the most challenging and important jobs we have in our schools.  Subs not only allow teachers to stay home when they or a member of their family are sick, but they also allow us to provide specialized training experiences that only happen during the school day.  When we do not have a sub for a teacher, we pull someone else off what they are supposed to do, often a paraeducator.  Our paras often are supporting students who struggle with academics, behaviors in school, or acquiring English.  If those students do not get the attention they require, their struggles can be exacerbated, making teaching and learning even more challenging.  

Showing the "ripple effect" of misbehaving for a substitute teacher, on everything from our daily operations to dynamic training experiences all the way through their relationships was powerful.  We then set forth a challenge for all of us to take on, creating more "positive ripples" when we have a sub in our school, classroom, or hallway.  Students will be brainstorming, planning, and providing ideas for us all to incorporate into how we make our guest teachers feel more welcome and respected when coming to HKMS.  I look forward to greatly improving our return rate with the help of our more cognizant students.  

As we head into another beautiful weekend, I hope you can take a few minutes to check out all the wonderful learning and teaching in this week's newsletter.  From surprising classroom peeks, to "spooky" happenings, and a new drive to thrive, this week's newsletter is full of the joy and excitement evident all around our learning community. Oh, and you have to check out the pictures of Dr. Mckinnon using his "touch sense" on a blind bag, maybe the best picture of the year! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Steven Clapp, Ed.D.

Principal

Helen Keller Middle School

Find your strength, build upon it, and share it!

At HKMS we believe all students should be thriving whether performing below, at, or above grade-level standards.  This section will highlight just one of the ways we support learners and/or extend their thinking.