Dear JRMS Families,

One of the things I appreciate most about middle school is that so much important learning happens beyond academics. While reading, writing, mathematics, science, and other subjects remain central to our work, students are also learning how to navigate relationships, manage disagreements, explore interests, contribute to their community, and take responsibility for their choices. This week offered several wonderful examples of that learning in action.

Learning Through Experiences and Opportunities

Throughout the week, I enjoyed seeing students engaged in activities that extend learning beyond their regular classes. Our many clubs continue to provide opportunities for creativity, exploration, and self-expression. It is awesome to see JRMS bustling with action before and after the school day. We have so many opportunities for students they are excited to show what they are doing. The other day, a Science Olympiad student was demonstrating his glider in the gym and robotics students were maneuvering their creations throughout the building—including through my office! I enjoy seeing our students’ ingenuity, problem-solving, and enthusiasm firsthand.

Our eighth graders also visited the Fairfield Historical Society, another opportunity to connect classroom learning with experiences beyond our school walls. The students participated in a scavenger hunt in the graveyard, visited locations such as the “tavern” and old schoolhouse, learned more about life during the colonial times, and expanded their knowledge of the Revolutionary War.

We are also continuing to emphasize the importance of service to others. Through efforts such as Ruby's Pantry (see announcements for more information) and the work of groups such as Save our Planet and the Student Council, students have opportunities to learn about the needs of others and the difference they can make through their actions. 

In addition, Daisy has been getting reacquainted with JRMS! It has been fun seeing the connections she makes with students and staff and the positive energy she brings to our school community.

Learning to Navigate Relationships and Resolve Conflicts

Another important part of the middle school experience is learning how to navigate disagreements, understand different perspectives, and repair relationships when things go wrong.

This week, we had several conversations with students about recess activities, including playing by the rules, understanding the difference between competitive and aggressive behavior, resolving conflicts, and recognizing how a situation might look or feel from someone else's perspective.

These are important lessons, and they are not always easy ones. Middle school students are still developing the skills to manage emotions, communicate effectively, and work through disagreements. Our responsibility is to help them learn and practice those skills while maintaining clear expectations for their behavior.

One area we are placing greater emphasis on is restorative conversations and practices. An apology or an "I'm sorry" can be a good starting point, but meaningful resolution often requires more. It involves understanding what happened, recognizing how others were affected, taking responsibility, and discussing what needs to happen to make things right. When appropriate, bringing students together for these conversations can be far more meaningful and lasting than simply requiring an apology or writing a letter. The goal is not just to resolve an immediate disagreement, but to help students develop the skills to handle future situations more thoughtfully and independently. A restorative conversation also gives the “victim” voice, including the opportunity to share the impact of an incident and how to move forward.

Restorative practices do not replace accountability or consequences when they are warranted. Rather, they help ensure that students learn from their choices, understand their impact on others, and have opportunities to repair relationships and rebuild trust. These are skills that will serve students well beyond their years at JRMS.

Listening, Learning, and Strengthening Our School Community

Our School Climate Committee met this week to review the results of our recent family survey. The feedback was very encouraging, including satisfaction rates exceeding 90% in areas related to administrative communication and transparency. We appreciate that positive feedback while also recognizing opportunities to refine our practices and improve.

An important next step will be incorporating more student voice into our school improvement efforts. We are exploring student focus groups and other opportunities to hear directly from students about their experiences, particularly around belonging, cultural awareness, inclusivity, and relationships. We want to better understand what students are experiencing, what helps them feel connected to our school, and where we can make improvements. Community Circle discussions may also provide opportunities to strengthen understanding, empathy, and connections among students. We will organize and communicate these opportunities with you.

Supporting Teaching, Learning, and Transitions

Professional Learning Plan (PLP) conversations continued this week as teachers and administrators discussed individual goals, professional growth, and connections to our School Improvement Plan. These conversations are an important part of ensuring that our professional learning remains purposeful and connected to the needs of our students.

We also had a wonderful turnout for our PPS webinar, presented by Dr. Panaro. The session provided families with important information, upcoming dates, and an overview of the Grade 8 to high school transition process. Thank you to everyone who participated and asked such thoughtful questions. We know this is an exciting time for our eighth graders and their families, and we appreciate the opportunity to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Moving Forward Together

Whether students are building robots, flying gliders, exploring history, participating in service projects, or working through a disagreement on the playground, they are learning important lessons about themselves and the world around them.

At JRMS, we want students to leave us not only with strong academic foundations, but also with the ability to communicate, collaborate, demonstrate empathy, resolve conflicts, and contribute positively to their communities. Sometimes those lessons happen in a classroom. Other times, they happen during recess, in a club, through a service project, or during a difficult but important conversation.

All of that learning matters, and I am grateful to our staff, students, and families for helping make those experiences possible. We also want to ensure that school is fun and next week is going to be especially exciting. Please check out the Spirit Week calendar and check out this sneak peek into the Haunted House! 

Thank you for your partnership and support.

~Chris