Middle Level Leader - How to Strike a Work-Life Balance
September 2012
Hopefully your school year is off to a smooth start and the glitches that sometimes occur with the opening of school have worked themselves out. For those who are regular readers of this e-newsletter, welcome back; and to those who are joining us for the first time, we’re glad you’re here. We have an exciting year planned with articles coming from many well-known middle level leaders. If you have a topic you’d like us to cover, please send me an e-mail and I’ll put it on the list for future editions.
A key recommendation from the Breaking Ranks Framework is that schools create “a safe, caring environment characterized by interactions between adults and students that convey high expectations, support, and mutual respect.” And as Tom Burton, author of this month’s lead article, points out, being there can go a long ways toward demonstrating that care and support to the students, staff, and school community. However, it is important to strike a balance between being there for your school community and finding time for your home life. Read Tom’s thoughts as he shares his perspective on this critical issue.
Patti Kinney
Associate Director, Middle Level Services
Being There
By Tom Burton
Early in my career as a middle school principal, I marveled at some of my colleagues who were home early every day. I began to wonder if they had found some magical way to achieve balance in their lives that I had not. As I worked hard to remain visible to my students and staff, I knew that the delicate balance between work and family life was difficult to maintain. I began to question whether being there really mattered. (Continue reading)
Spotlight on Middle Schools
Mt. Vernon Middle School
Fortville, IN
In October of last year, Mt. Vernon Middle School’s student council planned and sponsored a Red Ribbon Week to encourage students to say "no" to drugs and alcohol. To promote the event, Red Ribbon Week activities included several spirit days and a dodgeball tournament for honor students. The school raised a few hundred dollars by asking students in attendance to donate $1 to the Riley Hospital for Children.
Mt. Vernon’s student council is a 2012 NASC National Gold Council of Excellence. Nearly 200 middle and high school student councils earned the prestigious National Councils of Excellence and National Gold Councils of Excellence awards this year. Learn how your student council can become a 2013 NASC National Council of Excellence.
News & Notes
Congrats to the National Middle Level Principal of the Year
Laurie Barron, principal of Smokey Road Middle School in Newnan, GA, has been named the 2013 MetLife/NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year. Earning her place among the nation's best, Barron was the leading force behind the turnaround of Smokey Road. When she took over in 2004, she was the fourth principal to run the school in five years. However, by demonstrating her commitment to the success of students and staff members, she was able to tackle the rampant discipline problems, high absenteeism, and low student achievement. Read more about Laurie’s accomplishments.
Also to be congratulated are finalists Judy Beard, Loris Middle School in Loris, SC; and Shana Perry, Del Crest Middle School in Del City, OK. Along with the high school finalists and winner, they will be honored during a black-tie gala on September 21 in Washington, DC, to kick off National Principals Month.
The “Middle School Moment”
Earlier this year, The Learning First Alliance (LFA), of which NASSP is a member, contracted with Boston public broadcaster WGBH to produce a screening guide for a 15-minute video segment, “Middle School Moment.” This program aired in July as part of a FRONTLINE program on PBS. The segment showcases the research of Robert Balfanz from Johns Hopkins University on the warning signs for potential student dropouts and chronicles the intervention strategies used at a New York City middle school to support a student who exhibited these warning signs. Check out the video!
October Is National Principal’s Month
Get ready to celebrate the principalship this October.
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Deadline
Do you know a middle level (or high school) student who has demonstrated exemplary community service? If so, encourage him or her to apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. This program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with NASSP, recognizes one middle level and one high school student from each state. Honorees receive $1,000; an expense-paid trip with a parent or guardian to Washington, DC; and much more. Deadline to apply is November 6.
Know an Outstanding Middle Level Leader?
NASSP’s Gruhn-Long-Melton Award was created in 1983 and is given to recognize distinguished service and leadership in improving middle level education. The award was named in honor of William T. Gruhn, Forrest E. Long, and George E. Melton—all of whom made significant contributions during their lifetime to the field of middle level education. It is not an annual award but is given only when there is a worthy candidate. Nominations are due November 15, 2012, and we encourage NASSP members to consider nominating a colleague.
Month of the Young Adolescent
NASSP is proud to partner with the Association for Middle Level Education and more than 40 other education, health, and youth-oriented organizations to celebrate and focus on this important age range of 10 to 15 year olds this October. Celebrate your middle level students during the Month of the Young Adolescent.
Great MiddleWeb Resource
An updated version of the former MiddleWeb discussion list, this SmartBrief is sent out on Tuesdays and Fridays and provides a quick look at what’s happening in the world of the middle level. Subscribe now.
Interested in Our Dissertation Competition?
If you are a doctoral student who has completed and successfully defended your dissertation between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012, consider applying for the NASSP Dr. Ted Sizer Middle Level Dissertation award. Winners receive a complimentary one-year NASSP membership, a cash award of $1000 (members) or $500 (non-members), and a plaque. Candidates must submit a completed application by January 7, 2013. Questions? Contact Carolyn Glascock at (800)-253-7746, ext. 202.
Plan Now to Attend the 2013 NASSP Conference
Washington, DC, February 28-March 2
Join a multitude of middle level colleagues from schools around the country to share best practices and learn from fellow practitioners and experts at Ignite 2013. Don’t miss out—learn more information and register now.