Dear Middle Level Educator, The school year is certainly speeding by. It's already October and the evenings are filled with the sights and sounds of football in Texas. There is a crispness to the morning air and the promise of cooler days to follow. You are all hard at work, while keeping an eye on the calendar. Isn't Thanksgiving Break just around the corner? The Texas Middle School Association is also hard at work bringing new, improved resources to you! Remember to visit our website frequently as new resources and services are added almost daily. Feel free to contact us at any time. Remember, we are YOUR source "in the middle." |
TMSA Supports The Success In The Middle Act
On June 26, 2009, Representative Raśl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) reintroduced Success in the Middle (H.R. 3006/S. 1362) a Act bill that would authorize grants to states and school districts to help improve middle grades education and turn around low-performing middle schools.
The bill will help states and districts provide leadership, intensive intervention, and technical assistance to improve low-performing schools that contain middle grades. The bill was first introduced in fall 2008 and garnered a good deal of support with 31 cosponsors. Rep. Grijalva and Sen. Reed are urging other members of Congress to join in cosponsoring the legislation.
We encourage you to take the time to explain to your elected leaders why middle grades students deserve their help. Write or call your Senators and Representatives urging them to support and co-sponsor H.R. 3006 and S. 1362 today!
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Twenty-Six Texas Public Schools Earn Prestigious Blue Ribbon Award
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced that 26 Texas public schools have won the prestigious Blue Ribbon School Award.
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 This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young AdolescentsComing November 2009!If
you are committed to helping young adolescents become successful,
responsible, global citizens, National Middle School Association
invites you to read and implement This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young Adolescents.This
book describes the 16 vital characteristics of successful middle grades
schools, and is a critical resource for everyone involved in the
education, health, and well being of today's young adolescents. Since
1982, This We Believe has been a foundational piece for countless
organizations, policymakers, school districts, schools, colleges, and
universities in the public and private sectors, and internationally. This We Believe is, indeed, the essential guide for educators and others involved in creating successful schools for young adolescents.
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Month of The Young Adolescent
October is Month of the Young Adolescent, an annual international collaborative effort of education, health, and youth-oriented organizations. Initiated by National Middle School Association (NMSA), Month of the Young Adolescent brings together a wide range of organizations to focus on the needs of this important age range, ages 10 to 15.
See how Texas Educators can participate in this month-long celebration.
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ARKLATEX 2009 Huge Success
130 educators from Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas met on October 3, 2009 to hear presenter Randy Thompson speak on Differentiated Leadership. Response to the workshop was enthusiastic and positive.
As one participant from Texas wrote, "This workshop really whet my appetite for more. I can't wait to attend the TMSA Annual Conference this year and pick up even more information."
Be sure and plan to attend next year's ARKLATEX workshop. Save the date for October 2, 2010.
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Our 35th Annual Conference and Exhibit:
March 4-6, 2010
Arlington Convention Center
Arlington, Texas
Quick Links
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Register Today!
TMSA's 2009 Regional Workshop Series:
Differentiated Instruction For Today's Digital Learners.
Featured Speakers:
Debbie Silver
Dedra Stafford
Interested Audience: All middle level educators
When and Where:
October 10, 2009
Anson Jones Middle School
1256 Pinn Road
San Antonio, TX
Registration Costs:
$75 includes lunch and materials
Session Topics:
- Differentiated Instruction
- Technology
- RTI
- Teaming
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