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In this issue: Message from Jackie on Student-Led Conferences, Ms. Study on Adolescent Development, Meet Senora Regan, Save the Date for School Pictures, October 1st - Critical Date for School Funding, School Garage Sale This Sunday.
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Alert - Durango Connect This Thursday, September 27th
Parents Welcome to Join
Starting at 9:30, we will be walking as a school to the River Trail behind City Market. Students received a brochure and complimentary water bottle. Please have them wash the bottle and bring it to school on Thursday. The entire community is encouraged to participate. You can learn more here. |
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Message from Jackie
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The end of September is fast approaching and the smell of fall is in the air. Our students are quickly becoming collaborators and thinkers - questioning and evaluating what they read and hear. I love middle school!
Student-led conferences will be scheduled at the grade level during the week of October 22nd. These conferences are a powerful communication tool outlined in our charter as a well-researched practice for middle school students. The student-led conference model is intended to help teachers shift responsibility and accountability to students for setting goals, evaluating their work, and creating high-quality beautiful representations of their learning. Students will be required to determine their areas of strengths and weaknesses and create a plan to address their needs. The Mountain Middle School Charter defines student-led conferences as follows:
Student-led Conferences
"The primary value for student-led conferences is an increased accountability which moves the student from passive - and frequently second-hand - recipient of information shared between teacher and parent, to active participant in a three-way interaction among parent, teacher, and student. The student is in charge of the academic conference with the parents while the teacher serves as a discussion facilitator. The goals of MMS student-led conferences are: to encourage students to accept personal responsibility for their academic performance; to teach students the process of self-evaluation; to facilitate the development of students' organizational and oral communication skills; to increase their self-confidence; to encourage students, parents, and teachers to engage in open and honest dialogue; and to increase parent attendance at conferences."
Read about the benefits of student-led conferences below.
Be on the lookout for communication from the grade-level teams for scheduling as we move into the month of October.
Kind regards, Jackie
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The Calmest Place is in the Eye of the Storm
By Heather Study
Adolescence has long been described as a time of "storm & stress." Many adults look back upon their teen experience, particularly middle school, lamenting that it is a set of years they would not choose to repeat. However, while adolescence is the developmental phase involving more multi-dimensional change than any other in our lifetime, it does not have to be characterized by rampant turbulence and difficulty.
Around the onset of the physiological changes indicating puberty (for girls, typically age 9-11; boys, typically age 10 - 13), a number of other simultaneous  developments are initiated. The brain undergoes a significant transformation where it begins pruning off unused connections and rapidly developing a vast new network of links, particularly from the frontal lobes (planning/thinking/analyzing/judgment) into all other structures. There is a common saying in neuropsychology which states, "neurons that fire together, wire together." This is why it is so imperative to keep youth involved in constructive activities, surrounded by positive influences and minimize their exposure to questionable media sources including magazines, films, TV, and video games. Everything they interface with has the potential of reshaping their brains during this period.
According to Jean Piaget, Developmental Psychologist, there is a shift from concrete operational thinking into formal operations thinking which is marked by the increased ability for perspective-taking, along  with flourishing of abstract ideas, testing of hypotheses, and the ability to begin organizing more effectively in an effort to plan for the future. Current neuroscience research shows that adolescents are quite capable of analyzing risks and benefits of decisions presented to them, but their brains take longer to determine a choice compared with adults. When they do make a decision, the pros for them (impressing peers in the moment), may outweigh the cons (risk to self). Whereas for adults, the brain goes right to the choice..."this is too risky, I'm not going to do it."
While emerging teens do need more autonomy, more choices, and opportunities to spend time with peers, it is a myth that parents should step away from  being instrumentally involved in their daily lives. Adolescents deserve many opportunities to communicate with helpful adults who are available to listen to their experiences and guide them through a beneficial problem-solving process when they encounter difficulties. Parenting strategies should use an 'authoritative' approach which involves the youth in deciding what activities are reasonable at their age and what the consequences should be if they push beyond the rules/guidelines of the household. Foster Cline and Jim Fay offer exceptional insights for parenting teens through their program called Love & Logic.
Furthermore, The Search Institute is an organization with years of experience in documenting what factors contribute to healthy, involved, service-oriented,  empathetic development of individuals. They share their recommendations about external (family/school support, empowerment, boundaries/expectations & constructive use of time) and internal (commitment to learning, positive values, social competency, positive identity) "assets" which are essential to this goal. I like to think of adolescence as similar to the metamorphic change of a caterpillar into a butterfly or analogous to coal's evolution into a diamond. The instrumental forces surrounding these changes are miraculous. It is an incredible transformation to witness, moreover to participate in....so don't miss out on being there during this brief moment in your child's lifetime.
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Parenting Resources
The parent education resources mentioned above can all be found on the Community Resources page. Check out these resources for advice on how to help your children thrive.
We have great news. Nationally renowned child expert, Dr. Michele Borba, is coming to Durango to provide a workshop on parenting, character education, and bullying prevention. If you are interested in helping with this event, please contact Mark.
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| Meet Senora Regan | |
Tracy was raised in the Denver area and had her first  cultural immersion when she was just 9 years old and stayed with a Navajo family in Rough Rock, Arizona. She took an interest in learning Spanish at a young age and had the opportunity to travel to Spain with her school at age 16. It was this experience that sparked her passion to travel and continue her life-long learning of the Spanish language. In 2002 she moved to Durango to attend Fort Lewis College and pursue her degree in Spanish. As part of her education, she spent a semester abroad in Ecuador, completed an independent study exploring Copper Canyon, Mexico, and graduated in 2006 with a major in Spanish and minor in geology. For six years, Tracy worked for the State of Colorado, wearing many hats such as Minority Family Advocate, Juvenile Case Manager and Program Coordinator. She assisted hundreds of youth and families through their process in the Juvenile Justice System and developed a Service-Learning Program for youth on probation. One of the highlights of this program was the Dumpster Beautification Project. (Perhaps you have noticed some of the colorful dumpster murals in and around Durango.) The opportunity to teach Spanish came at a perfect time, as Tracy was ready to embark on a new adventure. She is excited to share her passion for the Spanish language and cultures with students at Mountain Middle School. |
| Volunteer Opportunities | |
In each newsletter we will highlight several volunteer opportunities. You can also monitor the PTSO Teams pages on School Pages for all open opportunities and sign-up sheets.
Yes, that can be you. Get a little peek into the joys of a middle school lunch room. Lunch is served from 12:25 to 12:55. Just 1/2 hour here and there will make a huge difference to the school. Sign up here. Contact Jackie with questions.
The school needs help after school on the days when the cleaning crew doesn't come. A quick swipe of the vacuum and a little bathroom pick up will help keep the school clean. Sign up here. Contact Jackie with questions.
Sign up here to let the teachers know that you want to help in the classroom. Let us know about your skills, anything from patience with a copier to exceptional math tutoring will be needed.
Mondays & Wednesdays, 12:45 to 1:45
We are seeking parent volunteers to assist with X-Block (physical activity period). Commitment is for 2 hrs. per week until 10/21. Let us know about your interest here. Contact Heather Study with questions.
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Great Ways to Support MMS
Flea Market Garage Sale
The PTSO is holding a Garage Sale on Sunday, September 30th at the Fairgrounds Parking Lot (Flea Market Area). 8am - 3pm.  All proceeds will go to the PTSO. Anyone who has good "stuff" to donate to the sale should bring it as early as possible on that day to our spot. Any unsold items will be donated at the end of the day, so any unsold items that are wanted back would need to be picked up. Please bring items priced. We need a few volunteers to work, so if you love a good garage sale, this is the place for you on Sept. 30th! Please sign up here.
Student Council will also have a bake sale/refreshment table at the flea market on Sunday. Please bring donations of baked goods, snacks, soda, water, etc.
Mixed Bag Fundraiser
Attention MMS Parents: Last year we had great success selling reusable, recyclable bags through our  Mixed Bags Fundraiser. This year's sale will begin the first week of October ending November 14th. We need volunteers to help with order collection, class reminders, catalog/order distribution and getting the students motivated (there will be bag give-aways and if we sell a minimum $ amount, iTunes cards.) Any bit of time will help bring together another successful fundraiser. Please sign up here. Contact Lisa Gutt with any questions.
Box Tops for School
Help support your school by clipping Box Tops!
Drop your box tops off at the collection box located at the front desk.
Recycle Printer Cartridges for $$$
Bring in used cartridges, cell phones and other small electronics to raise money for the PTSO. The drop box is located in the Eeva Reeder Room next to the piano. Please contact Margo Snodgrass at 769-8871, for more information.
Get MMS T-Shirts and Water Bottles at School on Fridays
Show your support for MMS with a t-shirt, water bottle or sticker!
The PTSO will be selling MMS logo merchandise most Fridays at lunchtime, 12:25-12:55. Watch the website and School Pages to confirm dates for selling. Get cool MMS stuff including T-shirts ($15), water bottles ($13.50), decals ($1.50), and pencils (3 for $1.00). The student planners are in! They will be available for all 7th graders and 8th graders on a first-come, first-served basis ($8.00). Cash and checks (to Alison Epstein) accepted. All profits will benefit MMS PTSO.
Happy Hour
 Join us for Happy Hour at Cuckoo's from 4-6pm, every 4th Wednesday of the month. October 24th is the next event. Mention MMS to your server and $1 from every drink goes to support MMS Thanks everyone....
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October 1st - Very Important Date!!!!!!
Important Information regarding October Count
Each year all public school districts and facilities across the state of Colorado, including Mountain Middle School, participate in the Student October Count data submission to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The purpose of this data collection is to obtain required student level data as provided for by state statute, including information regarding students' funding eligibility as outlined in the Public School Finance Act of 1994 (22-54-101, C.R.S.).
The Student October Count is based on an enrollment count in which schools are asked to report all students who are actively enrolled and attending classes through their school on that date. This count determines the amount of per pupil revenue Mountain Middle School receives for the year. This process is extremely important to our operations.
Attendance Requirements
In order for a student to be eligible to be included for funding, the student must also establish attendance with the school on or before the pupil enrollment count day. Attendance requirements necessary for funding eligibility include one of the following:
- Attending school for all or any portion of the pupil enrollment count day, or
- If the student is absent/does not attend on the pupil enrollment count day, then the student must have attended school in the five school days prior to the pupil enrollment count day, and resume attendance within 30 calendar days following the pupil enrollment count day, or
- If the student is absent on the pupil enrollment count day, has attended school during the current school year prior to the count date, and has resumed attendance within 5 school days after the pupil enrollment count day.
- If a student's last day of attendance is prior to the pupil enrollment count day, and the student does not resume attendance within 30 calendar days after the pupil enrollment count day, then the student does not meet the attendance criteria and is not eligible for funding.
- If a student's first day of attendance is after the pupil enrollment count day, then the student does not meet the attendance criteria and is not eligible for funding (even if the student meets the enrollment criteria).
In-service days scheduled within the eleven-day count window will be considered as non-attendance days and no extension will be granted.
Please make sure your child attends school on October 1, 2012. Should you have any questions regarding October Count, please contact either Jackie Oros or Bess Maisel.
-- Jackie
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| Sports, Activities, Culture & More | |
Art Auction to Benefit Wolfwood Refuge
MMS Student Artwork is Part of Auction
 On Friday, September 28th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. there will be an Art Auction to benefit Wolfwood Refuge at the Durango Discovery Museum. MMS student artwork will be part of the silent auction. Tickets are $25 and available here. Parent volunteers are invited to assist in serving food if they would like to attend. Contact Tanya Lawyer, 759-3199, if you have any questions.
 Do you have a cultural event or activity our community should know about? Let Jessica know! |
Benefits of Student-Led Conferences
The benefits of student-led conferences for students are:
1. Goal Setting: Students learn how to set realistic goals and establish ways to achieve these goals.
2. Empowerment: Students are given control over their education.
3. Ownership, Responsibility, and Accountability: Students have to see they are in control of their learning and take ownership of the results.
4. Technology: Students use technology to create an "authentic" presentation to share with a real audience. Plus, with online grades, it is very easy and clear why grades are what they are.
5. Engagement: Parents, teachers and students engage in honest dialogue.
6. Meta-cognition: Students learn how to self-evaluate and think about their learning.
7. Organizational and oral communication skills: Students are prepared, have an agenda to follow, and have to explain their strengths and weaknesses to a "live" audience.
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Upcoming Dates
September 27th
September 30th
September 30th
October 1st
October 1st - November 14th
October 8th
School Holiday!!!!!!
October 10th
School Pictures
(order forms go out the 5th)
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PTSO MEETING October 9th, 4-5pm
This meeting will include the election of our new officers. View the list of candidates here. This is our first year for the MMS PTSO. If you would like to be involved in shaping the direction and focus of this vital committee, please mark your calendars for this meeting now.
The inaugural PTSO meeting for the year was held on Tuesday, September 11th. You can find the meeting notes here.
PTSO Needs a CPA
Make a Huge Difference |
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If the PTSO has a Certified Public Accountant as our Treasurer, we can streamline our accounting requirements as a 501c3 organization. If you are a CPA willing to help us out (either as our Treasurer or in an advisory role), please email
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ptso@mountainmiddleschool.org.
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School Hours
Day Begins: 8am
Dismissal: 3:20pm
Friday Dismissal: 2pm
Early Arrival: Students should arrive no earlier than 7:45am unless prior arrangements have been made with a staff member
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School Lunches
| Set Up Your Account Now | | |
Great News! We are now setting up lunch accounts for students. Please send a check to MMS to start your child's account. We are recommending $60 to start (10 lunches). Click on the day listed below to place your orders:
Monday - Zia
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News for the community? Item for our classifieds section?
Let Jessica know. |
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