Notes from Newfane Middle

The Homework Dilemma

A book that has been making the rounds in our circles lately is called The Homework Myth, written by well-respected educational researcher Alfie Kohn.  Its title is a challenge to the notions many of us hold with regard to homework; it doesn't hint at the perspective of the author.  Kohn writes, citing study after study, of the almost shocking lack of impact homework has upon student learning at almost every level of K-12 schooling.  The initial reaction of many readers is a call for drastic reform of our traditional model of schooling, where homework is considered a valuable component of student learning. 

The work is compelling, no doubt.  Imagine a middle school where homework is not part of the everyday routine of teachers, students and families.  Freed from correcting demands, teachers are able to devote more time to lesson plans or time with their own families.  Kids don't carry home 40-50 pounds of books in their backpacks, and kitchen tables throughout the region go almost silent with the lack of arguing over whether homework is finished or not.  Those students that routinely forgo the homework problem by not completing it are freed from the nagging voice (mine) that encourages them to do what is required of each of their classmates.  Students find they have more independent time, and explore opportunities in church volunteering, community service, reading for pleasure (gasp!), athletics, or maybe even doing nothing. 

Though the above paragraph certainly moves in the not-so-subtle direction of sarcasm, the argument against homework has merit.  So too, does the argument in favor.  What follows is a brief rundown of what I think of as middle level justification for why homework still has relevance.

Purpose
Homework should never be given just because.  The purposes of our assignments generally fall into three categories: previewing (shedding light on to the next chapter/unit or standard), practicing (think of the math assignments where the concept from that day's lesson is mastered by the students through independent work) or culminating (the essay that follows up a novel or the analysis of an experiment conducted in class).  Each of these have value.  So long as we as educators plan our assignments in thoughtful, practical ways, I think it's justified.  There is of course the occasional "busy-work" assignment, but that is certainly not the rule, nor the practice of the vast majority of our teachers. 

Positive Student Behaviors
Our primary goal is to engage students in learning in a wide variety of disciplines.  Student performance is measured in numerous ways; you have heard of the NYS assessment program to the point of exhaustion.  In-class tests, projects and quizzes are all part of an overall grade.  So too is homework.  Meaningful homework will enhance student understanding and encourage application of newly gained knowledge.  As our students develop, they hopefully will begin to demonstrate the habits necessary for success not only in school but in life.  Keeping their agendas up to date, checking them as they determine which books and folders to bring home and then following through on completing the work are all to some degree challenging.  The entirely capable student might be forgetful, and their homework grade will reflect it.  The student that struggles on tests and quizzes might be exceptionally disciplined and an impressive homework grade will undoubtedly help his/her average.  It's part of what we try to do at school; not only do we hope to teach content, but also the skills that each individual will need to become competent, contributing members of our society. 

The Challenge

The tough part about homework is that what is being graded is typically completed away from school.  This seems like a no-brainer of an observation, but in a sense it's more important than anything else.  In many homes, students are encouraged to complete their work, and a time and place is set aside for this to occur.  Some homes though don't place as much a priority on the work.  It's not necessarily an anti-school sentiment, but rather a case of "...it's my kid's homework, not mine.  It's his/her responsibility to complete it."  Especially as students grow, this type of independence is necessary, but it does take some longer to develop it than others.  To that end, we have programs available to aid in completion of this work.  Students are always welcome to stay after with staff if it's arranged earlier in the day, and we also have a homework group that meets after school each day.  Some students are assigned there, but others come voluntarily. 

Finally

In a perfect world, all assignments would be extensions of high interest activities done in class, and all students would have access to what they need to complete the work.  Homework activities would spur a love for learning that would not cease with the end of the school year, and help build a bridge from school to meaningful work after graduation.  I do think that students at times find themselves truly intellectually engaged in their work at home, but acknowledge that for many a "just get it done" philosophy is more accurate a description.  Regardless, the behaviors and skills that we teach are often of equal importance with the content.  Thanks for your help in encouraging these work habits in your kids and our students.  As always, contact us with any questions.  Thanks--

Why Does Middle School Matter?

There is a certain uniqueness to every age and its subsequent passage.  It's not an uncommon refrain to hear people say that they wish they could slow the hands of time, or savor the fleeting moments a bit more fully.  A singer/songwriter remarked in one song that,"...the secret to life is enjoying the passage of time..." while a popular band has called out, "...life's a journey not a destination..." These are valid, worthwhile points to ponder and though some might enter the realm of cliche, there is a certain universal truth to each.  These thoughts though are typically at the height of their powers in reflection--in looking back at a phase in life, or looking back on an entire life.  I recall the joys of graduations being tempered by the fact that I was now leaving a significant part of my life behind.  So...what's the connection to middle school?

Come to our school.  Walk the halls (sign in first!  Grab a visitor sticker!).  Keep your head up during passing time.  Listen to the talk.  There's not a whole lot of quiet savoring of moments occurring.  There is energy, there is movement, laughter, intensity and goofiness.  There are kids that are completely lacking in self awareness, and some that are painfully aware of their looks and their place in the social order of life.  Good days can become bad  ones quickly, and vice versa.  We work with a population of students who, for the most part are yearning to be older...to be rid of the constraints that we as educators sometimes come to symbolize (not intentionally!).  We know that ultimately, some of their fondest school memories will occur later on in high school, but we also know that we can't press fast forward on these years. 

Our job is to educate, first and foremost.  We, however, share a devotion to education of the whole child.  We strive to create an environment that allows growth, acknowledges challenges, and above all places a primacy on assisting our students as they navigate their way to adulthood.  Middle schools matter because the structure of our programs allow flexibility in instruction, flexibility in parental contact, and flexibility in support--academic, counseling or other.  This does not mean anything goes--some of the best classes I've witnessed are led by professionals that have what some would call high, others might call strict, expectations.  Challenges come in all forms, and student development does too.  Some students are challenged by content and curriculum, others by keeping their locker organized.  Some are challenged in the areas of technology and science, others in physical education, music or art. 

We hope to teach our charges to savor the time they are with us, and to see the value in the work that they do.  If successful, our kids will not only perform well on assessments, but also in their treatment of others and their ability to accept new challenges. 

We know that 6th-8th graders are not wired toward nostalgia--there's too much other stuff on their minds!  We hope to make these days they are with us valuable--and we hope that you as parents and supporters of our kids can see the value in what we do as well. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all--and thanks for letting us work with your kids. 

A marathon that seems like a sprint...

Metaphors are sometimes useful in describing a complex idea in a language that is more clear.  Often in our teaching we begin classes by attempting to connect the concept about to be learned with a more kid-friendly version.  I recall during an observation reading a (completely fictitious) letter to the 7th grade class that stated that they and they alone would have to pay more admission for the upcoming dance.  6th graders and 8th graders would in fact pay less.  The letter was from the 8th grade leaders of the student senate, and since it was printed on school letterhead, the students before me felt it was completely legit.  Of course, it wasn't, but in this way I think I achieved some success in getting the students to feel how colonists felt in the face of such taxes as brought on by the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts and the Quartering Act in the years just prior to the American Revolution.  Full disclosure: this was my first observation and my mother (history teacher from way back!) gave me the idea.  Anyway, the title to this long awaited (debatable!) note was provided by my other teaching parent, my Dad.  He described his 30 plus years of teaching as a marathon in duration...yet a sprint in terms of how fast and frenetic each day or week was. 

I firmly believe that there is truth within this.  Our work within education requires planning, just as a marathon does.  We must plan what we teach, how we teach, and how we determine whether or not students have learned.  Just like a marathon training program, the craft of teaching requires large amounts of reflection; we must look at what we have done and determine what has worked well and what needs improvement.  Perhaps more than any other similarities, we share a commitment to continuing the race.  Of course, in education, our goal is to create life-long learners, so there is no finish line--but as educators we must accept hardship and strife as we press on towards that goal of sharing knowledge with the students in our care.  We share the same need for perspective, where we realize that a struggle on one day can often lead to success on another. 

The sprint though is a different story.  Sprinters train, to be sure.  Sprinters are coached, without doubt.  Sprinters have to react quickly, for the race is over too soon to recover from a poor start.  They cannot deliberate over strategy within a race--there's no time in the 100.  Did you see Usain Bolt of Jamaica's Olympic victories?  Stunning--absurdly stunning.  No amount of in-race thinking could help his teammate Asafa Powell overcome Bolt's speed.  Teaching can feel that same way.  Things come at you fast, and you need to react fast.  Period-by-period attendance--do it.  Read and respond to emails--do it. Be in the halls and in your classroom during passing time--do it.  Erase boards and put new material up--do it while kids are in halls (but wait, you're supposed to be there too).  Put homework on homework hotline--do it.  Check kids supplies--do it.  Teach--do it!!  React calmly to agitated student--do it.  Get to your duty--do it.  Analyze assessments--do it.  Make phone calls home--do it.  Take call from your own home regarding sick offspring--AHHHH!!!!!!!!

Now, please don't take this as a plea for sympathy.  I suppose most jobs (and indeed life itself) is a marathon that seems like a sprint.  We take on our professional duties gladly--we know we are lucky to be here.  At the same time, all too often it seems like outside agents interfere with our primary goal of teaching young adults to be better learners, better thinkers and better people (haven't even mentioned the NYS assessment machine!!).  We hope that as readers of this page, as parents in our community, and supporters of Newfane, you know that we are actively searching for the best ways to educate our middle schoolers in a well-rounded, compassionate manner.  We try to model the same behaviors we encourage in our students, and hope that we are helping in your quest to raise responsible, caring and quite simply, good people.  Thanks for taking the time to read, and for the support you have shown us. 

Summer Notes

No, summer is not winding down!  Don't believe the hype!  Enjoy the several weeks that remain--get to a Bisons game, take the younger ones to the carousel in Olcott, hit the Niagara County Fair, go fishing...

Very truthfully, I hope that you and yours are enjoying time together and savoring the many good things that this season has to offer.  Some notes on the goings on at Newfane Middle--

This summer the office staff is working out of the senior high library as the capital project approved by our community two years ago is well underway.  There are laborers from several different companies working at our school on a project that is being headed by Cannon Design.  The basic components of the project include new heating and plumbing systems, but at the same time a new security system is being installed as well as revamped fire detection components.  Our district staff is on the scene as well, providing supervision as well as day-to-day work to keep dust levels down and organize the enormous amount of supplies coming in for the 08-09 school year.  District director of operations and maintenance Al Evans, has led an ambitious, flexible cleaning program at all other district schools in order to allow an "all hands on deck" push in the last weeks of August to get our 4-8 complex ready.  I've not been part of a project such as this before, but you can imagine that timetables for completion make all of us nervous.  We have no reason to believe that this project will force a change to our beginning of the school year calendar!!--say it with me now, WE HAVE  NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THIS PROJECT WILL FORCE A CHANGE TO OUR BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR!!!  In addition to the work going on inside--check out the look of the landscaping in front of the school--many thanks to the buildings and grounds staff for making it look so good. 

UPCOMING MAILINGS

• Students will receive their team assignments at the end of this month
• Included in this mailing will also be the supply lists for their team and foreign language teacher
• Student schedules as well as our welcome letter will be sent out about the third week in August

MISCELLANEOUS

• 6th grade orientation will not occur as normally planned.  We simply do not know what state the building will be in by then, so we most likely will hold an informal program the night before school begins.  Look for information on this in a future mailing--we're waiting to see how construction goes and the needs of the contractors working with us.
• Be sure your son/daughter gets a physical if they haven't received one already if he/she is planning on participating in fall modified athletics.  Remember, we offer b/g cross country as well as girls volleyball. 
• Returning students will be happy to hear that speaker Andy Thibodeau, who spoke to us during Middle School Month last year, will be returning to us in October--
• Summer reading--remember, there are different rewards this year for reading 4 books!  6th grade will have the pool party at Newfane El to themselves, while 7th and 8th graders will hit the trails at the Niagara Gorge--so read up!

Enjoy these days!  Talk to you all soon--

This Old Aud...

A week in the life of our auditorium:

Friday, March 7th: Opening night of district musical The Sound of Music

Saturday, March 8th: Due to snows, musical postponed

Sunday, March 9th: Matinee show of The Sound of Music

Wednesday, March 12th: Movie for 6th graders following state math assessement

                                     Rehearsal for National Junior Honor Society Induction

                                     Closing night of The Sound of Music

Striking of the set, part I

Thursday, March 13th:    Striking of the set, part II

                                    Rehearsal for National Junior Honor Society Induction

Friday, March 14th:       Induction ceremonies, NJHS, 7pm

Now, that's one week.  Next week begins the preparation for the combined spring concerts for the senior high band, choir and ensembles, as well as the middle school welcoming a motivational speaker at the commencement of Middle School Month.  Never mind the everyday goings on, team meetings and testing that occurs in this particular space.  And what a space it is. 

The cornerstone of Newfane Middle reads 1948, and our school was called the Newfane Central School.  A description of the opening of the building from that time asserted that "The realization of a central school for the children of Newfane township has finally come true," and further stated that the community spirit in Newfane, "...brings about progress and a progressive town brings to its children the best in educational facilities."  The auditorium was a jewel of this new building, and is in remarkable condition to this day. 

Walk in our main entrance on Transit Road: examine the wood work, the impressive paneling.  Look at the doors to the aud itself, and upon entering, notice the impressive stonework bordering the stage as well as the detail of the ceiling.  As workers and students there, it is easy to take for granted.  Reflection though yields a great sense of appreciation for all those associated with this place.

As we look back, we are thankful for the custodians that have cared for our aud, for the students that have learned here, for the productions that have been met with great applause and appreciation inside.  We are thankful for the district staff that has spent countless hours over the past six decades urging the youth of this community to reach beyond what they thought possible.  We are thankful for the workers that built our school, and for the voters that supported its construction.  More than that though, we are thankful for the community that has sent us their most prized possessions, year after year, and entrusted us with the responsibility to help guide them. 

Next time you walk in to the old aud for an evening event, appreciate all those fellow community members that have made that same walk, for their kids.  Take a closer look at that building you are entering, and know that it symbolizes a communities commitment to its children, and know that those who work inside its walls appreciate you as well. 

March Madness!

We welcome the possible return of spring (!) in a huge way at Newfane Middle.  On the academic side, our students are feeling the crunch of the second big exam of the year: the upcoming NYS Math Assessments on March 11 and 12 but also have lately been seen bringing in monstrous science projects and hustling to complete various assignments in other classes as third quarter reaches its halfway point.  The potential for motivation loss and lack of focus during this time is one of the reasons our annual Middle School Month festivities are so important and necessary. 

Middle School Month has been celebrated during the last four weeks before spring break at Newfane Middle for going on 15 years now.  Those of us that have been here for all or most are almost universally impressed with how these events, that are not all necessarily newsworthy, bring students and staff together.  Over the years their have been a multitude of committee members and advisors for this program: Stephanie Burgess and Karen Adams carried the torch in its early years, while in the last decade Vic Thibault, Eric Schmidt, Jill Eckert, Gina Walsh, Katie Stedman, Mike Capen, Mike Heitzenrater and now Sal Anello and Greg Weber have kept this extended program relevant, fun, and at times inspirational.

We'll be starting this year with McTeacher's Night on Thursday, March 6th between 4:30 and 7:30pm at the Wrights' Corners McDonald's.  This was a huge success in its inaugural year in 2007, and we are already fighting over who gets to drop the first basket of fries into the bubbling oil.  McDonald's graciously shares a portion of the profits from the three hour session, which we use to bolster the programs for the next school year. 

We have several assemblies planned as well--roughly one per week 'til break.  Our students will get a taste of musical theater with the preview of a selection from this year's all-district musical The Sound of Music on the afternoon of the 6th.  Motivational speaker Andy Thibedeau will speak to all students on the afternoon of the 20th, while on the 28th the annual Geography Bee will be held.  Details are still being worked out to welcome a world class athlete to speak to our theme of the Olympics--seriously!

Athletically, 8th students will get their shot to compete against the best our faculty have to offer (hmmm...) in  basketball, volleyball, soccer and floor hockey.  On the more academic side, in addition to the geography bee students can participate in the Sodaku Tourney on the 24th of March.  Other competitions include International Door Decorating and several dress up days. 

To promote a sense of service, the peer mediation club will be traveling to Newfane El to read to the 1st - 3rd graders on the 25th, and to promote simply good socialization and celebrating one of the defining athletic moments of the 20th century, students are invited to a screening of the story of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, Miracle, on the afternoon of the 26th.

Finally, April 4th will see the return of the much ballyhooed Panther Day, as our teams will compete for those coveted last points to determine the winner of this year's Panther Cup. 

Though our program is organized under the guise of competition, the true essence of our middle school month is to create opportunities for students and staff to interact in different and less formal environments.  With few exceptions, this series of events helps create lasting positive memories for all involved.  Many thanks to the Newfane Board of Education for supporting this idea, and to our staff and students for welcoming this departure from the every day.  Have a great month everyone--

The Power of Performance

Sure, the title of this edition sounds like a car or truck commercial, but really what I'm getting at is the value of kids doing: the tremendously important act of risking failure by performing a task in any sort of venue.  So often when outside observers think of their school days, they remember the direct instruction or lecture that is favored in many classrooms.  There is great value in that sort of education, and as a former social studies teacher, I know that there were many days where I passionately explained the importance of some topic in American history while the kids listened and took notes.  And that's ok--in it's place.  Student performance in a subject though is thrilling to behold-- and can readily be seen at our middle school. 

Music certainly is a primary example.  The Winter chorus concert led by Mr. Hull was stunning.  The kids not only sounded great, but the fact that they sang a selection like "Let There Be Peace on Earth" as their choral director was preparing for active duty in Iraq was a once in a lifetime moment.  Much the same can be said for Ms. Peterson and Mr. Hart's recent band concerts.  These 6th, 7th and 8th graders, that can at times be challenging day to day(!), were simply tremendous.  Big, beautiful sound, careful attention to volume and pace--great stuff.  But it's more than that.  It's the look that a group gives their conductor during a performance.  As an audience member, you can feel the connection between teacher and student.  It is a marvelous thing to behold. 

You can see it in other places as well--the modified basketball teams performing before fans at the middle and high school gymnasiums--the art students showcasing their work in Mr. Anello and Mr. Thibault's room--the swimmers talking about their latest meet--Mrs. Kilb's Home and Career Students proudly displaying their pillows or sharing their cookies or pizza wit others--the technology students working on projects for Tech Wars--physical education students learning to line dance in preparation for the upcoming Winter Dance--the list goes on--

An undeniable credit to the middle school movement is the notion that students benefit from a wide range of academic and social experiences.  We applaud the efforts of our students to dare greatly and perform, and the leadership of our staff that guides them. 

An Example to All

On Wednesday afternoon we received word that our 5th grader had succumbed to her illness, which she had fought since the end of her 3rd grade year.  The thoughts and prayers of the Newfane Intermediate and Middle community are extended to Jamie's family, friends and neighbors.  Jamie, along with all of her loved ones, showed us the living embodiment of hope, determination and love.  Those of us, including myself, that could not be considered close to the family have been powerfully impacted by this example; I can only imagine how those closer to the scene are grieving yet still ever thankful for the time they had with this amazing young lady. 

It is hard to witness such a story without considering how each of us would handle a similar loss.  We can feel sympathy, but only those who have felt such a loss and experienced such a hard fought battle can truly empathize.  We can though take comfort in knowing that the ties that bind families, communities and even schools still exist.  It could be seen in the actions of those that live in Jamie's neighborhood.  It could be seen in the colleagues of Jamie's father with their unwavering support.  It could be seen in the deeds of the countless bracelet-makers young and old that helped raise money for research, with Jamie as their leader and inspiration.  It could be seen in those that participated and/or supported Jamie as part of the magnificent "Light the Night" fund raising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  It could be seen in those helping at Build-A-Bear, just last week.   

The connections that we make with others as we move through life sometimes fray and sometimes break.  A lasting impression from Jamie's example of grace is the opposite though; our connections and attachments to those around us help create a shared, meaningful life in a community.   The expressions of sympathy, the funds raised and bracelets made were not just to benefit Jamie and her family and research, they aided the giver as well--a small act in return for a lifetime of inspiration.  Perhaps Jamie's final gift to us was showing how clearly we are connected to each other, and indeed how much we need one another. 

Events for last week before break:
12/18: Middle House Choral and small ensemble concert, auditorium: 1:20pm and 7pm
12/18: Varsity Wrestling vs. Lockport, middle school gym, 6pm
12/19: 4th and 5th grade chorus concert: 2:30pm and 7pm
12/20: Hill Brothers concert for Intermediate House, 1:20pm
12/21: Last day of school before break

1/2/2008: School resumes

Season's Greetings

12/10/2007

As we approach the end of 2007, I'd like to extend good wishes to the entire Newfane family for a safe a blessed holiday season.  This last month has been a bit of a blur, as we officially shook off the "new" school year feeling with the end of the first quarter in November.  As our collective academic attention shifted towards the coming New York State assessments in ELA, we had several experiences that brought back a renewed sense of what is truly important.  We've seen a student recover remarkably from a harrowing accident the week before Thanksgiving, witnessed the determination of a 5th grader as she helps others fight serious illnesses and dealt with the uncertainty of a lockout situation due to a large scale police pursuit just last Thursday. 

Through these events, we are reminded of how precious is the health and safety of our middle school community.  At the same time, the potential for learning and the acquisition of new skills is something we will always stress.  The middle years, in our case 4th - 8th grade, are filled with challenges and  opportunities.  We look forward to helping our kids navigate their journey as the 2007-2008 school year continues. 

Announcements:
Wednesday, 12/12 is a 1/2 day for middle house students
6th-8th graders will participate in Internet Safety assemblies on 12/12 as part of their 1/2 day. 
4th and 5th grade students that did not turn in the book chat book can do so on Monday, 12/10.
Choral concerts are scheduled for 12/18 at 7pm (6th-8th grade) and 12/19 at 7pm (4th and 5th).
Canned food drive pick-up is 12/14.  Thanks to the Lions Club for their efforts. 

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