12-19-25

Sherry has her newest student holiday parade video.  I love the creative student projects, the commentary from Angela, Megan and Sherry and of course the outtakes.  

Stem Holiday Video Parade

I hope to see everyone at the holiday breakfast in the morning.  It is always great to bring the whole district staff together along with school board members and old friends for some food, conversations and laughs.  Food starts at 6:30 and the WCCHS Choir at 6:45/6:50.  Thanks to Solly, Leslie, Marquita and Dawn for setting up and facilitating the breakfast.  

8th grade had their reward trip on Thursday at the ice rink.  I appreciate the team arranging for this opportunity for the students who worked hard on their academics and positive behavior.   

I want to thank Sarah for her service to BMS and everything she did to help students.  I appreciate Alyssa's willingness to fill in while we find a permanent replacement.    

I know we are all hoping Michelle Fiorini a speedy recovery. She is looking forward to getting back in the LMC. 

Please check out the Strategic Planning updates that Dr. McGill shared with everyone in his email (through the website link) This is a chance for everyone to be informed and give their input on this important process.  

Thanks to Nicole Johnson for sharing her Access testing schedule for January.  I appreciate how hard she works ro get all of our EL students assessed.  

The wrestling team has ended their season with a final meet on Thursday night. Joe has done a great job building up the wrestling team in it's second year.  I look forward to the future growth and steps forward with this program.  

5 Ways to Help Students Reset Their Thinking

Spirit week has been  a blast this week.  Thanks to Colleen and Alex for working with the student council kids to put this together.  I was most impressed with the student and staff efforts on dress like a snowman day!

The high school came over for a course selection overview for our students this week.  I appreciate the articulation and the 8th grade teacher discussions with students after the presentation to help prepare them for their transition to the high school.  

The team leaders met with me again this week.  I am so lucky to have their leadership and guidance to help shape our school in a positive way.  

  Thanks to Dr. Filas for his continued work with our music staff on finding a way to improve our lights and sound in the gym as well as his efforts to meet with everyone ahead of this summer room refreshes.  His attention to detail and collaboration with our designer allows our staffs ideas to come to life.  

Sherry had a great tamale party for her spanish classes allowing students, parent volunteers and staff to experience the spanish culture in traditions, crafts and food.  

Speaking of Food...Jen had her healthy cooking students making and eating some great wedge salads.  The great layout of the new health room allowed for flow and functionality with her students.  

My mentee meeting this week focused on work/life balance, self-care and the importance of focusing on the positive.  I hope that everyone uses the break to focus on your family...but also yourself.  See everyone soon.

"Remember no man is a failure who has friends."  Clarence  "It's a Wonderful Life"

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

12-12-2025

 I would like to thank our Chess Coaches, Lam and Devin who helped coach our team to a 3rd place finish at our Big Chess Tournament last Saturday.  Also a huge shout out to Jessica and Joe who were here al day to help run the tournament.  We could not have done it without you!

Thanks to Melissa Falkos who opened up her classroom for the Too Good for Drugs program these last few weeks.  She also organized the recognition ceremony for our 5th grade students.  

The Holiday Bazaar is this Saturday at Evergreen.   In addition to our Band and Choir students performing Mrs. Choate will have some of our students there selling their artwork!  It should be a fun time if you are looking for something to do.  

Cultivating a peaceful classroom before winter break.  

https://www.edutopia.org/article/productive-classroom-before-winter-break

Our 5th grade teachers, students and Mr. Lewis all sang holiday carols at three different assisted living facilities on Thursday.  This is the best example of giving back to our community as the residents REALLY appreciated the visits and our students singing.  Our students also gave the residents cards that they made.  

 Next week Student Council is sponsoring a holiday spirit week!  PJ day is Monday, check your email for more details.  

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Holiday Breakfast this Friday, December 19th.   The breakfast starts at 6:30am for all you early birds and the WCCHS Choir will be performing at 6:50am.  

We had a very successful Strategic Planning Data Retreat this past Tuesday.  Bringing staff, students, families and community together to look at our current data was a meaningful day.  Thanks to all of our teachers who participated.  

The Band and Choir assembly and Concert were amazing on Wednesday.  Ms. Martin, Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Tepe worked very hard to get our students ready for their big event.  Job well done!

We have had a lot of district shout outs over the past few weeks.  Michele Davis, Rachel Bartlett, Jim Allard, Krissy Campbell, Kelly Claude, Ms. Vidic were all recognized from students, parents and peers for their ideas, engagement, and energy but the common theme was their caring nature and relationship building.  Give them a "congrats" if you see them in the hallway!  

Hats off to Vanessa, Danielle and Angela for their constant assistance to the rest of the staff. Whether it is recording the board meetings, assisting with the band and choir concert or helping to set up and problem solve technology issues for the strategic planning event, they are always willing to give that extra effort and we appreciate it!  

Teachers role in helping students belong.

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/64962/falling-behind-in-school-hurts-belonging-can-help-students-trust-and-learn

Thanks to Tim, Frank, Isidrio and our night crew for all of their help with set-ups and take downs over the past week during this busy time.  

I was part of some really meaningful discussions at our subject area meetings.  I appreciate our staffs willingness to have difficult conversations, problem solve issues and work together to improve  teaching and learning.   

"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time.

Charles M. Schulz (1922 - 2000), Charlie Brown in "Peanuts" 

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7.00 in dog money.

Joe Weinstein