Thoughts

Taken from http://www.goffstowntoday.com/

Below is a copy of the email I sent out to the SEMS-East staff.  

After I put my children to bed and hugged them a little longer than usual I feel that I should communicate to all of you.  Dr. Kaufmann sent out a school reach call, posted resources on our website and wrote this letter (see attached) for parents.  I would like to reassure each one of you that the district is doing everything that we can to keep our buildings safe.  So what do we do?

+ Our counselors will be available for any students or staff that need to talk about the situation

+ We need to support each other, please contact the office if you need a few minutes of coverage

+ We need to reassure students that our building is safe and that they play a part in that.  Talk about the Olweus program and encourage students to speak to adults when they are not comfortable with something they hear

+ We should limit as much as possible the access to coverage of the situation.  If you are in the computer lab or library please make sure you are aware of what students are looking at to the best of your ability.  We should not plan to discuss the situation with your classes.  This type of conversation should be lead by a parent or counselor.

+ Lastly, we need to make our building the consistent, safe, and rigorous learning environment that students need and parents expect.  

I do not have words to express my feelings.  I am filled with emotions.  I want to stay home and hug my children and comfort my wife.  But, I am a principal, and I know where I need to be.  I will be at school welcoming in all students and staff and reassuring everyone that our building is safe.  Tomorrow, I will be there for each one of you and will need you to be there for me.  We can do this together.  

Here are some links to resources on how to speak to children about such tragic situations.  Please remember that we are all in this together.  If you notice an behavioral changes or would like someone at school to talk with your child please contact us, we have resources available.  

NMHA 

NASP 

Math-A-Thon

The first St. Jude Math-A-Thon just took place at SEMS East.  Brook Knaub, Josie McKnight, Elizabeth Graham, Chloe Stewart, Brook Powers, Alena Maldonado, and Luke Criswell all got sponsors, who made donations for the math problems that they completed.   The math problems were part of an activity booklet that was provided by the St. Jude Children’s Hospital Research Center.  All together the students  raised a total of $593.00 and the money was sent to St. Jude’s to benefit children with cancer and other childhood diseases.  The top money raiser was Alena Maldonado, raising $190.00.  All of the students did a very nice job and we are hoping to make our total even higher next year.  Thanks to everyone who participated by sponsoring one of the students!
Mrs. Grindle

And the Winner is...

Our champion, Zach, with Clare and Noah

On Wednesday November 21, 2012 SEMS-East concluded their 2012 spelling bee.  Students felt the pressure of standing on stage and speaking into the microphone.  Many teachers brought their classes to witness the contest and provide an audience.  Around 70 students completed the pencil and paper spelling bee and 30 were chosen to compete live on stage.  

After 13 rounds we were down the the final five.  Round fifteen began with our final three, Zach Anderson, Clare Boone and Noah Leftridge.  At the end of the day it was Zach and Clare left on stage. By spelling p-o-s-t-m-o-r-t-u-m  correctly,  Zach was crowed the SEMS-East spelling be champion.   Clare and Noah finished in 2nd and 3rd respectively.  The top 3 will continue on to the regional event at WITF public media center on February 23 2013.  Thank you to Mr. Logan and Mrs. Folmar and all the students who competed.       

Mr. Longan moderates the 2012 SEMS-East spelling bee.