2015 OMLA State Conference

February 12-13, 2015 at Kalahari Conference Center, Sandusky

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Middle level education will always be about making connections with our students. When we are able to let go practices we should release, we will be able to develop true, authentic relationships with students, thus leading to an environment where students are motivated to come to school because they know they are part of something special. 

Middle level educators strive every day to meet the unique needs of young adolescents. It is important that schools understand that the whole child must be developed. The physical, psychological, intellectual and social-emotional needs of all students must be met. Unfortunately, adequately meeting those needs does not always come to fruition. Given today's economic landscape, it is very difficult for schools to find ample resources to meet these needs. When presented an opportunity, staff members must be willing to think outside of the box as they endeavor to empower their students.

As a middle school building principal, I usually spend my summer reading and researching topics to tackle with my teachers for the upcoming school year.  In the past, I have focused on differentiation, technology, intervention/enrichment, and data.  After re-reading This We Believe, I quickly realized that the charge for this upcoming school year should be re calibrating our school beliefs in regard to educating and developing the middle level kid.  

Instilling the beliefs of the middle school concept presented by This We Believe begins by engaging prospective middle level educators during the development of their teaching philosophy.  During these formative years, an impact can be made on the hearts and minds of our future middle level educators.

The new standards have changed how research skills are taught in Ohio. With a strong focus on information literacy skill development in the middle years leading to information fluency for those entering college or the workforce, no longer can information literacy be a "nice-to-have" extra in middle school. It is fundamental to students' future success.

To help teachers and librarians help students, INFOhio launched GO!  (go.infohio.org). Go! is a free online service that helps students work through a research project step-by-step  by bringing together the best sites on the web and the INFOhio resources.

It was a stifling 90+ degrees in our century old building as our students came pouring in that first day of school.  They were eager to get their locker assignment and see their friends that they hadn't seen all summer.  What they did not realize is how sweltering their school would be as they progressed through their day.  In order for teachers and students to "beat the heat", our team at Main Street School came up with many different ideas to keep the students engaged for the day.  

Regardless if this was your first year of teaching (congratulations!) or your final year before retirement (congratulations too!), you have an incredible opportunity to leave a lasting impression within the mind of a middle school student.  You will be the link to their success.  Will you make each one purposeful? Will your students be engaged in your room? Will each day be a day that your students will not forget?

As always, we start a new school year with enthusiasm and excitement for what the fresh start brings.  New faces will fill our student desks, and for us, some new faces also filled the teachers' desks.  We know that when staff works together in a team, students win.  Remain committed to and build upon the practices that make school better for all-students, staff, and communities.