A Mesaage from Ms. Kathy Urbanek Creek Valley Schools Principal

August 12, 2008

Dear Middle School Parents,

It’s wonderful to be able to say, “Welcome to another great year at Creek Valley Middle School.”  I am heading into my third year as the Middle School Principal and Curriculum Coordinator; it’s always exciting and invigorating to begin a new year.  We have all been gearing up for what we expect to be a year of learning and growth.  I always get exciting when I see teachers busily preparing new displays and new lessons. 

Many of the teaching and staff members you have grown to know will be returning to our team.  In addition, we have the privilege of welcoming Mr. Wilber to our middle school team this year.  Mr. Wilber will be working with many of your children in a variety of classroom experiences; he will serve as the 5th and 6th grade band, physical education, health, and industrial technology teacher.  If you have elementary-aged students as well, he will also be serving as the elementary music teacher.

Just as the new school year proves to be an adventure for the staff, it is also a time of anticipation and eager beginnings for the students.  Often, students at the middle-school age are more than ready to reunite with friends and get back into the “groove” of learning.  However, transitioning back into the routine of school can be stressful and exhausting.  Here are a few tips to help your child experience the most success possible:

• Send them ready for success:  Middle school students do not have a published “back to school supply list.”  On the first few days of class, teachers may be asking students to bring certain supplies.  It is certain every student will need basic supplies:  pencils, pens, paper, folders, etc.  If your family is not able to provide these materials at this time, please call the school, and we’ll ensure your child will be equipped for success.  In addition, please oversee the items your child brings to school—discourage games, toys, and other items that could be a distraction in the classroom or could be easily lost or broken.

• Get back into a routine:   As their brains are developing at an incredible rate, students at the middle school age need a large amount of quality sleep and nutrition.  Establish a bed time, wake-up time, and healthy breakfast choice.  Students need time to unwind after a long day of learning, but set specific times and locations for homework. 

• Read and respect the handbook:  Find a time for you and your child(ren) to read and discuss the student handbook.  The procedures, rules, and discipline policies have been developed and must be followed to ensure the educational success and safety of all students.  Handbook receipts must be returned by August 26th.

• Encourage:  Middle school-aged students often feel insecure and can easily become discouraged.  Encourage your child(ren) to be active in a variety of activities, and to commit to the entire experience.  Patience and perseverance will lead to a feeling of self-worth and pride. 

• Stay informed:  Every Thursday, each student is given a Thursday Bulletin to take home with the up-coming events for the following week, lunch menu, activities, etc.  Mrs. Snell, our office manager, spends a great deal of time on this in an effort to keep students, parents, and patrons informed on what is happening in Creek Valley Middle School.  If this information is not arriving at home, be sure to ask your child for this information.  As always, all up-coming events are posted on our web site:  www.creekvalleystorm.com. 

• Learning occurs beyond the classroom:  Whether your child has aced a difficult test or is disappointed upon making a poor choice, use the incident as an opportunity to grow.  Reward their successes with enthusiasm and praise, and face disappointments with encouragement and clear expectations.

Due to the success of the program, we will be incorporating 9th Hour into our handbook policies.  9th Hour is designed to promote homework completion and quality work.  Every teacher has an expectation that homework is completed in a timely manner.  If this expectation is not met, teachers will refer the student to a mandatory homework completion session following the end of the school day.  While avoiding this session may be a motivation to many students, it is also been proven to be an additional support tool for students whom struggle with getting their work done.   Grades truly become a reflection of student learning, not a students’ behaviors. 

5th and 6th grade students will also be involved in the new reading program this year.  Most students’ reading comprehension, rate, and accuracy have been assessed, and students have been placed in a reading level designed to best meet their learning needs.  This increased attention is designed to provide all students with a level of learning that is intense, challenging, but not overwhelming.  We are eager to take our students to new, higher reading achievement.

I am truly looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and discovery.   If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Once again, communication is the key to the success in the education of our students.  Let’s all work together to create an environment of respect, responsibility, and most importantly, learning. 

Ready for a Great Year,

Ms. Katherine J. Urbanek
Middle School Principal

(308) 483-5252 * * * kurbanek@panesu.org