Author: Van Am Gram

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Seeds of Success…

A parent stopped me today in the midst of final day (organized?) chaos SeedsofSuccessand shared this  beautiful note with me:

I’m the voice of a grateful parent whose child was in your school; the one who needed lots of help to find his way.

You and so many have been a blessing to our family as everyone helped my child succeed; we are grateful for the part each person had to play.

You gave him so much more than just lessons or books or boundaries; you gave him wings so he could learn to fly.

You ignited a flame within his soul, a passion to learn and grow, and to never give up and always be willing to try!

The encouragement inspired him, and everyone’s kindness was so real, but the thing thrilling my heart the most is this;

Building his self-confidence has changed his life forever because he believes in himself, and a brighter future is now his!

WOW…may we never underestimate the powerful impact of the work we choose to do everyday at LME!  Here’s hoping we always continue to plant seeds and be a catalyst for success!

Bravos, Team Miller, on a job well done this school year! 

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Awards and Accolades!

Thanks to our Kinder, 1st, and 2nd grade parents and families who braved the rainy weather awardto help celebrate our learners’ achievements this year!  Each group did an amazing job of supporting each other, shaking hands, smiling big for all those pictures, and sharing successes of the year.  Special thanks to our teachers and staff who ensured everything ran so smoothly all morning.

One day to go…it just doesn’t seem possible but it’s really here!  We will celebrate our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade friends on Friday.  As the saying goes, “School’s (almost) out for summer!  🙂

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Principal helps us surf into summer!

MT1LME enJOYed a guest princiPAL or what we affectionately call the “bonus” princiPAL today.  Macie, one of our fifth grade friends, spent the entire day serving as our princiPAL for the day.  She won this opportunity at the recent PTO Denim and Diamonds Event.  Macie started her day before 7:00 a.m., organizing and preparing before meeting buses and doing arrival duties.  Announcements, morning message, walk-about, appraisals, dress code issues, meetings, and lots of Miller Moves (involving snippets of famous beach music) continued throughout the day.  She accompanied the Principal Luncheon group to Red Robin, serving and assisting in all capacities.  Macie even shared ideas, suggestions, and inspiration with teachers for next year!  In fact, I was told by several today, “Mrs. Van, this goes to show you ARE replaceable and you’re training her right now!”  🙂  Special thanks to Macie for an extraordinary day!

Bravos also go out to our Principal Luncheon group for the spring semester.  P.Lunch1These students earned top grades, top citizenship, and attended every single day of school this semester.  The folks at Red Robin did a wonderful job of serving and celebrating with us as we enJOYed this special reward.

Yes, we’re wrapping things up as we surf into the summer…here’s hoping you get a little surfing of your own coming soon!  Stay safe out there!

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Thank you, Mrs. Milson!

A gifted teacher makes learning a JOY by capturing those priceless teachable moments and turning them into profoundly successful learning experiences…such is the wisdom and magic of Valree Milson.  V.MilsonServing the past 28 years in Texas education, she has decided to officially retire at the end of this school year.  Prior to joining MISD, Mrs. Milson served two other districts teaching various grade levels.  She joined MISD in 1997, serving young learners at Longbranch and earning her Master Reading Teacher designation as a Reading Intervention Specialist for MISD.  She was instrumental in developing, ordering, and classifying our Guided Reading Library here at LME five years ago before we opened; she moved and has made LME her home since then.  Most importantly, her specialized intervention work with young readers continues to impact our learning community and MISD today.

When talking with former and current students, several made these comments:

  • You always know where you stand with her; she means business!
  • She never breaks hearts only bad tempers.
  • Her mind is open, honest, fair, and full of fun!
  • She’s a softie, but don’t tell her I said that…
  • She stands above others because she’s tall and because she’s nice.
  • If she raises her voice, it’s to cheer us on again.
  • She makes the journey and the work fun everyday.
  • I was probably a great mystery to her, but she knew how to break my code anyway.
  • She’s all about teaching and reaching each child, especially those who don’t want it.
  • She listens before she talks and really understands.
  • She inspires me to believe in myself…what else is there?

I could go on and on, but you get the idea here…  Congratulations, Mrs. Milson!  Our staff and learning community salute you!  Blessings and thanks as you begin a new chapter in your book of life…oh, and school starts on August 26th so we’ll have your volunteer badge waiting!  🙂

Note:  As we wind down this school year, we still have about 20 copies of our 2012-13 yearbook for sale in the front office.  The cost is $25.00; stop by today to get yours.  Thanks to our fabulous Yearbook Staff for an award-winning book this year!

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S.W.A.T. and MVP at LME!

It’s not a typical day when the S.W.A.T. team appears with a very special delivery of some Miller friends. SWAT1 Thanks to the partnership of community leaders like our Midlothian Police Department, our learners experienced up-close-and-personal conversation and drills with these specialized members who serve in highly stressful combat mode when called into action.  Thanks to the Bates Family who made this happen; they won the PTO auction item and chose to share it with several classes.  Special thanks to the MPD, Lt. Wolf, and his team for taking valuable time to share with our learners!

MVP10Our MVPs shared their final social this morning with snacks, prizes, and special awards for a job well done all year.  Congratulations to our Most Valuable Persons for 2012-2013; thanks for all you do and the role models you are at LME…we are so very proud of you and your work!

As we wind down this stellar school year, we invite you to participate with us in special Awards this week:

Thursday, June 6:  KG @ 8:15, 1st @ 9:00, and 2nd @ 9:45

Friday, June 7:  3rd @ 8:15, 4th @ 9:00, and 5th @ 9:45

We have early dismissal on Thursday and Friday @ 12:45 p.m.   MISD Graduation takes place at the Multipurpose Stadium on Friday evening @ 8:00 p.m.

The end of the school year brings great celebration; here’s hoping you celebrate with us!  🙂

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Miller’s got talent!

talentshow1It was a morning of BIG Miller events today…Miller Rally, final MVPs for the school year, special All-Stars, a fire engine ride to school (thanks Chief and team), and a special talent show of creative proportions!  Yes, Miller learners have the talent and could definitely move beyond to professional status soon.

Congratulations to our 4th and 5th grade friends who gave talentshow2their all singing, dancing, and performing for groups today.  Thanks to our parents who participated, shared, and cheered from the fan sections.  Thanks to our Specials Team for coordinating with our PTO to once again sponsor this fun end-of-year event.  Most of all, thanks to our extraordinarily talented Miller learners who shared their clever, inspiring, and meaningful talents with a grateful school…yes, Miller’s got talent indeed!

EnJOY your weekend; only 5 days to go until we celebrate 5 years at LME!  🙂

Note:  We will celebrate awards next Thursday and Friday; early dismissal both days is 12:45 p.m. 

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Can we talk?

“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”  ~George Bernard Shaw~

This is true everyday in the education world…we think we’ve done our best to get the communicatemessage out and then someone communicates to us otherwise.  As part of our core principles, we believe communication and collaboration builds trust.  Trust is critical to our work as educators daily.  As a parent, you have to trust we are trained and properly certified to teach, to act in a crisis situation, to make educationally sound decisions for student success…the list is endless.  When we are wheeled into an operating room, we have to trust the surgeon and the anesthesiologist have communicated various allergies, reactions, and other medical concerns with each other.  TRUST is involved on a daily basis.

My conversation this morning with a small group of friends involved this very issue and a misunderstanding on everyone’s part.  As we talked through the situation, offered solutions, and worked our way to final conclusions to move forward, it was apparent the need to LISTEN first was the challenge really.  We teach our learners to “use your words” to share and “use your brain to really listen” as we communicate and collaborate together each day.  Sometimes we miss a critical step but assume we did it; sometimes we do it all too fast.  It’s important to remember how everyone involved in a situation carries a piece to the puzzle…sometimes, it’s really as simple as asking, “Can we talk?”  🙂

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Summer Reading 2013!

As a little friend reminded me this morning…”it’s almost here…summer reading summer-reading(although I think she meant ‘summer break’)!”  🙂  There are multiple options this summer for our friends to continue making lots of progress in individual reading.  One of the best options is the Meadows Library 2013 Summer Reading Program from June 11 – August 6…no reservations needed.  Story time takes place each Tuesday and Friday @ 11:00 a.m.  Teen Book Club meets each Thursday @ 2:00 p.m.  Family-friendly events and book-related movies take place each Wednesday @ 2:00 p.m.  Check out http://www.library.midlothian-isd.net or http://www.misd.sc/meadowslibrary for more information today.

Another outstanding offering this summer is the Virtually Blooming Bluebonnet Camp.  It’s open to any MISD student currently in grades 3/4 who attends one of the six elementary campuses.  There is a two-hour introduction session on June 11 from 9:00-11:00, 12:00-2:00, or 2:00-4:00 where learners will log-in, discuss digital citizenship, and learn how to use the program to jump start their summer reading.  Readers will communicate throughout the summer with the virtual camp directors (MISD Library Media Specialists) to discuss books by participating in online discussions, posting questions and comments, and so forth.  Through this type of camp experience, readers are introduced to a safe virtual learning community with professional educators who support and LOVE reading.  Notices and permission forms went home last week.  Please contact our school librarian, Melissa Bolgiano, or the front office at 972-775-4497 for more information.

These are just two options to encourage your child to participate with others throughout the summer and read.  Here’s hoping you check these and others out as you make your summer plans…Happy Summer Reading 2013!

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Trike Town Fever

triketown1For nearly five years now, our littlest learners have enJOYed the outdoor interactive area we affectionately call Miller Trike Town.  Based on a model we visited, our Special Education staff went to work to complete a grant to assist in funding this creative educational area.  Once approved (thanks Midlothian Education Foundation), the design and implementation were successfully completed; we are still in operation today!

Some Head Start friends met outside with our PPCD friends to triketown3work through various stations while riding the track and following safety signs.  They stop to order some eats and treats, check out a book from the local library, and even fill their tanks with gas at the pumps.  The language, personal conversations, social skills, and safety practice are just some of the many educational opportunities experienced while they “work.”  In reality, our students just think they are playing.  As one friend shared with me, “I’ve got Trike Fever!”  🙂  Ride on…

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Live good…

“If we live good lives, the times are also good.  As we are, such are the times.”  ~St. Augustine~

A fourth grade friend stopped by the office this morning to share a book with me.  You see, he picked it out and wanted to read it with me.  I have to admit…being a Thursday morning and knowing I had several items to “check off the list” before leaving the campus for a principal meeting, I nearly asked for a rain-check for later in the day.  Fortunately, my loving office staff insisted I stop for a moment (they are called bulldogs for a reason, you know!).  🙂

  • Child:  This little book screamed you, Mrs. Van!
  • Me:  WOW…I love the title and your passion for it already!
  • Child:  Well, my teacher says it should say Live Well, but who cares about grammar anyway?!  🙂  It’s like that Life Is Good book and t-shirt you shared and love so much.  This book is filled with quotes and you can use them in your morning message now.
  • Me:  Let’s read then . . . (we spend about 15 minutes reading and talking through each page filled with inspirational thought, quotes, and challenges to live by daily).

You see, this learner, even at the tender age of 9, obviously makes a choice everydaylivegood to live good by doing good…like sharing a book with me, talking about ideas, doing his best to figure out his plan.  It’s humbling to share with him.  As he handed me the book to keep, he left me with these words:  “Look for what is good and you will find it.”  Live good!  🙂