“Take out your iPad for a reader response to the character’s idea of finding gratitude and meaning in each day…”  Thus started a most reflective few moments for this small group of writers discussing character point–of-view during their literature group time; indeed, it sparked a personal interest in each learner to reflect on his or her own attitude of gratitude.

As one learner noted, “Gratitude is the surest way to heal a hurt and help you focus on what is good.”  Another commented, “I’ve found it’s a great way to make a difference in my day.”  A third child shared, “I find more reasons to be grateful for all I have even when we really have very little in our life now.”  Finally, another chimes in, “So the way you see it, gratitude turns what you have into enough.”  BINGO!  🙂

The group challenged one another to list the things they are each thankful for today and to then pick one to write about by describing how it came to be in their life.  They asked big questions like, “What did you learn from it?” – and – “What meaning does this hold for you?”  Finally, they summed up the message by challenging each other to have an attitude of gratitude every day to make them aware of the blessings coming their way.   So, the BIG question to you today:  How will you choose to have an attitude of gratitude so you appreciate the blessings coming your way?

Between the daily Red Ribbon Week events and other great things each day on campus, there’s hardly time or space to share it all!

In case you didn’t get the memo, it’s party day tomorrow–our first for this school year.  Special thanks to our teachers for their patience in the midst of the excitement and to our incredible parents who make it all happen with such grace and style!  We look forward to a festive event tomorrow!

Our annual MISD Field Of Readers takes place on Mon; Nov. 3 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Multipurpose Stadium.  This year’s theme, “Picture Yourself Reading,” focuses on #MISDshelfie with opportunities to participate in MakerSpace workstations, explore coding, hear great stories on the 50-yard-line, the famous book walk, and much more!  Bring your family, friends, books, and blankets for a huge group read.  Thanks to our amazing MISD Library Media Specialists for enthusiastically hosting this treasured community event!

“We all have ability; the difference is how we use it.”  (Unknown)

It was a glorious fall day as we traveled the rolling winding roads to Lakeview Camp for our LME Family Field Trip Event today!  From bouncy bubbles to field games to Creature Teacher to history, we covered several academic, physical, and fun goals throughout the day.  The weather truly cooperated in providing some sun with clouds, a light autumn breeze, fresh air, and cooler temps.  Special thanks to the 400+ parents who followed our 13 rolling big yellows and  joined us in the festivities as we rotated throughout the day into various stations of activities.  We even survived two packed lunch breaks with K/1/2 and then 3/4/5 eating family style in the large dining hall.  🙂

Special thanks to all our LME families who recently sponsored and contributed to the POWER of Miller fundraiser.  By raising nearly $15,000 for our campus this year, we are able to do field trips like this, have special guest speakers and programs, and give our learners additional educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom walls!  Here’s hoping we always have The POWER!  🙂

Note:  Dress in your bright colors on Wednesday, in your RED on Thursday, and in good character (with your book) on Friday.  Fall Parties are Friday too!

Special thanks to our amazing PTO, LME Staff of creative classroom leaders, and our learning community for coming out in a BIG way for the annual Trunk or Treat Family Event–WOW!  From Hogwarts to Ninja Turtles (yes, they’re making a comeback), there were clever themes and some fierce competition for the coveted trunk-of-choice grand prize…what a fabulous LME tradition!

The PTO also lavishing a comfort-food lunch on our staff today–handmade grilled cheese sandwiches (thanks, ladies, for flipping toasted sandwiches made to order for six lunch periods), homemade soups, fruits, salads, and cupcakes.  A yummy time and treat was enJOYed by all!

Red Ribbon Week kicks off on Monday so be sure to wear your favorite college shirt to support future dreams and goals while “being a drug-free me.”  On Tuesday, we will all wear our Power of Miller shirts and enJOY our annual LME Family Field Trip.

Our Kindness and Compassion Club, under the direction of their creative sponsor, Ms. Daniell, surprised Mrs. Bass and me this morning during Miller Rally with beautiful pumpkins and some GOURDiously inspiring notes of thanks and praise in honor of National Principal Month.   We are both so honored to serve our loving LME family every day!  Thanks for taking time to share special care and kindness today.

Here’s hoping you get outside and the festive fall weekend and enJOY extra treats of your own doing!  🙂

Our annual PTO Trunk or Treat Family Event kicks off tomorrow evening at 6:30 on the north parking lot.  With over 25 trunks to visit, a great time will be had by all!  Don’t forget to visit our fall Book Fair in the library too!

On Tuesday next week, our campus takes another LME Family Field Trip.  Our buses leave about 9:00 a.m. and will return before 2:00 p.m.  Be sure to dress for the outdoors, pack a sack lunch and water (or purchase one from the cafe), wear sunscreen with a hat, and be ready for team fun.  We look forward to treats and trips!  🙂

A parent came by the office recently to share a little insight into “a new program” they have in their home this school year…the “No Rescue” Program.  After years of rescuing four children, this mom decided to sit her children down to declare, “you’re on your own; no more rescues for homework, planners, books, instruments, lunch…anything.”  With four children, this mom was beyond stressed at constantly being called into action; she was quitting the micro-managing job of The Fixer.

The Fixer is the one who solves others’ problems and daily challenges; educators understand this role far too well (parents do as well!).  Learning to own our consequences and being held accountable for our responsibilities are life lessons–these skills are with us always!  Sure, leaving lunch at home might mean you eat a sun butter and jelly sandwich with milk one day; chances are you won’t forget your lunch the next day.  Forgetting that project board to accompany the final presentation may mean a lower grade; chances are this won’t happen again.  A child who always forgets with a parent who always remembers takes away the opportunity for personal responsibility and accountability.  Responsibility in developmental stages teaches children the important lessons of real repercussions for mistakes.  Failure and natural consequences are not bad, after all, who will be there to rescue them in college or at their first job?

Sure, everyone makes one-time mistakes, but consider implementing this “No Rescue” plan for repeat offenders.  This mom did and life at home is nag-free each day!  She sets up each child for success by planning ahead (having that project board in the car the night before or the planner in the backpack after signing it).  She also imparts empathy (one of our LME words this year!) when something goes wrong by simply hugging the child and saying, “you survived the experience and you’ll remember next time” . . . and they do!  🙂

During a most extraordinary learning experience this past week, I was reminded of this powerful poem, The Dash, by Linda Ellis:

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth,

And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own, the cars…the house..the cash.

What matters most is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real

And always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives…like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile…

Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash,

Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

Here’s your challenge from our learning community today:  Live your dash!  🙂