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New England League of Middle Schools 460 Boston Street, Suite 4 Topsfield, MA 01983 Tel: (978) 887-6263 Fax: (978) 887-6504 Email: nelms@nelms.org |
 Newsletter April 18, 2007
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NELMS Research Information Received by Mass Middle Level Commission The New England League of Middle Schools reported research findings to the Massachusetts Legislative Commission on Middle Level Education at its meeting in early March. Research was reported in the areas of Scheduling, Certification, Teaming, Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, Achievement, and Leadership by Robert C. Spear Ed.D. Executive Director of NELMS. The 2 hour meeting had many legislators asking questions and thinking deeply about the work in middle level schools. The Commission's work will continue through the spring, summer and fall. The Massachusetts Legislative Commission is a joint project of MSSAA, COMMLE and NELMS. MSSAA has provided vital leadership for this event, COMMLE is adding substance, support, and vigor to the discussions, and NELMS is providing a variety of resources to help build understanding. Representative Pat Haddad has been tenacious in championing this legislation and is the point-person as Chair of the Joint House and Senate Legislative Education Committee. The Commission has its roots in joint conversations held over 4 years ago at MSSAA headquarters. All three organizations; MSSAA, NELMS, and COMMLE worked together to create the Middle Level Position paper that led to this legislation. More meetings are scheduled for April and May. MSSAA, COMMLE, and NELMS will keep Massachusetts members apprised of the progress and future direction of this important legislative work. Recognition Awards NELMS is pleased to announce award winners for 2007. There were four recipients of the Promising Practitioner Award. They are: Christina Hamilton, Hampton Academy, Hampton, New Hampshire, Ryan Becker, Woodstock Union Middle School, Woodstock, Vermont, Stefani Singer, Chariho Middle School, Wood River Junction, Rhode Island, Christopher Belding, Mountain View Middle School, Goffstown, New Hampshire. This award honors teachers who are beginning their teaching career and have one to three years of experience. One Administrator’s Award was granted to Sandra Davis, Mountain View Middle School, Goffstown, New Hampshire. This award honors administrators who value, understand and support effective middle level educators who promote powerful learning for young adolescents. The newest NELMS award is our Master in the Middle Award. It honors teachers who are devoted to young adolescents, committed to best middle level practices and who have taught for 20 or more years. The winners are Patricia Keough, and Nancy Killeen, who are both from Mountain View Middle School in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Also a new award for 2007 is the Technology Award. It recognizes individuals or groups who utilize meaningful technology to enhance student learning in the middle level and it awarded by the NELMS technology Committee. The winner this year is Timothy Edwards Middle School, in South Windsor, Connecticut. All NELMS Awards Recipients were honored at our Awards Reception that was held at our 26th Annual Conference. Invited guests, peers, NELMS Recognitions and Technology Committees and NELMS Board Members participated in this prestigious honor bestowed upon the award recipients. Even in a tight budget year, you may have some money left in an account or in a grant. We can help you "save it!" Just contact NELMS and we can "park" it for you to use later for NELMS services. This has been a great tool for many schools. You can even prepay your membership for next year if that is helpful. Don’t miss your state Register now – deadlines are approaching. This program gives public recognition to two students from your middle school who have distinguished themselves in terms of outstanding citizenship, scholarship and leadership. If you are unfamiliar with this program or have not received registration materials please visit the NELMS Scholar Leader Award area. You can read more about the program and download your state selection criteria and registration materials. This is a great event don't miss it! If you have questions please contact Melanie Oberg at NELMS moberg@nelms.org http://www.familytlc.net/high_school_pre.html These tips by a veteran school guidance counselor can help parents think about the best ways to prepare middle schoolers for the inevitable challenges of the high school years. As counselor Louise Diamond notes: "Many of the choices students make in high school will lead them into adult habits and situations. Students still need direction and guidance from teachers, counselors, and most of all from their parents."
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