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Good morning, RJ Grey Families:
I hope you are doing well. We are entering the last few days of school before we depart for the winter vacation. Many students and staff will be excited for some time away from their daily routines. I count myself as one of those people. Taking a few days off from my 5:45 am alarm clock and my 7:35 morning traffic duty will be welcome. I know, though, that not all of our students get as excited about a break from school. For some students, a predictable routine with caring teachers matters. Seeing their friends and classmates is really important to them and is not as available when they're not in school. Getting breakfast and lunch also matters greatly. However you and your family spend the next few weeks, I hope you encourage your children to get off their devices or videogames on occasion. The vacation week is a great time to do some reading and, with cooperative weather, to get outside! I hope to do some reading (for fun) and to catch up on a few projects around the house!
In early December, we asked students to complete our semi-annual student survey. This homegrown survey asks about their experiences at RJ Grey this year. Some of the questions are repetitive year after year, and we hope to see growth in certain areas over time. I want to share a few outcomes that we're proud of:
- 384 students in grade 7 took the survey. 85% of them share that they have a trusted adult here at school.
- 401 students in grade 8 took the survey. 88% of them share that they have a trusted adult here at school.
- 98.4% of 7th graders report that they've made a new friend this year!
- 89% of 8th graders told us that they've made connections with peers through our Advisory program.
- 33% of 7th graders say they've participated in an Intramural activity this year, and they gave us feedback about what else they'd like to see offered as options in the Intramural program.
We also asked them three open-ended questions about instruction. We wondered what they saw as an important routine that their teachers used in class. The number one answer was to start the class with a moment of meditation or quiet time. I have seen some teachers do this at RJ Grey for many years, but I never checked in on its impact on students. Many students mentioned that it's a helpful way to start the class and put aside whatever they bring into the space from the hallway, lunchroom, or previous class. We also asked them to describe one way that their teachers help create a welcoming and supportive environment for students in class. The number one answer was that teachers would say hello or greet students when they entered the room. Over the years, we have worked with our staff to prioritize creating a strong and welcoming environment. I am pleased that something so simple as saying hello, followed by someone's name, makes such a big impact on our kids. The open-ended answers from our survey affirm what we've been working on at RJ Grey, and I hope you find that your children talk positively about their experiences with us.
If your child is considering attending a private school next year, I want to direct your attention to our private school application site. Our counseling staff and some teachers need to be involved in this application process, and we ask that you let us know at least 20 days in advance of application deadlines. While we're already within the 20-day deadline for January applications, please be in touch if your child is considering private school for next year, and we'll do our best to meet upcoming deadlines.
Finally, a huge thank you to all of our families, and especially the PTSO! During Monday's early release, the PTSO arranged lunch for our staff as a token of appreciation for their work this year. With burritos and side dishes from Oscar's and a large sheet cake, the staff felt appreciated. Thank you to everyone who has joined the PTSO, and if you haven't already done so, please consider joining and offering your support in their work by clicking here.
This will be my last Eye on the Junior High of 2025! However you spend time over the next few weeks, I wish you the best and a Happy New Year! As a reminder, we dismiss early on Tuesday, December 23, at 11:10 am. And we return to school in January on Monday, January 5th.
Take care,
Jim
Tuesday, Dec 23: Early Release (11:10) for Winter Vacation
Monday, Jan 5: School reopens for the New Year
Tuesday, Jan 6: School Council Meeting, 7 pm
Monday, Jan 12: Early Release at 1 pm
Tuesday, Jan 13: iReady ELA assessment for all students
Wednesday, Jan 14: Winter Band Concert, 7 pm
Monday, Jan 19: No School - Martin Luther King Day |
Tuesday, Jan 20: iReady Math assessment for all students |
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