Busy Mind of your Miller Creek Principal

Hello Miller Creek Parents!

Every day I think about things that I want to share with you, questions I want to ask you and identify challenges that are presented each day here at Miller Creek.  Each day I come up with some GREAT writing pieces in my head that I think would be valuable (and entertaining) for our Miller Creek parents. 

Finally, TODAY, I am taking some time to write a few of these down and send to you! Here goes...(a little long, so sit down with a nice beverage if you are up for it!)

1. Keeping up the GOOD work:  We have so many luxuries at Miller Creek that are not the norm for California public school education today. Miller Creek and Dixie District is a special place for your children due to YOUR participation and generous Can Do! donations. You have heard me go on and on with this, but PLEASE keep reading. We are only at 55% participation with our Can Do! Family Giving at Miller Creek. It is not OK with me, and I know it is not OK with all of you. PLEASE write a check to Can Do! for any amount that you are able to contribute. We can make AT LEAST 70% participation level, if you will write a check to Can Do! and show your support for all of the "extras" that your child is privileged to have at Miller Creek. I know we can do this- PLEASE send in your check to Can Do! TODAY. 

(The Measure A vote showed us the high caliber of community and involvement and support. Magazine Drive and Cookie Dough Sales are not going to sustain our existing programs. We rely on Can Do! Education Foundation for our DAILY bonus pieces that make Miller Creek an exceptional Middle School!)

2.  Daily Bulletin that is emailed to you each day: if you are not receiving it, and you would like to, please let me know asap! Is it helpful? What suggestions or feedback do you have about making this most useful for you and your students. 

3.  Dress Code: I am finding myself guilty of some dress code violations at times, so I am cleaning up my act (trying to make my mother proud, as well as be a good role model for students!). Here is a question for all of you: is there any difference between girls' skinny jeans, leggings, "jeggings", yoga pants??

The fact is, tight pants (super tight pants) are in style and what most girls are wearing these days. I am asking if you have a daughter leaving the house to spend the day at Miller Creek, PLEASE do a thorough "outfit check", knowing that the long shirt or jacket comes off by noon and we have approximately 620 hormone-crazy middle schoolers who are looking at your daughters behind, tummy, cleavage, etc. Some of the leggings, jeans, "pants" are showing WAY too many curves and beautiful young bodies, making concentration on schoolwork and academics even more difficult for a large majority of our students!

4.  The WHOLE Child: We are a grade 6-8 school. We are not a Junior College or a University or even a high school. As we focus passionately on the academics with your children, our primary goal is to ensure the success of your whole child (emotionally, socially AND academically). We need to hear from you about the highs and lows that your child may be experiencing and we may be able to add some sensitivity to our work with your child. Of course, we do not need to know ALL the highs and lows and ALL the details of the tween-age drama that you are living, PLEASE know that we are interested and open to hearing about how we can best support your child during these rocky and formative years. 

5.  Adult Learning: As I spend each day with your children, I am learning so much. I am enjoying the ups and downs and all-arounds. I am challenged beyond what I imagined, but, most importantly, I am excited, enthusiastic and passionate about doing "it" each day. I am privileged to co-principal with our bright, talented, funny and compassionate, Sue Akeson. I work with amazing counselors, Ann Lauriks and Cheryl Jacobs, who do incredible work with ALL children in some capacity or another. The "Can We Talk?" parent sessions with our counselors have been FABULOUS. Next one is in March and I encourage you to attend if at all possible. Our Miller Creek office staff, teachers and support staff are very special people who are talented, capable and DEDICATED to their work and your students at Miller Creek. 

I am supported by my friend and superintendent, Dr. Tom Lohwasser, as well as Judy Arrow, Director of Educational Services and Gene Rich, Dixie District Special Education Coordinator. The partnership with our parent community is important to me.  I am learning from all of YOU.  Throughout the year I have I experienced some successes and made some mistakes and you let me know by providing feedback. PLEASE talk to me! Email me! Tell me what you think about what’s going on here at Miller Creek. 

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. It is a privilege and a joy to work with all of you and your amazing children!

Fondly, 

Patty