You
Spend
A lifetime trying
To get them off the ground.
You run with them until you’re breathless.
They crash, hit the rooftop . . . You patch, comfort,
Adjust, and they’ll fly. Finally they are airborne.
They need more string, and you keep letting it out. But with each twist
Of the ball of twine, there is a sadness that goes with joy. The kite
Becomes more distant, and you know it won’t be long
Before that beautiful creature will snap; the lifeline
That binds you together. And they will soar as
They’re meant to soar . . . Free and alone.
And you will know that
You have done
Your
Job.
A
N
O
N
Y
M
O
U
S
Welcome to Shapleigh Middle School (SMS), a place where you will immediately feel a sense of belonging. The 2006-2007 school year promises rich and rewarding experiences for all of our students, their parents or guardians, and our staff.
Our community of learners is comprsied of about two hundred forty middle level youngsters and a professional and caring staff committed to providing a rigorous and engaging learning experience for each student. In addition to the academic and related arts courses, students are offered a variety of after school experiences. We are fortunate to have a late bus, which leaves Shapleigh at 3:30 pm. We encourage all students to participate in after school activities to ensure a well-rounded education. We are excited to have you as a member of our learning community.
We are looking forward to helping your children on their journey to becoming good citizens, lifelong learners, and healthy, caring, and intellectually reflective individuals. During the middle level years, our children are undergoing dramatic changes in physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth. Our challenge is to help them integrate these changes with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to succeed in school and later in life.
We want to assist you in understanding the educational organization and operation of our school as we strive to provide the best possible education for your child. The poem above is a metaphor for the very important work in which teachers and parents are engaged. Guiding, nurturing, and supporting our youngsters is essential in order to provide an effective learning environment and to help them on their journey to becoming caring and responsible young adults. We unravel the string on the ball of twine a little at a time, sometimes holding firmly and sometimes with a loose grip. Sensing when and how much to relax or tighten our grip is a key element for success. We must be aware that holding on too tightly can be as problematic as letting go too quickly.
Research shows that when families and schools work together to nurture emotional and social growth, to hold and act upon high expectations, and to cultivate a comfortable and safe environment, they promote a sense of community that encourages success. We look forward to working collaboratively with you while your children are entrusted to our care. When they leave us as young adults at the end of eighth grade, we will pass their balls of twine to the high school, where they will continue to dip . . . glide . . . soar . . . and yes, sometimes plummet as they continue their journey through adolescence. Working together, we can provide the best education possible for our young people so that they may realize their greatest potential.
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