Eagle Eye - November 2023

Ever since school resumed, my nights have been restless, and my thoughts have refused to quiet down. This unease stems from my profound concern for our students, a concern so intense that I'm compelled to convey the unadulterated truth.

Here's what both students and parents ought to understand:

First and foremost, it's crucial to realize that our school's staff sincerely cares about you. In fact, our concern often exceeds our own self-care. We are invested in your well-being as individuals, not just your academic performance.

It's essential to grasp the fundamental reality about education. Minnesota academic standards, while important, are not the sole purpose of school. It never has been and never will be. Those who claim otherwise are likely deceiving themselves. Subjects like algebra, biology, English, and understanding the judicial process hold value, but they are not the primary focus.

The crux of the matter is that school is a training ground for navigating life's challenges, especially when they become formidable. It's about handling issues as commonplace as forgetting a locker combination (or simply using the lock provided), dealing with troublesome peers, managing gossip, confronting doubters, seeking help during moments of self-doubt, and maintaining focus when you continually let your cell phone distract you.

The ability to master this real essence of school—overcoming adversity—is what genuinely prepares you for life beyond the confines of Windom Area Schools. School, I assure you, is not the most demanding phase of life you'll encounter. Bigger challenges await you. While you'll experience moments of sheer joy, you'll also confront profound tragedies, frustrations, and fears in the years to come.

However, your concern should not be the hardships you'll face but rather the risk of setting yourself up for failure when confronting them. Here's the reason I lose sleep worrying about you: You are missing the essence of education; you are, in essence, giving up. You might not be aware of it, but quitting takes on various forms.

For some, quitting means wasting a day by not attempting even a single sentence or a fraction of work because it seems inconsequential, impossible, or pointless. What you write isn't the crux; it's your ability to confront fear and doubt when faced with a challenge—that's what matters.

Others choose to quit by skipping classes, opting for an unearned education. Being punctual to conform to classroom norms is not the central issue. The central issue is the ability to delay instant gratification and invest in your intellectual growth, recognizing that short-term discomfort can lead to long-term gain. You can do the immediate easy things and live a hard life or you can do the immediate difficult things and live a joyful life.

Then there are those who give up by displaying disrespect to adults in the hallway when asked to attend class. It's not about bowing to authority; it's about learning to problem-solve maturely and not letting emotions cloud judgment.

I observe some of you forfeiting opportunities to work harder and pass a class, no matter how far behind you may be. The main event is not the number that validates your worth; it's about pulling yourself together and making tough choices and sacrifices when challenges seem insurmountable. It's about finding hope in despair, courage in adversity, and strength in facing daunting trials.

It's essential to understand that each time you opt for the easy way out, you're cementing a habit of quitting. This habit can jeopardize your future and erode your happiness if unchecked. Society has little tolerance for quitters, and life can be unforgiving if you can't endure hardship. You can either grow stronger by embracing resistance or be carried away by the wind and slowly wear away.

As long as you remain a part of my life, I won't facilitate quitting for you. I will challenge, confront, push, and guide you. You can voice your discontent, throw tantrums, shout, swear, stomp, and cry. But the next day, you'll find me waiting, smiling, and patient, ready to offer you a fresh start because you are worth it.

So, do yourself a favor: rise to the occasion. No more pandemic excuses, justifications, blame games, or quitting. Lift your head, unplug those earbuds, grasp that pencil, and let's face this challenge together.

Sincerely,

Mr. Nielsen

Windom Middle School

Principal

Windom Eagle Families,

Please ask your student to use the lock provided for the their lockers. Locking their locker is of paramount importance for Windom Area Middle School students. Ensuring that lockers are securely fastened not only safeguards their personal belongings but also fosters a sense of responsibility and discipline. By establishing this simple habit, students can protect their textbooks, electronics, and other valuable items from theft or damage. Furthermore, a locked locker promotes a safe and organized environment within the school, reducing the risk of clutter and potential tripping hazards in hallways. Encouraging students to lock their lockers instills a vital life skill of keeping one's personal space secure, which extends beyond school into their future endeavors. This small act of vigilance can make a significant difference in the overall well-being and security of the school community. With just a little practice students can figure out how to successfully unlock their locker.

The prohibition of cell phones at Windom Area Middle School holds significant importance for both academic and personal development reasons. Firstly, it helps maintain a focused learning environment, preventing distractions that smartphones often bring. Our middle school students are at a critical stage of their education, building foundational knowledge and crucial study habits, and minimizing disruptions is key to their success. Additionally, not having cell phones in school promotes face-to-face social interaction, which is essential for developing communication and interpersonal skills. It also helps prevent issues like cyberbullying, peer pressure, and the potentially harmful effects of excessive screen time. By not having cell phones at Windom Area Middle School, educators create a safe and equitable learning environment where all students can thrive academically and grow socially and emotionally.

We are progressing to the end of the first quarter of the 23-24 school year. A couple highlights thus far:

• Our small engines class received a generous donation of engines from Toro - thanks to our partners at Toro for the awesome support!
• Toro is also hosting a few of our classes for tours and job shadows.
• We are working through the planning phase of our Youth Skills Training grant to make our work based learning program sustainable into the future.
• 97% - that was our attendance rate in September! This is outstanding. Thanks to our families for the great communication when students are going to be absent. Attendance is the first step toward academic success!
• Windom students are making strong academic progress - as students get placed on ICU most take care of their work and get off ICU quickly - this program is working to provide students academic supports!
• Our teachers are using STAR scores in math & reading to make instructional planning that is geared toward helping each student based on their ability levels.
• November is a busy month as we get into the end of quarter and holiday season, fall activities postseason competition - and a highlight for many students, the start of the Winter Activities Season! Thanks for your support of our Windom Eagles academics as well as activities!

Reminder - if your student will be absent, please let our office know by calling 507-831-6910 or by emailing attendancemshs@isd177.com. You can also let us know using Skyward. All absences require a notice within 48 hours, at that point the absence becomes unexcused. Here is a link to our Daily Announcements - this link is updated daily so copy it into a browser and refresh every day for up to date news/announcements at the MSHS!

Email: bjoyce@isd177.com, dnielsen@isd177.com

Website: https://windomasdmn.sites.thrillshare.com/
Location: 1400 17th St. PO Box 177 Windom, MN 56101
Phone: (507) 831-6910
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindomAreaSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @Windom_Eagles

• Daily Announcements