Source: http://www.principals.org/s_nassp/sec.asp?CID=686&DID=49184
National Middle Level Education Month
Middle level students. You have to love them. The day before the inauguration I was taking out of state visitors to Mt. Vernon – and place was swarming with students. Standing in the gift shop, I overheard a conversation between two middle school students. “What do you mean, it’s not a real mall…there’s not going to be stores and shops?” Her companion gently explained that the mall was the open area between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol. Too often, this type of exchange gives the general public a skewed impression of middle level students. So it’s up to those of us who love and work with them to help others see the true nature of young adolescents.
But it’s up to those of us in the field draw attention to the importance of middle level education. It boils down to our efforts at advocacy. The dictionary defines advocacy as “active verbal support for a cause or position” and the key word is active. Middle level leaders can no longer sit on the sidelines and let others take up the cause – we all have to get involved. In talking with legislators on the Hill, I consistently hear that they are not hearing from middle level people in the field – and while everyone is not in a position to visit with their representative, everyone can write a letter or make a phone call. A good place to start is by using the tools and guidance found in the Principal’s Legislative Action Center (www.principals.org/plac).
And while March is the “official” month to celebrate middle level education, we really need to be advocating for middle level education all year long. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Get the word out that your middle school is doing good things for students. Develop a few message points you want to share about your school. Put them on business cards for the staff, on your fax cover sheet, on your website, in parent newsletters, etc.
- Develop a brochure “50 Great Things about Our Middle School” and distribute it at registration, open house, conferences, etc. Give copies to your district office and the local realtors to pass on to those considering moving into your attendance area.
- Host a breakfast or lunch for your local realtors – give them a tour of the schools and share programs that you are proud of. They are often the ones asked questions about the schools in the area.
- Keep your superintendent and board informed of effective middle level practices. Pass on articles or websites you think would interest them. Invite district office personnel to attend a middle level conference with you. Offer to share results of a successful program at a school board meeting – and bring along students to help with the report! Send board members copies of your school newsletter.
- Invite a student to join you at a civic club meeting. Help civic organizations feature students at their meetings. Encourage student performance groups to reach out to community organizations for meeting programs.
- Build a relationship with your local media. Find out who is in charge of the education news and ask them how they want you to keep them informed of happenings at your school.
- Stay in contact with your state representatives. Invite them to visit your school to speak with classes during the off session.
- Spread your message in the form of op-ed articles in your newspapers or in letters or emails written to state representatives. Make your written communications personal. Facts and figures can be impressive but a story about how those facts impact the students in your school will make a more lasting impression.
This is not a time to be shy or modest! If we want the general public to understand what quality middle level education is all about, then we need to draw attention to the many good things that are happening in countless middle level schools across the country.
We strongly encourage you to use the information below throughout the year with special attention to March, National Middle Level Education Month. After all, what we are really trying to do is continually develop and maintain supportive public attitudes toward middle level education.
NASSP is happy to provide the following materials to assist you in your efforts:
In addition, NASSP encourages members to look into these national programs that are available to middle schools to participate in during the month of March:
March 2, 2009
NEA's Read Across America
http://www.nea.org
Started in 1998 as a way to get kids excited about reading, NEA's Read Across America has become the nation's largest reading event. The year-round program culminates each year on or near Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2).
March 1-31
American Red Cross Month
http://www.redcross.org/
A time to commemorate the American Red Cross involvement in domestic disaster relief, community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.
March 1-31
Music in Our Schools Month
http://www.menc.org
Sponsored by the National Association for Music Education to communicate the importance of music in the learning experience of all students.
March 1-31
National Nutrition Month
http://www.eatright.org
Sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association to promote the importance of healthful eating and physical activity habits all year long.
March 1-31
Youth Art Month
http://www.acminet.org/
Sponsored by the Council for Art Education to emphasize the importance of art activities and encourage schools and youth groups to support their art programs.