February 2025
The Communicator
Important Events:
February 11: RAMILY - Social Emotional Learning Night, 5:30-8:00 PM
February 17: No School - President's Day
March 11: MS Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:30-8:30 PM
March 13: MS Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:30-8:30 PM
Parent Resources:
Student Support Services
The University of Iowa's Scanlan Center for School Mental Health has some excellent resources for parents. Parents can request short-term individual counseling and child psychiatry services for their children. These services can be either virtual or in-person visits at the Iowa City clinic. Click here to learn more.
Parents can also access resources to support their children's emotional well-being from the Scanlan Center. Among the resources are:
Jennifer Pontefract
School Counselor
pontefractj@glenwoodschools.org
Lindsey Tadin
Student-Family Advocate
tadinlin@glenwoodschools.org
Dear Families,
I hope your winter and your students' school year is going well. I’m excited to continue working alongside our students, families, and staff to make this semester a success. This newsletter will highlight important updates, resources, and tips to help us navigate the winter months together.
Attendance Matters
With winter weather upon us, staying consistent with attendance can be challenging. Remember, every day counts! If your student is struggling to attend school regularly, let’s work together to identify barriers and find solutions. For example:
Weekly Check-ins: Students who meet attendance goals may earn PBIS points.
Attendance Success Plans: These plans help students set goals and develop strategies for improved attendance.
Please reach out if you’d like to discuss attendance supports for your student.
Skill-Building Updates
This month, in skills class, we’re focusing on helping students develop important life skills. Skill-building topics include:
Self-Management Strategies: Students are learning techniques to stay organized, manage time effectively, and complete tasks.
Understanding Interpersonal Dynamics: Exploring the difference between rudeness and disrespect, along with coping skills for managing challenging interactions.
These targeted interventions are designed to help students thrive both academically and socially.
Coping Strategies for Winter
Winter can bring challenges such as fatigue, stress, and difficulty staying motivated. Here are some strategies to support your student:
Establish Routines: Encourage consistent sleep schedules and designated homework times.
Healthy Habits: Provide nutritious snacks and remind students to stay hydrated.
Break Tasks into Steps: Help students manage their workload by dividing assignments into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Relaxation Techniques: Teach simple techniques such as deep breathing or stretching to manage stress.
If your student needs additional support, I’m here to help!
Faces from the Classroom
Tom Berke, 6th Grade Science
Mr. Berke is in 33rd year of teaching, almost all of which have been in Glenwood. Before teaching 6th Grade Science, Mr. Berke was a 5th Grade teacher at West and was a 2022 Charles Lakin Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award Winner.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I had some high school teachers who made a huge impact on my life and helped shape who I am today.
What do you most enjoy about teaching middle school?
It is fun to joke around with the students from time to time and have fun with them as they learn.
Todd Killion, 6th Grade Social Studies
Mr. Killion has been teaching for 31 years. Before teaching 6th Grade Social Studies, he was a 5th Grade teacher at West.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Mr. Killion's love of history inspired him to be a teacher.
What do you most enjoy about teaching middle school?
The eagerness of students to learn.
What motivates you to keep teaching?
The relationships that I build with students is a motivator to continue teaching.
Mark Starner, AD/Dean of Students/6th Grade PE
Coach Starner is in his 31st year of teaching. In addition to teaching PE, also taught special education at the high school and has been an athletic coach. He is the Head High School Boys Track Coach.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Former teachers, coaches, and a counselor inspired me. They were passionate about their profession, made a positive impact on me, and encouraged me to the best version of myself.
What motivates you to keep teaching?
This isn't a job; it is something I GET to do! I love working with this age group and the faculty at the Middle School.
What do you most enjoy about teaching middle school?
I love teaching this age group because they enjoy participating in activities. I enjoy encouraging them and building their confidence.
Recognition Rally - 2nd Quarter
Each quarter, GCMS is having Recognition Rallies to celebrate the successes of our students. We take the time to recognize academic achievement, good attendance, participation in sports and activities, and our monthly Rambassadors.
