MIDDLE SCHOOL

May 27, 2021

Dear DAA Middle School Families,

As you may know, this week we have hosted a virtual re-accreditation visit from CIS/NEASC. As part of the week-long process, the evaluation team has been able to see lessons in our classrooms and speak with some students and teachers as well. I am so proud of how the students were able to show off and articulate their learning. Our evaluators were impressed with how engaged and eager the students were to learn, whether they were in class or at home. Our Culture of Kindness was another aspect that was evident after speaking with our students; from breakout rooms to classroom discussions, our students exemplified authentic kindness!

Thank you for all you do at home to reinforce not only good academic habits, but habits that support caring and kindness towards one another.

Grade 8 Completion Ceremony

With the end of the school year in sight, we wanted to follow up with our tradition of the Grade 8 Completion Ceremony. We are working hard to ensure that our students are recognized for a job well done! We have submitted several proposals to KHDA and we are hopeful that one of our options will be approved. As soon as we have more information, we will share it with our Grade 8 families.

Week Without Walls

As you know, our Week Without Walls had to be changed due to COVID restrictions. While we cannot travel, we wanted to continue with fun opportunities for students to build relationships and camaraderie with each other. We will be holding safe, in-house events put on by our staff members during our last week of school.

So be ready the week of June 27 for some fun! It will be a great ending to the school year!

Yearbook Update

Work on the Middle School Yearbook is now in full flow and includes contributions from all of our students, teachers and staff. It will celebrate the wonderful maturity and spirit shown by our community in finding the positives in what has been a very unique year. Each Homeroom has designed their own entry and they feature some fantastically creative ideas: photos, funny memories, baby photos, memorable quotes, messages from their homeroom teachers and even links to their very own Homeroom dance! It will be available as a free downloadable pdf before the end of the year. More information will be coming out in the coming weeks.

Parent Survey

Parent Survey May 30

We value your feedback as parents and partners in your child’s educational journey. Our second parent survey will be sent out at the end of the month, and we would love to hear your feedback! We appreciate all the information you can provide and take it into account as we make decisions in middle school. We have worked diligently this year to enact yours and your children’s feedback through creating more student choice and voice in learning, focusing on wellbeing during this turbulent time, and preparing our students for their immediate and distant future.Once again we ask for your input when this survey is sent out later this month. Thank you for being partners in our progress.