A Message from the Executive Director.docx

A Message from the Executive Director
Tom Phillips
Happy Spring! The New York State Middle School Association has had a busy Fall
and Winter. Advocating for the Essential Elements Schools to Watch program,
Planning the Summer Institute and the Annual State Conference, as well as,
conducting several Board of Directors meetings has been the focus for the
leadership team. Additionally, the new and improved launch of the Association
website​ in the Fall has provided a fresh new online presence. The Association
continues to support the use of the ​Essential Elements of Standards Focused
Middle Level Programs and School.​ ​As Spring brings regeneration and a
foundation for growth, The Middle School Association will continue to build on
our success and provide the advocacy necessary to grow the mission of quality
Middle Level Education for all students “In the Middle”.
The Summer Institute promises to be an exciting professional development
opportunity for all Middle Level Educators. The Institute will be held Thursday
June 28 and Friday June 29, 2018. The Institute provides in-depth study of quality
instructional practices as well as time for networking. This year we are pleased to
present sessions focusing on; Integrating Anti-bias Education into the
Middle-Level Classroom with Emily Chiariello, Understanding the Middle-Level
Student through Fiction and Non-Fiction Literature with Ronna Glickman, Using
Classroom Protocols to Support Middle-Level Learning with Linda Ruest and 35
Things That Make a Middle Level Classroom Great with Jack Berckemeyer. You
can register for the Institute by visiting the Association website at
www.NYSMSA.org

The Annual Middle School Association Conference will be held at
Vernon-Verona-Sherill School District October 18-20 in Verona NY. As I write this
message, we have commitments from Greg Tang (Mathematics) and Jack
Berckemeyer (Quality Middle-Level Practices) as well as several classroom
teachers as presenters for practitioners workshops. We will again have several
vendors present providing attendees the opportunity to engage with
representatives exploring educational products and programs that are available
and in use across the country. This conference promises to provide both quality
and timely professional development opportunities for all attendees. Look for
additional details and registration materials later in the Spring!
In closing. I wish you a successful end to the 2018 school year and look forward to
seeing you at the Summer Institute and the Annual State Conference. The
Association appreciates your commitment to students in the “Middle” and will
continue to advocate for quality Middle Level Programming across the State. Just
a reminder to visit the website a ​www.NYSMSA.org​ .