Welcome back!

There are many exciting things going on at Mount Baker Junior High School.  I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the changes in the 2009-2010 school year.

We have begun a new student leadership group that spun off of the success of the Moutaineer Invite.  This year 27 8th grade students are acting as Mountain Guides.  They met this summer and focused their work on making this school a better place to learn and have fun.  In their work they were asked what MBJH should look, sound, and feel like.   Their top choices in each category were:

I am proud of their work so far and look for them to continue to grow as leaders as they help improve our school.

This year we have also gone from two lunches to one lunch.  This will allow students to see their friends and it also provides time for selected students to complete missing work each week.

Changes are also being made in the classroom.  One example of this is the adjustment made in 8th grade core.  Previously, students took three classes all taught by one teacher.  This year students will take two classes taught by one teacher.  The third class will either be an English writing/technology class or an English skills and application class.  This change was made to better provide students with the time and support to be successful in their classes.  Students will make stronger connections to their work, be better prepared for their assignments, and earn better grades.

Speaking of grades, those of you familiar with Family Access may have noticed some significant changes to the website.  We believe this new and improved format will be easier to understand and allow for better communication between you, the school, and your student.

While there are changes to the school, both you and your student can count on a caring staff that wants to and enjoys working at MBJH.  I am impressed by their collective focus to look for ways to continuously improve to make stronger connections to students and learning both in the classroom and throughout our school.  We also work together to positively impact the school and look for your involvement to partner with us.

In September, I met with some parents who wanted to know how they can get more involved in MBJH.  Part of the discussion from that meeting included having an evening meeting.  That meeting has been scheduled for October 7th.  I hope you can make it.  Please contact me through phone or email to let me know if you are attending.  I will be able to better prepare for our time together if I have an idea of how many will be attending.

Your involvement is an essential element to our students’ success this school year and beyond.  We are committed to effectively communicating with you to strengthen our partnership to provide the best for your child.  I have included some of the different ways we are living that commitment.

Student Conferences 

We have two days scheduled for student conferences. Our first set of arena conferences is scheduled for later this month, on Wednesday, October 14th.  School will be dismissed at 11:55am that day to allow for conferences, which take place from 12:30-2:30 p.m. We also have evening conferences from 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Teachers will be available at "stations" where you may go and meet with them on a "first come, first served" basis.  Conferences cannot be longer than 10 minutes to allow for other parents to meet with teachers.  If you want a longer conference at another time, we encourage you to make an appointment. 

We ask that you also bring your child to be present at these conferences as well.

The Expedition 

“The Expedition”  gives you information about what is taking place at Mount Baker Junior High School, communicates ways to get involved and provides information and resources to help outside of school.

Student Agenda

The student agenda provides information about student expectations and procedures to help with the day-to-day operation at school.  Students are also asked to record their assignments in their agenda each day to help them stay organized and to let you know what they are doing in class.

Website 

Current technology provides us a valuable tool to help you stay in touch with school events.  Our website will be updated to provide you with current information and schedules as we progress through the school year.

Along with these resources our teachers and staff are also available each school day.  If you have questions or concerns please call 383-2030.

I look forward to seeing you all on October 14th.   

Derek Forbes, Principal

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