School Safety Update

It's been a while since I've posted this but with everything that has been going on I thought throwing a reminder out there would be a good idea. I have invited all forms of law enforcement to stop by SCMS at any time just to be seen and talk to the kids. This has been my policy since I've been here at SCMS. My goal is that students will feel at ease in talking to police officers and see that they are people just like you and I. Don't be surprised or think something is wrong if you happen to drive by and see a police car parked outside SCMS. This morning we had a small fender bender that involved two parents and the police were called. I few people saw the police and wanted to know what was going on...what was wrong. I think we're all a little on edge right now. Hang in there.....winter break is almost here.

Mr. Alley is Now Jeep-Less

If you're expecting to expand your knowledge base by reading this post, you can stop now. This is strictly a personal post. For four years, I've been easy to pick out of a crowd while driving around town. I've had countless people waving (my eyes are bad, so I'm assuming they all were waving) as I drive past them. My vehicle was a bit distinctive. A silver Jeep Wrangler, wide tires, raised up and normally in the summer, with the top down. I am no longer part of that exclusive club. I've sold my Jeep. I bought it as a mid-life crisis vehicle, but now I'm finally over it and feel much more mature and practical. Now I'm just trying to decide what my next ride should be. Maybe a motorcycle (I knew the maturity wouldn't last).

Something for a Parent's Toolbox

As every parent knows...or will soon know as your kids get older, there are certain situations that you will look back on and wished you had handled differently. Many times it's just a matter of experience. I handled many, if not most, situations with my first son much differently than I did with my second and third son. The reason I'm saying all of this is that I've come across a powerpoint presentation on how or what we can say to our kids when they are dealing with a tragedy. It could be a personal tragedy, or something like what happened in Connecticut last week. When you get a chance, take a minute and review it. I thought it had some very useful ideas on how we can help our kids through a difficult time....something for your toolbox. Powerpooint

Tuesday Update

Just a quick update on the start of our week and what the rest of our week holds for us. This Thursday at 7:00 pm we will be having our Band/Choir combined concert at the P.A.C. If you get the opportunity it is well worth the time to attend, Not only does it help to get everyone in the holiday spirit, our kids will amaze you with their talent. As far as the tragedy that happened late last week and how that has affected us, we met with our teachers / staff prior to school starting Monday to review safety procedures and provide resources for responding to student concerns regarding Sandy Hook elementary and or own school. Please know that we continue to monitor, practice and look for areas to improve our safety procedures at SCMS. As life seems to be speeding up by the minute, I know that I don’t take near the time I should to slow down and thank those around me for letting me be part of their lives. Please take a minute and make that phone call that you’ve been putting off to let someone know that you’ve been thinking of them. The SCMS staff wishes all of our extended family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Parent Letter. Please Read

Parent Letter (I oouldn't get the link in the posting below to work)

Sandy Hook Elementary School

It is impossible for me to put into words my thoughts/feelings for what happened last Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. What I can do is try to assure you that we take the safety of all of our students very seriously and have policies/procedures in place to deal with unfortunate situations. Please click on the following link to read a letter that addresses this tragedy and how we are dealing with the aftermath. Parent Letter

7:12.....The Party is Still Going

The kids are having a blast at this Activity Night. As I wander out of the safety of my office, I see lots of running around and sugar so when they get home they will smell and won't be able to sleep. We should do more of these.............

Tis the Season....For the Flu and the Norovirus

The St. Clair County Health Department would like to remind residents to take precautions this holiday season against a common and contagious virus called Norovirus. This virus is incorrectly known as the “stomach flu”. Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year, however over 80% of the outbreaks occur from November to April. Norovirus is NOT related to the flu (influenza) virus, which is a respiratory illness that can be prevented by getting a seasonal flu vaccination. There is no vaccine or specific medication for norovirus prevention. You can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed causing stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. The virus is passed through vomit and stool and contamination can reach as far as 40 feet from the source. The illness usually begins 24-48 hours after exposure, sometimes sooner. People infected are contagious from the moment they start feeling sick, to atleast three days after recovery; sometimes up to 2 weeks later. Anyone can be infected with norovirus and get sick. Children and older adults can be seriously affected. When sick with vomiting and diarrhea, avoid sending your children to daycare and school until illness ends. Persons working in nursing homes, those taking care of patients, or anyone who handle foods should stay out of work until atleast 48-72 hours after symptoms end. Prevention is the key. Remember these tips: Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. Hand sanitizers do NOT work against norovirus Properly disinfect all contaminated surfaces using chlorine bleach Wash all soiled clothing and linens Avoid food or water from sources that may be contaminated It’s important to stay home when you are sick. Avoid public places, social events and parties. This will help stop the spread of further illness. For additional norovirus guidance, precautions and cleaning decontamination visit http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html or call our Environmental Health Division at (810)987-5306.

6:37 pm on Activity Night

OK....if you read the post below first you might be wondering "Why are you sitting in your office posting to your Blog while Activity Might is going on?". Excellent question. It could be because it's a lot quieter in my office (true), it could be because I have a boat load of work to do (true) or.... it could be because I just had rotator cuff surgery on my shoulder and about every 15 minutes I need to sit down (and I promised my wife I'd stay out of harm's way). Have I mentioned that this Activity Night is great?

6:33 pm On Activity Night

WOW.....This is amazing. Our PTO has put together an incredible evening that 400 of our kids are taking advantage of. This could not have turned out better. Thanks to all the staff and parent volunteers that pitched in to make this such a success

Washington DC 2013

I've had a few questions about the meeting for next year's 8th grade Washington DC trip. We'll be having a meeting in mid to late February to discuss all the facts, itinerary, payment plans, answer questions, etc. We have to wait for the flight info to be released to finalize plans before we can have the meeting. I'll make sure I give everyone plenty of notice on the meeting. It's an absolutely AWESOME trip that we hope all 8th graders can participate in.

Activity Night Friday December 14th

This Friday our PTO will be sponsoring an Activity Night for all SCMS students. Here are the important information/rules. The fun goes from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. There will be a number of activities including a photo both, a DJ for dancing and laser tag. Pizza, snacks and water will be available for purchase (so bringing a couple of extra dollars should be plenty). This is only for current SCMS students....not for out of town friends, ex-students or younger brothers/sisters. Pre-sale tickets will be sold all week during lunches are $2 with a can of food for our food drive. Tickets at the door will be $4. Students must have their picture SCMS ID cards to purchase a ticket and to enter the Activity Night. We will be running a special this week of $1 for students that lost their ID cards (normally its $3). If you have any questions please don't hesitate to give us a call. This is going to be a blast and we hope all SCMS students will be able to attend