#mschat Archive

A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.

Thursday September 20, 2018
8:00 PM EDT

  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    Welcome to #mschat tonight for a 30 minute dive into the Unique CULTURE in the Middle #mschat Thanks for joining us!
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    What AWESOME educators have joined #mschat tonight? Lets start with introductions so we know who is here!
  • Mr_Lisek Sep 20 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Ryan in Michigan, 6th Grade Social Studies #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    I am Todd 7th grade science teacher and #mschat organizer So Glad you all could join the conversation tonight!
  • from_middle Sep 20 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Sam, Atlanta, 6th Grade ELA and MS Dean of Students @Mschat #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    We are going 30 minutes tonight #mschat because we know our attention spans are short and we are all busy!
  • skeeTX Sep 20 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Rob from Dallas. Former T turned admin #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    We are using the Q1 ... A1 Format tonight #mschat Questions coming right up
  • geiendorsed Sep 20 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Here are 3 #apps that can help students navigate a clearer next chapter on their #educational journeys. https://t.co/h5O0cBN3oF #ed #edchat #elemchat #mschat #suptchat #parents #kids #disabilities
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Q1: What are the defining characteristics of middle school culture? #mschat
  • WaltKozlowski Sep 20 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Walt from Michigan, following #mschat tonight and contributing if I can.
  • JoveStickel Sep 20 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Relationships and growth mindset #MSchat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    A1: A connect culture ... Through Advisory https://t.co/GVdpNPlN8k #mschat
  • MrsAsztalos Sep 20 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Hello #masterychat and #mschat Melissa from NY trying to get back into my regular chat game
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    A1: A Culture build around relationships, trust and understanding #mschat
  • skeeTX Sep 20 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    A1: MS is a time of growth and opportunity for young people to continue their formation under the guidance of empathetic and supportive Ts #mschat
  • WaltKozlowski Sep 20 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    A1: 1st 2 words that come to mind: supportive and exploratory. #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    A1: Here are the five elements that make a good culture! #mschat https://t.co/NKKBE1tDiw
  • NMSMathCS Sep 20 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    A1: Good evening all. At my school, street credit is a big one! How popular you are and how much attention you can get #mschat
  • from_middle Sep 20 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    A1: Culture of an importance of belonging and being known #mschat #mschat
  • MrsAsztalos Sep 20 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    A1 MS have to based in love structure and fun. They are such unique humans, they deserve to be honored not stilfied #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Q2: How does your staff promote and build the middle school culture so ALL students feel it? #mschat
  • JoveStickel Sep 20 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    A2 WE talk to our kids and work at building genuine lasting relationships with them. #mschat
  • readteachlead Sep 20 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    A1: Middle schools are developmentally responsive. They understand the unique joys and challenges of adolescence. #mschat
  • skeeTX Sep 20 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A2: by trying to create a growth mindset among faculty who will encourage the same in their Ss. We need to model the behaviors and actions we expect from our Ss #mschat
  • MattDunbar_VT Sep 20 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A1: in my 6 weeks as a middle school admin I believe the best Answer for this question is for Ss a sense of belonging and connectedness. For Ts a sense of family, common belief in support. #mschat
  • from_middle Sep 20 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A2: There's a focus on building relationships through our House program, small groups, and a focus on a high standard that still meets kids where they're at. #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A2: We remind students that they MATTER and to choose kind! #mschat Creating opportunities for them to grow!
  • Beyond_the_Desk Sep 20 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A2: (and I’m late to #mschat!) We have advisory competitions that really help every kid feel like they belong somewhere & give them something to have fun with at school.
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A2: Focus is on relationships FIRST! This year we started a jobs program to help them have more ownership and pride! #mschat
  • skeeTX Sep 20 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A2b: by emphasizing growth and Ss well being over grades #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    Yes we celebrate students awesomeness #mschat
    In reply to @readteachlead
  • MattDunbar_VT Sep 20 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A2: We work to make sure our kids are daily choosing to be the best versions of themselves. That means making hard choices and understanding being better than the day before =growth #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Sep 20 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A2b: And admin in disciplinary roles really go out of their way to celebrate and connect with kids. It’s easier to receive consequences from someone you truly believe cares about you as a human being. #mschat
  • readteachlead Sep 20 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A2: We give students lots of opportunities for their voice to be heard by building community and leadership. #mschat
  • Mr_Lisek Sep 20 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A2: Providingtime for Ts to build relationships at the beginning and throughout the school year. It isn’t just something done at the beginning of the year. #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    Q3: How do you see a schools culture when you walk into the building? #mschat What do you notice, hear, sense, even smell.....
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A2: Our administration has focused on being present so Students see them in all hallways #mschat
  • CoachAGordon Sep 20 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A2: Our school is incorporating restorative practices and circles to build community in our advisory groups. #mschat
  • NoviAcademics Sep 20 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A2 I had the pleasure of visiting our MS yesterday and found an exceptionally inclusive environment due to the hard work of teachers facilitating learning that attended to EACH learner #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    We have trainings coming up! I see this as a huge positive #mschat
    In reply to @CoachAGordon
  • skeeTX Sep 20 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A3: schools should feel warm, safe, engaged full of smiles, laughter and energy. Ss and Ts should be partnering toward achievable goals #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Sep 20 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A3: Club/team decorations on lockers, student work displayed, encouraging posters/bulletin boards/door decorations, school colors throughout, clean and modern facilities, including a new commons area. #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    A3: The schools with positive culture are welcoming like a warm plate of cookies... It just smells, looks and feels inviting!! #mschat
  • MrsAsztalos Sep 20 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    A3 I think the Main Office is the best indication of school culture. If you walk in and are greeted warmly, it sets the tone. Our entire mo staff is AMAZING. They treat the kids and staff so kindly. #mschat
  • from_middle Sep 20 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A3: You can see a school's culture by seeing how student's treat each other, speak to each other, and speak to their teachers. There's an instant positive energy you can feel the second you walk in the building. #mschat
  • Mr_Lisek Sep 20 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A3: Ss art and work are plastered in the building. We have motivational posters and things to promote positive interaction with everyone. #mschat
  • JenniferHCox Sep 20 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A3: is there joy? Are teachers greeting, welcoming, smiling at students as they arrive? How many “good morning” are exchanged? Are students noticed by name? #MSCHAT
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    Q4: How does culture impact learn/achievement? #mschat Should we really waste time worrying about how they feel we we have so many standards to teach/learn?
  • WaltKozlowski Sep 20 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A3: The attentiveness and friendliness of the office staff sends a strong vibe about the time of the school. #mschat
    • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:15 PM EDT
      Q3: How do you see a schools culture when you walk into the building? #mschat What do you notice, hear, sense, even smell.....
  • MrsAsztalos Sep 20 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A4 As MS Ts I think it is almost more important they we teach them to be good people, smart citizens and to be kind. Content comes easier when Ss needs are met first. Maslow before Bloom! #mschat
  • JoveStickel Sep 20 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A4 if your building doesn't have a positive culture learning is going to suffer there has to be trust and partnership in education. This clearly plays a role in the attitude and effort on assessments. #mschat
  • WaltKozlowski Sep 20 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A4: If the culture doesn’t hold students and staff to high standards and support healthy risk taking, learning suffers. #mschat
    • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:20 PM EDT
      Q4: How does culture impact learn/achievement? #mschat Should we really waste time worrying about how they feel we we have so many standards to teach/learn?
  • from_middle Sep 20 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A4: Absolutely we should waste the time on worrying how Ss feel. If students don't feel welcome, happy, accepted by their peers and teachers, then they won't care to learn any of things we want to teach them. Students are more successful because of a positive culture. #mschat
  • CoachAGordon Sep 20 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    A3: Everything in the school contributes to the culture! The details matter! What's on the walls, cleanliness, people in the hallway, main office feel, etc. #mschat
  • readteachlead Sep 20 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    A4: MS is the time when students are learning/questioning who they are and their place in the world. It’s also when they need a lot of support. A child can’t learn if they aren’t in a trusting, supportive environment. #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    A4: Culture matters, If students don't feel welcome, they won't come, If they aren't challenged they won't work hard... If you build a culture achievement will follow! #mschat
  • JenniferHCox Sep 20 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    A4: can’t touch the Bloom’s stuff until the Maslow’s stuff is attended to; plus, you have to catch the trust of middle schoolers and you do that in relationship. Adolescents don’t give a rip how much of a content expert you are. #MSCHAT
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    AMEN!! #MSchat
    In reply to @readteachlead
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Q5: What action detract from a school's culture? #mschat Does culture slowly erode or quickly tumble? Easy or hard to rebuild and patch?
  • NMSMathCS Sep 20 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A4: If you buy into the culture of your school, you feel proud. Then, you will go above and beyond to do your best and be your best. #mschat
  • MattDunbar_VT Sep 20 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A4: if a kid does not feel comfortable in the building, achievement will suffer. A positive and accepting school culture creates an atmosphere that allows students to succeed. This is another Maslow over Bloom situation. #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A5: Negativity detracts... Culture can tumble really fast or slowly erode it takes work to fix... #mschat
  • Mr_Lisek Sep 20 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A4: Culture drives Ss achievement. Without a positive culture, Ss will be disengaged and are less likely to be attentive to their learning needs. #mschat
  • MrsAsztalos Sep 20 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A5 when Ts have a bad attitude it affects the whole bldg very quickly. We are working right now to build morale back up in the building, because it does affect the Ss. #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    Yes, Staff morale needs to be focused and positive otherwise it can tear apart a buildings culture #mschat
    In reply to @MrsAsztalos
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    Q6: If middle school culture were a food, what food would it be.... Homage to @DruTomlin4Edu as we roll out of #mschat tonight
  • Mr_Lisek Sep 20 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A5: Lack of collaboration, whether intentional or unintentional, kills a culture. When people are not on the same page or willing to help each other out, the infrastructure crumbles. This is no good for Ts or Ss. #mschat
  • from_middle Sep 20 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A5: If teachers and admin are not bought into a positive culture then the students will not either. It takes some time to start to build that up again, and create those relationships. #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Sep 20 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A5: Both. One major poorly-handled situation can bring it crashing down, but typically problems are a slow erosion. #mschat
  • readteachlead Sep 20 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A5: When we forget that learning is fun, focus solely on test scores, and see Ss as data on a scorecard rather than unique individuals with varying strengths and weaknesses, we’ve lost our way as educators (and maybe a bit of our humanity, too.) #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Thanks for joining in and helping this #PLN build on its culture of sharing, caring and growing together #mschat
  • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Have an awesome Friday Everyone!! #mschat
  • MrsAsztalos Sep 20 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Hey #mschat Thanks for the great chat. Glad to be back. In case you haven’t hear, the first #formativesummit is happening in October. Registration is open. I am presenting with 8 other amazing educators. Join us!
    • goformative Sep 17 @ 6:37 PM EDT
      Hey everyone 🌎🌍🌏! We've got a surprise for you... This fall we're hosting our first ever #FormativeSummit - a FREE, virtual conference where you can learn great teaching ideas from thought leaders in education! Register NOW & secure your spot: https://t.co/jAzkwWLyv4
  • Beyond_the_Desk Sep 20 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    A6: Salt. Adds flavor, sure, but also a truly essential preservative. #mschat
  • readteachlead Sep 20 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    A6: MS is rainbow sherbet...you have to be a little quirky to love it! #mschat
  • Mr_Lisek Sep 20 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    A6: Scrambled eggs. If you don't take care while preparing them, you can ruin the end product. When you nurture and take the time to prepare well, the outcome is glorious! #mschat
  • from_middle Sep 20 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    A6: I'll say sushi. Every piece is just a little unique, not everyone loves it, but those that do, REALLY do. #mschat
  • NMSMathCS Sep 20 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    A6: I think it would be paella!!! A little bit of everything in it!! #mschat
  • PurplePatti09 Sep 20 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    @blocht574 Just discovered the weekly MS chat! I will be here next week! I came late to the party tonight but the timing for me could not have been better. #mschat Catch you next week! Thanks for the tag @LisaMeade23 Perfectly timed for me tonight!
  • BryanZwemke Sep 20 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    Totally agree! #mschat #aimsnetwork
    In reply to @JenniferHCox
  • BryanZwemke Sep 20 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    I agree! Our @rotoloms office staff is amazing! #mschat #aimsnetwork
    In reply to @MrsAsztalos, @rotoloms
  • DrPamJones Sep 20 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    Cultivating a positive culture takes hard work & dedication from every staff member everyday #mschat
    • WaltKozlowski Sep 20 @ 8:22 PM EDT
      A4: If the culture doesn’t hold students and staff to high standards and support healthy risk taking, learning suffers. #mschat
      • blocht574 - Moderator Sep 20 @ 8:20 PM EDT
        Q4: How does culture impact learn/achievement? #mschat Should we really waste time worrying about how they feel we we have so many standards to teach/learn?
  • EduGladiators Sep 20 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    If you've enjoyed our #EduGladiators series - Building Capacity - tune in Saturday! @MrEugenePark challenges us to explore a Legacy Mindset! #mschat #Urbanedchat #Christianeducators #kyedchat #G2Great #blbs @cshepard_ce @DrPowersKHS @PrincipalNadiaB @PrincipalElse @DrPMilcetich
  • PHausTech Sep 20 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    Join me as I moderate #TeachPos Sunday at 7:30pm EST! #masterychat #mschat #JWMSInnovates