The Staff Returns to MWS!

This morning marked the beginning of a new journey in MWS history - the start of the 2008-2009 school year has officially begun, for staff. Following our district kickoff, the entire MWS staff met back at school for a wonderful lunch provided by the MWS PTO. As chopsticks flew through the air and food from David Fong's was devoured, people commented on how great it was to have lunch together, to reunite and share adventures from the summer, and many words of thanks were spoken by staff about our gracious PTO. On behalf of the entire MWS staff I would like to thank the Marion W. Savage Parent-Teacher Organization for providing such an event for us. We truly appreciate it!

As you know from your individual letters, our annual MWS Open House will be this Thursday, August 28th from 3:00-4:00pm. This event will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to meet your student's teacher, to reconnect with families and friends, and to meet the new faces at MWS. I want you to know that I will be stationed in the Lunchroom during this time, and I encourage you all to stop by, introduce yourselves, and introduce your student(s). I have a special surprise for each and every one of you! You will have to come to find out what it is!

Marion W. Savage is looking absolutely fantastic. While we are still undergoing some construction to our roof on the East side of our building, the interior is in tip-top shape. I'd like to thank Norm, Dale, Nick, and Dave for putting so much energy into creating such a wonderful environment for our learning community. You will be amazed when you see your reflection in the floors you walk on!

As your summer draws to a close I want you to know that we, the MWS staff, are excited for your students to arrive, and we anticipate a year filled with wonderful memories for all MWS families. I look forward to meeting all of you soon!

Article in the Savage Pacer

Recently I was interviewed by Keighla Schmidt, Staff Reporter for the Savage Pacer; you may or may not have seen the article. Irregardless, I was pleased with the outcome, and perhaps even more excited to have developed such a positive working relationship with this newspaper. Ms. Schmidt was more than gracious in her comments about me, and I am sincerely grateful. If you have yet to view the article, click on the link below to view it in full online.

http://savagepacer.com/news/school-news-burnsville-eagan-savage/jeremy-willey-excited-start-8353

I wanted to take a brief opportunity to address some aspects of the article in detail and perhaps more directly with our learning community.

Building Relationships - I am a firm believer in developing a collaborative partnership between the school and home. That said, I am looking forward to meeting students and families at our MWS Open House from 3-4pm on August 28th. I hope that you are able to attend.

Initial Impressions of MWS - Perhaps the most striking initial impression of this learning community that I have developed through conversations with both staff members and families is that MWS operates as a small town family. I am excited to join this family and contribute in a variety of ways both this year and on into the future.

Education as a Family - The educational process has always been important to my immediate and extended family throughout my life. My mother taught for 35 years, and I have extended family members that teach high school, special education, and one who has served on a local school board. I value the educational process and what it can provide for your student(s), and I am committed to always doing "what is best for kids".

To date, I have been ambitious about creating posts daily. I doubt that I will be able to continue this practice as the school year opens, but I will do my best to provide you with "minutes" as frequently as I can.

First Post of MWS Minutes

Welcome to MWS Minutes! This is my attempt to spread the word about all of the great things that are taking place at Marion W. Savage Elementary. Please feel free to post comments and keep checking back for updates. My email is also posted and I encourage you to email me.