Revamped! - Second Edition

It is fair to say that I have been busy as of late - busy revamping my own blog and now my website pages to provide new and, perhaps, more helpful information for both new and existing MWS families. I'd like to take this opportunity to describe the changes to my "Principal's Page" which can be found on the Marion W. Savage Elementary School home page at http://www.isd191.org/mwsavage.

There are ten changes worth noting, and as the "list-oriented, overly-organized" person I am, I will share these changes with you in the numbered format below.

(1) Welcome to MWS! - This site was in dire need of repair and updating. At the top you will notice the panoramic picture of our entire MWS learning community taken last Spring. In addition, I have provided a preview of the letter that will be sent to your homes in the next few weeks along with additional pertinent information including class placements.

(2) MWS Minutes - I made a few minor adjustments to this site, the highlight being a new picture of my revamped MWS Minutes blog. I would really appreciate you joining this blog as a "follower" so that I can see just how many families are actually viewing this information. Please note: I said viewing, not reading in detail.

(3) Newsletter Articles - Again, minor adjustments were made to this page, but the key is that this site will continually allow you to download a PDF of the newsletter articles I write each month. This is not a full copy of our school newsletter (which can be found on our home page). Since these documents are PDF files, you should be able to view them despite the type of computer or operating system you are using.

(4) Our Mission - This is the first of six new sites that I have created which I hope you find interesting. Our school mission statement has always been accessible via our Site Council website, but I felt that this should have a more prominent role as staff and family members worked in collaboration in the past to create this mission. Included is a beautiful picture taken of our school that reflects the efforts of many in terms of "exterior beautification" that takes place each summer.

(5) Promoting Literacy Development - This new site serves to answer a question that I often am asked throughout the school year, "What can I do to help my student be more successful in school?" This is a list, specifically targeted toward the promotion of literacy development, which you may find helpful. Please remember that these suggestions are merely that, suggestions, and as always what you choose to do in your home to support your student is your decision to make.

(6) Helping Your Student - This site is designed as a "Top 10 List", which I hope, you will find beneficial. Included are a variety of suggestions for your consideration which could potentially influence your student's elementary school experience at Marion W. Savage in a positive manner.

(7) Photo Gallery - This new site is most certainly my favorite. The design in creating this page was to provide families with a "visual" of the things discussed in newsletters, my blog, and most importantly, what you hear from your student. In selecting a specific image, you are able to view the image a read a brief description regarding what you see. You will also have the flexibility to be able to scroll through the images after selecting one to view all images similar to a slideshow. When you are finished viewing various images, click one time on the "Back" button listed in the bottom left corner of the page to return to the "Photo Gallery" home page.

(8) About Mr. Willey - For some reason, I always have avoided divulging personal information. Perhaps one reason is that I want information to be focused on the efforts and successes of others rather than myself. However, I decided that I want to share my experiences and my family with you. I ask students and families to share a great deal about themselves - it is only fitting that I reciprocate.

(9) Contact Information - Outside of a few minor aesthetic adjustments to this site, it has remained the same. The goal of this site is to provide a face with a name and to give you the necessary information needed to contact me for support. Please feel free to use this site as you wish.

(10) Parent Resources - While our home page has most, if not all, of the links and information families may need, I wanted to also provide a few resources that you may find valuable. Under each image you will find a direct link to the website for the resource listed which will open in a new window. I hope and plan to add to this site as I find (or think of) links that would be of impact for you. I welcome any recommendations from the MWS Learning Community.

Before I conclude this post, I would again like to invite you to become a "follower" of MWS Minutes. Your comments and feedback are equally important to me, so please do not hesitate to share your thoughts directly on my blog. I look forward to seeing you all again soon!