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News from the Executive Director's Office: 

Len Ference

~ M.O.Y.A. ~

 

             This October marked the 9^th annual celebration of the Month of the Young Adolescent.  The purpose of this event is to focus on the importance of the quality of middle level educational practices and the unique needs of this learner.  The academic success for adolescents lies in the implementation of current best instructional middle level practices, and stressing the importance of families, schools and the communities all working together to place all students on the tracks of success.

           To help with this endeavor the Pennsylvania Middle School Association, under the leadership of Gail Heinemeyer and Chas Cognato, planned the 2005 National Middle School Association National Conference that was held in Philadelphia this past November.  What an event!  Congratulations goes out to these two individuals and all the people on the conference committee who made this a first class staff development experience.  A full slate of middle level best practices presentations were available to over 8,000 middle level educators from across the nation and from other world countries.  Gail and Chas modeled the true essence of bringing all the key components together to highlight the adolescent learner and their dedicated teachers.  Students from schools around the Philadelphia area showcased their talents through their artwork and musical performances.  This added the special touch to an already wonderful experience.  Many schools scheduled that Friday, November 4, 2005, as a staff development day and sent their entire staff to the conference.  The feedback from those in attendance was extremely positive and complementary of NMSA and PMSA’s efforts.

           The motto for this year’s Month of the Young Adolescent was “Together we can make a difference.”  This goal was achieved thanks to the PMSA’s Executive Board, Gail and Chas and the rest of the national conference committee.  If you were unable to attend, then think about attending the March 2005 PMSA State Conference, to be held in State College.  Check out the website for more information.