The Home-School Connection (2/2/26)
Dear ITMMS Families,
Happy Monday! As we turn the calendar to February, there is a palpable sense of energy and renewal within the halls of Island Trees Memorial Middle School. We are stepping into this week with immense gratitude for our community and a shared excitement for the journey ahead.
Looking Back with Gratitude
Last week was truly transformative for our students, and we want to share some of those highlights with you. Our 7th and 8th graders were deeply moved by a presentation from Manfred Korman, who shared his powerful Holocaust survival story—a profound lesson in empathy and history. Meanwhile, our 8th graders took a trip to Broadway to see The Outsiders, bringing a classic story of resilience and friendship to life in a way they will never forget.
The Beauty of a New Beginning
There is something uniquely hopeful about the arrival of February. This week doesn't just mark a new month; it represents the second week of our school's 3rd quarter and our second semester. It is a natural "reset button"—a time to refresh our goals, learn from the challenges of the fall, and celebrate the milestones we’ve already reached. Whether your child is starting a new elective or gearing up for the Winter II sports season, this is a golden opportunity to start anew with a clear mind and a motivated heart.
A Story of the "New Leaf"
To capture this spirit, I’m reminded of a story about a young artist who once felt defeated by a canvas full of smudges and mistakes. They were ready to give up until their teacher pointed out that the messy layers underneath actually provided the texture and depth needed for a masterpiece. "You aren't starting from scratch," the teacher said, "you are starting from experience."
Like that canvas, our new semester isn't about erasing where we've been; it's about using everything we learned in the first half of the year to paint an even brighter second half. We invite our students to embrace this "new leaf" with confidence and curiosity.
The Week Ahead
We have an action-packed schedule to kick off the month:
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Monday: The Spelling Bee in the Library (8:20 AM – 11:13 AM).
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Tuesday & Wednesday: Talent Show Dress Rehearsals at 2:40 PM. We can’t wait to see our students' creativity shine!
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Wednesday: Selected 8th graders will participate in the NAEP Assessment in the morning.
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Friday: Dress Up Day: Big Game Day! We encourage everyone to wear their favorite team gear as we head into Super Bowl weekend.
Thank you for your unwavering partnership and for being the backbone of our school community. Let’s make these weeks leading up to the Winter Break some of our most productive and positive ones yet!
Warmly,
Mr. Keegan & Ms. Steele