IMLA President 2009 - 2011
Alice Clemans
Eagle Middle School
1000 W. Floating Feather
Eagle, ID 83616
Phone - 208- 939-2555
Fax: 208 939 2173
Email: clemans.alice@meridianschools.org

    Another successful IMLA conference has just ended, celebrating our organization's twentieth year. Spring break will be here shortly and, soon after, another school year will be coming to an end. It always amazes me how quickly the pear passes!
    Thank you so much to those who took time from other responsibilities and busy schedules to attend the conference. Without your attendance, we could not have successful conferences. (In fact, we would not have a conference at all!) Also, a huge thanks to those who presented. It takes courage and commitment to present to ones peers. We received great feedback from session evaluations and I know that those who attended appreciate the time and effort presenters expended. Conference participants indicated that they gained ideas and strategies they can use in the classroom immediately. Another great effect of the conference is the opportunity to network with professionals from throughout the state and to return to schools and classrooms rejuvenated and inspired.
    It was a great delight and honor to hear and see Barbara Morgan's presentation. Anyone who can hold a large room of middle school educators spellbound at 5:30 on a Friday afternoon absolutely has what it takes! Barbara's descriptions of her time in space and her feelings about her experience, along with video clips and still pictures, truly transported us to a different world. Everyone would have stayed even longer, had the video equipment not overheated from operating for such a long period of time. We appreciate Bev Bradford's making arrangements to bring Barbara to the conference.
    Dr. Sharon Faber, our keynote speaker, energized and entertained us. Her lively keynote addresses provided many practical ideas for working effectively with middle school students. Saturday morning's roll call of schools provided evidence of the effectiveness of the teaching strategies Dr. Faber modeled.
    Please start making plans right now to join IMLA at  out 2010 conference next spring in Boise, March 19-20, at the the Red Lion Riverside. Give serious thought to stepping outside your comfort zone and plan to present some of the great ideas that help your students to be successful in your classroom. Since teaming is one of the hallmarks of effective middle schools, consider presenting with team members.
    As summer approaches I know many of you will be involved in professional development activities to expand and enhance your skills. Enjoy those activities, but also remember to spend some time renewing and refreshing yourself. Have some fun. Spend quality time with family and loved ones. Broaden your horizons. Read a good book just for the enjoyment of it. (And remember that kids are reading and enjoying books this summer also - because you taught them to read and understand.)
    Have a wonderful conclusion to your school year and a wonderful summer. Never forget the potential of your influence on the lives of the middle school student with whom you interact each day.

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