A few years ago there was an advertisement campaign that placed a great deal of emphasis on image. Statements such as “Image is everything” or “This will improve my image” impacted thousands of people. Yet, my exposure to the “image” concept goes back to 1996 when I first worked the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) summer program at Rowan University. The EOF program is designed to help at-risk college students succeed through a summer program and intensive support. I had gone through the program myself in 1992.

The Residential Supervisor I worked for was known for his ideas. One day I helped him place a 6 by 4 foot mirror in the front of the residential hall for all EOF students to see as they came and left each day. I asked him what would be the purpose of this big mirror? He told me that he was going to put a quote on the mirror to have the students recognize the importance of their appearance, and also and more importantly, that they represented the EOF program by what they did, said, dressed, etc. This concept stuck with me.

Fast forward to 2011. When I arrived at RM Bacon I was impressed by the appearance of the historic building.  I loved the marble entrance and wanted to make sure visitors could see and appreciate it as well. During the summer we moved some things around and I pondered what to do with the big open space where Mrs. Bacon’s picture used to hang. It was then that I thought of the Residential Supervisor from the EOF program, and since we are located in Millville, home of the glass industry, I ordered the mirror.

And just like my former supervisor, when someone asks why we needed a big mirror at our entrance and exit I say, “Because your image is our image.”

The infamous sign at night

December 12 – 16

Our new electronic sign was installed this week. I have had a lot of positive responses from parents, community members and teachers since it went up. One day, as I was standing out near it during dismissal, I had a student comment about the new Bear logo. He said it wasn’t “tough enough” and how could he wear the logo on a shirt and compete at Olympic Day. I thought about it after he left and then later on that evening it hit me. The next day I went back to the student and I told him this, “We have a new bear which was designed for our new image. And as for this bear not being viewed as ‘tough enough’ you have to remember that the real Bacon Bear is in your heart, not on a shirt or a sign.”

December 5 – 9

Does a full moon impact kids? Friday was just one of those days. I had issue after issue after issue. Every teacher I talked with said the same thing. I called another principal and asked her how things were going at her school. The first thing she asked me was, “Do you know it is a full moon tomorrow?” So, I googled “kids and the full moon.” There were about 75 million results. I found out that the”Lunar Effect” theory has been around for centuries and continues today.  Most researchers say that there is a correlation, but it is not a causation. All in all we had a very good week at RM Bacon. We have some very entrepreneurial

5th graders who are making paper trees and poinsettias to raise money for their field trip. They told me that they want to “leave their mark” on Bacon before they head off to middle school. We have really great kids!

November 28 – December 1

Cumberland County Prosecutor joined our assembly

I went home early on Monday because I was feeling tired and had a headache. I was hoping that I wasn’t getting the flu. I stayed home on Tuesday and Wednesday because the symptoms were not changing. Mrs. Harris filled in for me while I was out and she said that she had no discipline write ups!That made me feel better knowing that our Bacon Bears were behaving while I was out. Thursday we had our staff meeting on Classroom Instruction That Works (Non Linguistic Representation and Cooperative Groups). On Friday that staff wore their new Bacon gear, or blue and orange to support the Thunderbolts’ State Group 4 Championship Game. We hosted Steered Straight and the Cumberland County prosecutors Office for an Anti-Bullying Assembly. The assembly was energetic, informative, and contained an important message: Don’t be a bystander, be an UPSTANDER!

Mrs. Sutton, Mrs. Muhlbaier and Mr. Hudson Prepping Food

Although I missed the Turkey Feast, my wife and daughter were there to represent the Cooks. This event, as I am told, was amazing. From the table settings, to the food and the desserts, everything was done the Bacon way. I want to thank those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen!

Yummy Desserts

November 21 – 23

This was a shortened week due to the Thanksgiving holiday and three consecutive early dismissals. On Monday, we had a Discipline assembly that was designed to remind the students of our theme Your Image Is Our Image. During the assembly each of the teachers shared their expectation of student behavior and how they should be safe, responsible and respectful. Parent conferences have been going really well. We have had our highest attendance in years. Unfortunately, the flag football game scheduled for Wednesday had to be moved inside due to rain. Mr. Hudson and Mr. D made sure to schedule fun activities with a football theme for the gym. Coach Musarra was the DJ and made sure the event had the right music. To all the families, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

November 14 – 18

Every detail

What a busy week! The staff and students did a fantastic job preparing for and hosting the Annual Turkey Feast on Thursday. Although I wasn’t able to make it, those in attendance enjoyed the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and desserts. The gym was decorated to reflect the Thanksgiving theme and the placemats looked awesome. We had the Book Fair this week, and it is off to a great start. In addition, we had the first of our early dismissals on Friday due to Parent Conferences. Thank you to all of the parents who attended.

Angie Zeller enjoying the feast

 November 7 – 9

This was a short week because the teachers will be attending the NJEA Convention on Thursday and Friday. On Monday and Tuesday we had our flag football playoffs. The games were exciting and we are looking forward to the Championship Game on Monday, November 14. We had our first Bear Bucks Store on Wednesday and the students were able to “cash in”  their earnings. The PBIS Committee, which is responsible for the Bear Bucks Store and other positive activities around the school also met on Wednesday and they have a lot of great ideas for this year.

October 31 – November 4

Dr + Spike + Cook

How cool is that picture? My first grade teachers honored me on Halloween with their costume. I remember going out into the hall to see what the fuss was about and I saw them. Someone asked if I knew what they were and I said, “Me?”

October 24 – 28

There was one thing on everybody’s mind this week: Halloween! The parents, students and teachers worked tirelessly on preparing for and executing a very successful Halloween Frolic! I was so impressed with the entire activity. Thanks to everybody who helped out and participated that evening. We also had a successful Halloween Parade and Dance Party for the students on Friday. The students were dressed to impress (and scare). Earlier in the week we had the Millville Fire Department out for their annual Firehouse Awareness. They did a great job teaching our students about fire safety.

October 18 – 21

I was out of the building twice this week for professional development. I am being trained by the district consultant’s PEG (Performance Excellence Group). This group allows teachers and administrators to make informed, data-based decisions on education. We had a very successful CAPA review! The State Department of Education was impressed by the teachers and students at RM Bacon Elementary School! 

October 11 – 14

Progress reports were distributed this week. Wow, we are halfway through the first marking period. I spent this week preparing for our CAPA review, and doing formal evaluations of teachers. It seems that the students are really understanding how important our NO BULLYING pledge is, and how we are creating a new culture!

September 6 – 9

Although our first day was rainy, I think everyone enjoyed the experience! Our impromptu assembly was covered by the daily journal http://www.thedailyjournal.com/article/20110907/NEWS01/110907002/-1/7daysarchives/The-dawn-new-school-year.