I am a Child of the 80s: Atari 2600, boom boxes, VCRs, rotary and pay phones, and Blockbuster video. One of the movies during this decade was Ghostbusters (Columbia Pictures 1984), set in New York City. With the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Columbia Pictures 2024), I read with interest an article about how despite the return to New York City from the fourth installment, the persona of New York City is not really a part of the film: it “feels like it could take place in any city, like New York City is a background prop instead of the main character it rightfully deserves to be.” This critic (Patricia Grisafi) was nostalgic for the original movie because the city was such an important character of sorts. It would be a totally different movie if it had a setting of Los Angeles or Chicago, Dallas or Detroit; it would not be the same. So while this fifth film in the Ghostbusters franchise returns to NYC, there is a sense of loss: “The problem for me is that there isn’t a ton of New York City.”
Is Spectrum Middle School a “main character” in your child’s and your life? Besides specific experiences with certain teachers or programs (or with the counselor, dean, or principal), do you feel there is a persona from the culture and the community? Because it is an organization of people who are learning and growing themselves every day and every year, there will always be flaws and failures. But these mistakes are our learning opportunities, which allows us to grow and shape this “main character.”
Your child and you are a part of this persona. Do you feel it?! Have you used your voice to positively impact today and tomorrow? The annual district Climate Survey will be shared soon. There is a version for your child, and there is a version for you/your family. Please take the time and provide feedback, both positive and areas of growth so as to not only help us improve but to provide specific areas of focus so we can take another step toward achieving who we aspire to be. (Please encourage your child to do the same - the Student Advisory Crew uses this information as feedback for their work to improve SMS each year.)
While Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire apparently could take place anywhere, I know Spectrum Middle cannot. This is a part of the reason we are such a great place to learn! Your thoughts and honest opinions help us be the foundation for high school and to positively impact every student’s future. Thank you, as always, for partnering with us in making this happen.
Weeks at a Glance
- Tuesday, April 9: Severe Weather Week / Review and Preparation
- Wednesday, April 10 - Friday, April 12: Math Support / Review
- Monday, April 15 - Thursday, April 18: Math MCA (7-8)
- Tuesday, April 16 - Friday, April 19: Math MCA (6)
- Tuesday, April 16: Middle School Climate Survey (6-8) during Sting Time
- Friday, April 19: 8th Grade Field Trip to Bake Park Reserve
- Friday, April 19: 7th Grade Orientation (6) during Sting Time