It is Information and Tour Night time. This year at Spectrum there is a presentation for 5th grade, middle school, and high school families. What would you share with them? Instead of them listening to me, what would you say if, instead of a presentation, there was a panel of parents and students, answering questions? Would one of the first things shared be the topic of relationships? Would a close second be about Spectrum Middle School’s Habits of Success?
Each presentation starts with me asking What are your educational goals for your child? What are you looking for in your school experience? With all the choices and challenges of 21st century learning, what is it you seek? Yes, the annual Climate Survey asks current families these kinds of questions – no need to wait until the spring, by the way; I am always open to collaborating with you! – but what is unique about the beginning of one’s Spectrum experience is to listen for and hear what makes us who we are. All schools teach children, they teach standards, they have lockers and multiple lunch periods, they have passing time and teachers, they have sports and activities, courses leading to more courses that lead to credits that to graduation. There is physical education, band, choir, art, technology, and core disciplines. There is administration, counseling, office staff, lunch staff, and custodial staff. There is physical, emotional, and mental development. There is the day-to-day journey of tweens and teenagers.
There also could be fist bumps, high-fives, and smiles. There hopefully is curiosity and risk-taking. There probably is doubt, but then that is replaced with confidence. There is sometimes fear, and there is anxiety. There could be sadness; there can be loneliness. In most schools there are poor choices and moments lacking kindness, so there are consequences too.
All of this is possible because educators show up every day to do their very best and to make students’ experiences valuable. Spectrum Elementary and Middle Schools operate with unconditional positive regard – complete support, acceptance, and caring for another person – so our relationships are strong and learning can be constant. Yes, there are challenges because a school is made up of people, but in these times, there is still learning, and interpersonal skills are developed. SMS has established an identity as a community where students want to attend and families desire our communication with collaboration; everyone is a part of something good. It is a responsive community, growing and developing throughout the 21st century.
Tomorrow is another Information/Tour Night. A presentation will be shared with 4th grade and 5th grade families, and families from those current 6th, 7th, or 8th grade families, looking for something different. They are probably seeking a sense of belonging, a place to call home. To you, as someone already a part of what makes us “us,” have you found that sense yet? My hope is that if you were asked to be on that panel, you would confidently say that you are proud to be a Spectrum parent. I am proud to serve you.
Weeks at a Glance
- Information/Tour Night: Tuesday, January 20 - 5:30 elementary & 6:30 middle school
Open Enrollment
Help us spread the word to your neighbors, friends, family, and community:
Spectrum Schools is accepting enrollment applications for NEW students for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026, to be included in the mid-February 2026, Enrollment Lottery.
IMPORTANT: Siblings must submit an application to be considered for enrollment.
Sign up for an Information & Tour Session with the Spectrum Registrar or call 763-241-8703 for more details.
Thank you for helping us grow our Spectrum community!