Summary: Our new Twitter feed (MSMatters), we discuss events: # NMSA's Middle Level Essentials Conference April 23-24, 2009. Robert Balfanz will be keynoting. He has done a bunch of research on 6th grade transition factors that has been cited by NMSA. # NMSA ‘09 Invitation Video # Michigan Association of Middle School Educators Annual Conference March 12 & 13 at White Pine Middle School in Saginaw Township. Mr. Ron Clark will be keynoting. Approximately 20 days left for the early registration discount. # Ohio Middle School Association’s Annual Conference will be February 19-20 in Sandusky, OH. Keynote speakers this year include Mr. Mark McLeod and Mr. Ty Sells. # North Carolina Middle School Association's Annual Conference will be March 16-17 in Pinehurst, NC. Keynote speakers include Bill McBride and Rick Wormeli. Ron Williamson from Eastern Michigan University will also be speaking at the conference this year. # The National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform will be holding their annual conference in June. See the flyer at their website for details. # Teacher Preparation Symposium information at NMSA. # NMSA is accepting presentation proposals to their Annual Conference in Indianapolis next year. The deadline has been extended to February 8, 2009. Applications can be made online. # Interested in a Science Quiz show online and in a virtual game show environment? Try The Second Question. # NECC is coming this summer! Here's an excuse to travel to Washington D.C. # If Mr. Berckemeyer dawdles on getting us the Kindles, soon we'll want these from Plastic Logic. "Did you bring pencil, eraser, and epaper with you to class today?" # Classroom 2.0's Ning Blog: "The topic this Saturday (January 31) is "Classroom Blogging" with guest speaker Kathy Cassidy, author of blog "Primary Preoccupation". Kathy will discuss classroom blogging platforms, the pros/cons of blogging platforms and how she uses her classroom blog with her students. Our Newbie Question of the Week will be: "What is a blog and how do I find good blogs to read?" Information on how to watch or join in at http://live.classroom20.com. # Second Life notices: * 1/31 Basic Skills Workshop: Appearance (ISTE Island 3) * 2/3 ISTE Speaker Series (TBA) * Video: Educational Uses of Second Life Shout outs: 1. Paul Nichols, thanks for letting us know you're listening! 2. Ron Miller, thanks for the email. 3. Jenny McAvoy-Anteau, congrats on your SL presentation! Web spotlight: http://www.onceuponaschool.org/ News: Online Safety Technology and Learning Gates Foundation Listener Letter
