Ephrata Middle School is participating in the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey on Monday, October 16. The Healthy Youth Survey includes questions related to physical activity and diet, unintentional and intentional injury, substance use, sexual behaviors, abuse, risk and protective factors, and access to school-based services. Survey results are used by schools, communities and state agencies to plan programs to support our youth and reduce their risks. Participation in the survey is voluntary and the students’ answers are anonymous. There are no codes or information used to match a survey to a student.

Longtime Ephrata Middle School employee, PJ Anderson has been named as the school’s new Dean of Students. 

The Dean of Students position assists with the daily operations of the school. Specifically responsible for attendance, behavior (including discipline) and intervention services, the dean also offers leadership and guidance to ensure the school meets Ephrata’s mission to exist for Kids & Learning. 

The Leadership Class at Ephrata Middle School visited the Ephrata Food Bank on Monday to donate the proceeds from the recent staff-on-staff volleyball game between EMS and Parkway Intermediate School. The event, held in late March, generated more than $563 and three large boxes of non-perishable food for the Ephrata Food Bank.

With this now being the final quarter of the school year, now is the time for us to recognize that there is certainly work left to do and we must do all we can to finish strong.  As we remember this, I believe we should think about the following quotes...

"Keep your eyes focused on your long-term goals.  Even if you make a mistake, get back on track and keep moving.”

"It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go.”

"Remember that setbacks are only challenges in disguise.  Look at them as lessons… don’t waste time beating yourself up.  Just get back on track on what you want.  It’s up to you, and you (can) do it!”

"Regardless of what has come before or what has yet to come, what matters most right now is how I choose to respond to the challenge before me. Will I lie down or will I fight? The choice is mine and I choose to finish strong."

"Cowards never start. The weak never finish. Winners never quit."

"You may not have had a good start, but you can have a good finish."

Throughout 4th Quarter, please find time with your family to consider these quotes and their importance.  I am confident that if you do, you will find yourself reflecting on your current circumstances and be motivated to "do something today that your future self will thank you for."

Let's work together, make 4th Qtr. incredible, thus laying the proper foundation for the years to come.  As always, let’s also never deviate from showing our TIGER PRIDE!

Ken Murray
Principal
Ephrata Middle School

Last Friday was a special day at EMS. The school hosted a guest speaker to help students and staff understand that being a Tiger and having school spirit is something to be proud of and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Making every day a better day is the name of the game at EMS and the school community works hard to show Tiger Pride. To encourage this behavior, the school ASB suggested James Layman, Director of the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) visit EMS and talk to the student body about leadership and the choices students can make to develop their leadership skills.