Growing Together: The Middle School Journey

Dear Russell and District 11 Parents, Guardians, Families, Students, and Educators,

Let us know your thoughts in this survey after looking at the links to the right.  

We want to see you next time!

We invite you to join us for “Growing Together: The Middle School Journey,” a special evening centered on connection, partnership, and our shared investment in the success and well-being of every child.

Growing Together: The Middle School Journey Video Ad LINK

Growing Together: The Middle School Journey Flyer LINK

RSVP LINK

Thursday, September 10, 2026 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Russell Middle School of the Visual and Performing Arts

Middle school is an important season of growth and transition—for students and for the adults who support them. This event creates an opportunity for families, students, educators, and community partners to come together, learn from one another, build relationships, and strengthen the village surrounding our children.

Our theme, Rise and Thrive Together, reflects a simple but powerful belief: when we invest in our children and work together, we create stronger pathways for them to grow, thrive, and succeed in school and in life.

What to Expect

We are pleased to feature a special recorded keynote presentation from Alyssa Blask Campbell, best-selling author and expert in emotional intelligence and family connection. Her practical insights will offer strategies families and educators can use to better understand, connect with, and support adolescents.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in engaging breakout sessions led by:

• Michael Mendez, Co-Owner of ITSCO Counseling and practicing therapist
• Cameron Jones, Assistant Principal, Russell Middle School
• Margaret Bloomer, Madison Sudduth, and Tim Garland, Russell Middle School Counselors

The evening is designed to be welcoming, practical, and accessible. Childcare will be provided, and Double Dave’s Pizzaworks will generously provide dinner.

Your Partnership Matters

This is more than an event—it is an invitation to invest in our children and in one another.

We invite every parent, guardian, family member, student, educator, and community partner to take one meaningful step toward strengthening our collective support for middle school students.

Our Call to Action:

• Show up — Join us on September 10 and be part of the conversation.
• Connect — Build relationships with other families, educators, and community members.
• Learn — Take away practical strategies and resources you can use right away.
• Partner — Identify one way you can strengthen your support for a student or family.
• Share — Invite another D11 middle school family to join you.

Together, we can create a community where every student knows they are supported, valued, and capable of reaching their potential.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for making an intentional investment in the children we serve. When we rise together, our students thrive together.

Please help us spread the word and invite D11 middle school families to this important evening. We look forward to growing, connecting, and rising together!

Warm regards,
Russell Middle School of the Visual and Performing Arts Counseling and Administration