Weekly Update: February 3 (Tet Edition)

I have learned a lot about the Tet lunar new year over the last month.  The importance of relationships with family and friends stands out as a huge component of this holiday.  Instead, my focus this week will be honoring the service of others.  While “Lucky Money” or “Lixi” is enjoyed mostly by children during Tet, many others are receive red envelopes as well.  The outpouring of support for our assistants, cleaners and maintenance staff leading up to Tet was impressive.  These staff members contribute so much the success of our school.  In the end, their work allows us to focus on what matters most in a school, student learning and growth.

Have a great Tet break,

Jacob

Staff Action Needed

• Update your gradebooks (see section below)

Wednesday, February 3
Day 1- ABCD
Special Tet Schedule, 2-3pm (Bell Schedule Here)

Thursday, February 4- Sunday, February 14
Tet Break

Monday, February 15
Day 2- EFGH
Group Meeting Schedule
HSLT Meeting, 3:15-4:45 (HS Office Conference Room) Agenda Here

Tuesday, February 16
Day 3- BCDA
10th Grade SOC Meeting, Lunch (Counseling Office Conference Room)

Wednesday, February 17
Day 4- FGHE
AS PD- Assessment for Learning Plan, 3:15-4:30 (Various Rooms)

Thursday, February 18
Day 5- CDAB
Group Meeting Schedule (Spirit Club Pep Assembly) Alternative Schedule
English & Science Departmental Dinner, 4-6pm (Jacob’s House)

Friday, February 19
Day 6- GHEF

On the Horizon
Author Assembly, February 23 (AM assembly) Bell Schedule Here
Arts, SS, PE and Support Services Departmental Dinner: Jacob’s House, February 25
Maths, World Language, Counseling Departmental Dinner: Jacob’s House, March 2

Gradebooks Critical for Student/Parent Communication– The counselors and I have been meeting with a number of families of students on academic probation.  These meeting are extremely important and public.  We share grading information and attendance at this time.  Over the last few meetings I have noticed an increasing theme.  Many of our classes do not have anything posted to their grade books yet, almost a month into the quarter.  In fact, once I started to research this in PowerSchool almost 50% of the HS teachers do not have anything posted in one or more of their classes.  This does not put the best face forward for the high school, as we attempt to communicate with our families.  Please check the grade books for each of your classes and make sure that you have multiple data points for our students shortly after our return from Tet.

Spirit Club Pep Assembly– The Spirit Club is leading an assembly on Thursday, February 18 to support our basketball team in MRISA.  Instead of group meeting time, we have a special assembly on the Alternative Schedule.  At the end of your A block classes at 12:25, walk your students to the HS gym for a pep assembly.  After the assembly, lunch begins.

Author Visit Assembly– We have an amazing opportunity for our students on Tuesday, February 23.  We will be having an assembly with the award winning author S.A. (Stephanie) Bodeen. It will be a special schedule for a 45 minute assembly.  I just wanted to share this in advance for your planning.  Thank you Lara Keller for the information below about the author.