Weekly Update: November 14-18

The end of the semester is much closer than we all think.  I have tried to include a number of end of semester key dates and other information in the “On the Horizon” section.  Our ride between now and winter break will likely be frenetic, so make sure you are planning accordingly.  If you have any questions please see your department head, Jacob or Tim.

Have a great weekend,

Jacob

Friday, November 11
Day 5 – CDAB
Faculty Breakfast (hosted by MWL), Faculty Room at 7:30
Early Dismissal for Teachers Teaching Teachers
StuCo Lock-in, 7:00pm-7:00am (Auditorium and MS Gym)

Monday, November 14
Day 6- GHEF
Advisory Schedule

Tuesday, November 15
Day 7- DABC
Special Schedule (see below), Author Visit (Auditorium)

Wednesday, November 16
Day 8- HEFG
Full Faculty Meeting/WASC, 3:15-4:45 (Auditorium)

Thursday, November 17
Day 9- ABCD
Advisory Schedule
Theater Production:  Midsummer Night’s Dream, 6pm (Blackbox Theater)

Friday, November 18
Day 10- EFGH
Theater Production:  Midsummer Night’s Dream, 6pm (Blackbox Theater)

On the Horizon:
Educational Surveys, Week of November 21
Terry Fox Run Assembly, November 25
HS Block Party, November 25
Quarter 2 Ends, December 7
Student Comments Completed in Google or Word Doc and shared with a Colleague, December 9 by 4pm
Student Comments Reviewed by a Colleague, December 13 by 8am
Semester Exams, December 8-14 (Schedule Here)
All School Staff Party, December 10
A-H Schedule to Review Exams, December 15
Comments and Quarter 2 Grades Due, December 15 at 3pm
Early Release Day/House Leagues and Winter Assembly, December 16

Staff Action Needed

• Signup and get involved in our annual staff video for students (see below)
• Please RSVP to the HS Block Party here by November 11
• If you know of any strong candidates for these posted positions in the HS please let Jacob know.
  • A new science position (biology/chemistry focus, AP/IB experience preferred)
  • English position (AP/IB experience preferred).

Semester Exam Schedule– Tim has been working with the HSLT in the creation of our semester exam schedule.  We have been through a number of versions and have settled on the following:  Exams start on Thursday, December 8 with two exams a day in the HS gym.  Exams end on Wednesday, December 14.  You will see all of your students on Thursday.  This time is designated to return exams and share results with students.  You might also use this time to have students reflect on the academic progress in semester one and make plans for improvement for semester two.  Friday is an early release day that will include some house league events and and end of semester assembly.

Annual Staff Video– Over the last number of years, the HS staff has created a fun video for our students at our end of the semester assembly before winter break.  Below are some links to last year’s videos.  Jeff Nesmith and Dan Le will help shoot and edit this.  If you have any song ideas for this year please share the ideas with Dan, Jeff, Jacob or Tim.  All HS and all school staff (ie business, HR, admissions, etc) staff gets involved.  Here are the videos from last year to give you a sense of what we do.

Author Visit Assembly– We have a special assembly on Tuesday, November 15 (see schedule above).   Marc Tyler Nobleman is the award-winning American author of more than 70 books. He is best known for his two nonfiction books that explore the creation of the world’s most famous superheroes: Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman and Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman.  Marc’s detective work on Batman has resulted in a decisive change at DC Comics in the way they credit the creators and writers of Batman. Marc is a self-described “Author of books for all ages, speaker, and pop culture archaeologist.” His presentations are lively and engaging and carry the audience along on his journey of researching, writing and publishing.

Educational Surveys– As Mark mentioned at our meeting this week, all students grade 3-12 complete an education survey for each of their teachers.  This will take place during the week of November 21st.  These surveys will be spread out over the course of the week to ensure that we do not get survey fatigue.  The results are meant to be reflective and are shared only with Tim and I and are not part of the evaluation process.  More information to come from Mark.

Pay Careful Attention to Schedule this Week– In addition to our normal advisory schedules on Monday and Thursday this coming week, we have a special author visit on Tuesday.  See the special schedule above.

HS Block Party– The HS Block Party will take place at Jacob’s house in Hung Thai on Friday, November 25 from 4:30-9ish.  All HS staff are invited and encouraged to bring their family and/or significant others.  Please RSVP here by Friday, November 11, so we can plan accordingly.  Lots of food, drink, fun and live music with your colleagues.  Last year we had smaller departmental dinners, this year we are taking over the Hung Thai street with the entire staff.

Terry Fox Assembly– On Friday, November 25th we have a unique opportunity to meet Terry Fox’s sister Judith.  The Terry Fox run takes place on Sunday, November 27th in district 7.  All three divisions will attend one of two assemblies on Friday afternoon.  The HS assembly will take place from 2:20-3:00.  A specific schedule will be shared in next week’s Dragon’s Lair.

What’s in Your Grade Book?  We are more than halfway through the second quarter.  What is in your grade book?  There should be a minimum of two items according to our professional responsibilities entered into PS.  These could be graded assignments and/or comments entered into PowerSchool.

Support the Lock-in– If you get a chance to drop by the Lock-in on Friday night into Saturday morning to visit our students and chaperones for a few minutes I’m sure they would appreciate it.