Weekly Update: February 6-10

At our last faculty meeting, I shared where we have been and where we are going this year as a division.  We have taken on some significant tasks with the development of a pastoral focused advisory program and creation of common HS assessment guidelines this year.  While these larger initiatives have received more lip service and attention this year, a number of other positive changes have emerged that have helped support our division’s improvement.  From our peer collaboration’s work opening doorways into each other’s classrooms to our world language department’s reevaluation of the ab initio program, and huge expansion of Tet celebration this year there are a multitude of initiatives happening in the HS.  The momentum we are gaining is a direct reflection of your hard work and dedication to our students.  Tim and I are grateful for not only the big things, but the small things that collectively are making a huge difference.

Have a amazing Tet break,

Jacob

Friday, January 27 – February 5, 2017
Tet Holiday

Monday, February 6th
Day 6- GHEF
Advisory Schedule

Tuesday, February 7th
Day 7- DABC

Wednesday, February 8th
Day 8- HEFG
HS Faculty Meeting, 3:15-4:30 (MPR)

Thursday, February 9th
Day 9- ABCD
Advisory Schedule
MRISA Pep Assembly
HS Music Concert, 6:50-8pm (Auditorium)

Friday, February 10th 
Day 10- EFGH
MRISA Basketball Tournament at SSIS
Lots of Students Gone (See Below)

On the Horizon:
Professional Development Day, February 18
WASC Accreditation Visit, March 19-23
Quarter 3 Ends, March 24

Staff Action Needed:

• Complete your students “Do Not Recommend” Google Sheet by February 15
• Check out the assessment calendar in the HS faculty room
• Contact Mark M or Chris B if you are interested  in joining the Peer Collaboration group in semester two

MRISA Pep Assembly– We have a divisional assembly on Thursday, February 9th hosted by the Spirit Club.  This assembly will take place during the regular advisory time.

Challenging Anniversary– We are coming up on the anniversary of Mizuki Orime’s passing on Sunday, February 12.  This may bring up emotions for our students and you as staff.  Our counselors have been and will be supporting those students who were close to Mizuki or were significantly impacted last year.  Please pay careful attention to your students the two weeks after we return from Tet.  If notice any struggling students please reach out to Robert and Chris Anderson (Erin’s maternity replacement) for support.  Additionally, if this anniversary surfaces issues for you please reach out to Robert and Chris.  We are all here to support each other.

HS Faculty Meeting– Wednesday, February 8th’s faculty meeting is going to be primarily devoted to meeting with our grade level teams to discuss upcoming advisory plans.  Additionally, Thomas Galvez will be showcasing some of his collaborative work with the HS staff in regards to project-based learning.

Learning Walks Return–  While Tim and I started the year strong with Learning Walks they have slowed as we completed all of our teacher observations and Tripod survey reflection meetings with each of you in the first half of the year.  After Tet break you will be seeing both of us in your classes more frequently providing instantaneous formative feedback during semester two.

Students Out on February 10– One of the byproducts of running a comprehensive and vibrant high school are student absences.  We have a large number of kids out representing our division on February 10 from MRISA BB to MRISA Arts Exchange and MUN.  These are all great opportunities that collide on one day.  Please take this into account when you are planning your lessons.

Welcome Chris Anderson to the Counseling Office–  Chris is a native of the Pacific Northwest. He has been in Saigon since June of 2016 and prior to that spent two years living in Busan, South Korea.   Prior to moving abroad he served as the Director of International Admission at Portland State University in Oregon, and as the Assistant Dean of Admission at Occidental College. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from Pacific Lutheran University, and a masters degree in international politics from the University of Denver. A perpetual student, he is currently working on a MBA from Colorado State University.

Chris’ husband Ryan is a footwear development engineer for Nike, Inc. They are the proud parents of Cookie: the world’s most adorable (and spoiled) Corgi. Ryan takes joy in sharing the fruits of his favorite pastime of baking, so when you meet him, be sure to put in a request. They are both eager and excited to be part of the SSIS community.