Weekly Update: January 15

Semester two provides us all a chance to hit the reset button.  Students get the opportunity to get a fresh start with grades and at the same time reflect and make strategic improvements for the coming quarter.

We have similar chances to press the reset button as well.  Each of you have data from your education surveys that can guide your thinking and planning for semester two.  When you act on this data you model a positive growth mindset with students.   More importantly it honors their feedback.  For me, I am eager to participate in the first semester forum this coming week to surface growth opportunities for semester two and beyond.

Have a great weekend,

Jacob

Staff Action Needed

• Grade Book Challenge (See below)

Friday, January 15
Day 4- FGHE

Monday, January 18
Day 5- CDAB
Special Schedule

• 8:00 – 9:15 Block C (75 min)
• 9:15-9:25 Break (10 min)
• 9:30-10:45 Block D (75 min)
• 10:50-11:50 Advisory (60 min)
• 11:50-1:05 Block A (75 min)
• 1:05-1:45 Lunch   (40 min)
• 1:45 – 3:00   Block B (75 min)

Tuesday, January 19
Day 6- GHEF
Spirit Gear Day (SSIS athletic or club shirt with uniform shorts)
11th Grade SOC Meeting, Lunch (Counseling Conference Room)

Wednesday, January 20
Day 7- DABC
HS Faculty Meeting, 3:15-4:30 (MPR) First Semester Forum

Thursday, January 21
Day 8- HEFG
Honor Society Induction, 7-8pm (MPR)

Friday, January 22
Day 1- ABCD
Last Day to Make Semester 1 Grade Changes
Informational Meeting with HoS for HS staff, 3:30-4 (MPR)

On the Horizon
Tet Break, February 4-14
English & Science Departmental Dinner: Jacob’s House, February 18
Arts, SS, PE and Support Services Departmental Dinner: Jacob’s House, February 25
Maths, World Language, Counseling Departmental Dinner: Jacob’s House, March 3

Optional Informational Meeting on Friday– Mark Sylte will be sharing information and answering questions about changes that will effect the high school in the 2016-17 school year on Friday, January 22 from 3:30-4 in the MPR.  Hope to see you there.

Last Day For Grade Changes is January 22– The last day to make any changes to semester one grades is Friday, January 22 at 4pm.  We need to be able to finalize and verify the first semester grades within PowerSchool.

New Year’s Grade Book Challenge– As we start a new semester let’s remember our professional responsibilities around assessment.  Our students need frequent and timely feedback for their growth.  Some key agreements to remember:

• Update grades online to share progress (assessment data should be in gradebook within 2 weeks of being turned in)
• Consistent evaluation feedback for parents and students
  • Assessment data should be added to gradebook at least every 2 weeks
• Enter major graded assignments, tests, and projects into Moodle and PowerSchool at least 10 days before assignment due date
• Should avoid grade dumping at the end of each grading period that skews overall student data significantly

Spirit Gear Day– Students will be allowed to wear SSIS athletic or activity shirts with their regular school uniform bottoms on Tuesday, January 19 to support our teams participating in City Championships.

Education Survey Analysis–  Review your data from the education surveys and complete the reflection form shared by Mark and David Perkin.  Thao has scheduled a 20 minute meeting for us to chat about your results.  We will discuss the insights that you have gained in regards to celebrations for things that are going well and target potential growth opportunities for the coming semester.  Please let me know if you have any questions.