Weekly Update: September 11

Week At-A-Glance

Friday, September 11
Day 4- FGHE
Mid Quarter Update in PowerSchool
StuCo Movie Night: 6:30-9:30 (Auditorium)

Saturday, September 12
Family Fun Day: 9:00 am 1:00 pm

Monday, September 14
Day 5- CDAB
Group Meeting Schedule
HS Leadership Team Meeting: 3:15-4:45 (Agenda Here)

Tuesday, September 15
Day 6- GHEF
9th Grade SOC Meeting: Lunch (HS Counseling Conference Room)

Wednesday, September 16
Day 7- DABC
University Visit: Macquarie University Sydney, 12:40-1:40 (Library)
HS Faculty Meeting: 3:15-4:30 (MPR) Agenda Here

Thursday, September 17
Day 8- HEFG
Jacob Gone at IB Training
Group Meeting Schedule

Friday, September 18
Day 1- ABCD
Jacob Gone at IB Training
University Visit: Lewis & Clark College, 1:00-1:40 (Library)

On the Horizon

Sep 21-25: WWW
Sep 25-26: CAS Retreat (11th Grade)
Sep 29: AS Early Dismissal
Oct 8: AS Early Dismissal (End of 1st Quarter)
Oct 8: Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4-8pm
Oct 9: No Students at School
Oct 9: Parent/Teacher Conferences, 8am-1pm
Oct 10: International Day
Oct 14: PSAT for all 10th Graders

Staff Action Needed

• Update grade books for Mid Quarter in PowerSchool
• Technology Transformational Lesson or Assessment ready to share at faculty meeting
• The “Pulse”: Teachers Teaching Teachers, Complete Google Form Here
• 9th Grade Transition Program Advisors Needed (read below)

The “Pulse” is Moving– The “Pulse” is moving to a new location, the “Staff Action Needed” section of the “Weekly Update”.  We are looking to streamline the number of clicks for you to access content.  Additionally, we may not need to collect feedback each week.

Grading Practices– A staff member asked me this week about our 50% late policy rule for summative assignments and assessments.  Our policy states that zeros will not be used as final summative assessment grades or in determining a student’s final grade in a course.   You can view this policy that was developed after almost a year’s worth or committee work in the high school in 2013-14.  It is definitely more explicit and detailed than our professional responsibilities shared this year.

Last Days of Fall and Spring Semesters– There have been some questions at the other divisions about the last day in the fall and spring semesters.  While December 18th is and early dismissal for students, it is a normal work day for teachers ending at 3:30.  On the last reporting day for teachers on June 10, teachers are welcome to leave shortly after our end of year luncheon starting at 12:30.  Please plan your flights accordingly for both days.

Attendance Reminder– Teachers please remember to take attendance during the first couple minutes of class.  If they are absent mark “A”.  This is especially important for our first block of the day.

Transformational Technology Lesson or Assessment– Make sure to come to our faculty meeting this week with an idea/plan for the 1st semester.  All HS teachers will be sharing their ideas for feedback and support.

9th Grade Transition Program– We will be introducing a 9th Grade Transition Program to SSIS for the 2016-17 school year.  This program will pair 9th grade students with 11th grade mentors next year.  We will start recruiting this year’s 10th graders (11th graders in 2016-17) in the spring and will have our first kick off event for 8th graders right before they leave for the summer.   We are looking for a couple advisors that would be willing to develop a program that would systematically support 9th graders throughout their entire year.  Please submit your name here by September 30th if you would like to learn more information about this and might consider being an advisor.

Jacob Gone– I will be gone on September 17 and 18 to attend an IB conference in Manila.  I will be checking my email (internet permitting).  Thao will handle most issues that arise, but if any significant or time sensitive issues arise our Head of School will be handling them in my absence.

Help Desk– If you have any facility needs on campus please email the Help Desk at helpdesk@ssis.edu.vn and cc Thao Nguyen.  The Help Desk is used for maintenance, room setup (must provide a visual layout of the room), IT needs, and cleaning.  Ms. Giang at gha@ssis.edu.vn can assist you with room booking and refreshments/snacks.  Please contact these people first then Thao can coordinate with them on the day of an event to make sure everything is in place for you.