Week of August 10th

Only 4 days?  Feels like you have all been back for weeks, especially considering the amount of work that has already been done!  The first week back is always a flurry of activity, and, for me, it all settles into a nice rhythm once the students finally arrive giving purpose and practicality to the work we do.  Thank you all for the collegiality and support you have shown to one another – as a team we can accomplish so much!

Here is what’s up this week:

Monday, August 10
8-9 All School Mtg, Auditorium
9:15-10:15 MS Divisional Mtg, Library
10:30-12  Check in with Team and Department for any last needs
(basically 10:30 on is unstructured, work time)

Tuesday, August 11
9:45 Meet in Auditorium in preparation for start of Orientation
10-12  MS Orientation (see program in Divisional folder)
(remainder of day is unstructured, work time)

Wednesday, August 12
A-H Special Schedule
*MS Basketball and Swim registration open for students

Thursday, August 13
Day 1 ABCD (Advisory Day Schedule)
9:30-11 Academic Leadership Team Mtg (Molly out)

Friday, August 14
Day 2 EFGH (Advisory Day Schedule)

Orientation on Tuesday
Be sure to read through the Orientation script and scroll through the Orientation slideshow.  If you have questions, let me or your team leader know.

Schedule for Wednesday
Some important reminders for the first day:
1.  All students need to know that MS goes to lunch at 11; 4th and 5th at 11:10.  It is essential for them to get to the lunch room, make their choice, and check out quickly.  They don’t need to be alarmed … I timed it last year and it usually only takes 10 min. for all but the last few to get through the process and into their seats.  Tables will be labeled to show MS which tables are theirs and which are ES.
2.  Please move quickly to the divisional assembly in your H block group (have students bring their materials).  Sit with your students and fill the seats from the front to the back.  We will dismiss to advisory.
3.  Be on the watch for lost and/or stressed out students.  Let’s try to catch high stress levels early and intervene quick.

DEAR starts Tuesday, August 18
DEAR is set to start next week.  All faculty should have had a DEAR library delivered on Friday last week (unless you already picked it up).  There was a question about reading on devices.  We allow students to read on any electronic device (laptop, e-reader, smart phone, etc.).  Should a student misuse that technology during DEAR, we handle it the same way any other off-task behavior would be handled.

Coverage for Peter Reynolds
Kattina Fox will be covering Peter’s science class until his return.  We are still finalizing the coverage for Peter’s math class.  I am hoping to have that finalized by Monday afternoon.  This will be long-term supply teacher who will be supported by Eric Schoonard.

If you have an emergency absence/illness
If you get sick and cannot come to school, please text the sub line (093 895 1881; be sure to put this in your phone).  You need to text your name, MS, and the blocks you are to teach that day.  You should also include any duty/after school activity (so we can ensure coverage).  You should receive a confirming text that your text was received.  The last thing you need to do is email your lesson plans or instructions on how to access the plan to Ms. Sang.

PD Opportunities
Tina Fossgreen ran through many PD opportunities on Friday.  There are a few opportunities that are worth highlighting again (either because registration deadlines are quickly approaching or there is a need for presenters).  All of these opportunities were emailed to faculty by Tina (a quick search for emails from Tina should pull them up quickly for you).
Sept. 5-6: Transforming Student Learning, Kim Cofino
Mid-August-December: Mindfulness, Ravi Padhan
Sept 23-26:  3E (Energize, Engage, Empower) at ISHCMC (looking for presenters)
February 18-20: 21st Century Learning (looking for presenters; 30 Sept. deadline)

Tip of the Week
Shared by Laura Heatwole (ES faculty):