Week Ahead: March 9-13

So … working off-site … have to say, not my favorite.  I feel so grateful for being able to “go to” work each day, talk in person with colleagues, and move around in a more normal fashion.  However, I know we all learned a lot during the experience.  I look forward to getting all of the feedback related to the day.  There were a few great things that happened: a surprise visit by DOET at 3:15 and internet failures all over PMH.  Lots of things to process and think about 🙂

One of the things that has kept us in a positive and productive position has been the ability of the school to be forward thinking, trying to stay 1 step ahead of the situation.  This is not easy, and is very, very important.  With this in mind, we are having a faculty meeting tomorrow at 8:35 to discuss the next “step ahead” proactive planning that is being done (addressing extended school day / school year issues).  This will be a question and answer time as well as initial discussion of options.  We will meet in the library.  And yes, it’s 1 meeting … we know that violates the rule, but for Friday it’s all we could fit in so that Catriona could be with us (and with all other divisions) and still keep other meetings she has scheduled on Friday.  If you are unable to attend due to other Google Meets you already have scheduled, I’ll come meet with you individually or in another small group.

This continues to be an ever evolving, fluid situation around the world.  This requires that we continue to be nimble, flexible and forward thinking.  These are three words that I would easily use to describe the middle school division and our school.  The other word I would use is FUN!  I missed you guys today … my cat truly did not cut it!

Here is what’s up next week:

Monday, Mar. 9
Day 8, HEFG
8-3 Capture Handwashing TikTok footage through out the day (see bel0w)

Tuesday, Mar. 10
Day 1, ABCD

Wednesday, Mar. 11
Day 2, EFGH
*Happy Birthday Ryan Butz!

Thursday, Mar. 12
Day 3, BCDA
11:05  SST Mtg

Friday, Mar. 13
Day 4, FGHE

Upcoming (on the radar)

  • March 18 End of Q3
  • March 23 Comments/Grades due, 3:00
  • March 24 Verification reports due 3:00
  • March 25 Report Cards distributed to parents
  • March 30-April 3 Spring Break

Video #3:  We have the next video idea for students.  We have once again returned to TikTok … and yes, this is the “Vietnam is Famous” version.  Check out the Vietnam Hand Washing Challenge TikTok.  Yes, this is a thing.  You can do part of it … all of it …. join in a group and each take a part … so so many ways to participate.  I’ll be going around to video this week.  And like the last one, there is a way to participate that requires NO practice or preparation.  I’ll show you a simple move to do and you can join in the compilation.

Confirmation of Calendar Changes:  I wanted to make sure that it’s clear what things have been changed on our school calendar. Student Led Conferences are being altered (only holding parent conferences in April with students who are at risk for failure) which means March 20 will be a full instructional day.  Project X has been postponed (for a year) which means March 25 will be a full instructional day.   We have postponed PSAT and CTP until the Fall which means those days will be regular schedule.

Q3 Grade/Comment Due Dates: We have altered the due dates for comments and grades for Q3.  Because we are no longer working toward Student Led Conferences, the date comments/grades are due will be Monday, March 23 at 3:00.  Verification reports will be printed the morning of Tuesday, March 24 and due back by 3:00 that day.  Report cards will be emailed to parents on March 25th.  We are also working on a way to use the personal comment bank to make entering comments more efficient (and yet still remain personal).  We will be sharing that ASAP.

Check In / Catch Up and other Documents:  Here are quick links to important documents

Grade level Virtual School Check in Document