Week Ahead: May 8-12

| May 7, 2023 | Week Updates | No Comments

It was a great short week last week!  Thank you all for supporting the May the 4th assembly and making Dan’s introduction to the students something they will not forget.  Well, after hearing the Messi story,  we could have set everything else aside and finished with a big mic drop … but the Star Wars bits were fun 🙂

The blog post is a bit long this week.  New items are at the top, followed by reminders.  A lot of information came out from other departments (Office of Teaching and Learning, Health Office, Tech), and I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss it in the email flurry of the past weeks.

Here is what’s up next week:

Monday, May 8

  • Day 7: DABC
  • 1:30-3 Admin Mtg (Molly and Phil attend)

Tuesday, May 9

  • Day 8: HEFG
  • 1:05-1:40 StuCo Exec Elections, Part 1 (auditorium)
  • 3:15-4:30 MS Leadership Team (agenda)

Wednesday, May 10

  • Day 1: ABCD
  • *G5 Move Up Day (see below0
  • 1:05-1:40 StuCo Exec Elections, Part 1 (auditorium)
  • 3:15-4:30 EC-12 Mtgs (see below)

Thursday, May 11

  • Day 2: EFGH
  • 8:15-9:15 SST Mtg
  • 1:30-3:00 Admin Mtg (Molly and Phil attend)

Friday, May 12

  • Day 3: BCDA
  • *Happy Birthday Grant Weaver!
  • *Administrator surveys due
  • G8 Carnival at ALLS, 8:15-12:20 (about half of the G8 students)

Upcoming (on the radar)

  • May 15 – ES SISAC Basketball Tournament in ES/MS/HS gyms (starts at 1:00)
  • May 17-21  MRISA at ISPP
  • May 19 – G6 Drama Performance during last block, look for audience sign ups coming soon
  • May 24 – Rising G9 Move Up Day, 1-3:00
  • May 23 – G8 Delivery/Performances to ALLS, 8:00-1:00 (second half of the G8 students)
  • May 25 – Senior Walk Through (likely around 1:30ish)
  • May 25 – Art Party, 3-5:30
  • May 27: Graduation from 4:00-8:00pm @ Landmark 81
  • June 9: Last Day for Students, Early Dismissal @ 12:15pm
  • June 10: Last Day for Teachers (AS Faculty Assembly @ 10:00am; AS Faculty & Staff Lunch @ 12:00pm)

MASTER SCHEDULE & COURSE ASSIGNMENTS 23-24:

We are still completing the master schedule for the 23-24 school year.  BUT it came up at Leadership Team that some teachers were not aware of their course assignments for next year.  Unless you have been in discussions with me (Molly) about course assignments, you will be teaching the same courses for next year.  I am hoping to share out a draft of the master schedule this week for review.  This is a very important step to catch any issues that we haven’t seen yet.

There are some great changes coming for next year.  This includes:

  • New courses – Intermediate Dance, new g6 elective
  • Realigned courses – 
    • Band (moving to beginning and intermediate band)
    • Robotics and Coding (moving to introduction and advanced robotics and coding)

MID-LEVEL LEADERSHIP OPENINGS FOR 23-24:

We have a few openings for middle level leaders next year.  This will come out via email this week.  Though I’m still working to confirm some positions, for sure we will have the following open positions:

  • Grade 6 Team Lead
  • Grade 7 Team Lead
  • Science Intellectual Development Lead

G5 MOVE UP DAY – Wednesday, May 10:  

Please congratulate Meghan for her dedication to creating an incredible Move Up day for our Rising Grade 6 students.  What can you do to help?  Meghan needs a G7 class for students to observe in Block A.  Also, please set into the halls during passing times.  Our G5 students will be moving to classes during these very busy times.  We can support their experience by helping them find their classes as well as helping keep hallways moving smoothly despite the added students.
From Meghan: Move Up Day for the Rising 6th graders is this Wednesday.  It will be a very busy day for the rising 6th grade students, and our current grade 6 students and teachers.
I (Meghan) am still looking for a 7th grade class for the students to observe due to the challenge of having the 5th graders walk all the way to the high school during their observation times to observe PE. If you teach A and are willing to let them come observe your 7th grade class, please let me know ASAP.
You will see 5th graders moving about the building on tours and as they visit classrooms. All 6th graders will go to the gym with their classes at 2:35 to participate in a house event with the rising 6th graders.
There will be other times that stuco members and the current grade 6 Dragon Ambassador applicants help with activities.  Please see this schedule for the students involved.
Other links with information:
Thanks to everyone for your support with this day.  It will be a great opportunity for our incoming 6th grade students.

WEDNESDAY’S MEETINGS:

From David C: Next Wednesday after school is our fourth and final EC-12 Vertical meeting.  The following groups will meet in the following places:
  • IDL’s:  Auditorium with David
  • PDL’s:  HS MPR-4 with Alison
  • EAL and LS:  HS Library with Najela (EAL and LS IDL’s attend this meeting)
  • Counselors:  ES Collaboration room with Jacob H

Added by Molly: If you are not in one of these groups, please use this time for curriculum documentation.

ADMINISTRATOR SURVEYS: 

Phil and I thank you in advance for completing our Administrator surveys.  For Phil, feedback on his first year at SSIS will assist him as he sets goals for next year and better understand the needs of the middle school.  For me, even though I am departing, I always utilize feedback as reflection for the year and to set personal growth goals for myself for the coming year.  So even though I am departing, please know that your feedback is valued and will be utilized!

From Catriona’s Email: Purposes of Administrator Surveys:  The 2022-2023 school year has been a highly positive and productive year. And every one of you has contributed in large and small ways to making it so.

To ensure that we continue to grow as a community, to support you by doing the things that you find helpful, and to understand where we should improve and concentrate our efforts, we, the Senior Leadership Team, seek your feedback on these administrator surveys.

Please note:

  1. These surveys are now open and will close on Friday, May 12 at 3:00 PM.
  2. The surveys are anonymous.
  3. We ask that you be kind and respectful. However, honest responses, even critical ones, help us grow.
  4. The raw responses are shared with the individual’s direct supervisor (Principals with HoS, Assistant Principals with Principals). Nothing gets lost in translation.
  5. While we will not release numbers or written responses, each of us will use these survey results to set goals – immediate and long-term – which we will communicate with you.
  6. Please complete the surveys that pertain to you in your role and your division.

COMING SOON – MS Chess Tournament:

Way to go Lili DuBois!  She has organized a chess tournament for the MS.  Here are the details:
  • Date: Starts May 15th and will last about a week
  • Time: Held during lunch recess at 12:40
  • Where: the library and maybe the atrium if we don’t have enough room in the library
  • How many players: We currently have 36 participants
  • Game Details: Blitz style with 10 min. per player (each game is 20 min); 5 rounds with 1 round a day
How can you help? Come by the library to cheer on the participants and provide additional supervision if needed 🙂

From Daniel: Summary of the Teacher Survey from the April 5th Faculty Meeting

Class Ready Poster
Teachers are finding success with the “class ready” routine, but some students struggle with charging their laptops and closing unrelated tabs. Some teachers forget to enforce the routine, and there are concerns about students chatting on Google Chat during class. Suggestions include having extra chargers available, training on a tab extension, and turning off Google Chat during class.

Speed Geeking Session – Generative AI
The responses contains a range of opinions on the generative AI tool WriteSonic. Some express excitement and interest in using it for generating ideas and resources, while others express fear that it will replace the need for teaching important skills. Some have found it time-saving, while others question its reliability. There are concerns about its impact on creativity and independent thought, and questions about how it is being used in schools and by teachers.
Speed Geeking Session – Formative 
Teachers were asked what further questions they had about the tool Formative.  Some questions include how to develop skills to use the app, the benefits of using it versus Schoology assessments, and how it can be used in different subjects. Some express interest in trying it out or getting more training, while others express concern about the school’s adoption of the app.
Speed Geeking Session – Schoology App Center
Teachers have mixed reactions to the App Center, with some expressing interest in exploring the various apps available, while others feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to use them effectively. Some teachers are already using apps like EdPuzzle and Canva. There are concerns about how to link apps to Schoology and how to score assignments across different sections. Some teachers are also looking for more guidance and explicit instruction on how to use the apps effectively in their classrooms.
Speed Geeking Session – Schoology Workflow
The document contains various questions and comments about Schoology Workflow, including using rubrics, translating scores to PowerSchool, and the efficiency of the program. Some users express a desire for more support in Schoology, while others have no questions and are already using Google assignment workflow.
Speed Geeking Session – Generative Usage Practices Document
Some concerns include responsible use, potential negative impacts, and the need for training and guidelines for students and teachers. However, there is also recognition of the potential benefits of GAI in enhancing teaching and learning, particularly in research and understanding complex topics.

FROM ICT – 2 Factor Authentication:

Please see this document (prepared by Danai, ES Instructional Coach for Technology), from the ICT Office explaining 2 Factor Authentication for our Google Accounts and how to set it up. This is an important security measure. The school would like everyone to set this up by 31 May 2023.  If you have any questions regarding this, please don’t hesitate to ask Daniel M.

FROM OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING – Kath Murdoch PD in November:

I am very pleased to provide the SSIS registration link for the November 25 and 26, 2023 Kath Murdoch weekend workshop taking place at SSIS.
  • SSIS discounted registration is $600 (regular registration is $850)
  • SSIS will pay $200 of of the discounted registration for SSIS employees.
  • The employee is responsible for paying the remaining $400 via PDF or personal funds.
As requested by Chapters International, SSIS employees please use the form below for registration.    Registration is managed by Chapters International.  Registration will close upon being filled of October 1, 2023.  Please let me (David Chadwell) know if you have any questions.

FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE: 

Importance of Staying Hydrated:  As it is getting warmer and more humid out it is even more important you and your students stay hydrated especially with physical activity. Dehydration can cause:

  • Headaches
  • Decreased sodium levels
  • Impact blood pressure
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Unclear thinking
  • Constipation
  • Elevated body temperature

Drinking plenty of water each day helps to lubricate joints, keep our lymphatic system working properly to fight off illness, prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections and support physical performance.

Please ensure you and your students are getting plenty of water breaks throughout the day. You can view these recommendations and more information at:

HAND HYGIENE:  Proper hand hygiene is still the single most important way to prevent the spread of germs. Here is guidance from the CDC regarding proper hand hygiene techniques.

COVID SICK POLICY:  In response to the Covid information recently in the news, the policy for covid isolation has remain unchanged from the Ministry of Health Decision 250/QĐ-BYT:

If you test positive for Covid:

  • Submit a photo of your test result to the SSIS health app (if you have difficulty doing this submit a photo to your divisional school nurse)
  • Isolate for 7 days from onset of symptoms
  • Retest on day 7 and submit a photo of your test result to the SSIS health app
  • If negative on day 7 and symptoms resolved you can return on day 8
  • If positive on day 7 isolate until day 10 and return on day 11

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