Week Ahead: Mar. 28-April 1

As we head into our last quarter of the year, I’m lifting my chin and seeking the joy in working with these youngsters and my amazing colleagues.  SLCs truly highlighted this and has definitely given me a boost as I head into this last quarter of the year (and the 2 weeks before spring break).  I hope it did for you as well!

Here are just 3 of the amazing pictures you captured (notice mom playing trumpet – the laughter – and the completely “MS look” on Tri’s face)

Here is what’s up this week:

Monday, March 28
A-D
3:15-4:30 MS Leadership Team (agenda)

Tuesday, March 29
E-H
8-3:00 WOW team retreat (Roxanne Out)

Wednesday, March 30
A-D
3:15-4:30 Divisional Mtg (curriculum documentation)

Thursday, March 31
E-H

Friday, April 1
A-D

Upcoming (on the radar)

• April 5 CTP Lockdown Browser installed during Dragon Time
• April 6 CTP Proctor training (all MS faculty)
• April 8 Early Dismissal – special early dismissal schedule created to allow for CTP Student training; G8 PE Dance Celebration during G and H blocks; afternoon dedicated to curriculum documentation [yep – a big day in MS, lots going on]
• April 11-15 Spring Break
• April 20, 21, 26, 27 – CTP testing

Coming Soon – CTP Testing:  At SSIS, we use the CTP as our standardized testing for grades 3-7.  This year, because G8 was not able to take the PSAT, we have decided to administer it to G8 as well.  We will test on April 20, 22, 26 and 27.  You can see the full plan here. Please note that small adjustments may need to be made based on leadership team feedback.  Here is the summary for your initial information:

• Advisories will be paired with 2 teachers administering the test to their advisees (less EAL and LS students)
• We will run a special schedule on those days with instructional blocks being 55 minutes
• Relevant dates:
  • April 5 CTP lockdown browser during Dragon Time: Daniel provide information for advisors to oversee the installation of the; the instructions will be pushed out via Schoology
  • April 6 Proctor training:  All MS faculty will be trained  to proctor during divisional time
  • April 8 CTP Student Training  The early dismissal schedule includes a CTP training time for students; this includes an introductory video each advisor will show as well as taking students through 2 practice tests; here are the directions and materials for that (this will be reviewed during the Apr. 6 training as well)
  • April 20, 21, 26, 27 Testing Dates

Curriculum Documentation:  Thank you all for your continued work on updating the curriculum documents.  This week continues with the original time dedicated to this endeavor.  We will continue working individually with faculty members to support and provide additional release time as needed.  Here are the remaining set dates:

• Mar. 30 (3:15-4:30)
• Apr. 6 (3:15-4:30)  so sorry – this time needs to be dedicated to CTP proctor training for all MS faculty
• Apr. 8 (1-4:30)
• Apr. 20 (3:15-4:30)
• May 4 (3:15-4:30) added to replace April 6

MS Yearbook:  We are still producing a yearbook this year (despite not having a class dedicated to it).  Huge thanks to Dzim Nguyen for his major assist with this!  One thing that I need to schedule is an advisory photo … so … if you happen to have your advisory all together in school this week or next, I would love for you to get a group shot.  It can be in the classroom, on the spiderweb, in the garden, on Dragon Hill – basically where ever you want. Just let me know, and I’ll make sure someone is there to take the photo.  If you really want to get fancy, I can also arrange for Tung to come take a photo of your group. If you know you will never have your advisory all together, please get everyone in the Zoom and get a shot (or if you already have one, that will work too).  Please put the photo here: MS Yearbook: Advisory Photos.

PE Dance Celebration: It’s still on!  Yes, the annual PE Dance Celebration is still happening.  Huge thanks and kudos to the entire PE team and dance instructor Adele for giving our students this opportunity to showcase their developing dance talents.  The first up will be Grade 8 on April 8.  This performance will be in the Black Box theater (thank you all the drama teachers for graciously giving up their space for rehearsal and performance) to small groups.  It will be filmed though so we can make it viewable to parents and a wider audience.  Grades 6 and 7 will perform in May.

In order to assist PE, we have always allowed students to be off timetable for rehearsal.  This year, the need is to have some G8 students off timetable only on April 8 for blocks F and G.  They will perform in 2 groups during these blocks.  Half will have a short blocking rehearsal and then perform during E block.  The other half will do the same during G Block.  The PE department will work on the audience sign ups (a small audience will be allowed).  We know this will impact your planning, and the PE department appreciates your support.  G8 students who are off timetable will understand that they are responsible for missed classwork/assignments.  The PE department will send a list of which students will perform in which block as soon as possible.

Update on F1 Requirements:  I know it’s quite difficult to keep up with the ever changing government regulations. I won’t try to summarize because I could leave out really important parts or change the nuance of things.  BUT I can confidently say that the letter we are now sending to students identified as F1 say:

• fully vaccinated F1s (in general) no longer need to quarantine; they have to upload a neg. test on day 5 after being identified (this can be at home or a medical facility)
• non-fully-vaccinated F1s still need to quarantine, and now it is for 7 days; they have to upload neg. test on day 7 in order to return to school (this can be at home or at a medical facility)
• neither group can ride on public transportation including the school bus during their identified period

What does this mean for us?  Hopefully, that physical attendance will increase again with fully vaccinated students being able to return (and stay) in school.  And for sure Monday will be a bit complicated at the gate – so please anticipate that students might be late to first block.  Please work with Duong to update any changes to attendance if students come after you have submitted.  It also means that faculty identified as F1 will (generally) no longer have to work from home.