1/13/23 Weekly Update

Highland Norms: Linked here is a draft of Highland Norms. If you have any concerns or questions regarding these norms, please make an appointment with me to share your concerns.

Valentine’s Day:

Let’s start by stating this is not a message to cancel Valentine’s Day. I also want to acknowledge that we already have many practices regarding Valentine’s Day in place in our building that are culturally responsive and inclusive.

With that in mind, I would like you to take some time to think about how we address Valentine’s day in school. Please let me re-emphasize, this is not asking you to cancel everything. You are being asked to be a critical friend with an equity lens as you examine past practices and design for the future.

Some important considerations (there could be more but these come to my mind due to past experiences):

Although Valentine’s Day is recognized globally it’s not celebrated by everyone. The reasons could be economical, religious, cultural or philosophical and it’s important we do not marginalize those reasons.
Minimize impact on the instructional day. Since there is no legitimate connection between Valentine’s day and state standards, it’s imperative the impact on the instructional program is minimized (not eliminated).
Consider food allergies and/or dietary restrictions. Rather than wait for a student affected by diabetes, celiac or any other health condition to be a part of your community before you make changes; design the activity to address this need now, before it’s needed.
Avoid the popularity contest. If we design the activity as part of the school day, we have an obligation to control for social status; ensuring everyone is included and there is no opportunity for a student to be left out or feel less than their peers.

Thank you for taking the time to consider these things and make it a positive experience for everyone. My hope is we can share some ideas at our staff meeting on Wednesday to help everyone with their plans.

YouthTruth Survey: Survey window closes on 1/27. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. Use the following link to access; ytsurvey.org/hldstaff23

Report Card Guidance: Please be sure to read your updates from TLC and look for the report guidance and support. Workshop with Kaelynn – Thursday 1/26, 2:30 Library. Deadline for grades will be Wednesday, 2/8.

OBOB practices (just FYI):

* Tues Jan 17: cafeteria from 2:30-3:30

* Wed Jan 18: Vickery & Martinson classrooms from 1-2pm

* Tues Jan 24: cafeteria from 2:30-3:30

* Wed Jan 25: Vickery & Martinson classrooms from 1-2pm

* Tues Jan 31: cafeteria from 2:30-3:30

* Wed Feb 1: Vickery & Martinson classrooms from 1-2pm

TAG Update: Linked is the updated list for both potentially or already identified students for TAG. Scroll down to see the key for the colors. Reminder: Heidi Thomas is now the TAG coordinator. Please be patient as she learns the ropes!

Winter (March 2023) Culmination: Please use this link to put in details for your Winter culmination requests.

February 2nd Work Day/Inservice Day Update: Here’s a tentative schedule;

7:15-11:30 Teacher Work Time (Classified Staff will be at Summit HS)
11:30-12:15 Staff Lunch – Lunch will be provided, all staff are welcome.
12:15-3:15 Site-Directed PD to include our Culture of Care workshop, Cybersecurity training, and a menu of options of asynchronous learning.

From Scott McDonald – IT will be making some changes to our student web filtering services on Tuesday, January 17th. We do not anticipate a noticeable impact on access or performance. That said, please reach out to the IT help desk if our changes restrict access to websites that are necessary for instruction. The changes are limited to student iPad devices only.

From Heidi Thomas and Highland’s Culture of Care Team: Here is the link to our 22/23 Highland Culture of Care Folder. This is where our school expectations posters and videos will live. I have also made a copy of all of the Classroom 180 SIW slide decks and added them to the file.

Here is our assembly plan and sign up. Thanks, Sadie and class for making this months video!
January:
- Character Trait: Persistence/Mindset
- SEL Focus: Self Awareness
- Discussion Question: I am challenged by…
Next Assembly: February 10th
- Spirit Day: Decorate your head day (hair or hat fun)

Future Assemblies: We are going to try staggering the arrival of grade levels when coming to the assemblies. The hope is this will help us start closer to 1:30 and be done by 2:00.

4th/5th Grade 1:25

2nd/3rd Grades 1:27

K/1 Grades 1:29

We will make an announcement before the next assembly to help remind everyone when to start making your way down. Thank you!

Key Links:

Shout Outs

COVID Reporting Form

Highland Literacy Resources

2022-2023 Staff Meetings – Agendas & Notes

2022-2023 Master Schedule

FYI Ticket

SEL Concerns