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.
Belonging Study Survey: A group of us (7) are participating in the book study on Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity and we would like your help with the following survey. This book and the book study experience is really positive and inspiring, so I would highly encourage you to consider joining if they offer it again. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and it is extremely helpful to have full staff participation, so we thank you in advance; Belonging Survey
Indoor Recess: I am sorry if this was not clear the first time we did this in the fall, but the morning recesses with combined grade levels are just too large to safely walk the halls, especially with the combination of small kids and big kids. To be clear, we will not walk the halls during these morning recesses for the remainder of the year. We can walk the halls during the two other recess times when we have grade spans only.
Foundational Skills – Small Groups: Please respond to the following survey regarding foundational skills instruction. As a reference, this rubric is something I am reviewing periodically to see how we are progressing as a whole school with this implementation.
UKG: Use this link to access the page with videos and instructions.
From Julie Walker and Marci Adams re: Erin’s Law- Please see the following communication and plan for teaching the required Erin’s Law Child Sexual Abuse and Prevention lessons. If you have any questions or feedback please reach out.
From Jennifer Hauth – The state is looking for feedback on the draft SEL standards and framework. There will be three listening sessions: Zoom Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16160293174
STEM Lesson Opportunity:
If you are looking for something new and different check out the link below. HDESD has a grant that will provide a teacher to come to your room and and provide STEM lessons. It’s the perfect way to learn how to use technology in the classroom without taking time to attend a workshop.
The lessons could be with Spheros, BeeBots, VEX robots, Makey Makeys, all kinds of cool things. Our intention is to provide these in-class visits so teachers can learn along with the students without having to attend a PD. Then hopefully in the future they would be more comfortable trying these activities on their own. The STEM lending library is full of all these awesome items.
Teachers can sign up here:
https://forms.gle/P4DtAaG6GMmSyLKT9
 | Computer Science VisitsPlease indicate your interests for computer science visits. These visits can be customized to whatever works best for you. We have two model ideas: 1. In-Class Activity: Have Josi Rogers come lead a 1-1.5 hour activity with your class. Your job would be to help with classroom management and to learn alongside your class. The hope is that you may learn enough to try similar activities with your classes this year or next year. 2. PD Session: Schedule a “PD” session during a PLC time. Josi Rogers would teach the team about a specific kit/concept so you could take it back to your own classrooms.forms.gle |
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.
I have access to a newish SEL curriculum called Wayfinder. I am looking for a few classes that would be willing to have me come in and teach a few lessons. Ideally I could pop into a class from each grade level. Let me know if you are interested, I’m pretty excited abou it. Speaking of SEL, as a reminder you all have access to a free account with Harmony SEL. They not only have great lessons but also quick buddy up and community circle questions. Please reach out if you want help or have any questions about it.
Here is a link to an article on Why Teaching Kindess in Schools is Essential.
Here is our assembly plan and sign up. Please let me know if you are willing or interested in creating a video for our next assembly on March 3rd.
February:
- Character Trait: Friendship/Kindness
- SEL Focus: Relationship Skills/Social Awareness
- Discussion Question: My heart beats for… and/or I wake up in the morning for…
Key Links:
2022-2023 Staff Meetings – Agendas & Notes
Week Preview: PLC Week – PLC Form – ICCLs please use this during your PLC meetings this week.
- Monday 2/27
- Tuesday 2/28
- Wednesday 3/1
- SIW – No staff meeting will be scheduled, so this time can be used for Storyline Prep or committee work.
- 2:00-3:00 Parent Information Session 1
- 5:30-6:30 Parent Information Session 2
- Thursday 3/2
- Brian at High Lakes all day for CEL work
- 2:30-3:15 Safety Team Meeting
- Friday 3/3
- Heidi at TAG workshop
- 1:30 Assembly