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.
Spring Carnival: I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge how fantastic the Spring Carnival was this year. Last year was great and this year was even better! The vibe was so fun. Taelor Little did an amazing job and if you get the opportunity to simply say “thank you” to her, please do. I also want to acknowledge Cameron for his MCing of the raffle – you did a great job, Cam. I also want to give a shout out to Zach and Tim as these events always throw wrenches in their scheduled work – so thank you both! For those of you who were able to attend, I hope you enjoyed it!
Erin’s Law Resources Linked Here Please fill in the tracking document after you complete the lessons. According to the tracking sheet we have 6 classrooms completed. Please check this link and complete the info your for classroom.
OSAS Testing Grades 3rd-5th Resources:
These resources can help answer questions and get you started administering the tests. Reach out if you need help.
- Step-by-Step Directions for Creating a Test Session: Click here
- Step-by-Step Directions for Checking Test Progress: Click here
- Full Testing Manual: Click here
- Accessibility Information: Click here or the full accessibility manual: Click here
- Universal Supports: Click here (available to anyone, any time)
- Designated Supports: Click here (support they have all the time in class)
- Accommodations: Click here (only for students on an IEP or 504)
- Science Supports: Click here (all levels of supports explained for science)
- Testing Security: Click here (reminders and directions about the testing environment)
- Test Lengths: Click here (how long they anticipate each test might take)
- Math Manipulatives: Click here (what math manipulatives students can use during the tests)
- Script: Click here (the last page is what we can say during a test)
Forms
- Opt-Out Form: English: Click here, Spanish: Click here
Training Presentations
- Mod 2 (Test Administrator Training): Click here
- Mod 4 (Test Security Training): Click here
- Mod 5 (ELA & Math State Test Training): Click here
- Mod 6 (Science State Test Training): Click here
23-24 Placements: Please remember that “1”s and “5”s are to be used for the extremes on either end for the different characteristics. For example, to be a 1 in reading, the student should be in intervention based on the multiple measures. Next Friday 5/19 is the deadline for completing your surveys. The parent input form is due by Friday 5/19 as well. We will share the parent input for your students on 5/22 which will give you a little bit of time to review. We will meet in teams on Wednesday 5/25 to review the lists and make adjustments as necessary. You are asked to complete the survey prior to the parent input so that your professional evaluation is the primary influence on placement info. Then we consider the parent input secondarily. In order to create truly balanced classes in an equitable manner it is best practice to avoid personality matching. ClassSolver will help us achieve that objectively if you complete those surveys with fidelity. As always we can and will make adjustments based on information that is not on that survey. If you are having discussions with parents about placement it is important to keep that conversation open-ended – do not make commitments to placing students with specific teachers as that is clear favoritism.
Summer Construction: We have a contractor scheduled to start work the week after school gets out. We are being told to expect a fair amount of dust from the construction as they will be removing old lighting fixtures and adding new ones. You should box or cover anything left out that you want to keep clean. As is always the case, the less stuff you have out the easier it is for the summer cleaning, so this summer is no different. This also means the materials on the walls need to come down as they will collect dust if they are left up. The furniture will be moved out or to the perimeter of the room to make work easier.
2023-2024 ICCLs: Here’s the new process;
- Submit to me via email a cover letter indicating your interest in the position and why you think you would be a good candidate.
- Complete application through UKG.
- The colleague’s recommendation is no longer required.
- No paper applications will be accepted.
- We have the green light to complete the hiring process for these positions at any time.
- We have 2 positions funded by the district and additional positions are funded via SIF funds.
- My intention is to fill at least two positions by the end of June, possibly more.
Office Manager Position: The office manager position is posted until the end of May. My hope is to conduct interviews on Wednesday, 6/7, however I have to admit that might be a little too ambitious so be prepared for a change. My intention is to use some of our ICCL team and a couple other panel members to conduct the interviews for this position.
Learning Specialist Position: Our new learning specialist will be coming to meet with Hailey in a couple weeks. We are still keeping this transition confidential to ensure Hailey is able to deliver the news to her students and families first.
Counselor Position: Our new counselor is Katy Parker. We will share her half time with Miller. I’ve already received unsolicited feedback about what an awesome human being she is, so I am really excited for her to join the Highland community. I am also really excited to add this expertise to our site to benefit both students and your classroom environments.
There are no other updates to hiring and positions at this time. As soon as that information changes, I will share it.
WebEx Goes bye-bye: FYI the district will be phasing out WebEx and Microsoft Teams will be our option for video conferencing moving forward.
From Ryan Kelling re: Professional Development Opportunities for Licensed Staff: Lewis & Clark University is hosting information sessions for already-licensed staff interested in learning more about adding either a Special Education endorsement or a Principal License to their license.
- An online informational session for L&C’s Special Education Generalist added endorsement program will be Wednesday, May 17th. Tuition is discounted from the typical Lewis & Clark rate, classes are held fully online, and the 18-credit program can be completed in 10 months. Here is a link to register for the information night.
- An in-person information session for their Principal License cohort will be held at the High Desert ESD’s office in Redmond on Wednesday, May 31st from 4:00 -6:00 pm. This is a 2-year program that consists of 27 units at a discounted rate.
Both of these programs would be eligible for 50% tuition reimbursement for Certified staff. More information about the tuition reimbursement program, including an application, on the staff portal.
Lunch Outside: We are going to try having lunch outside on nice days! Thank you to Danielle, Steph and Zach for helping to get the courtyard between the main building and the gym ready! Teachers will not need to do anything different on outside days except for picking up your students from the courtyard instead of the cafeteria. The expectations will be the same, level 2 voices, stay seated, and clean up after yourself. Thank you to the PTO for the umbrellas and umbrella stands.
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.
From Instructional Tech re: 5th Grade Step Up to Middle School – Please encourage your 5th grade teachers to take advantage of the Step Up to Middle School Canvas course for their students. Our instructional technology team will come to your school to get teachers ready to run this partially self-directed Canvas class with their students. Please check in with your 5th grade team and encourage them to sign-up for a 20 minute check-in if they haven’t already using this link.
From Jessica @ Juniper re: TAG – Here is the Juniper TAG Night Flyer. Please send this out to your newly identified TAG families so they can attend this informational night.
May Focus:
Assembly and Spirit Day: May 5th at 1:30
Looking forward: We have two assemblies on the calendar. One is June 9th. This isn’t a real assembly. It’s going to be a fun a surprise for Student Appreciation Day. I will fill you all in on this soon! The second assembly will be on the last day of school at 9:00. We will have the Deschutes Public Library there to talk about the summer reading program and I will put together an end of the year slideshow. It will be our final “goodbye for now” time.
Character Trait: Integrity and Self-Reflection Discussion Question: I have grown- I have accomplished… SEL Competence: Self-Awareness
Here is our assembly plan and sign up.
Key Links:
UKG: Use this link to access the page with videos and instructions.
2022-2023 Staff Meetings – Agendas & Notes
Week Preview:
State Testing in grades 3-5
- Monday 5/15
- Tuesday 5/16
- Wednesday 5/17
- 1:15-1:45 Staff Meeting
- SIW – All School Storyline
- Thursday 5/18
- 2:30-3:30 Leadership
- Friday 5/19