Lots of extra coverage for unfilled sub jobs today. The silver lining for you is that notes are short.
FYI- For those of you who don’t know, Claire will be out for three weeks beginning next week for abdominal surgery. Amy Ruff will be her sub. Thoughts and prayers for Claire for a full and speedy recovery.
FYI From Terry Cashman– water fountains are being turned back on. Clearance was given by the health department. Walt will coordinate with your building engineer on getting this done.
From Kinsey Martin– Dear certified teacher, A key priority within our district’s equity efforts is to improve outcomes and experiences for our culturally- and linguistically-diverse students and families. We know that teachers who have specialized skills and training through an ESOL endorsement are better able to:
- understand multilingualism,
- identify strengths and assets of emergent bilingual students,
- support language acquisition during teaching, and
- partner with families through culturally-sustaining practices.
Want to obtain your ESOL endorsement for free?! Bend-La Pine Schools has partnered with OSU to provide a full scholarship to five certified teachers, to participate in the endorsement program. To learn more about this opportunity; understand the timeline, application, and selection process; and ask questions, please join BLS and OSU:
- Informational session and Q-and-A
- Tues, March 8th 4:30-5:15pm
- WebEx meeting: join here
- Here are additional details about this opportunity, and here is the application (due April 1, 2022).
Growing your toolbox of culturally- and linguistically-sustaining practices is incredibly valuable and relevant professional learning for educators, as our community grows and diversifies. If you are interested in learning about other PD opportunities related to this topic, please reach out to your building’s Language Specialist, or to one of our district’s multilingual department instructional coaches Thanks!
Recess Duty Training- We would like to have a recess duty refresher this coming Wednesday. If you are a classified employee who has a recess duty, please let Gary know if you are available next Wednesday from 12:45ish to 1:30ish. We know it is beyond your regularly scheduled hours, so we will time sheet those who are available an extra hour.
State Testing- I mentioned to people that I would get a random email about testing on a Tuesday at around 10:17 am telling me about all of the requirements. I was wrong. It came at 2:16 on Tuesday. It is long. I will read and get organized and then schedule a meeting with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teachers and specialists who will be involved in testing. At the meeting we will discuss scheduling, accommodations, test security and other requirements. I know you can’t wait.
Fifth grade leadership watched this video during their meeting on Thursday and were given the task of doing something kind for someone who isn’t already their friend without expecting something kind in return.
One fifth grader told me that when she gets home today, she was going to make cupcakes for her widowed neighbor. She ended her conversation with me by exclaiming, “I can’t wait!” Maybe even the ‘anticipation’ of doing something kind releases oxytocin. We hope it is contagious.
Upcoming Events
February 21- Presidents’ Day- No School
February 23- 2nd grade EBISS
February 23- SIW- STEM- meet in library at 1:45
March 21-25- Spring Break- No School