Lead Update- Here is a summary of where we are as of Wednesday re: lead testing.
La Pine Middle School – During the first round of testing, a drinking fountain that is rarely utilized showed a slightly elevated level of lead in the water – 28 parts per billion. Follow-up samples from the affected location now report within the EPA guidelines at 9 parts per billion. Since this space has not been used as a classroom for many years, the drinking fountain and faucet have been removed. Results from all other tests taken throughout the school remain under the EPA guideline. Water will be restored to the building on Wednesday, November 2 and use of drinking fountains and food preparation sinks will resume.
Amity Creek – During the first round of testing, a drinking fountain in a utilized classroom showed a slightly elevated level of lead in the water – 31 parts per billion. Follow-up samples showed higher results than first samples, likely due to the cycling of under-sink shut-off valves during testing. As a result, under-sink shut-off valves, drinking fountains and faucets will be replaced during Thanksgiving break, November 21-25. Once the new drinking fountains, faucets and under-sink shut-off valves are replaced, water will be retested. Water service will be restored when lab results are received that confirm lead levels are within EPA guidelines. In the meantime, Amity drinking fountains will continue to be shut off and students will be provided bottled water.
Bend-La Pine Schools completed sample collection at all 1980 and newer school- and work-sites in late October. These results are expected to be returned to the District in mid-November. These results, and all previous test results, will available at our Healthy and Safe Facilities web page.
Horizontal Meeting- As I shared at our last horizontal, our November horizontal will be optional. We will focus on observations- minis, formals, pre conference, post conference, conversations, record keeping, note taking, etc. Although it is optional, I think it will be a very relevant and valuable time to learn from your peers. If you plan to attend, please bring any forms you use (pre/ post conference, note taking forms, record keeping) and be ready to share/ discuss/ ask questions. We will meet at 4 on Monday, November 14 at Amity Creek. Hope to see you there.
Administrator Units of Study Writing Training- A reminder that this training is taking place next Thursday, November 10 from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. This is a great resource for learning the writing curriculum and how you can best support your teachers’ use, especially for those of you new to admin or Bend La Pine. Great for VP’s new to role or new to district- even though you may have taught the curriculum, the admin role is a different perspective. Register in PD place. Flyer.
Attendance Committee- Tracy Reynolds will be leading a committee to look at attendance through the lens of EBISS. We could use a principal or two to join us. Please let me know if you are willing/ able/ dying to help. First come, first served.
Title Budget Requests- Please try to remember to send in your title budget requests before you purchase. While we know it is already in the budget, having the request beforehand helps us to keep track of the budget and make sure we are on top of things. Thanks for your help.
School Design- On occasion, I’ll just share some things to think about re: school design. Much of what I might write will be things you’ve heard me share before, but I feel is important to keep in the forefront. Today I thought I’d touch on standards again. How are you doing re: a focus on teaching standards? How is the shift from teaching to a ‘curriculum or text’ to teaching to the standards going? How well do your teachers know the standards? How are you helping them learn the standards? What are you doing to help shift the focus to standards? How are you doing maintaining alignment and fidelity to the core curriculum as you shift to a standards focus? Is your school shifting too far the other way or are you able to maintain that important middle ground? How are standards integrated into your school design strategies? How can we support you in regards to the above questions? I don’t share these questions to stress you out or add to your to do list, but to help keep standards as the target. This is not something that happens overnight. At the same time, it is not something that happens at all unless you are making it an emphasis at your building. Again, don’t stress. Just some food for thought. Let me know how I can help.
Leadership- Shay recently shared this article with some of us and I thought it was worth sharing. I believe grace is a vital character trait for a leader. I also believe people do their best work when they feel trusted and supported and not fearful. This is a great reminder of the different ways we might react when students, staff (or even our own families) make mistakes. Which coach would you rather play for? Which kicker do you think has a better chance of making his next kick?
Reminders and Upcoming Events
Daylight Savings- Don’t forget to fall back this weekend- your weekend is one hour longer!
Veterans’ Day- No School on November 11- 3 day weekend
Mac Survey- Week of November 14 (We don’t yet have exact date)
Bright Bytes Survey – Window is 11/14-12/2
Ducks at Trojans- 4:00 P.M. Saturday- Yes, still a Duck fan, always will be. Sat through 0-0 tie in 1983, ain’t leaving just cause they lose a few games. Go Ducks!
Enjoy your weekend!