This and That:

• There is some work being done on the Principal Summative Evaluation.  The focus of this work is around some proposed changes for this year – including reducing the number of areas to be evaluated (scored) from 51 Standards to a maximum of 12 Domains.  All of the former Standards are still included in the evaluation, but serve more as “look fors” when scoring the Domains, whereas the old evaluation did not require a score for the overall Domain.  Yesterday a team met (including all of those involved with creating the current principal evaluation) to hear the details of this recommendation, with the feedback gathered going to Cabinet for consideration on Monday.  If changes are recommended, they will be presented at our February Leadership meeting and implemented this on this spring’s administrator evaluation.  Stay tuned for more on this…
• Here is some exciting news!  PSU and Center for Geography Education is sponsoring a 16 day trip across Spain this July.  Any PreK-12 Oregon teacher may apply for this wonderful opportunity.  Most expenses are covered (besides a few meals and tuition for the credits) – which is the amazing part of this opportunity.  Feel free to pass this along to any of your teachers, as this is not limited to those with social science degrees.
• I recently received a jury summons (again) for serving a two-week term.  Earlier this fall I received my first summons, and asked for a deferral – which I received until now.  February 1 – 12 is my two-week appointment.  Obviously, I do not know if I will actually be required to appear or not, but I did want to give you a heads-up that it may be possible.  If I do have to report I will check email and texts as often as I can, but office voicemail will not be as available and thus not checked as often.
• Here are updates, as of Jan. 20, 2016, of your building SIF and Discretionary Funds.  Let me know if you have any questions regarding these.
• And finally, a shout-out to Roger as one of our country’s newest citizens!  Roger recently went through the rigors of being tested on US History topics, filling out paperwork, being scanned, fingerprinted and saying the right things in his interview to become a US Citizen.  Way to go, eh!

Reminders:

• Our Horizontal meeting is Monday from 3:15 – 4:45.  We’ll be meeting at HDMS.  Here is the agenda. (Please either bring a copy or you will find it within TRIBE documents.) I’m excited that Don Stearns is able to join us (and future Horizontal meetings as his schedule allows).  I think this is a great way to deepen our connections and work with BEA.  Don’t forget to look over and come prepared to provide your building’s feedback regarding the draft 2016-17 school calendar.
• We have a new District website and it is LIVE!  Thanks to Alandra for being the point person on this changeover, and to all of you for your work on your building’s web site.  If you haven’t yet, you might want to check it out!