TO DO:
Please share this memo from Amy T. regarding this summer’s Innovative Teaching and Learning Conference with your teachers:
Greetings Teachers,
Our teaching and learning staff is once again excited to be planning the Innovative Teaching and Learning Conference for this August. The conference will be held Wednesday, August 25 and Thursday, August 26th, at Pacific Crest Middle School. Like other years ITLC will be an energizing way to start the new school year!
In light of many aspects of our current situation, ranging from unknowns about gathering size, vaccine distribution, and even interest – we are going to scale down and focus this year’s conference on several large topics with the hope of giving those who participate the chance to dive deeper into the areas of equity, grading practices, and social-emotional wellness.
Each day will include a morning keynote followed by afternoon breakouts around these topics. You can choose to attend as much as you’d like. Mary Ehrenworth will be our featured presenter for Wednesday the 25th and the team from Creative Leadership Solutions will be leading us in work surrounding Equitable Grading Practices on Thursday, August 26th.
Registration is available now in Performance Matters(after logging in you should see it in “Recommended Training”, click there, then select the “sections” tab to register separately for each day). _________________________________________________________________________________
THIS and THAT:
Some members of our community are inquiring about Critical Race Theory (CRT) and whether our schools are teaching it. Critical Race Theory is a big topic that deserves substantial unpacking. In an effort to get you some tools for responding now if you need them, here are some initial resources:
ODE’s stance on CRT here, and talking points here. These are just for your own reference, if you’d like to borrow any of their language. This is an article about what CRT is, and how it relates to education, if you’re looking to read more.
If you have families inquiring about CRT or our district’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion work, and you’d like a partner in that conversation, feel free to reach out to Kinsey. _________________________________________________________________________________
I’m not sure if you’ve taken a look at EdTech blog entries before, but here is one to wet your appetite (and possibly share with your staff). Friday’s edition of EdTech Bytes is here! This is our last one for this school year. In it you’ll find:
- 💁♀️ Tech Tip: How to quickly combine multiple pdfs
- 🎗 Reminder: Google Takeout for those leaving the district
- 🍎 Learn about Canvas on your own time
REMINDERS:
Here is a reminder regarding creating and sharing your personal Equity Stance statement. Here is a link for further details. Hoping to have folks have this done by Monday (6/7). _________________________________________________________________________________
Please see the information and registration for the Middle School BRYT Summer Kick Start
What: Middle School BRYT Summer Kickstart
When: June 23-24, 9AM – 2PM
Where: Pacific Crest Middle School
Who: We would like there to be at least one administrator present. Ideally your SCC and two other support folks (SPED, school counselor, school psych, other SEL support, etc.) would attend as well. The budget allows for each school to timesheet up to three folks for the two days.
We need everyone attending to RSVP so we can plan spaces and prepare lunch. Please forward to your team members.
Register HERE. _________________________________________________________________________________
See you in my Webex next Tuesday at 8:00 for our Horizontal. 😁 _________________________________________________________________________________