This and That:

• You have no doubt been thinking about and/or working on your staffing plans for next year.  A few ambitious principals have even turned theirs in!  My hope is that you will all be able to work on your plan this next week and at least have a draft in Google Docs by next Friday, April 8.  I am able to approve a few position postings now, but will not be able to approve all until we know that all current district employees are placed (like those returning from a Leave of Absence).  I need to have a better understanding of staffing plans before I am able to give the green light for all postings.  Let me know if you have any questions regarding completing your staffing plan or any other related questions.  Finally, if you’d like for me to come visit with you in order to work through some questions or scenarios I’d be happy to do that – just let me know.
• I have added 2016-17 Classified and Certified Staffing projection documents in the “BLS Docs” folder so they are easy to find if you need either of them.
• In the article: “Students Need Multiple Opportunities for Learning” the author makes a compelling case for allowing students to redo work.  At the conclusion of this short article there are seven “take aways you can share with folks at your school when they don’t want to give a redo” that answer just about every argument against allowing students multiple opportunities to learn more deeply through improving his/her work.  I know that there is plenty of my own new learning that I don’t get right the first time – and am thankful when I am provided another opportunity to perform at a higher level (because I know I can)!

Reminders:

• There is still a need for MS ELA teachers to become involved in the PASS Peer Review process.  If you think you can twist an arm of one of your outstanding ELA teachers to become involved then now might be the time to do this.  Please have anyone interested contact Michele Oakes right away.
• In the event of an emergency within your building (fire, evacuation, lockdown, lockout, roof collapse, flood, etc.) don’t forget to have someone call the district emergency number and leave a message regarding the emergency.  This number is 541-355-8888.
• If your school is administering the Student Wellness Survey this year, the deadline for having your 6th and 8th graders completing this is next Friday, April 8.