This and That:

• One of the great things I get to do in my job is visit and learn from all of you at least once a month.  When I’d be having a tough day as a building administrator I always found pleasure and perspective in visiting classrooms – which would help provide that nudge to stay focused and not let all of the distracting “noise” through me off course of being the best leader I could be.  I’m grateful that now I can scratch this itch by coming to your building(s), seeing the work you are doing and learning more about the great leadership you are providing day in and day out.  I hope to not keep my learning from you private however.  At my last visit to PCMS I was able to hear and learn a bit about the structured, engaging and focused work Chris and Lisa are doing with their teachers around lesson design.  It is called GRASPS and I’ve linked some information here – or you can find this same document under the Instruction/PD tab at the top if the TRIBE page at any time. I found this lesson design model to be a very thorough approach to connecting learning of content with students as learners (and teens!). I encourage you to pick Chris and Lisa’s brain on their journey with the GRASPS framework – including what it has looked like, how they have engaged teachers/PLCs, what has worked and what they would do differently.
• Please take a look at this Discretionary and School Improvement budget update (as of 1/25/17).  As we are nearing the midpoint in the school year it seemed like a good time to let you know where you currently stand.  Remember, you can carry over as much as 10% of these budgets, but not more.
• I’m not sure if this fits under “be aware,” “freedom of speech,” or “what where they thinking” but here is a recent news story that my sister brought to my attention and asked for my opinion on.  Ultimately this news highlights the reality for me that every move you make is watched and critiqued – even if you don’t know it.

Reminders:

• Area Change Request (ACR) forms must be submitted to a current student’s home school by March 1.  Please make sure your office staff hand out or direct those requesting an ACR to the newest update of this form.  In addition to this link I’ve provided, this latest update can also be found by searching the Staff Portal.
• The weather is warming up and the snow is melting – which is definitely a good thing.  With this also comes the potential for ice on your walkways and parking lots – which has led to some falls (some serious) of students and staff this past week.  Please remind your school community to “walk like a penguin” and be alert even though the sun is shining and the temperature is rising.