Wave riders,
As a level we hit some choppy water in the last two weeks. I appreciate each of you for staying strong and committed to these challenges. I came across a quote from Michael Jordan, (you will read it at the bottom of this post) the mistakes we make are what leads us to success (Juan’s interpretation). The waves are rough right now but I know we can make it through together as a team.
I hope you get out this weekend and find time for yourself. Have nice three day weekend.~Juan
To Do
From Lora
We heard great disappointment from many administrators about the training with the Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) scheduled for June 27th and 28th, primarily because many of you will have completed your contractual days by those dates. SO, we are postponing the first two days of the training until the week of August 8th. We will share the exact dates of those trainings, as well as the schedule for the entire school year’s work with CEL, as soon as they confirm the dates.
From Dave VanLoo
Please see Dave’s email earlier this week titled “Important!! OSAS Security Training and Testing for 2021-22” it was dated 2/15. It has important and timely information regarding state testing and training.
Something to share in your staff newsletters From Kinsey
Dear certified teacher, A key priority within our district’s equity efforts is to improve outcomes and experiences for our culturally- and linguistically-diverse students and families. We know that teachers who have specialized skills and training through an ESOL endorsement are better able to:
- understand multilingualism,
- identify strengths and assets of emergent bilingual students,
- support language acquisition during teaching, and
- partner with families through culturally-sustaining practices.
Want to obtain your ESOL endorsement for free?! Bend-La Pine Schools has partnered with OSU to provide a full scholarship to five certified teachers, to participate in the endorsement program. To learn more about this opportunity; understand the timeline, application, and selection process; and ask questions, please join BLS and OSU:
- Informational session and Q-and-A
- Tues, March 8th 4:30-5:15pm
- WebEx meeting: join here
- Here are additional details about this opportunity, and here is the application (due April 1, 2022).
Growing your toolbox of culturally- and linguistically-sustaining practices is incredibly valuable and relevant professional learning for educators, as our community grows and diversifies. If you are interested in learning about other PD opportunities related to this topic, please reach out to your building’s Language Specialist, or to one of our district’s multilingual department instructional coaches Thanks!
From HR: Classified Evaluations
It is that time of year again when HR sends out the list of classified employees who need to be evaluated this year. As a reminder, our classified staff are evaluated at least once every two years. COVID and the craziness of last year have resulted in quite a few evaluations getting bumped by a year or two, so some of you might see that your list is much bigger than usual.
Here are the three items you will need to complete the process:
- The Classified Evaluation Rubric
- A Classified goal setting form
- Using this form is your choice (optional)
- Please do not return the goal setting form to HR. Those are for your files only
- 21/22 list of Classified employees who need evaluations from your site/department
We are making a change to the process of how you will submit your completed evaluations to HR.
We will be utilizing our Frontline software to capture the completed evaluations this year. Please do not send the hard copies to HR. Instead, watch this quick training video for instructions on how to upload your paperwork. We would like to have all evaluations completed and uploaded in Frontline by May 13, 2022.
After review of the attached staff list, please let us know if you see any errors or have any questions.
Thank you, Your HR Classified Team {Jessica Lamay (x1118) & Kelly Marty (x1115)}
This and That
Learn more about Project Wayfinder
We are excited to share with you our pilot of Wayfinder SEL + Beyond Curriculum. By filling out the Interest Form you will gain access to the Wayfinder App and receive a 30-45 minute orientation.
The Wayfinder program is designed specifically with middle and high school students in mind. The focus of the program is to help students build connection and belonging so they can discover their purpose and live a life of meaning. Check out their website if you’re interested in more information. Or take a look at the 10 Lesson Scope + Sequence.
From Nick in the Business office
Here is a handy link explaining the different budgets that you work with. This may be helpful as we start to get ready to head into another budgeting season. (side note from Tammy–this does not include Title 1A).
Updates from our COVID Team
FYI From Terry Cashman
Water fountains are being turned back on. Clearance was given by the health department. Walt will coordinate with your building engineer on getting this done.
YES to volunteers for field trips and after school activities beginning April 1: Volunteers must be cleared through our volunteer process AND staff must have a mitigation plan submitted and approved prior to the event.
Math Pathways
This information about mathematics “pathways” in middle and high school is being shared with our fifth grade staff AND fifth grade families.
Reminders
From Lora (from last week’s Blog)
Principals and Learning Leadership Council,
As you know, we are hosting three networking/professional learning/district information sessions for all of you this spring. One component of each session will be dedicated time for small group discussions of Unconscious Bias in Schools. Here’s the reading schedule:
Monday, February 28th*: Chapters 1-3
Monday, April 4th: Chapters 4-6
Monday, May 9th: Chapters 7-10
*All sessions will be in the board room from 3:30-5:00 PM. SNACKS WILL BE PROVIDED! 😊
Calendar
M.S. Horizontal Meeting Schedule
- February 28 – Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools–Principals only. 3:30-5:00 location TBD
- March 1st-Bias Incident & District Equity Stance 8:00-9:00 Location: Board Room
- March 14, Middle School Horizontal Meeting @REALMS MS @7:30-9:00 am
- March 29, Youth Truth Data Debrief-Principals only 8-9:30 zoom Here is link: https://zoom.us/my/youthtruthjimmy
- April 4th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools-Principals only 3:30-5:00 location TBD
- Aril 25th-Middle School Horizontal Meeting @La Pine MS@7:30-9:00 am
- May 9th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools– Principals only 3:30-5:00 location TBD
Fish On…
