Team,
I hope you had a productive week and you have a better weekend!
Please know that staffing is around the corner and I know some of are anxiously waiting to know. Hang in there as the Executive Directors are working with Brad and we will get this to you as soon as we are able. Stay tuned.
~Juan
To Do
From Lora Nordquist
Administrators,
Next Wednesday, 2/21, beginning at 3:00 in Perseverance Hall at BSHS, we will be doing a deep dive into the new collective bargaining agreements with BEA and OSEA. It is important for you to review the highlights of the certified CBA ahead of time and record questions and concerns:
Highlights of certified CBA 23-27
Please read From Scott McDonald
Greetings,
During the summer of 2024, Synergy Gradebook users will be moving from the older “classic” version to the current recommended version. Your IT team is working behind the scenes even now to ensure a smooth transition. Because of this, you may start to see new buttons or features appear in various Synergy applications. Many of which will not be active until we cutover to the new version. We will try to announce these changes before they occur to prevent confusion. The first such change will impact the “TeacherVue” application. Users may see the following buttons (widgets):
Hall Pass .
Kiosk Mode
Clicking on these buttons will present an Access Denied error (or similar) until such time as they are enabled.
This and That
From Last week Paul Dean
Classified Performance Evaluations
Classified staff who are to be evaluated this year will appear in your Performance and Evaluation Hub on Tuesday, February 13. They will receive the following email/notification on Tuesday:
We are kicking off the classified performance evaluation process for 2023/24. If you were not evaluated last year, then you can expect to complete the following tasks between now and July 1.
- Fill out a goal setting form
- Complete a self-reflection (optional)
- Sign a summative evaluation completed by your direct supervisor
Your supervisor will choose to undertake these steps either (a) digitally through UKG or (b) by providing with your paper copies of these forms which they will upload into your UKG personnel file.
If they choose to use UKG’s digital workflows, then you will need to monitor your notifications/to-do’s within UKG to complete each of these tasks electronically. Due dates for digital workflows will be:
- March 1 for goal setting
- April 1 – May 1 for self reflections (optional)
- May 1 to July 1 for summative evaluations
Your supervisor will communicate with you on which method they plan on using for your performance evaluation process for this school year.
From Last week-Kinsey Martin
Black History Month door-decorating contest: This information was shared with your DEI ICCL reps. Here are pictures from last year. Can you please reinforce mesasging with your team so your school is represented? Photo submissions due Feb 27, winners (with prizes!) will be announced Feb 29.
Incoming student nights/family orientations: Don’t forget to schedule interpreters via Linguist Link for upcoming events with families visiting your school (example: 5th Grade Family Nights at middle schools, Academic Info Nights, orientations). Plan in advance for how the interpreter will be used and how multilingual families will access each stage of the event. Language Specialists and Family Liaisons can help you develop a plan.
Upcoming religious dates: Here are religious observances occurring during school days in Feb-March. We have current students and staff who observe these days, so please plan accordingly:
- Ramadan: Mon, March 11 – Tues, April 9. This observance includes complete fasting while the sun is out as well as additional prayer.
- Students: Teachers should avoid high-stakes exams during this time—if unavoidable, provide accommodations for students as needed. PE teachers and coaches should work with Muslim students modify physical activity as needed.
- Families: Be thoughtful about evening events asking families to come to school after dark, or afternoon events centered around food/meals that might exclude Muslim families.
- Employees: Be thoughtful about staff celebrations (PTA events, social committee) centered on meals during this time period.
- Support: If an employee or student needs accommodations that you are not able to easily provide, or if you want to talk through supports, reach out.
Repeat From Dave VanLoo
OSAS state testing season is quickly approaching. Here is a very detailed summary document I put together to help get you started. Please share this with your school test coordinators (STC). Let me know if you want to meet in person about OSAS logistics. I am happy to come out to your school and support you with this.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mOiq0TreI7wihCJL3c8XWl1DicngbXM4LuTQ46H4fyk/edit?usp=sharing
Calendar
February 19: President’s Day—This is not a paid holiday, so use non-contract if you don’t work
February 20th: 5th Grade Family Night Time TBD by each MS
February 21: Admin Professional Development @3:00-6:00 at Perseverance Hall BSHS
February 22: MS Horizontal @SVMS at 3:00-4:30
March 3: Education Foundation: Grants are due 3/1: www.blpedfoundation.org
February 22: MS Horizontal @CMS at 3:00-4:30
Fish On..
