Think abouts….
Linda Adams, our Math TOSA, shared with me this recent report on the role of Calculus in college admissions! It dives into:
- how high school completion of calculus is a better indicator of student family wealth than student success in college, even in STEM fields
- how the overemphasis on calculus in college admissions exacerbates inequities, 6-12 and beyond
- how calculus is not aligned well with many majors, including many popular STEM majors, and better reflects the math needs of the “space race” era over current STEM fields
- how college admissions are shifting around the country to recognize the value of other advanced math courses, such as statistics, data science, and new, creative math electives
A worthy read. Exciting how Oregon is repeatedly brought up as a state that is in alignment with needed reforms: Report on Calculus in the math pathway
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Information:
From Lora: As you know, we are hosting three networking/professional learning/district information sessions for principals 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
Reminder: It is still expected that all school leaders read the book, but the above sessions are for the building Principals only. If you didn’t get a copy of the book, last Friday, let us know and we will send you one.
*All sessions will be in the board room from 3:30-5:00 PM. SNACKS WILL BE PROVIDED! 😊
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Classified Subs – it appears (knock on wood) that the Omicron surge is dwindling and on the way out. We still might experience some shortages but things are looking as they were before the surge. This means that we will not be filling all your classified openings you have each day. Please hold off on reaching out for help until you are at a tipping point. This means that you need to try to cover duties within first before calling Scott Bojanowski for support.
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Culture of Care – Just a reminder that Culture of Care offers more than just PD! When it comes to our mission of building Trauma-Responsive, Restorative and Equity-Centered educational cultures, we are available for things like:
- Confidential consultation on leadership and culture challenges.
- Development support for school’s MTSS model (data review, service delivery & tiered supports)
- Thought partnering and brainstorming around Culture of Care related resources, action plans, staff support, and culture building.
- Coaching on classroom management & PBIS.
- Support with Restorative Practices implementation and Equity work.
- Building staff community and addressing team dynamics.
- Providing non-evaluative observations and feedback.
- Trauma-Informed & Equity-Centered policy review and guidance.
- Creation of needed resources (i.e. Classroom Check in Guide)
And as always, you can find a wealth of resources and opportunities on our Culture of Care website, such as the latest Drop-in Community Circles and Care Read Along.
You can use our team scheduling link to set up a 15, 30 or 60 minute zoom call with the HDESD team, or meet with one of the coaches individually:
- HDESD Culture of Care Team
- Erin Taylor
- Amy Yillik
- Amber McGill
- Sierra Jackson (Jefferson County)
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Vaccine Update – Are you ‘up to date’ on your vaccine? As we start to plan for making masks optional it is important that everyone reviews their vaccination status. The CDC is shifting away from the phrase “fully vaccinated” in favor of calling people “up to date” on their COVID-19 vaccines.
Up to date is defined as:
- Ages 18 and older: Boosted or completed primary series of Pfizer or Moderna within the last 5 months or completed the primary series of J&J within last 2 months.
- Ages 5-17: Completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines
Not up to date is defined as:
- Unvaccinated OR
- Has not completed the primary series of any COVID-19 vaccines OR
- (For individuals ages 18 and older) completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna more than 5 months ago and is not boosted
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Assembly Update: Beginning March 1, you can schedule indoor assemblies. Large high schools must limit the number of students to two grades!
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Field Trip Update: We will allow field trips if transportation is available and volunteers are not needed. Staff must submit a mitigation page/plan to level leaders. Requests from Realms HS /MS and CTE will be given priority. We are currently not allowing students or parents to transport. Check in with me if you are interested in a field trip. All trips need to be approved through level leaders.
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HS VP Positions: Thank you to Mackenzie Groshong, Leslie Reif and Becky Aylor for stepping up to serve as Interim Assistant Principals this year! The posting to hire permanent leaders in those positions went up this week. We will hire all three positions from that posting! Chris, Scott and Michael will be sharing more specifics about the process with staff this week. Interviews are scheduled for March 16.
Calendar:
HERE is the calendar for meetings for the year
Here is a sample Learning Walk schedule you can use as a guide to plan that visit. Bringing this back next week!
February 15 – Principal Breakfast 7:30@ Original Pancake House
February 17 – Learning Walk 1:00-3:00 WL and CTE@ CHS
February 22: VP Work Session 8:00-9:30 @ SHS
February 24: Learning Walk 1:00-3:00 WL and CTE@ LPHS
February 28 – Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools–Principals only. 3:30-5:00 location TBD
March 1: Principal Work Session 8:00-9:30- @BTA@MHS