This and That:

2023-2024 Staffing: 

Staff Appreciation Week: Our EET will be spoiling ALL of our deserving staff this week! I hope you feel the love. 🙂

Let’s talk about WebEx (From Scott McDonald): This past year, overall usage of WebEx has gone down significantly across the organization. Although many of us still rely on a virtual platform for meetings and professional development, we are using it far less to interact with students. Currently, we support two video conferencing platforms Microsoft Teams, and Cisco WebEx. Our intention is to make a slow transition to exclusively use Microsoft Teams for the 2023-24 school year. There are several compelling reasons for Bend-La Pine Schools to switch to MS Teams, including additional services, integration with email and calendar, and reduced cost. Although many staff have been using Microsoft Teams for years, it is new for students. Currently, we are beginning a trial with our Bend-La Pine Online students. Please note that any staff user can still participate virtually in any platform (WebEx, Zoom, Google Meet, etc) the same way they can today. However, those who host meetings with staff or students will be encouraged to use Microsoft Teams. Please reach out to Scott for any questions or concerns.

Check it Out (From the Safety Department): The safety page on the Portal has a fresh look and new content. Check out the updated Safety page on the Portal for a one-stop shop for the tools you use most often. In addition to quick links, policies, and newsworthy items, you will also find a link to request a camera, Raptor, technology, and facilities support.

COVID Update (From the Safety Department): Effective June 17, the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for public and private school teachers, staff, and school volunteers (OAR 333-019-1030) will be lifted. This means that after June 16, teachers, school staff, and volunteers in schools will no longer have to provide proof of vaccination or have a valid medical or religious exception on file to be in direct or indirect contact with students. Being up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to offer significant protection against serious illness and hospitalization.

Gym Door (From Travis): One of the exterior doors leading from the gym to the back parking lot is starting to break at a hinge. A work order has been submitted, and maintenance has taken measurements for a new door. We should be getting a replacement in the next 6-8 weeks. The door doesn’t like to secure on its own, so I have posted a couple signs reminding everyone to secure the door when they come and go. 

Monday Committee Time: We will be having a staff meeting on Monday at 2:30 in the media center.

Focus on Excellence and Equity:

CEL Summary: Thank you to Kristin, Kellie, and Tori for welcoming our administrative visitors into their classrooms last Wednesday. The focus of the CEL work and these visits was on “belonging” and “agency.” From visiting these three classrooms, as well as from just being in the school for a day, here are some of the take-aways from the day:

Overall:

Belonging:

Agency:

Trauma-Informed:

TLC Update: Here is the May 3^rd Elementary TLC Update. This is the same update as last week.

Coaching Support: Here is a link to schedule support from Anna.

To Do:

Art in the Meadow Sign-ups: AITM is June 2nd from 5:00-7:00pm. Please sign-up to help.

Art in the Meadow Auction Items: Please have auction items ready by May 30th-ish.  There are still frames available in the workroom.  Reminder to list items and suggested starting price on the clipboard by mailboxes.

Art in the Meadow Art in Halls: Please hang up any and all art with sticky tack (see Chris for sticky tack) – start with bulletin boards, then walls, then windows.  At least two pieces per student.  Consider more if you can. Label art by class.  Look at Allison’s display near the office for inspiration.

Important Dates: