From the Educational Technology Team:
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, introduced a new version of their product, designed specifically for educators, and it is now available to all BLS staff by request. It includes expanded capabilities, higher usage limits, and protections for professional use in education, going beyond what is available in a standard free ChatGPT account. You can find details about access, best practices for use, and how it fits alongside MagicSchool in our EdTech blog post: ChatGPT for Teachers. Please feel free to share with your staff. Summative Evaluations
Self-Assessments & Performance Evaluations
For BLAST members, please engage in a self-assessment and summative evaluation processes as we transition into spring. June 30th is the deadline to have this completed and uploaded into the google drive system created by HR.
Sustainability Programs Manager Update
We are delighted to share that Noelle Bell Copley has accepted our offer to serve as Sustainability Programs Manager.
Throughout the process, Noelle consistently stood out in an impressive candidate pool for both the depth of her experience and her clear commitment to centering students and staff in how she approaches this work. In her current role at Central Oregon Community College, she has developed and implemented a comprehensive sustainability program, building systems, partnerships, and long-term planning structures that have been integrated into institutional practice .
That experience, along with her strong local relationships, positions her to step into this role with both immediate impact and a clear understanding of our regional context. As we continue to build toward sustainability as a shared responsibility across the district, Noelle brings the mindset and skillset to help ensure it becomes a lens for our work, not just a single role or initiative.
May Day
May 1st celebrates the labor movement and workers’ rights, and is often recognized internationally with protests and rallies. This year, a national “Day Without Immigrants” is also being planned on the same date.
Locally, there are some community groups organizing strikes and community action on May 1st. They are hoping our educators and students will participate in their May Day Strike, and have asked the district to support by facilitating student/staff absences and allowing teams of community volunteers to do service projects on our campuses as a form of the protest on that day.
Reminders
May 13: All Admin PD at Mt. View High School!! from 3:00-4:30, (note the change of venue due to the next event)
May 13: Excellence in Education at Mt. View HS