There is a lot to celebrate at the end of this first quarter! Our 6th graders have experienced a new language or learned about leadership likely for the first time in their educational lives, we have begun our EBISS process to direct support to students who may need it most, we launched our first in-house virtual staff learning PD during SIW, and we even had some visiting famous scientists in our science classrooms. You all continue to make distance learning exciting, engaging, and thoughtful despite what our world has thrown our way. Thank you all for your willingness to share with one another, care for one another, and learn together. These common experiences make us strong!
I know that this week has brought a multitude of anxieties and unknowns from our election to our upcoming hybrid learning model. Remember, we are all in this together and when we lean into our WHY and our values we continue to be strong and focused despite sometimes feeling like the boat is rocking underneath. As always, please reach out if you need anything in the upcoming weeks. Our team is here for you!
As we move into the snowy upcoming weeks, below are some important messages. Also, please notice that there are two additional tabs above that include a calendar and professional readings.
- Creating & Managing Sub Preferences: In preparation for the possible in-person return to school and the possible need for a sub at some point, The High Desert ESD has provided these instructions for certified staff to create and manage your own substitute preference list within Aesops/Frontline Subfinder System. Let Deb know if you have any questions.
- MAC Survey Day: Our first MAC survey is on Monday, Nov. 9th. Jenn Reuter sent an email to staff on 11/2 that need to participate. If you haven’t completed the training or are unsure if you have completed it, please contact Jenn at (541) 355-5674 or [email protected]. Remember, that any medical or mental health supports that a student or family may need that you connect with individuals about may fall into categories for FAN to receive funding as well as a family getting supports. Win Win!
- Canvas and comments: options teachers have for commenting and what it looks like on the student end https://www.loom.com/share/10c2e784ef43493eba792c783cc94057
- Loom: If you received an e-mail saying that you have been downgraded (rude!), please reach out to Jane Ward to get directions on having an educator account. You can also consider using the Chrome Extension Screencastify as an option. See Heather W. if you have questions
- Webex Enhanced Security: As of November 30th, Webex will have increased security features. Students will need to navigate slightly differently. I will send an announcement in Canvas to complete this next week. During the following week, I ask that all Science teachers please make sure that all your students have completed this task. This way, students are done prior to break. Here is the information you need to know: https://blogs.bend.k12.or.us/instructionaltechnology/2020/11/04/making-your-webex-classroom-secure-with-student-attendee-accounts/
- New iOS and Backing Up Data: The new iOS will be ready for students to update on 11/11. It is a good idea for students to backup data in Keynote, Notability, iMovie, and other apps just in case before students update. I will include the below info in my information to students and families this week but it is good for all of you to know as well. https://blogs.bend.k12.or.us/instructionaltechnology/2020/10/23/signing-in-with-your-bls-apple-id-and-backing-up-apps/
- Nurse’s Information: Although we are not in hybrid yet, it is important to know the common messaging we are sharing with families. HERE is the latest messaging to go home regarding symptoms to watch for.
- This Week’s Yearbook Theme for Advisory: This week’s yearbook theme is “New Skills & Bold Books”. Students will take a quick survey and upload photo(s) to HJ eShare with description of “New Skill” or “Books” and include their first and last name of who is in the picture. Questions? Email Julia.
- Kindness Campaign and World Kindness Day: We know the world, and even our community, can feel awfully stressful and hostile right now. BLP is hoping to make the discourse in our community more positive and are launching a kindness campaign with regional partners to elevate stories of kindness – with a special focus on World Kindness Day, Nov. 13. If you are interested in learning more and supporting this effort: Here is a list of ideas of how to join both in and out of school. We are hoping these resources will make it easy to join if you are interested. And if you haven’t yet watched the kindness launch video featuring 8th graders, be sure to do so. Please share any experiences with Alandra (and me too!) if you choose to participate! At PCMS, we will include an activity or two in Advisory but feel free to join in in the classroom if you are interested. (Everything is a lot right now- this is OPTIONAL)
- Food Drive and Turkey Family Bingo: Please join us on Wednesday, November 18th and drop off any non-perishable food at Miller Elementary between 2 and 4 pm. Then that evening, please join our Family Turkey Bingo Night from 6-7:30! Proceeds benefit the Red Cross Wildfire Relief Fund and The Giving Plate. See more information HERE. Our students love to see teachers and their own families:)
- Family Support Night: Our fantastic counselors will meet with families for our first Parent Night on Thursday, November 19th. They will talk about how to support you child in distance learning and how to support mental health. Feel free to join. More info soon.
- A message from Nutrition | Adult Meals: With so many schools having meal offerings each day, there has been interest by those working in our schools to be able to access the meals as well from the schools (Miller for PCMS). The cost for the meals is $4 for supper, $4 for lunch and $3 for breakfast. You can pay each time by cash or check for the meals you would like. We do not have change, so the exact amount would be necessary. If you would like to use your meal account, we can offer that option. If you need to add money to that account, you will need to pay online through BLPay https://blpay.bend.k12.or.us
- Meal Train for Melissa Jacot: Thanks to all who signed up to deliver meals. All spots are filled. Melissa greatly appreciates it!
- Upcoming Birthday(s):
- Wednesday, 11/11 | Chuck Phillips
I hope you all have a moment to thank a veteran this week and anyone else who is supporting our variety of “front lines” (schools, hospitals, communities) right now (that’s you!). Thank you for all you do each day. Your work matters. ❤️✌️