Week of November 30, 2020

As I write this update before break, I am struck by all of the messages that our students and families have received during the past 9 months. Outside of school we have seen uncertainty. Our staff has countered with messages of SAFETY and CONSISTENCY as you provide predictable routines that our students can count on. Messages of CARE are clear as you remain flexible, communicate frequently, and demonstrate endless patience even when the rhetoric beyond our walls can be unkind. You continue to model LEARNING as you find and teach one another new platforms and share ideas when the world outside seems unwilling to learn from or share with one another. And, when others show signs of segregation and silos, PCMS shows connection and caring as our families spend time outside of classes together to support worthy causes and learn how to support their students. You are truly INSPIRING and the messages of INSPIRE, LEARN, CARE are in constant demonstration at PCMS.

During this break, please take time to recharge and relax, but also take a few moments to reflect. You have come so far. We have come so far. Our community has come so far. And, we have done all of this together. When things are difficult, it is easy to silo and disconnect. I am so proud to tell everyone around me that in this time, our school continues to lean on one another and connect deeply and that is because of you. I am always thankful to be part of this team but this year, those words mean more than they ever have before.

I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU!!

Holiday Power Down: Let’s do our part to save building energy by powering down wherever possible. Unplug communication radios, space heaters, computers, copiers, electronics and turn off lights. We will leave the workroom copier on and fax machine on during break.

Last Year’s Golden Feathers Paper Slips: Due to our abrupt closing last March 13th, students did not have the opportunity to redeem their golden feather slips. Many students have asked if we will be redeeming them. The answer is yes, we will redeem these golden feathers this school year and will send out a communication early 2021 as to how we are going to proceed.

Webex Security and Updates: Just a reminder that our WebEx will be upgraded to be more secure on Monday, November 30th.  At that time, students who are logged in will be able to go directly to their teacher’s WebEx room, whereas those who are not logged in will be in the waiting room until they are let in by their teacher. All students should have logged into Webex this week but this will be something to keep an eye out for our first couple of days back. Students will need to also be on the most current iOS to have apps run smoothly. Thanks to our Science teachers for helping students do this this week!

Supporting Secondary Instruction: This week’s post is about making videos and the power they hold for students. Thanks to Michele Clements and Dean Richards for giving these tips each week!

Technology Trainings for BLP Staff: Here is some information regarding a few available technology trainings for staff, or “After School Specials.”

Stanford is offering a free course for MS/HS teachers around “How to Teach Online” that will be offered November 21 & 22.

Kindness Advisory Prompts & Thanksgiving Breakout: Thanks to Jane Shein for helping PCMS support the BLP Kindness Campaign through KINDNESS PROMPTS and giving ideas for the unusual holiday up ahead with a Virtual Breakout Box!

New Learning Opportunities: If you are feeling like you’d like to learn something new un-related to distance teaching, this source was shared with me from a parent. A lot of free new learning options.

Notes from staff meeting: Thanks Sarah D!

Middle School Hybrid Schedule: Please let me know if you have any questions.

Grading Guidance for Middle School (2020-2021): Please let us know if you have questions.

Turkey Bingo Night Pics: Turkey Bingo was a HUGE success with 50 families joining in the fun. We raised about $500 for the Red Cross and we had more families attend than we have typically had when we’ve done it in-person. Massive thanks to Molly, Liza, Chicken, Deb, and Christina for making these opportunities available for our students.

PCMS College Day Pride Collage