Hi everyone,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope that despite the rain, you have been able to get outside and soak up some sun this weekend. Fall is a great time for morning walks and for movie evenings\ud83d\ude09. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you didn’t know, yesterday was World Mental Health Day. In my world, this reminder comes at a perfect time. On Wednesday, we talked about turning our INSPIRE-LEARN-CARE triangle 120 degrees from what has been a heavy focus on LEARN (for us all), to overtly focusing on CARE. In hearing from several of our teams this week, it is clear that we are in a groove. We can start to recognize daily patterns and we can gauge the amount of time that certain tasks will take. As we continue into October and you think of all the ways to overtly demonstrate care for students, please think about what this shift means for you too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is obvious to Ryan and I and our families that teachers are working very hard. That said, you simply cannot stay up all night, miss dinners with your families, and spend your weekends buried in work. Although this is the most important job in the world, it is important to recognize that it is okay, and beneficial for the longevity of all of our teachers, to treat it as a job<\/em>. If you are finding that there is not enough time to grade what is going out to students- spend time considering how you might redesign. If you are finding that the videos you are posting are taking too long to create, consider how you might shorten these. Remember, two things. First, this is a marathon, not a sprint. How can you redesign to be able to go the distance? Second, all of the things that teachers do are generally good. Our challenge is not to do everything but rather, to identify those actions that produce the most good.<\/em> Editing is an important skill for us all to foster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you all for coming together as grade levels to discuss ways that we might lighten the load for our students as well. We are hearing from families that the Webex times are so valuable and students feel connected and supported. Perhaps, homework time may be streamlined to support our students. When we feel overwhelmed, it is easy to isolate. I urge you to reach out to your team when you begin to feel this way. The more teams can meet, share ideas, and share the load with one another, the stronger we will continue to be. I appreciate you all and am here to help if you need anything along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n Here are some updates to be aware of:<\/p>\n Notes from Wednesday’s Meeting: <\/strong>Please refer to this regarding our October 14th deadline for letting families know about grades. Remember, we will not hold a staff meeting this week to allow you time to get these finished. https:\/\/bls.instructure.com\/courses\/10586\/pages\/sept-30th?module_item_id=351011<\/a><\/p>\n Conferences:<\/strong> We are not going to be holding fall conferences and these days will instead be regular school days. <\/p>\n Return to School Updates:<\/strong> For current information and up-to-date metrics, refer to district Return to School<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n Welcome Assembly: <\/strong>Our WEB Leaders and advisors are putting together our 1st virtual assembly and will air in advisory class on Friday, October 23 from 9:00 – 9:25. More will be shared soon.<\/p>\n Spirit Week:<\/strong> Again our WEB Leaders and advisors are working hard to put together five awesome days of virtual spirit from Monday, 10\/26 – Friday, 10\/30. The advisory that has the highest participation will receive a prize! More information will be coming your way soon!<\/p>\n Golden Eagle Spirit Fridays: <\/strong>Our WEB team and students will be resuming spirit Fridays beginning in November. Our PCMS Online Store<\/a> is now open to purchase Golden Eagle swag and will remain open until Sunday, October 18. The advisory that has the highest participation will receive a prize!<\/p>\n 2020\/21 Clubs:<\/strong> As discussed, we will begin student clubs soon. If you wish to advise or have been asked to advise a club, please enter information on this 2020\/21 Pacific Crest Clubs <\/a>sheet by Friday, Oct 16, 2020. If a student or group of students wish to propose a club this year, they must complete a Club Application<\/a> form.<\/p>\n Staff Town Hall:<\/strong> Did you miss or wish to review the staff town hall which took place on Monday, 9\/28 at 4:00? Vimeo Link: https:\/\/vimeo.com\/462766809<\/a> PW: BLSstaff9.28<\/p>\n Childcare During Balance Hybrid Instruction:<\/strong> If you are interested in participating in Bend Park and Recreation childcare programs during balance hybrid instruction at a reduced rate, please complete this form<\/a>. Cost is $100 for 2-days or $140 for 3-day. The form was due last Wednesday but still remains active.<\/p>\n Flu Clinic At PCMS:<\/strong> On Tuesday, October 20 from 7:45 – 8:45. Due to district Covid protocols, we will be outside protected by an awning so dress accordingly. Here is the list of participants<\/a> thus far. Please sign up if you wish. The flu shot is covered by most insurances with no out of pocket expense to you. Please have your insurance card with you at the time of appointment. You do not have to carry our insurance to attend. If you have any questions regarding the vaccine, please click on the following link: https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/season\/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm<\/a><\/p>\n Professional Guidance During Election Season: Election Guidance Flyer<\/a>, Election Message<\/a><\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hi everyone, I hope that despite the rain, you have been able to get outside and soak up some sun this weekend. Fall is a great time for morning walks and for movie evenings\ud83d\ude09. If you didn’t know, yesterday was … Continue reading