{"id":347,"date":"2021-01-19T02:16:50","date_gmt":"2021-01-19T02:16:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.bend.k12.or.us\/lisa.birk\/?p=347"},"modified":"2021-01-19T19:15:22","modified_gmt":"2021-01-19T19:15:22","slug":"january-17-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bend.k12.or.us\/pcms-staff\/2021\/01\/19\/january-17-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"January 17, 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

COVID-19 Vaccine for BLPS Staff<\/strong>: All education staff are expected to be eligible to take part in vaccine clinics as soon as the week of Jan. 25 and Feb. 1st depending on county access. According to Julianne, you can fill out the Deschutes County vaccine interest form at vaccine.deschutes.org<\/a> if you’d like to get an e-mail when a vaccine is available. We will use the information you submit to notify you when you’re eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and will also send vaccine updates as they are available. For more information on vaccines in Deschutes County, please visit www.deschutes.org\/covid19vaccine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision to participate in a vaccination is personal and should not be discussed with others. Please do not ask others about their participation as the vaccinations become available.<\/p>\n\n\n

Current Events Discussion this week (from Jim’s blog):<\/strong> I do not need to tell you that people in our community (staff in our school community as well as families in our broader community) are feeling maxed, anxious, and worn out. The events in DC may be a prelude to other unlawful and\/or disruptive events that may occur in the coming days. The following information related to talking about controversial issues<\/strong> (specifically those connected with the current political climate \u2013 but any topic that may potentially be controversial) should be considered<\/strong>. First, talking about tough topics is absolutely something that must be a part of a student\u2019s educational experience. These should not be avoided \u2013 if done right.\u00a0Here is a very helpful checklist<\/a>\u00a0for a teacher to consider. (All steps are not required, but are rather meant to be a support when planning, conducting, and reflecting on teaching\/dialogue related to equity and anti-racism.) To set the stage for controversial conversations to be productive and not reactionary or isolated, the classroom climate must be developed intentionally over time\u2013our LEAD Cohort\u2019s\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0has tools for steadily building a climate of equity dialogue.\u00a0We also have district Administrative Regulation (GBG-AR) regarding\u00a0Staff Participation in Political Activities<\/a>. I\u2019d like to highlight the third and fourth paragraphs. Additionally, this BLS Election Guidance<\/a> was sent out earlier this fall. All of these documents should be seen as support for teachers in how to prepare for and facilitate difficult conversations within the classroom learning environment.<\/p>\n

If you need support, please talk with Ryan or I.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Openings at PCMS!:\u00a0<\/strong>Currently, we are hiring for two EA positions as well as two football coaches. Football is still not confirmed but we are hiring regardless for these positions as our past leaders have students who are now older and have moved on. If you know someone who may be great or who is interested, please encourage them to reach out to Ryan or I and apply online.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Protocols for Hybrid:\u00a0<\/strong>In addition to the email that Paul Dean sent to all BLP staff outlining some of the district-wide safety and cleaning procedures, you can consult the Pacific Crest Covid-19 Safety Guidelines<\/a>\u00a0information page to get guidance on the measures we are taking in our building to mitigate risk and ensure safety. For additional information and\/or clarification, contact Walt or Ryan.<\/p>\n

Family & Friends Trivia Night – New Date!: <\/strong>Our Family Trivia Night has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 3rd from 6:00-7:30pm. Updated links are below.<\/p>\n