Tammy sent a note out to everyone Thursday morning and I wanted to take a minute to reiterate the ongoing sub shortage we are experiencing. We are deploying Ed Center staff every day to try to support, but we are far from able to keep up. It’s worse than when we returned from winter break. Our priority is to staff schools that have more than one unfilled position. If you have one unfilled position in your building, we need you to do your best to take care of that in house. We know it’s a hard thing to do, but everyone is trying to balance supporting schools while also doing the things required from their own jobs. As a result, Tammy and I might have to cancel and reschedule our Maypril visit. We apologize for that.
Updates, Reminders, Department Info and Rants…
From Sean and Kinsey – Although Autism Acceptance Month is coming to a close, we thought it valuable for our instructional leadership to educate ourselves regarding our autistic community, as part of our efforts to increase inclusion and belonging. Did you know:
- there are currently over 200 autistic students* in Bend-La Pine Schools;
- over 30 BLS employees identify as disabled and/or neurodivergent (not autistic specifically, but the closest data we currently have);
- the suicide rate is 40% higher for autistic compared to neurotypical people.
*(Wondering why we didn’t say ‘students with autism’? Check out this discussion of identity- vs. person-first language.)
Here are some learning resources for you (if you don’t have much time, the two videos are your best bet).
As you will see, this topic spans social-emotional learning; diversity, equity, and inclusion; instruction and differentiation; college and career prep; and inclusive workplace climate.
Thank you for taking the time to reflect on the experiences of our autistic students, and how your leadership is key in promoting inclusion, belonging, and equity for our students with disabilities.
Nominate a Student to be Featured in the Calendar – We are excited to feature students in our annual Calendar & Handbook, which is mailed home to all families in English and Spanish. The 2022-23 calendar will include professional portraits of students taken this spring as well as a short bio/quote. Our goal is to represent a wide range of students by highlighting a variety of backgrounds, ages, abilities and interests. Who would you like to see featured? Nominate an outstanding student today: https://bls.fyi/nominate (Due May 6). I’m happy to answer questions – [email protected]
From Dana re: FAN Evaluation Feedback – If you received an email from Dana Pedersen last week regarding FAN Advocate evaluation feedback, please get her the information as soon as you can. For those of you that replied, Thank you!
Amplify on The Rock – Amplify, is hosting a community event called Amplify on the Rocks. They will be bouldering at The Circuit in North Bend. The goal is to provide a fun way for educators of color and aspiring educators of color to get together, network, and create relationships. Click here for the flier.
The Red Zone
Visitor Update – Starting Monday, May 2, visitors will be allowed in schools at your discretion and by invitation only, which is district policy. Follow this link to the conditions for visitors. As a reminder, it has been our practice of safety not to allow parents to walk their child to their classroom. This practice remains.
Summer School – Thank you for getting those summer school kids to your registrar and entered into synergy. Last I looked we were making good progress but there were still schools with unfilled spots. Let’s make this a priority!
New Process for Bilingual Staff – This process applies to all staff (admin, classified, certified). Admin and supervisors are receiving this information now, as a heads-up prior to it being shared in the District Spotlight. Once the Spotlight has been shared out, please reiterate the information to your staff via your blog or in a staff meeting.
Blurb to be shared with your staff after May 2:
Are you bilingual? Interested in earning a stipend to support occasional communication with our multilingual families?
To learn more about this new opportunity for bilingual employees in Bend-La Pine Schools, see our CAFE Program overview. To indicate your interest and to be contacted regarding a chance to ask questions and complete next steps, please complete the interest form (see item #6 of the overview).
Calendar
- SIW schedule – this is the newest version
- Horizontal Meeting Schedule – there have been changes – check it out now!
- Monthly checklist
- June 17 – Last Day of School!
And Finally…At this week’s Horizontal meeting we did a fishbowl activity on things to do to build staff morale and keep you teachers in a good mood these next few weeks. There were some great ideas shared and Anna Park took the time to write them down. Please add your own ideas to the list. Thank you Anna!