Wow! What a week. The update is out so late because of how busy we have been today – sorry. I don’t know about you but Spring Break can’t come soon enough. Tammy and I hope you are all practicing some self care and making sure that you are doing those things that bring you joy. We appreciate all you are doing.
Updates, Reminders, Department Info and Rants…
Conferences – As of right now the message we are delivering is that conferences are in person with the option of having them virtually at the request of the parent. We are still discussing this topic so that stance is not 100% final. However, conferences, in person or virtual, should be conducted at the school.
School sponsored events – At Monday’s Horizontal meeting we will be discussing parent events such as choir performances, STEM nights, wax museum… Not all of our parents can volunteer so these events will be an opportunity for them to engage with the school and their child’s class. The expectation is that every school will offer events for parents. There are a few parameters schools will need to follow for these events but we will try to make those as easy as possible. More news on this Monday.
YouthTruth Survey – From Lora In the next few weeks, all our principals will receive training in accessing information from this year’s YouthTruth surveys. We believe that when people participate in surveys, they should also have access to the findings. So, it will be a district expectation that you share important information.
By the end of this month, we will share tools and templates as resources for building leaders to help you plan staff activities and family communication regarding your school’s themes, as well as themes that emerge at the district level. Many of you have already dove into your YouthTruth survey and started looking at results and reading comments. As a reminder, elementary admin will be having a virtual training on March 31st from 8-9:30.
Outdoor School – Recently 5th grade teachers received this email from our friends at Camp Tamarack. The good news is that we will be able to take 5th graders up to Camp Tamarack for a one day experience. The bad news is that you are just now hearing about it. We apologize that this news went out to the teachers first tnen to me and Tammy and then to you. Oh well. Take a look at the letter, check out the calendar and send us your questions. This won’t be happening for a while so we have time to dial in details.
The Red Zone – Things to Share or Do…
Masking – After March 12, masking will become strongly recommended, rather than required, for students and staff. This means our hallways, classrooms, gyms, libraries and other school spaces will likely include students and staff who are wearing masks and those who are not. While this will create visible differences, it is key that we continue to honor all students and staff and help them feel like part of a rich community of learners. Jennifer Hauth has put together activities for Friday, March 11th and Monday, March 14th to help with classroom conversations that honor individual choices. This information is being sent directly to teachers but please include this in your own staff communication too.
Volunteer Letter – the volunteer letter that Alandra shared with you is still waiting for translation. We hope that this arrives early tomorrow. As a reminder, do not just send the link to the letters in the folder.. The letters should be opened, copied, pasted and personalized.
Calendar
- March Visits
- SIW schedule – this is the newest version
- Horizontal Meeting Schedule – there have been changes – check it out now!
- Monthly checklist
- March 7 – Horizontal 3:00-4:30, Board Room
- March 21-25 – Spring Break
- March 31st from 8-9:30 YouthTruth survey training – virtual, link TBD
- April 4 – Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools–Principals only. 3:30-5:00 location TBD
- April 11 – Horizontal – school BRYT visits follow up 3:00 – 4:30, Board Room
- April 18, 19, 20 – Tammy and Skip out
- April 25 – Horizontal 3:00-4:30
And Finally…
In case you’re wondering why we’re doing a Foundational Skills materials adoption here’s the reason…