From Scott McDonald – Let’s talk about WebEx. This past year, overall usage of WebEx has gone down significantly across the organization. Although many of us still rely on a virtual platform for meetings and professional development, we are using it far less to interact with students. Currently, we support two video conferencing platforms Microsoft Teams, and Cisco WebEx. Our intention is to make a slow transition to exclusively use Microsoft Teams for the 2023-24 school year. There are several compelling reasons for Bend-La Pine Schools to switch to MS Teams, including additional services, integration with email and calendar, and reduced cost. Although many staff have been using Microsoft Teams for years, it is new for students. Currently, we are beginning a trial with our Bend-La Pine Online students. If you or someone at your site often work with students virtually, we would encourage you to be a part of our trial.
Please note that any staff user can still participate virtually in any platform (WebEx, Zoom, Google Meet, etc) the same way they can today. However, those who host meetings with staff or students will be encouraged to use Microsoft Teams. For some, I am certain this is an impactful change. Please feel free to reach out to me directly by email with any specific questions or concerns.
From Ryan Kelling re: Professional Development Opportunities for Licensed Staff: Lewis & Clark University is hosting information sessions for already-licensed staff interested in learning more about adding either a Special Education endorsement or a Principal License to their license.
- An online informational session for L&C’s Special Education Generalist added endorsement program will be Wednesday, May 17th. Tuition is discounted from the typical Lewis & Clark rate, classes are held fully online, and the 18-credit program can be completed in 10 months. Here is a link to register for the information night.
- An in-person information session for their Principal License cohort will be held at the High Desert ESD’s office in Redmond on Wednesday, May 31st from 4:00 -6:00 pm. This is a 2-year program that consists of 27 units at a discounted rate.
Both of these programs would be eligible for 50% tuition reimbursement for Certified staff. More information about the tuition reimbursement program, including an application, on the staff portal.
From the Safety Department – Safety page on the Portal has a fresh look and new content.
Check out the updated Safety page on the Portal for a one-stop-shop for the tools you use most often. In addition to quick links, policies and newsworthy items, you will also find a link to request camera, Raptor, technology and facilities support.
Effective June 17 the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for public and private school teachers, staff and school volunteers (OAR 333-019-1030) will be lifted.
This means that after June 16, teachers, school staff and volunteers in schools will no longer have to provide proof of vaccination or have a valid medical or religious exception on file to be in direct or indirect contact with students. Being up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to offer significant protection against serious illness and hospitalization.
Warm weather reminders:
- Main entrance doors will remain unlocked during school/staff hours.
- All other exterior doors should remain locked during the school day/teacher contract day.
- Exterior doors may not be propped open and left unsupervised.
- Doors may be opened when supervised by a staff person who is within ‘arms reach’ of the door Staff should report concerns of unsupervised, open doors to their administrator and or safety committee for resolution.
- Schools that are not designed to facilitate the locking of all exterior doors, other than the main entrance, will develop a safety plan with the director of elementary, middle or high school programs and the district school safety director. This plan will be reviewed annually.
- Schools with secure vestibules must not override security systems by propping doors or by any other means.
- Violations may be subject to discipline.
From Jenny in the business Office – We wanted to send out a quick reminder to timekeepers and direct supervisors that this Sunday is timesheet cutoff. You may have noticed by now that you are unable to approve your employee’s timesheets until all line item approvals for secondary jobs have been approved. (i.e. Bend Science Station, Collaborative Time, ED101, etc.). We have requested that those approvals be done no later than 1:00pm on Monday, May 15th so that you can complete your approval process. You are a critical step in the process and to help move things along swiftly and smoothly we need all timekeeper approvals completed no later than Tuesday, May 16th at noon. Once you have completed your approvals, it’s direct supervisors turn. This is the final step in the approval process before we can start our payroll processes. Direct Supervisor approvals need completed no later than Wednesday May 17th at noon. We so appreciate all of you and your time and effort to make this process as smooth as possible. Thank you!
Workflow:
- Step 1 – Friday, May 12th by 11:00 pm – Direct Supervisors all to do items approved
- Step 2 – Sunday May 14th by 11:00 pm – Employees submit their timesheet
- Step 3 – Monday May 15th by 1:00 pm – Line item approvers approve their items
- Step 4 – Tuesday May 16th by Noon – Timekeepers / Office managers complete their approvals
- Step 5 – Wednesday May 17th by Noon – Admin complete their approvals
Check it out – Our Safety page on the Portal has a fresh look and new content.
Check out the updated Safety page on the Portal for a one-stop-shop for the tools you use most often. In addition to quick links, policies and newsworthy items, you will also find a link to request camera, Raptor, technology and facilities support.
COVID Update – Effective June 17 the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for public and private school teachers, staff and school volunteers (OAR 333-019-1030) will be lifted.
This means that after June 16, teachers, school staff and volunteers in schools will no longer have to provide proof of vaccination or have a valid medical or religious exception on file to be in direct or indirect contact with students. Being up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to offer significant protection against serious illness and hospitalization.
Take Note:
The Red Zone – Things to definitely read, do, share, or put on your calendar
Regarding Middle School Transition and Math Bypass Testing: We met with Dean Richards and Linda Adams yesterday regarding an assessment that needs to be given to 5th grade students who could potentially skip 6th grade math if they meet the requirements. This assessment will only be given to 5th grade students whose teacher nominates them based on their math proficiency being exceptional, parents requesting their child take the test, or students who nominate themselves. This assessment will use iReady and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete on the iPad. We are asking that the current testing coordinators in your building pull the identified students to a space and administer the assessment to them before the end of the year. More information to come.
From Lora – All BLAST Members – We sent a calendar invitation to everyone today for our end-of-year celebration and lunch. It is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21st, from 11:30-1:00 in the board room (lunch may be outside, depending on weather 😊). Hope to see you all there!
Warm Weather and our Doors – reminders from our Safety Department – As the weather FINALLY starts to heat up please remind everyone of the following:
- Main entrance doors will remain unlocked during school/staff hours.
- All other exterior doors should remain locked during the school day/teacher contract day.
- Exterior doors may not be propped open and left unsupervised.
- Doors may be opened when supervised by a staff person who is within ‘arms reach’ of the door.
- Staff should report concerns of unsupervised, open doors to their administrator and or safety committee for resolution.
- Violations may be subject to discipline.
- Schools that are not designed to facilitate the locking of all exterior doors, other than the main entrance, will develop a safety plan with the director of elementary, middle or high school programs and the district school safety director. This plan will be reviewed annually.
- Schools with secure vestibules must not override security systems by propping doors or by any other means. Please remind everyone of our Staff responsibilities policy
Calendar
- May 11, 12 – Skip is out
- May 16 – Horizontal Meeting–3:00-4:30 Silver Rail
- May 29 – Memorial Day, no school
- June 1 Excellence in Education Awards, 5:00 at Summit
- June 16 Last Day of Students
- June 20 Last Day of Staff
- June 21 BLAST end of year lunch and celebration
- June 22 Last day of CEL–Leading Equitable Schools
And Finally…
Get outside and find your happiness this weekend!