Quote to consider:
“Many of life’s failures come when people did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to success is always to try just one more time.” ~Thomas Edison
To Dos:
YOUTH TRUTH STAFF: Thanks to those of you who attended Tuesday morning’s staff meeting and used the provided time to complete the Staff Youth Truth Survey. If you were unable to complete it, please do so ASAP; use this link. We are expecting that 100% of our staff (both classified and certified) complete this survey. So far, we have had 84% of staff complete this survey.
SUB NOTEBOOKS: We are grateful to Gina and Lauren who have put together this folder with the most updated info for your sub notebooks. Please double check your sub notebook (which should “live” underneath your classroom phone) to ensure that all of these updated documents are present. Also, consider checking to ensure that you have some emergency sub plans in your sub notebook in case of a last minute, unexpected absence.
ELL TIP OF THE WEEK: Aim to find at least one lesson where you can utilize this week’s ELL tip found here.
AVID TIP OF THE WEEK: Set aside time to review and consider implementing this week’s AVID tip found on slides 7-11 here.
Bits and Bobs:
YOUTH TRUTH STUDENTS: In advisory on Tuesday (1/18), students will take the Youth Truth Survey. The student version of the survey is linked in the advisory plans as a must do. Click here details.
STAFF MEETING DOCUMENTS: For your reference, here is the slide deck we covered at the 1.11.22 staff meeting.
CULTURE OF CARE NEWSLETTER: Click here for the latest opportunities and resources from your HDESD Culture of Care Coaches!
LANGUAGE, CULTURE, & IDENTITY: Here is the winter edition of the DEI-ELL Newsletter. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas regarding the content, please reach out to Kinsey Martin.
THE CROWN ACT: This act, which makes it illegal to discriminate against Black people who are wearing braids, locs, twists, knots, or protective hairstyles (including a head/hair wrap in the workplace and public schools, community colleges, and universities) went into effect as of January 1, 2022. Here is a quick overview of what you need to know about this important law. Check out ODE’s CROWN Act web page for additional reading resources, examples of protected hairstyles and a free downloadable version of the CROWN Act poster.Please reach out to Kinsey Martin or Steven Herron if you have questions.
FROM OUR DEI & TCL COLLEAGUES: Below are great local opportunities for learning and connection:
- Our state is offering an amazing opportunity for racially/linguistically/ethnically-diverse educators to participate in a racial justice institute fellowship. Details here. Applications are due very soon, so act quickly!
- The Father’s Group (a local collective sponsored by our regional partner Better Together through the ESD) has a wonderful film event in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Details here.
- COCC and partners are hosting book groups in advance of their Season of Nonviolence indigenous author event. Groups and event details here.
Now might not feel like a natural time to engage in deep personal learning, as we grow tired of reacting to COVID. However, if an opportunity to learn and reflect in community would fill your bucket, rather than deplete it, these might be for you.
LITERACY MATTERS: Chapter 2 (FREE, Feb. 5) – This first one, hosted by Aldine ISD in Houston, TX is totally free and is on a Saturday. The speakers and organizations presenting have a strong track record of excellent and thought provoking work. Last year’s conference drew thousands of attendees from across the country. Click here for more information.
CHANGING GUIDELINES FOR STAFF: As you read in the email from the district office sent Thursday evening, the guidelines for quarantining/isolating for staff have changed. Here is a document they put together that includes additional details; please pay particular attention to the type of mask to be worn and lunch protocols in certain circumstances.
FROM HR: See this document if you are encountering difficulties in receiving weekly OHA COVID test kits. It contains a phone number and email address.
Reminders:
MASKING ISSUES: For masking issues with students, BLS middle schools will be following this flowchart. For your convenience, we’ve created this letter home in English and Spanish as a starting point for staff for parent communication; feel free to use, make your own, or ignore. Following this flow chart can feel arduous (and may not end up solving the issue), but following the steps carefully gives us the legs to stand on and the district backing for a different type of conversation with the family about an alternative placement, if needed.
CALLING FOR STUDENTS: Please make every effort to answer your classroom phone whenever you get a call from the office. Without student aides, this is how we call for students who are being picked up or need to speak with someone in the office.
High Desert Highlights:
