Quote to consider:
‘An alternative to the hierarchical model of school leadership is the relational model which views leadership not as residing in individuals, but in the spaces among individuals.’ ~Donaldson
To Dos:
ELL TIP: Review the ELL tip of the week here and consider how you could embed this practice in your daily work.
AVID TIP Review the AVID tip of the week here and consider how all our students would benefit if all adults added it into our daily practice.
GRADING: Review the email sent from our SpEd and ELL staff regarding grading and civil rights. Linked here for your reference.
Bits and Bobs:
DAY 6-10 STUDENTS: Link to list here as well as on the right hand side on the home page of the blog for easy access for your daily check.
INCLUSION EAs: Please spread the word! If you know anyone that would enjoy being a part of our Inclusive Community at HDMS please have them reach out to Nole or Wendy for details. We are looking for several full time Sp Ed EAs for the remainder of this school year. PS 108867
EQUITABLE GRADING PRACTICES: Thank you to our HDMS reps for sharing out information regarding the district’s equitable grading practices team. Click here for further details and connect with Lauren, Ingrid, Nishka, Dave, and Libbey with questions.
STATE TESTING: We have recently learned from the district office that yes, we will be doing state testing this year. As in years past we will begin these assessments after we return from spring break.
SECONDARY INSTRUCTIONAL BLOG: Here is the link. Last week’s topic was Fostering Executive Function Skills. This week they wanted to provide some resources to talk with your students about Black History Month. Christie Boen, District Librarian has curated a list of resources and text that may be helpful for your instruction or to share with students. Also included are things that all of us can do to celebrate Black History Month.
SUMMER WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY: AVID Summer Institute is back and we are looking to get the band back together. It’s a great chance to develop some best practices to bring back in a way that partners you with other teachers from many other places. For those who have had the chance in the past, it is really an energizing and informative three days. As it stands now, there are four sessions we are considering: Seattle or Anaheim at the end of June. Please let me know if you are interested in this incredible opportunity. Registration begins Feb 8, and spots fill up pretty quickly. We also have limited spaces, so the sooner you can let me know of your interest, we can see about making this happen.
Reminders:
ADVISORY UPDATE: The month of February is Black History Month. The Counseling Department has put together a slide show celebrating important Black figures across many areas, both historical and contemporary. There is a wealth of information and activities in this slide deck, enough for the month and beyond. Please showcase as much as you can throughout the month.
The Black History Month slides and Character Strong/Project Wayfinder are the “must dos” for the month of February. Lisa Meredith’s advisory has also created a couple of videos to help the HDMS community celebrate the Lunar New Year, which begins February 1st.
Please continue to show HDMS Announcements on Mondays. The specialist drop-in schedule begins again February 8th and will be a tab at the bottom of the Advisory Plans Scope & Sequence.
FAMILY COMMUNICATION: Last year’s Youth Truth data from families made it clear that this is an area of growth for us at HDMS. We know that partnering with families proactively and in response to concerns (academic, behavioral, etc.) tightly correlates with positive student outcomes. Consider reviewing this slide show on this topic from October’s PD and reach out to the colleagues that shared parts of their practice with questions or if you need support.
High Desert Highlights:
