Quote to consider:
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” ~Nelson Mandela
To Dos:
TALENT ED TASKS: Please double check that you have all green check marks in Talent Ed; log in to check using the second link from the bottom on this page. Please complete any unfinished tasks assigned to you; email Wendy, Heather, and Nole if you have questions.
END OF THE YEAR CHECKOUT FORM: Here is the digital copy of the end of the year checkout form. Please print it, follow the directions, and submit completed forms to Nole on Friday, June 18th. See Kerri with questions. Note: all computers being checked in need to have data you want saved backed up (eg: Google drive, thumb drive, etc). When computers are checked in with Kerri, they will be immediately handed over to Rob for reimaging.
THIS FRIDAY ADVISORY:
- 6/7 Grade Advisors: Prior to Advisory, PLEASE REVIEW the 8th grade farewell parade info HERE.
- 8th Grade Advisors: Prior to Advisory, PLEASE REVIEW the Parade times/protocol/expectations/plans HERE on slides 16-19.
Bits and Bobs:
YEARBOOK DISTRIBUTION: Yearbooks will be passed out on 6/16 during 7th period. Students will only be able to sign others’ yearbooks during their shared classes (no signing during passing period). Students need to keep and use their own pen for signing.
21/22 MS SCHEDULE: As you know, the district office is planning for MS staff to return to a 8:00am-4:00pm work schedule and for the school/start end times to revert back to 8:45am-3:40pm.
21/22 HDMS ADVISORY: High Desert’s student focused story is centered on cultivating future ready students, relationships, opportunity, character, acceptance, and service. One way we plan to go back to better next year is to have advisory increase in duration/frequency from the pre-pandemic schedule.
Research shows that students who feel connected to school are more likely to attend school regularly and have better academic achievement. Students who feel a sense of belonging and community are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and less likely to experience emotional problems, including eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. As we recover from the impacts of a global pandemic, this support is needed now more than ever before.
A strong advisory program provides systematic, structured opportunity for teachers to build relationships with students and foster a sense of community. Regular advisory will also provide time to address the Social Emotional Learning competencies, as well as positive communication, conflict resolution, equity, and leadership. Through Advisory, SPED, ELL, and Counseling teams will provide push-in instruction and co-teaching opportunities to develop and apply AVID and SIOP strategies.
If you are interested in the research on school connectedness and/or the development and ongoing improvement of Advisory at HDMS please connect with Lynne Tat.
STAFFING UPDATE 21/22:
- Welcome to HDMS:
- Jennifer McKevitt – Inclusion (SPED) Educational Assistant
- Jennifer comes to us having previously served as an inclusion EA supporting our elementary Tamarack programs. She is “looking forward to serving at HDMS!”
- Jennifer McKevitt – Inclusion (SPED) Educational Assistant
- New adventures ahead:
- Jane Aleskey – ELD teacher at Caldera High School
- We are excited for this new opportunity for Jane! While we are sad to see her go knowing how much she’s brought to HDMS, we are looking forward to continuing to serve students together through vertical alignment.
- Megan Barrett – Deschutes County Public Health – Family Support Services
- All staff know the incredible job Megan has done serving and supporting our students, families, and staff. We appreciate, now more than ever, her commitment to the health and safety of all at HDMS. We are excited to hear about the amazing impact she’ll have serving our community in this new capacity.
- Bridget Dean – on the hunt for a children’s hospital nursing job
- Bridget joined our school in the nursing department in the craziest time in history, right?! Despite that, she jumped right in and made an enormous positive impact on our community.
- Tracey Bryan – empty nesting!
- Tracey’s steadfast commitment to serving students in the Life Skills program is evident to all! Her kindness has been infectious for students and staff.
- Jane Aleskey – ELD teacher at Caldera High School
ADMIN OUT A.M. 6/15: This is just an FYI: Heather and Nole will be out of the building the morning of 6/15. We will be attending an in person middle school admin meeting at the district office. We will both likely be back before school start time; text or call Nole’s cell: 541.610.4861 if something urgent comes up.
INNOVATIVE TEACHING & LEARNING CONFERENCE: The conference will be held Wednesday, August 25 and Thursday, August 26th, at Pacific Crest Middle School. Like other years ITLC will be an energizing way to start the new school year! Click here for more details and the sign up link from Amy T.
SUMMER MEALS: See the summer meals flyer here.
Reminders:
END OF THE YEAR GRADING: See Gina’s email on 6/8 for info on posting grades and a report card comment list. Reminder that the district-wide no zero policy is still in place. Additionally, A, B, C, P, and NG are the letters used for reporting grades.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (June 17th)
- We will be running on an SIW schedule this day, periods 4-7 (approx 55 minute classes).
- For each class period, optional activities (8th grade goodbye slide show, BINGO etc.) will be provided for you to complete. Signing yearbooks is another activity you can give your kids time to do! 😊
High Desert Highlights:
