Quote to consider:
‘Together, we can encourage a generation to be unwilling to waste their time, ever dissatisfied with half measures and repetitive ‘light.’ We, as teachers, can challenge ourselves to deal instead in the ‘fire’ – in truth, there are no professionals better equipped for this job.’ ~Matt Kay
To Dos:
SEMESTER RESET: The start of the new semester on Monday creates a natural opportunity to reset for students and staff. Think about ways to embed in your practice opportunities for building meaningful relationships with students, reteaching classroom expectations, and fostering a positive classroom culture. While we know there are many demands on you as teachers, at the end of the day we know the most important component of being an effective educator is making positive connections with students!
ELL TIP: The ELL tip of the week is found here; aim to add it to your teaching practice.
AVID TIP: Check out the AVID tip of the week here and look for a an upcoming lesson where embedding this tip would benefit your students.
Bits and Bobs:
NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK: National School Counseling Week, taking place February 7-11 and sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. It is designed to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. We are SO grateful to Lynne, Joe and Brettney for their amazing work and support as our incredible counseling team!
SUMMER SCHOOL: From the district office- A number of you have reached out with questions about whether Bend-La Pine Schools will continue with summer programming for students this summer. The answer is “yes!” We are currently identifying an administrative lead for the program and hope to get out information soon about certified and classified positions available. The dates for this summer are August 1-19th, Monday through Friday. Both part-time and full-time positions will be available.
EQUITABLE GRADING PRACTICES: As everyone knows Bend-La Pine Schools has been moving through a process, in collaboration with BEA, to examine best practices in grading at the secondary level. OEA has also been exploring this topic of discussion and we wanted to ensure that all BEA members were aware of some available resources.
Grading for Equity Book Study Flier: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J7d4MjAPOPuPsrQJRAvVc8ZfuIPzHMnj/view?usp=sharing(This is the same book the BLS Equitable Grading Think Tank has been using to guide their work!)
Rethinking Grading Webinar Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl3_0SNHqpE
VACCINE AND QUARANTINE INFO: From Tami Pike: A friendly reminder that if you are not “up-to-date” with your COVID-19 vaccinations (for most, that means being boosted if your initial vaccines were not in the last 5 months), you will be required to follow the quarantine protocol if you are identified as a close contact to a positive case. You do not need to quarantine, if you have had a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis from a lab, health care provider, or health department in the last 19 days. Here is the most current vaccine information.
RECYCLING BINS: Please find the large blue recycling bin nearest to your room and empty your bin by each Tuesday. The large blue bins will then be rolled outside on Wednesday for collection and returned to your area by Friday. This will be the least disruptive way to collect recycling. Thank you!
WALK TO SCHOOL DAY: February 23 is Winter Walk to School Day! This event encourages students to walk to school all year round! Celebrate on by participating on February 23rd, 2022, or all winter long.
Reminders:
ON-DEMAND SPANISH INTERRUPTER: **updated email below** Continue to use Linguist Link for translations as well as pre-scheduled and on-demand interpreting services. If using the on-demand services, follow these directions; complete the form, scan it to your email, and submit it to the updated district point person [email protected] and Ley[email protected].
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS: The coffee cart returns 2.11.22!! Join your colleagues starting at 8:00am outside the tech wing hall (to the left of the main entrance) for some coffee and community. Next staff meeting is 2.8.22 in Wendy’s WebEx at 8:30am.
STAFF APPRECIATION: You all are doing amazing work and having a massive impact on our students and community. The following quote from Dr. Cook’s most recent message hit home for us; we hope you’re able to receive it: “Believe the compliments, they are real. Those kind words from a student, the note or call from a parent, the text from a principal are TRUE. Let’s take the positive to heart and, as much as we can, try to let the words from our supporters hit harder than those from our critics.”
High Desert Highlights:
