5.27.21

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Quote to consider:

“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.” – John Dewey

To Dos:

GOING BACK TO BETTER SIW ACTIVITY:  This year more than ever, we know that teachers have had to navigate a plethora of professional and personal challenges.  So much so that many of us have experienced trauma over the past fourteen months, often with little opportunity to process, let alone heal.  

And, we’ve heard from all staff that the pandemic has forced us as educators to be creative, utilize new tools, and adjust our practice.  Despite the circumstances that forced these changes upon us, many of these adjustments were a net positive for our practice and for our students!  

Wednesday’s activity is designed with all of this in mind.  The goal of the activity is to provide an opportunity to reflect on the meaningful professional adjustments the pandemic required us to make.  As we use summer break to rest, process, heal, and attempt to put all the struggles of the last fourteen months in the rear view mirror, Wednesday’s reflection activity will ensure that we have a record of these adjustments to use as a launching point to going back to better in the fall. 

Details: 6/2, 2:30-3:30pm.  Stay tuned for an invite from your ICCL liaison.  

TAKING STUDENTS OUTSIDE *update*: 

Taking your class to a different learning space?  What is the procedure for that again?  

Well, use this new form.  Quickly enter where you are going and when, then submit the form.  It will automatically notify all the people who need to know.  It also has all the latest Safety Team guidelines on taking your class to a different location.  The Safety Team hopes this will make it faster and easier, especially with those last minute decisions to take your class outside.  As always, reach out to a Safety Team member if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

JUNE FIRE DRILL:  Friday, 6/4 during 6th period (2:45ish).  This drill will not be scheduled for students, so please do not share this info with them ahead of time.  Reminder: students may choose to take off their mask outside but we are not advertising this explicitly.  Additionally, be certain students remask upon entering the building.

END OF THE YEAR VIDEO:  Please consider recording a 15-30 second video for 8th graders that will be part of a 8th grade graduation video viewed as part of the last day of school celebration activities. Please contribute your videos to this folder by June 9th. No judgement if you simply reuse the send off you recorded for last year’s 8th graders.

MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION:  Middle School staff will be asked to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on Monday, May 31st.  This communication will come from Chad in IT.  The deadline for setting up MFA will be Monday, July 26th.  Huge thank you to Martin and Elissa, who have volunteered to help be a support resource for other staff at HDMS!

Bits and Bobs:

21/22 STAFFING UPDATES: We are excited to announce the following staffing updates for next school year:

  • Karina Munch – Data & Curriculum Office Staff
    • Karina has done a phenomenal job jumping in on a short term basis during a HIGHLY unusual school year.  We are thrilled to announce that she interviewed for and was hired to continue serving in this capacity. 
    • When being offered the position, Karina responded, “Yay!!!  I am so excited and happy!” 
  • Dustin Lackey – 0.33 Physical Education
    • Dustin comes to us from San Diego, CA with 4+ years of experience teaching middle school PE and health, 3 years serving as a high school athletic director, and many years of coaching a variety of sports.
    • When Wendy called to offer him this position, Dustin said, “Oh my gosh, I am speechless!  This is a dream come true, I can’t wait to be a part of the Diamondback crew!”

PD OPPORTUNITIES:  

Taking It Up:  If you are interested in reflecting on the impact of Oregon’s history on ourselves as educators and on the students and families we serve, please consider participating in Taking It Up.  For details on this two-day workshop, see this flyer.  To date, nearly 200 BLS staff have already participated in the TIU workshop!  To register, click here.  Space is very limited, so sign up soon.  Once spaces are filled, a wait list will be created for future sessions.

Trauma-Informed Engagement Practices:  See this flyer for details on a free PD opportunity through the process of continuous improvement.

ARTICLE TO CONSIDER: As you think ahead to next week’s ICCL activity on lessons learned this school year, consider checking out this article.  The author acknowledges upfront that schooling during a global pandemic has been a mess.  And, “from that mess, it’s possible that schools could emerge even better if some of the changes made during these impossible months don’t disappear once we say goodbye to masks.”  Let’s keep focused on going back to better!

STAFF MEETING SLIDES:  For your reference, here are the slides from 5/26’s staff meeting.  

Reminders:

SAFETY FEEDBACK:  Here is this week’s optional safety survey for staff to provide feedback to the safety team.  No new Safety data since no one filled out the survey last week.

High Desert Highlights:

First after school athletic event in the new auxiliary gym! Shout out to AD Hill for organizing safe and well run volleyball matches!
Coach Tat and Coach Morrison w/ 7th grade volleyball players
HDMS alum Kaci Cox (who is a math wiz, thanks to a certain math teacher!) and HDMS staff alum Jeni Cox coaching 8th grade volleyball
8th grade volleyball athletes in action!
“Before” pic of future Diamondback James Aleksey- looking sharp in his purple threads!
“After” pic of James Aleksey- this is apparently what happens when mom is on a 55 minute WebEx staff meeting. See Jane for more HILARIOUS details of navigating being a mom and an educator at the same time!
The Red-tailed Hawk twins making an appearance in their nest just south of the fields and east of the aux gym. Mom and dad have reportedly been nesting at HDMS for years.
Momma Red-tail Hawk was not so happy with Koop taking pictures of her offspring!

5.20.21

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Quote to consider:

“Real education should consist of drawing the goodness and the best out of our own students. What better books can there be than the book of humanity.“ ~Cesar Chavez

To Dos:

FINISH STRONG:  Counting Wednesdays, we have nineteen days left of school (but who’s counting, right?!).  I know you all agree that this school year has been harder than ever.  And, while we’re all looking forward to summer and some much needed deep rest, we still have the opportunity to positively impact our students’ lives this school year. 

We have been compassionate, flexible, supportive, and student focused all year long; let’s finish what we started!  💪🏼   💜  

Bits and Bobs:

CATHY TASH RETIREMENT:

Over the years, Cathy Tash has supported students, families, and staff alike with a calm, steady and gracious heart.  Please join us in celebrating her retirement.  

  • Wednesday, June 9th 
  • 2:30pm 
  • High Desert Middle School Patio 
  • Salads and desert will be served. 

To help us prepare, please RSVP here by Wednesday, May 26th.  

If you would like to contribute to Cathy’s retirement gift from the HDMS Family, Lynne will be collecting cash donations, or Venmo @Lynne-Tat. We will also be compiling messages of appreciation and best wishes in a greeting card project. More information on that coming soon.   

21/22 STAFFING UPDATES: We are excited to announce the following staffing updates for next school year:

  • Brettney Bryant – School Counselor 
    • Brettney is overjoyed to “have the opportunity to continue to serve and support students at HDMS. And, she’s thrilled that she’ll be able to continue this work in a role that best fits her educational background and passion- school counseling.” 
  • Martin Wardle – 0.33 Computer Science elective teacher 
    • Martin will be (1.0 FTE!) teaching the 6th grade pre-AVID rotator, the 7th grade AVID elective, and the new 7/8th grade computer science elective
    • Martin stated that he is “excited to develop HDMS’s computer science elective from the ground up!  And he’s looking forward to beginning the work of preparing all students for college readiness and success by teaching AVID to all HDMS 6th graders and to 7th grades who selected the AVID elective”
  • Beau Variel – Student Success Coordinator (ie: BRYT & Diamondback Den support)
    • Beau is ecstatic we were able to honor his request for a position that utilizes his “love of working with strong-willed and spirited individuals who may have lagging skill sets.” 
    • As part of this new role, Beau will also teach some section(s) of alt. PE and/or electives
  • Jill Anderson – Student Success Educational Assistant (eg: BRYT & Diamondback Den support) 
    • Jill shared that she is “thrilled to shift her focus away from supporting technology and to supporting the growth and development of students, especially those that may need extra support.” 
  • Evan Dickson – English Language Arts 
    • Evan comes to us from Capitola, CA with 14+ years of experience including having taught 5th grade and, most recently, 6-8th grade humanities.  He is trained and well versed in AVID, PBIS, and WEB. 
    • When being offered this position, Evan stated that he “is pumped to be a Diamondback staff member!” 
  • James St. Amant – Learning Specialist (ie: special education teacher) 
    • This was a Special Programs hire, so we don’t have much background info to share yet except to say that Special Programs was VERY excited about James’ fit at HDMS. 
    • Congrats to Honza V, who is excited to be joining Three Rivers K-8 as their new Student Success Coordinator starting next year!  

CLASSROOM ADJUSTMENTS: The following room adjustments will be in place for next school year: 

  • Maria will be joining the language arts wing
  • Manuel will be joining the social studies wing
  • Martin will be moving to R1
  • Jane will be moving to R5
  • Beau and Jill will utilize G1 on an as needed basis to support the BRYT work when a more traditional classroom is needed.

21/22 ICCL OPENING:  If you are interested in applying for an ICCL position (which is a two year commitment), please submit an essay to Carly Brooks in Human Resources stating your interest in the position and what best qualifies you for the position by 6/3.  You will also need to request that a colleague complete the recommendation form and have them submit it directly to Human Resources.  Please click here (or search ICCL on the BLS staff portal) for a job description, application directions, and a colleague recommendation form. 

CANVAS INFO:  On Tuesday, a Canvas update disrupted Canvas Grade Passback for Synergy users resulting in inaccurate assignment grade data in Synergy gradebooks. The update has been rolled back until the bugs can be worked out. We advise teachers who have run a sync this week to:

  1. Review recent grade sync history for errors. 
  2. Cross-check recent syncs in Canvas and Synergy.
  3. Run a Remaster to fix any anomalies.
  4. Check Synergy for accuracy. 
  5. Contact Laura or Christie if additional help is needed to resolve discrepancies or duplications.

SPED OPPORTUNITY: Are you interested in getting your special education endorsement or know someone that is interested? Do you need professional development hours?  Starting this summer Bend-La Pine Schools is partnering with Lewis and Clark College to offer an endorsement program for special education.  The program is completely remote starting this summer.  If you are a current BLP certified employee you most likely qualify for tuition reimbursement.  During the school year classes will be held Wednesday evenings.  If interested,  see these fliers:  Info Flier #1, Session Flier #2.  Informational session on 5/26/21 at 4:30 PM.  Feel free to reach out to Colleen Funderburg or Josh Marks if you have any questions by email, or phone at 541-355-1060.

ARTICLE TO CONSIDER: Click this link for a great article (that can also be played as a podcast) by Jennifer Gonzalez on Revitalizing Classrooms After the Pandemic. Here is a brief overview with some highlights: 

As schools reopen, she suggests that we resolve, “No more easy button.” That doesn’t mean putting in more hours – just using them differently.  

  • Lesson Design:
    • More active, hands-on, project-based learning, and venturing out of the classroom more frequently.
    • Increasing the amount of collaboration among students, and teaching the important life skills of working harmoniously and productively with others. 
  • Assessment:
    • More feedback, fewer grades – “A letter grade will never help a student grow the way specific, timely feedback will,” says Gonzalez. 
    • Multiple opportunities to improve through an iterative, mastery-based process that allows students to re-do work and gradually hone their products.
  • Inclusivity: 
    • Introvert-friendly options for participation – Remote learning revealed new ways for quieter students to participate; we can carry those practices forward, giving those students greater voice in the classroom.
    • More-representative classroom materials – Students should see their culture, history, and circumstances in all parts of the curriculum. 
  • Relationships: 
    • Building connections – It’s been harder to get to know kids teaching through the Zoom keyhole, says Gonzalez; “As we regain the privilege of being in the same room together, let’s not waste it.”
    • More fun – Make time for joy and laughter, every day. 

END OF YEAR ACTIVITIES: A group of staff (made up of reps from counseling, ICCL, and safety teams) are working on developing plans for end of the year activities, including how we celebrate our 8th graders. If you are interested in contributing to this team’s planning, please contact Elissa Freeman.

Reminders:

SUMMATIVE EVALUATION MEETINGS:  Thanks to staff who have already had their summative meeting with Heather and me; we appreciate your time, partnership, and self reflection!  

If you are on the first tab of this document and haven’t yet signed up for a summative meeting date/time, please do so by Monday at noon and make sure to have completed your self evaluation in Talent Ed- link near the bottom of this page.  (See last week’s blog post for more details.)

Two logistical items for this process:

  • Bring your laptop to our summative meetings and be logged into your self evaluation in Talent Ed
  • Summative meetings will be Nole’s office, unless you indicate on the sign up document that you’d prefer to meet in your WebEx room

SPARKS JOBS REOPENING: If you are interested in SPARKS summer school opportunities, please consider applying by checking the BLS HR job postings.  See the blog post on 4/29 and this flyer for more details.  Wendy is looking for staff who are motivated and excited about supporting students; so, if this describes you, don’t hesitate to consider applying even if you’re a non-core teacher. 

SAFETY FEEDBACK:  Here is this week’s optional safety survey for staff to provide feedback to the safety team.  And here are the results from last week’s survey.

UPCOMING SIW: 5/26- staff meeting in Kennedy’s WebEx room (2:30-3:30pm) **only if needed**

High Desert Highlights:

Congrats new WEB Leaders!!! And thanks WEB Coordinators for the continued hard work and creativity in supporting this important program through distance learning, hybrid, and all-in!

From Honza: “Below is HDMS’s new greenhouse, which has just been completed. We still have to furnish the inside with shelves, planters, etc., but the main structure is up. We are growing a bunch of seedlings in our classroom currently, and we hope to transition them into the greenhouse soon. 

This was possible due to the grant from the Environmental Center that Trish Havlin and I worked on. Covid, of course, put everything on hold for more than a year, but we are now moving forward and near to the finish. Our students have participated in clearing the site, foundation/platform building, and building the structure itself. They are excited to GROW!”

Jennifer Williams’ advisory has been working on creating hand sewn cloth shopping bags to use instead of plastic. Here are some pics of them in action:

5.14.21

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Quote to consider:

“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.“  ~Marian Wright Edelman

To Dos:

SUMMATIVE EVALUATION MEETINGS:  The first tab on this document indicates which staff need to have a summative evaluation meeting this spring.  These staff are group A, probationary, and/or temporary.  

If you are on this list, please use the tabs at the bottom of that document to sign up for a time slot for your summative evaluation conversation with Nole and Heather.  (If you haven’t had all three of your observations completed yet [as indicated by an asterisk on the first tab] please sign up for a time slot on 5/24 or after.)  

Additionally, log into Talent Ed (link near the bottom of this page) to complete your self evaluation; please have this self evaluation completed and submitted prior to our summative meeting as we’ll use it as a launching point for our discussion.  While the self evaluation form in Talent Ed includes all domains and standards, our summative discussion will only be focusing on the ones listed on the first tab. 

As you know, we have the presumption that all staff at HDMS are meeting standards; we also know that in order to continue to be reflective and grow, we all have areas we are trying new things and stretching ourselves to be better but have not arrived yet.  Therefore, it is likely that there will be some “2s- area for growth” on everyone’s self reflection.  (This is certainly true for me in my own self evaluation as interim principal!).  

As in years past, the admin team will have these summative conversations together with each staff member, this supports our admin team having exposure to wide and varied samples of teaching practice and reflections.

TAKING CLASSES OUTSIDE: To help our office staff when a student gets picked up, please re-review this document from the safety team and carefully follow the guidance within it whenever you’re taking your classes outside.

CANVAS INFO:  As the end of the year approaches there are a few steps to take in order to have Canvas, Synergy and the start of next year run smoothly.  Please take a moment to read this document which outlines Canvas end of year protocols.   

Now that we are “All In” there are tips to make the most of Canvas.  This document is a good reference for best practices using Canvas with an All In schedule.

Please continue to reach out to your Canvas coach for any questions, suggestions, or help.

Thanks, Lisa, Elissa and Martin

SUB NOTEBOOK UPDATE: Print and add this guidance from the safety team to your sub notebooks.  Please be aware that this guidance may need to be updated in the future; we will alert staff if/when the need to print an updated version of this document is necessary.

Bits and Bobs:

STAFF MEETING SLIDES:  For your reference, here are the slides from 5/12’s staff meeting.  Please review the following slides to ensure you have the most up to date info: 

  • Slide seven: reminder overview on our behavioral response system
  • Slide ten: safety team update- COVID risk mitigation details

Reminders:

SAFETY FEEDBACK:  Here is this week’s optional safety survey for staff to provide feedback to the safety team.  And here are the results from last week’s survey.

CDC V. RSSL GUIDELINES UPDATE:  When the CDC releases guidance that may not directly align with ODE’s RSSL guidelines we will not change any practices within our school without first receiving communication from the district. 

MAY SIWs: 

  • 5/19- teacher work time
  • 5/26- staff meeting in Kennedy’s WebEx room (2:30-3:30pm) **only if needed**

CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES:  Below is a reshare from a blog post in January.  We thought this topic and the resources linked within is worth resurfacing.  

From MS director Jim Boen: Talking about tough topics is absolutely something that must be a part of a student’s educational experience. These should not be avoided – if done right. Here is a very helpful checklist for a teacher to consider. (All steps are not required, but are rather meant to be a support when planning, conducting, and reflecting on teaching/dialogue related to equity and anti-racism.)

To set the stage for controversial conversations to be productive and not reactionary or isolated, the classroom climate must be developed intentionally over time–our LEAD Cohort’s website has tools for steadily building a climate of equity dialogue. We also have district Administrative Regulation (GBG-AR) regarding Staff Participation in Political Activities.

I’d like to highlight the third and fourth paragraphs. In essence, I interpret these as saying that teachers can talk about politics in their classroom, but the keys are to make sure both sides of the issue/topic are presented/represented, and that the teacher’s own viewpoints need to be represented as personal and not that of an official district stance. Finally, this is a reminder to be aware of this BLS Election Guidance which was sent out earlier this fall. All of these documents should be seen as support for schools and teachers in how to prepare for and facilitate difficult conversations within the classroom learning environment.

High Desert Highlights:

Email our coaches got from another middle school employee: “I was working the chains yesterday at the 7th grade football game and was impressed by your coaching staff. I could tell that football was a priority, but more importantly the character of your students mattered to you. There was a lot of encouragement to play strong but play with dignity for the opposing team. Keep up the good work and thanks for encouraging our middle schoolers to be better!”
Ms. Bryant’s amazing creation for Kennedy’s previously empty and sad office bulletin board. She’s the HDMS version of Ms. Day!

5.7.21

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Quote to consider:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  -Maya Angelou

To Dos:

MS SCHEDULE UPDATE:  On Wednesdays, students will be remote, with time to complete coursework that has previously been assigned by their teachers. Teachers will be available for extra tutoring and support via scheduled office hours- details found here.  Please connect with Nole if you have questions or need support with this adjustment in any way. 

CANVAS EXPECTATIONS UPDATE:  Here is a support document that covers the Canvas LMS system expectations.  It is very important that teachers continue the three minimum requirements of posting weekly agendas, creating assignments and providing feedback in Canvas.  It is also very important that they continue to regularly sync Canvas and Synergy.  Updated information in both Canvas and Synergy not only allows access for our students who are quarantined at home, but also allows counselors and staff to accurately track and monitor student progress.

CURRICULUM ORDERS-LAST REMINDER: Heather is coordinating curriculum orders for the 2021-22 school year.  You can view this document’s HDMS tab to see what was purchased last year.  Please email Heather by May 14th if you plan on making any purchases so that information can be input into the database.

MAY FIRE DRILL:  Scheduled for Monday (5.10.21) at the end of advisory at 11:35ish.  This drill will not be scheduled for students, so please do not share this info with them ahead of time. 

Bits and Bobs:

CONTENT SECTIONS:  With the adjustments of course sections in the four core content areas to make class sizing more equitable, and to avoid the need for further reduction in staffing, comes the need for staff to divide up their sections amongst their team.  (Elective teachers will also have to complete a form, but aren’t tasked with dividing up sections with colleagues if they are the only person that teaches that elective).  We appreciate everyone’s time in connecting as a team with Nole to discuss these details; these forms are due back to Nole by 5/12.

SUB NOTES/TECH PROCEDURES:  As in years past, if you are going to be absent and are unable to leave hardcopies of that day’s lesson on your desk, please email your sub plans to a wingmate who can print and support with details for your sub.  It is imperative that you also cc Kerri, Karina, Stacy, Gina, Nole, Heather, and Kara on this email to support in the event your wingmate is unable to support or unexpectedly absent as well.  If you would like your sub to utilize technology, please also cc our site tech Rob Hartsock on the email and the sub can connect with him in the morning in his office in the media center. 

WATER BOTTLES:  Please support students by reminding them to bring their own water bottles to school.  While the office does have water bottles to give away occasionally if a student genuinely forgets theirs, we are unable to provide water bottles on a regular basis to the same students repeatedly as this is not cost effective nor sustainable.  Continue to refrain from sending multiple students to the office, bathroom, etc. at the same time. 

WARMING WEATHER:  (from Tim): The district’s head HVAC person wrote a program last year for the HDMS system so that when temps reach a certain degree the system will pull in cooler air and circulate it in classroom wings in the middle of the night through the early morning. Usually, the HVAC system shuts down at a certain time after everyone leaves the building, but this program forces it to continue running for the sole purpose of cooling the building. Reminder: as temps get warmer, staff should consider leaving their upstairs windows open overnight so the cooler air will circulate. We shut them on weekends.

FAN USAGE: Fans can only be used if they are pulling fresh air in from the outside (stationed by a window or exterior door), not if they are circulating existing air in the classroom.  

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES: Click here for the latest guidelines (as of now) for events/activities both during and after school.  Any staff interested in hosting events/activities must first get their plans approved by the safety team; please submit any proposals by Mondays at noon.  Reminder: the safety team meets every Wednesday at 9am; all are welcome to attend and notes are archived in the safety team folder (link on the sidebar of the blog). 

NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION: BLS is currently in our recruiting season for National Board Certification and are holding several virtual informational sessions for teachers who are interested in becoming National Board Certified- more info found here. BLS has found that when school teams do this work together, it strengthens the team, teaching practice, and impact on student learning.  We are offering additional supports for school teams who decide to pursue National Board certification together.  We have added extra sub days, resources, and time with a NB mentor to support teams.  Contact Michele Oakes if you have any questions or would like to learn more about National Board Certification.

REGIONAL EDUCATION NETWORK: As part of our work with the Regional Educator Network, BLS has defined a need to increase the number of counselors in our district, especially those who identify as BIPOC.  As you know, counselors support our students, teachers, families and community.  As we increase the number of BIPOC counselors in our district, we will positively impact the students and community that we serve.  In order to determine who is interested, we have created this survey survey for all certified and classified staff.  

SCHOOL SIGNAGE:  Remember to take down posters advertising events after the event date has passed.  There are some outdated posters still hanging throughout the school.  As a reminder, all posters/signs must be approved by the admin team and be in both Spanish and English.  

Reminders:

SCHOOL BUILDING SECURITY: Any exterior classroom door that is within a fenced area of a school can be propped open (science wing emergency exit, commons, g-wing, etc).  Exterior doors not within a fenced area can be propped opened, but must be closely and actively supervised (ie. closed when no adult is monitoring it).

SAFETY FEEDBACK:  Here is this week’s optional safety survey for staff to provide feedback to the safety team.  And here are the results from last week’s survey.

High Desert Highlights:

Happy teacher appreciation week!!!
Thanks to Craig for reminding us that, like in the book/movie The Martian, when there is a lot of manure around we can focus on making the best potatoes possible!!
Outdoor dystopian reading

4.29.21

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Quote to consider:

“True character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure – the greater the pressure, the deeper the revelation.”  ~Robert McKee

To Dos:

STATE TESTING TRAINING: Lang Arts, Math and Science teachers giving the OSAS: Training modules, the test administration manual, (TAM), the Oregon Accessibility Manual (OAM), and fillable PDF test security forms all are available at this link.  More specifically, here are the training materials for Test Administrators.  Wednesday, May 5th SIW time is reserved for reviewing these training sessions.  After review, please send specific questions to Dave VanLoo and cc Heather. 

SPARKS UPDATE:  Sparks Summer Jobs are posted and will close May 5th.

There will be a stipend of $5500.00 for certified staff:

  • internal only
  • Teachers
  • Dean of Students

There will be a stipend of $3500.00 for classified:

  • internal employees
  • external applicants (OSU candidates, interns etc)

STAFF COVID PROCEDURES:  Thanks to those who contributed to the safety team’s work in putting together this reminder slideshow covering staff responsibilities in supporting contacting tracing.  It is expected that all staff routinely follow the guidance in this document.  Kara has connected with each wing’s safety point person to review this information and ask them to disseminate this information back to their wing-mates.

MEDIA CENTER: Please remember that COVID procedures are still in place for the library.  Visits to the library must be pre-arranged, including students with iPad questions or issues.  Students and teachers can email Jill with iPad concerns, and students can still use the Get Help button on their iPad.  This will reduce the amount of wandering students, and it will ensure that someone will be in the library to help them.  

Bits and Bobs:

STAFFING 21/22:  We are working to share the teaching load more equitably across our content areas.  This can be more challenging with PE/Health and electives courses, this is why we have folks other than teaching staff instruct elective courses.  We believe it is vital to continue our work keeping our student to teacher ratio at a level that optimizes engagement and teachers being able to truly know our students.  As we look at next year’s master schedule we are functioning with the idea that to keep class sizes where we want them, we need the four core content subject areas to have an equitable number of sections.  For our PE/Health and electives courses, we need more sections since these subjects are offered to all and students have choice.  We are working to post additional FTE openings in PE and electives to support these efforts.  

CONTENT UPDATE:  Our 6th graders take two electives.  One music class (Band, Orchestra, Choir) the other elective is a wheel consisting of 4 courses each for 9 weeks.  All 6th graders will have a section of AVID, a section of Mind Up and two of the following courses to make up their four course wheel: Foods, CTE, Art.  

Looking at additional FTE in 7/8th electives will support our elective class sizes being reduced and open up opportunities for our students.  What these additional courses will be may depend on the applicant pool, we are looking for computer science as a focus area, as this is being pushed strongly at the state level and is also what other middle schools in our area are working to offer.

21/22 MS SCHEDULE: Transportation is planning (as of now 😬) to run two bus routes instead of four.  This would mean middle schools would return to 8:45 – 3:40 bell times next year!!

MAY SIWs (as of now): 

  • 5/5- state testing training time
  • 5/12- staff meeting in Kennedy’s WebEx room (3:30-4:30pm)
  • 5/19- teacher work time
  • 5/26- staff meeting in Kennedy’s WebEx room (3:30-4:30pm)

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Here are a few expectations and suggestions about the weekly delivery of HDMS student announcements:

  • The link to the “Announcements Folder” can be found in the hot links under “Schedules” on the right side of the HDMS blog page.
  • Please make the announcements slideshow available on Monday of PURPLE weeks to your Advisory students through your Canvas Advisory Course.
  • Please make the announcements slideshow available on Monday of GRAY weeks to your 4th period through a LINK in your Modules in Canvas (it could be at the top of your Monday assignment, on a separate page, etc.)
  • Elissa will send an email to staff on Monday mornings of Gray weeks to remind staff to access the announcements and make them available to students.
  • Please consider showing the announcements at the end of class (maybe during cleaning time?) due to students arriving late due to buses etc. to ensure that all students see them.

CDC and ODE/BLS GUIDANCE:  Despite new CDC guidance being released with respect to vaccinated people and mask wearing outdoors, we are obligated to wait until new information is released from OHA and ODE (RSSL) before we are permitted to act upon it.  As always, until our district communicates something, we must proceed with past practices.

STUDENT DRESS CODE:  As we approach warmer weather, attire may change for students, and we want to best support students with dressing for success.  Please see the HDMS Handbook starting on page 15 as a reference for full details of HDMS Dress Code.

There are many conversations within schools in our state and across the country surrounding dress code and “body shaming” that disproportionately impact girls.  Let’s be mindful of the conversations we are having with our students in regards to dress code that we are discreet and these conversations help build success for students at school and positive support.  If you have any questions about dress code please reach out to Heather Petersen and Kara Jokerst. 

Reminders:

TAKING STUDENTS OUTSIDE:  With the weather being so beautiful, many classes are taking the opportunity to go outside with their students.  Please review this document and be sure to follow the guidance within.   

TEACHER CANDIDATE HOSTS:  OSU has shared their need for teachers willing to be ambassadors for our profession; please consider their request of being a cooperating teacher by hosting a teacher candidate next school year.  They are looking for placements in math, science, language arts, and social studies (and a few students are also adding the ESOL endorsement).  Email Wendy, Nole, and Heather if you are interested; OSU has profiles to share.

SAFETY FEEDBACK:  Here is this week’s optional safety survey for staff to provide feedback to the safety team.  And here are the results from last week’s survey.

High Desert Highlights:

Bedell’s class experimenting with marble launching

4.22.21

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Quote to consider:

“The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation.” ~Nelson Mandela

To Dos:

CANVAS EXPECTATION:  As shared in 4.9’s blog, we are still using Canvas as our district-wide Learning Management System (LMS).  

The district recently shared the following: “One of the many reasons we went to a common LMS was so that students could have ‘one stop shopping’ for accessing materials. We need to make sure we are loading assignments and activities onto Canvas on a daily basis so quarantined students can still access their education.”

HALLWAY DUTY: Please prioritize hallway duty assignments; see the link on the blog’s sidebar for details.  

MAC SURVEY: Mark your calendars for the spring MAC survey day on Tuesday, April 27th.

Bits and Bobs:

21/22 STAFFING UPDATE:  As a result of the boundary change, our student enrollment has been reduced and this means we are having to make some reductions in our classified and certified hours.  You will likely see two postings in the coming days for HDMS.  These postings will be for less than 1.0 FTE each: Counseling (Cathy Tash retiring) and ELA (Sharlline Markwardt resigned).  If our enrollment increases and the district gives us additional staffing we will work to bring both these positions back up to 1.0 FTE.  

DAY OF SILENCE:  The GLSEN Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies all around the country—and the world—take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools.

Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, the Day of Silence has expanded to reach hundreds of thousands of students each year. Every April, students go through the school day without speaking, ending the day with Breaking the Silence rallies and events to share their experiences during the protest and bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive.

This year’s day of silence is taking place on Friday, April 23rd.  Click here for a one-page specifically designed for the educational setting.  

WEB UPDATE: Thank you to all HDMS staff for the continued support of the WEB program!  See Elissa’s email (4/20) and/or connect with one of the WEB Coordinators (Elissa, Lynne, Brettney) if you have any questions about this awesome program.

Please use THIS GOOGLE SHEET to recommend current 7th grade students you see as potential WEB leaders by clicking the checkbox by their name. If there is already a check by a student you would like to recommend you can just leave it or add your name/comment. Students who are recommended will receive an email letting them know they were nominated by a staff member(s) and encouraging them to apply! The form will be open through Friday, April 23! 

And for your viewing pleasure:  HDMS WEB Promo Video

Go BIG, GO WEB!

WATER BOTTLES: We have bottled water in the admin office available if a student has forgotten their water bottle from home.  Masking and water fountains spigots being unavailable has caused concern for student hydration.  If a student needs a water bottle, they can stop at the admin office window during passing period or you can email the office staff to request one for them. 

EQUITY:  Consider this document when working to ‘interrupt’ conversations when you hear racially insensitive language, either with students or colleagues.  

STUDENT SUPPORT REFERRAL FORMS:  We are in the process of finalizing the revamping and improving upon our student referral forms.  As always, staff may choose to simply email behavioral and/or counseling referrals to the admin team and grade level counselor (and case manager, if applicable).  If you’d like to participate in the “soft opening” of our new referral forms, you can do so by clicking here for behavioral referrals (including FYIs) and here for counseling referrals.  (These links have been updated on the sidebar of the blog.) 

Reminders:

SAFETY DAY & FIRE DRILL:  Safety review (slideshow) each period culminating in a fire drill 7th period will take place on 4/23.  See previous blog post for more info.  Safety team members have (or will) be connecting with wing point people to answer any questions.   

STAGGERED RELEASE UPDATE:  We are no longer doing staggered release times by grade level at the end of the day. (This was a to-do in last week’s blog but we are still seeing some classes released early.  Thanks for making this adjustment to your daily routine.) 

SAFETY FEEDBACK:  Here is this week’s optional safety survey for staff to provide feedback to the safety team.  And here are the results from last week’s survey.

High Desert Highlights:

Band rehearsing outside- meeting COVID restrictions while ensuring students can rehearse!!
Go Big, Go WEB!!

4.16.21

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Quote to consider:

“What makes people resilient is the ability to find humour and irony in situations that would otherwise overpower you.” ~Amy Tan

To Dos:

FROM THE ELL DEPT:  Check out this great article to help you get to know your ELL students better.  Many of the items in the article also pertain to equity and building trusting relationships with students, which we know are two core values at HDMS.

CURRICULUM ORDERS: Heather is coordinating curriculum orders for the 2021-22 school year.  You can view this document’s HDMS tab to see what was purchased last year.  Please email Heather by May 14th if you plan on making any purchases so that information can be input into the database.

STAGGERED RELEASE UPDATE:  We are no longer doing staggered release times by grade level at the end of the day. 

Bits and Bobs:

SPRING STAFFING UPDATE:  We are excited about a few additions to the HDMS staff in substitute roles for the remainder of the year:  

  • Karina Munch will be filling in for the rest of the year in the main office as the curriculum/data secretary.
  • Kara Jokerst is a district roving sub who has been assigned to HDMS (when not subbing elsewhere).  She will be supporting students and staff in the admin office as substitute dean, as well as supporting with classroom teaching when needed.
  • We held interviews today for the current math opening in Teri Johnson’s classroom and we are excited to announce that Mekenzie Salas won the day! She will start Monday teaching math for the remainder of the school year.
  • We are in the process of finalizing the open SRC EA position.

SAFETY DAY & FIRE DRILL:  Friday, April 23rd, we will be conducting a fire drill during 7th period along with In Class Safety Reminders & Discussions each period.  A slideshow will be available and sent out ahead of time with safety guidelines to share with students; please plan on approximately 5-10 mins of safety review in each class period.  It is important that students are reminded of their important role along with staff of practicing safety during this pandemic so that we are being safe for ourselves, our families, and community.

STATE TESTING:  Please mark your calendars for the following testing dates at HDMS:

  • May 10th-21st:
    • Lang. Arts: 6th & 7th grades
    • Science: 8th grade
  • May 24th-June 4th:
    • Math: 7th and 8th grades

Testing continues to be discussed at the state and federal level, so we are making plans with the information we have as of now; thanks in advance for your flexibility if these plans have to be adjusted in the future.  For those interested, here is an article from OPB related to recent communication around the US Dept. of Ed. approving ODE’s assessment amended waiver request. 

SUMMER LEARNING: The planning for summer instruction continues and is becoming clearer day-by-day. Please see this flyer regarding summer learning work opportunities for all employee groups.  Temporary employees are also welcome to apply to postings once they are advertised.

And speaking of summer instruction, the grades 6 – 12 programming has a name: Sparks. Wendy has created a very helpful and informative document that provides behind-the-scenes information regarding what this summer will look like for students and staff. Please see this document for more information.

PRONOUNS: You have likely noticed many staff include their pronouns in their email signature.  I (Nole) include my pronouns in my email signature as a way to communicate my commitment to inclusivity.  Click here for a letter from district admin with more details on the topic of pronouns including a link to directions for editing your email signature if you’re interested in adding your pronouns in it.  

Whether or not you choose to note your own pronouns in your emails, remember that it is expected that we all use students’ identified pronouns and chosen name in daily interactions as this promotes belonging, wellbeing, and trust, which we know are prerequisites to learning.

EQUITY LENS: With acceptance being one of HDMS’s core values, we will continue to aim to make decisions with this equity framework at the forefront of our minds.  

LANGUAGE, CULTURE, & IDENTITY NEWSLETTER:  Check out this document, which is chalk full of valuable information and resources.  Please spend some time reading it and reflecting on the important guidance on page one regarding conferences ahead of your student-family-teacher conferences this month.  

DISTRICT COVID UPDATES:  If you’re interested, click here for a list of Return to School updates from Paul re: guest speakers, community gatherings, and fundraising.  

Also, because Deschutes County was over 200 cases/100K in the latest metrics, secondary schools (not elementary) are required to offer rapid COVID-19 tests to symptomatic students/staff.  The safety team will be discussing how HDMS will implement this at our next meeting on 4/21 at 9:00am; all are welcome to attend. 

IPAD UPDATE: It was verified this week that iPads will not be turned in this June. Due to summer learning opportunities, we will ask our students to hold on to their iPads just like they did last spring.  (And, thanks to Jill who is continuing to work tirelessly on iPad check-in/check-out system for all our students!!) 

END OF YEAR SCHEDULE:  Now that we are all-in, and assuming we stay all-in for the remainder of this year, we will be following the original calendar for the end of the year. Specifically, during the last week of school, Monday and Tuesday are “regular” days, Wednesday is a “regular” (full-length) day, Thursday will be an “SIW release” day, and Friday is a work day for teachers and their last day.

Reminders:

SEATING CHARTS:  Please continue to have accurate and up-to-date seating charts to help with contact tracing if/when a student tests positive for COVID.  And remember that seating charts must remain the same one week at a time with no adjustments made once the seating chart is set on Mondays.

SAFETY FEEDBACK:  Here is this week’s optional safety survey for staff to provide feedback to the safety team.  And here are the results from last week’s survey.

BUILDING ALARM: Click here for a reminder on how to arm/disarm the building alarm.  This document is also linked in the hot links section of the blog. 

FROM ALANDRA:  Reminder on Elected Officials and Candidates in our schools: If an elected official would like to visit your school or speak with a class, please send them to Alandra or Julianne before you confirm the visit. Please also ask clubs and classes who would like to host elected officials or candidates for elected office to run the visits through the Comms Dept. first. A lot of unintended consequences. 

In advance of the May election, this is also a great time to share and review our handy dandy Election Guidance document, which outlines key dos and don’ts for public employees related to elections. Please share this resource with your staff.  

When staff members visit another school, they need to: Enter through the front door; sign in; wear their badge in a visible place. This is especially important because, with masks, it can be harder to identify even staff that are familiar. Let me (Alandra) know if you have any questions!

High Desert Highlights:

Personal Logo Design and Working with Vinyl student work on display in the CTE wing from Iverson’s class:

4.9.21

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Quote to consider:

“I bent until I darn near broke.  But that’s the thing about resilience: it shows up just as your soul begins to cry, and catapults your strength into overdrive.” ~Alfa

To Dos:

END OF TERM: The end of this term is Thursday, April 15 (instead of Wednesday, April 14). If you give final marks for quarter three, these need to be submitted no later than Sunday, April 18 by 5:00pm.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Stand up staff meeting in the new auxiliary gym on Monday (4/12) at 10:00am.

FROM THE HDMS ELL DEPARTMENT (with support from admin): We are close to our all-in launch and most, if not all of us, have made lesson plans.  Please consider using day one of week nine as a re-orientation (minus showing 6th graders where to go).  In the last twelve months, we have seen some ELD students get farther behind… and we know it is not just ELD students.  Launching into important curriculum and graded material on the first day(s) will expand the gap.  We are predicting, based on hybrid, some ELD students, and others, might not attend right away.  At the beginning of hybrid, we saw confusion and errors with transportation.  Despite our continued efforts to accommodate, some families who do not use email and/or who cannot read missed important communication.  We suggest treating this upcoming Monday as a “soft opening.”  This will allow more students to get on the same page and benefit from being in our classrooms.  Reach out to Jane and Clarissa for ideas, questions, venting, etc

Bits and Bobs:

2021/2022 STAFFING UPDATE: Due to the boundary change, we are down in enrollment for next school year.  As you know, enrollment is directly connected to our staffing plan (certified and classified positions can be impacted).  As we begin building the master schedule for next year we are considering the following:  projected enrollment numbers, staff survey results, belief in continuing our programs, electives and opportunities as the best way to support the whole child.  While the good news is that the district has added some behavioral staffing to all middle schools (some certified hours for the Den as well as an EA to support students with lagging skills), these additions don’t make up for what our decreased enrollment means for our overall staffing plan.  We are looking at options and creative ways to continue all the great programs we offer at HDMS and enrollment numbers may still shift and continue to adjust our staffing plan.  We will continue to update as we know more, but we felt it important to give everyone this information as next year could look a bit different due to these decreased student enrollment numbers.

STATE TESTING UPDATE:  We expect more communication from the district in the coming weeks.  In a nutshell:

  • OSAS is happening, but the tests are shorter (ELA and Math tests have been shortened by almost 70% and there are no performance tasks) and not all grade levels are required to take all subjects…but all subjects normally given at a grade level are available for families who want their child to take those tests.
  • Opt-out procedures are the same as other years—it applies only to ELA and Math. Science remains a separate exemption process.  Opt out forms have already been sent out to all families in English and Spanish.  Any forms you receive must be turned into Gina. 
  • Test window is April 13 – June 11.
  • Training requirements are similar to previous years.
  • Data will be reported publicly but not used for accountability.

Click here and here for more details from the state.  We will begin to plan for testing dates/logistics soon with ICCL input. Connect with your ICCL liaison if you’d like to give suggestions. 

CANVAS: In order to make the transition to all-in school as smooth as possible, please continue to name your Modules in Canvas with the color, week number and dates (for example, our first week ALL-IN should be labeled “Purple Week 9: April 9-12”). In addition, please attempt to organize your modules as close as you can to the way you currently have them set up in order to minimize student confusion.

In addition to labeling modules with the color, number, and dates for each week, please remember that Modules should be in order of the most recent at the top of the page, last week’s next, etc. This makes it easier for students to locate current and past assignments.  

Lastly, GREAT NEWS! Canvas has added a “Reassign Assignment” button so you can reassign an assignment to a student who did the assignment incorrectly, turned in the wrong assignment, turned in a blank page, etc. You need to leave the student feedback in order for the button to become clickable.  Connect with a Canvas coach (Freeman, Meredith, or Wardle) if you have questions or need support. 

FYI: Our district-wide implementation of the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) was accelerated by the pandemic. However, the need for a consistent LMS was recognized pre-pandemic, and training and implementation had started prior to last March.  Canvas is our new LMS and will stay with us after the pandemic is in the rearview mirror.

BLOCK SCHEDULE INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES: Here are three resources (link one, link two, link three) to consider reviewing as we move into all in instruction with 75 minute classes.  Please connect with your content PLC and/or any member of the ICCL team if you’d like to collaborate on instructional best practices given the longer than typical class periods. 

TEACHER CANDIDATE HOSTS:  We’ve been asked again to re-up OSU’s request to consider being a cooperating teacher by hosting a teacher candidate next school year; they are looking for placements in math, science, language arts, and social studies.  Thanks for considering.  Please email Wendy, Nole, and Heather if you are interested in hosting a teacher candidate next school year.

CHANGING LOCATIONS:  If you are taking your class(es) to a different location (ex: outside), it is expected that you follow these guidelines.   

WEB CONNECTIONS: April 28th and May 26th WEB connections are cancelled.  Thank you so much everyone for your continued support of WEB. WEB Recruitment is on its way and we greatly appreciate your participation, be on the lookout for more WEB recruitment information coming soon! 

STAFF MEETING SLIDESHOW:  For your reference, here is the slideshow that we shared during 4/7’s staff meeting.  

YOUTH SUSTAINABILITY OPPORTUNITY:  Click here for details and a flyer to the first ever Youth Climate Change Summit on 4/9/21 presented by Central Oregon youth and the High Desert Museum.  Please pass along this opportunity to interested students.

Reminders:

SAFETY TEAM REMINDER: To promote student distancing during passing periods, please remember to be in the halls per our duty schedule and whenever else possible within your schedule. This is especially important as we re-open for all-in learning. 

SAFETY FEEDBACK:  Here is this week’s optional safety survey for staff to provide feedback to the safety team.  And here are the results from last week’s survey.

HDMS EQUITY WORK:  We will be revisiting this previously shared resource on microaggressions in future.  Please continue to refer back to this resource and be reflective in your practice in this area.  Also, for your reference, here is the HDMS equity statement.  

High Desert Highlights:

Click here for a hilarious antidote April Fool’s antidote from Ingrid H.

The HDMS nursing team of Megan and Bridget are TOP NOTCH!!!!
Highlight- this poster is interactive!! Scan the QR code!!!!

4.1.21

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Quote to consider:

“It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.” ~Nelson Mandela

To Dos:

MICROAGGRESSION IN THE CLASSROOM:  As you may know, microaggressions are everyday actions, comments, and behaviors which are derogatory or hostile to any marginalized identity group. 

The counseling team has put together this important document on microaggressions in the school setting.  Please take some time to dig into this document and reflect on ways you can aim to ensure that your classroom is a microaggression-free environment; be sure to check out the resources embedded within the document for further learning and strategies to interrupt microaggressions when you hear them.  At a time when safety is on all of our minds, we still need to ensure students feel emotionally safe at school and this is a list of ways as adults we can support safety for all.

If you have questions about microaggressions, or other ways to support marginalized students, Amber will be hosting a Webex for open conversation from 9-9:30am on Wednesday, April 7th.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  Staff meeting on Wednesday, 4/7 at 11:00am in Nole’s WebEx room.  

CONFERENCES: HDMS Spring conferences will be held virtually this year and will consist of two components for all students: teacher introduction video and a take home conference. Conferences by invitation, and optional conference sign up can be held between now and April 30th and will equal four hours of teacher out of contract time.  Click here for details and resources on each of these components.

Bits and Bobs:

LOSS OF PREP FOR LUNCH SUPPORT:  With our return to all in, we are going to need more lunch support staff.  If you are interested in receiving loss of prep pay for supporting lunch supervision, please fill out this form by the end of the day on 4/6.

STUDENT SAFETY CONCERN FLOWCHART:  Click here for details for next steps on referring students who are repeat offenders with COVID safety issues.

SAFETY TEAM SETUP SUPPORT: Click here for guidance from the HDMS safety team on classroom setup and more as we plan for the return to all in learning. Koop, Houslet and Vidas are available to support to make sure the logistics of room set up, streamline entry and exit procedures, facilitate the new lunchtime protocol, and most importantly support those of us charged with the noble task of implementing the new CDC and RSSL guidelines. 

Safety team wing leaders (and anyone looking for a good time) please join Koop, Houselt, and Vidas Tuesday at 9:30am in the cafeteria for a quick review of these basics

DISTANCING REMINDER:  The new three foot distancing guidance is for classroom seating arrangement only.  Please don’t intentionally plan activities with three foot or less distancing as the standard.  The goal still remains to have students keep six foot distancing or more throughout the school day whenever possible. 

PURPLE/GREY CALENDAR:  Click here for a calendar showing the weekly rotations (as they stand now).  Please note: with the shifting of conferences and non-school days, BLS has adjusted the end of Quarter Three to April 15th.  Quarter 4 will begin April 19th.  Quarter rotating classes will have one more week of Q3 Purple instruction.  Please connect with Tat if you have questions about this.  

ADVISORY SUPPORT:  Please know that the ICCL team is working to support the extended Advisory time that comes with the all-in schedule. School announcements, Character Strong and safety lessons will continue to be “must dos.”  A menu of optional connections and activities as well as sample schedules will be available by next Wednesday.  If you have ideas for lessons or projects, or if you would like to participate in Advisory planning at any point, please connect with your ICCL liaison. 

STATE TESTING UPDATE:  Oregon has asked for a testing waiver from the federal department of education for this year.  As of now, this has not been approved… but talks are apparently ongoing.  Click here for more information.

ELL NEWSLETTER:  Check out April’s ELL newsletter here.

3.31 STAFF MEETING SLIDESHOW:  Found here. 

UPDATED BLOG HOT LINKS:  HDMS specific all in schedule added. 

SHOUTOUT:  Join me in congratulating Manuel Gutierrez and Cynthia Gruending as HDMS’ Excellence in Education nominees for this year!!!  🎉🎉

Reminders:

HDMS FAQ: We know that many staff have valid and important questions about our return to all in learning. Given that there is often question overlap and that answers may not be immediately available, we’d like to reinstitute the use of the HDMS Staff FAQ document. We will do our best to swiftly answer questions (when we have answers) submitted on this document. 

SAFETY FEEDBACK:  Here is this week’s optional safety survey for staff to provide feedback to the safety team.  And here are the results from last week’s survey.

High Desert Highlights:

3.29.21

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Below is an outline of information about our plan to return to all-in learning (as it stands now):

Known changes:

  • No school for students on Wednesdays 3/31, 4/7
    • No WebEx meetings, no assignments in Canvas, etc
    • Teachers will use this time to plan for all-in instruction as well as work on classroom reconfiguration
      • There will be staff meetings and/or wing safety meetings during parts of these two teacher work days
  • Conferences will change to four hours on the evenings of the 4/21 and 4/22
    • Will still be virtual 
    • No school for students and staff on 4/16, as staff will have earned comp time from conferences

Tentative changes:

I am planning to share further details with you at a staff meeting at 11:00am on Wednesday morning in my WebEx room. These include,

  • Our bell schedule; 75 mins for each of the four periods (purple or grey) per day
    • Students will learning in person Mon through Fri (no WebEx classes during all-in learning)
    • First class begins at 10:25, last class ends at 4:25
      • Certified contract time will likely be 8:45-4:45
      • Wed will be a shortened day for students
      • SIW will be in the afternoons
    • Rotation schedule 
      • Will be either:
        • Mon/Thurs purple schedule, Tues/Fri grey schedule (with Wed TBD)
        • Purple schedule one full week, grey schedule the other full week
    • Lunch schedules
      • There are a few more guidelines within the RSSL guidance that continue to make lunch time challenging. We are developing plans to address these challenges.

Not changing:

  • 6-foot distancing whenever possible
    • Classroom exception changed to 3-foot desk distancing (with students facing same direction) 
  • Student schedules
  • Other safety measures will remain: 
    • Students always masked (except for scheduled eating time) 
    • Hallway/passing period guidelines
    • Bathroom expectations
    • Backpacks in classrooms, no lockers

Reminders:

Please see the previous blog post for important (and still relevant!) to-dos and information including conference prep, excellence in education nominations, summer school staffing, etc.