Homeland Security Visit - It was a good "walk about" with Agent Dr. Phil Pitzen and an assorted group of other district, city and county personnel. A full report to the district will be provided by Pitzen but a few things he pointed out as we walked around are quick fixes and include:
- DO NOT prop outside doors open. Never. Sorry...safety trumps convenience.
- Try to have adults hold doors open for kids (AM duty) versus unlocking the doors. We then always know who enters.
- Permission to carry your cell phone...especially if you're on duty. Phil stated he would strongly recommend all staff have cell phones on during times on door/outside duty and I'm suggestion you designate the office number as one of your "aaa" numbers (i.e. one that pops up first on your contacts).
- You're all VERY nice people, but...don't let any non-student/staff members in the doors outside of the main-west doors. "I'm John Doe's parent." - sorry, please walk around. Pizza delivery man knocking on the 1st grade doors? Ask or point him to drive or walk around. Explain its not about him, but its about the kids safety. I can take the complaints.
Professional Development - A few items regarding PD...present and future
- Information about taking this semester for credit was emailed on Thursday. Questions after reading it - see Doug
- Unfortunately, I missed most of the PD due to the timing of the Homeland Security visit. Diann, Leslie and I went over exit slips today. During the prep work for PD, it was evident the work and thinking you were going to do yesterday could be challenging. Reading the feedback, I was excited to hear some of the thinking that took place, how indvs/teams used the learning as a jumping off place with current work around assessment for learning and a team planning to try some things out already. Fun stuff. Thank you to those who had an open (although hurting at times) mind and were able to use the learning and conversation yesterday to support their own students today. This is all I ask.
- Our next PD is Monday, January 21st from 8-10am. Focus will be PSC/PBIS. The remainder of the day will be a work day. FYI - I will be at Walnut Hills from 11:30 on for an admin meeting.
Conference Scheduling Already? Wow. This year has flown by more quickly (and crazily) than any year I can remember. Hopefully that is a good sign. :-) The "conference season" is upon us again
- Jan 21-25 - Teachers build their schedules on website (anyone needing help email me now so we can set a date). Times for teaching to hold conferences will be as follows:
- Saturday, March 2 = 8:00-2:00Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday = 4:00-8:00 pm (Thursday from 4-8 is REQUIRED).Wednesday - 2:00-6:00 pm
- Jan 28-Feb 8 - Special Ed teachers call and set conferences for their students
- Feb 11 - Parent Portal Opens
- Feb 25 - Parent Portal Closes
- Feb 26-Mar 1 - Teachers assign conference times to those students who didn't sign up
- Mar 2-8 - Conferences
Shanlyn's last week is upcoming and we should be able to announce her long term sub (and introduce her to you) next week. The person we bring on will likely continue in a 1/2 time roll when Shanlyn returns after her maternity leave in a 1/2 time roll. Having the extra support has been great this past week and will continue to support our students, Nicole and staff!
Other things you could continue to read....
Barnes and Noble (4550 University Ave) will hold their annual reception for educators this Saturday at 11:00am. Giveaways for your classroom and enter a raffle to win a special prize package. They also run a 25% discount for educators from Jan 12-20.
MGE @ the Comedy Club - SOME DAY I will host my own comedy show for you all, but until then, you can join your colleagues for another "free night at the comedy club" on January 25th. The 7:30pm Dan Chopin show has free tickets available. Email Paula by Friday, January 18 if you'd like to go and indicate how many tickets.
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