The Weekly Roar
Notes from Nick Novak: Friday August 19, 2016
FYI
1) The custodial staff has been working extremely hard to clean the building after summer school ended and will continue to work this weekend. I know you are itching to get into your rooms, but there is still some cleaning/moving to be done this weekend. Please be respectful of blocked off areas of the school (and enjoy your last weekend of the summer).
2) When you do return on Monday:
* Join us for breakfast in the cafeteria (pancakes and more!)
* See Gilbert Bannister to get your keys (Monday 8:30-11:30, Tuesday 7:00-11:30)
* Swap out your parking permit for a new one by completing the Google Form Jody sent out (permit will be in your mailbox).
* Grab 3rd period materials from the media center (see Jody if you need extra forms)
* Check your room to see if anything is missing or damaged (ceiling tiles, desks, etc). Report concerns to Gilbert Bannister. Your needs may be met by finding furniture in the atrium or by checking School Swap on the Staff Hub.
3) You will need to complete your Strengthsfinder for Tuesday's activity. Once you complete the assessment, print your insight report and follow the link to enter your top 5 strengths. Please contact Allyson O'Neill if you need assistance with the Strengthsfinder access code.
Staff Birthdays
Dave Glenn
Erin McArdle
Tori Picciano
Kathryn Deutch
Brian Sackett
Ali Taylor
Kate Castelluci
Laura Holland
Danelle Brennan
Grant Scott
Shawn Hastings-Hauf
Jen DiPietro
Ali Miller
Shea Conway
Brian Murphy
Kathryn Davis
Sharon Goldsmith
Rashon Jackson
John Arnold
Greg Bulger
Chad Boothe
Mary Mohr
Josh McGoun
Lindsey Metzler
April Williams
"Instructional Tidbit"
The National Education Association (NEA) offers up this list of 33 suggestions for teachers' first year, but they seem pretty appropriate for every year (not just the first). Check out the article for more detail about each item.
1) Get yourself ready.
2) Build relationships.
3) Give your classroom some class.
4) Introduce yourself.
5) Establish the rules.
6) Check school policy.
7) Get organized.
8) Keep records.
9) Improve yourself.
10) Set a class goal.
11) Build team spirit.
12) Play the name game.
13) Develop resources.
14) Do your best.
15) Appreciate the small things.
16) Be realistic.
17) Be prepared for special students.
18) Think about health.
19) Remember gifted students.
20) Find a shoulder.
21) Get parents involved.
22) Communicate with parents.
23) Know your rights.
24) Plan lessons.
25) Support your association.
26) Make a good first impression.
27) Build an attitude.
28) Foster creativity.
29) Start off slowly.
30) Set a positive tone.
31) Keep the principal informed.
32) Brief your students.
33) Remember three qualities of good teaching--be flexible, be patient, and keep your sense of humor.
A Nice Reminder of Why We're in Education
Mission
In partnership with families and the community, it is the mission of Howard High School to cultivate an environment of collaboration, empowerment, and engagement that exhibits world-class support for staff and inspires students to thrive in a dynamic world.
Email: nnovak@hcpss.org
Website: http://hohs.hcpss.org/
Phone: 410-313-2867
Twitter: @PrincipalNovak