the RAH
March 27-31, 2017
from Bret-
I hope you all had a great Spring Break.
Regarding my personal goal of providing 4 principals with Tower data points each week, I met that goal and provided 4 principals with data points. Overall, I have finalized 112 unscheduled/scheduled Tower observations.
The AP Cadre met on Tuesday and agenda items included FTE and DESE class size standards, stacking classes, student behavior plans, general FMP questions, and technology usage.
Health Services has asked that you ensure school nurses and Health Services are aware of upcoming field trips at your site.
The Explore team met on Wednesday. Total Explore enrollment is 7,166 students with 2,342 online students. Here is breakdown of upcoming Explore administrator training:
Tuesday, April 4th from 4:00 - 6:00 at KAC A and B
4:00 - 4:45 Curriculum with Allison and Nichole
4:45 - 5:30 School Police with Jim, Greg, and Eric
5:30 - 6:00 General School Administration with Dana, Bret, and Shelia
Thursday, April 13th from 4:00 - 6:00 at KAC A and B
4:00 - 4:30 HR Updates with Brady
4:30 - 6:00 General School Administration with Dana, Bret, and Shelia
Monday, May 15th from 4:00 - 6:00 at Harrison
4:00 - 4:45 Finance Updates with Kim and Cara
4:45 - 5:30 Curriculum with Allison and Nichole
5:30 - 6:00 General School Administration with Dana, Bret, and Shelia
from J-
As we think about the various demands (learning & learning experiences, field trips, SPLS, testing, etc), we know time if valuable. On April 12, Senior Leadership and an Ignite update will take place. However, there will not be the regularly scheduled Elementary Leadership Team meeting. Thank you for using that time to best support and serve the learning that you are leading with each other and at your buildings.
I was reminded of the need to calibrate and prioritize this week as I was out visiting sites. A peer was overwhelmed and unsure where to start. As we talked about the challenges at hand, the discussion process began to clarify where the priorities needed to start- connecting with people. That is always the must do- connect with teachers and staff and students. The may do is the paperwork (yes...I know; it becomes the must do later.) But I'm always impressed by how time and efficiencies that are created when priorities are followed. People before programs and personal connections before paperwork.
Thank you for your continued efforts in informing your school community about the upcoming bond. Proposition SPS is more than an investment in our schools. Your constant conversation around this topic can only raise the awareness. Sometimes there is a general distrust for "the district." However, I believe that most people have great trust and faith in their neighborhood schools with their teachers and you as their principal. That is where the magic will happen with this. Just this week, I learned of a classroom teacher who, in her weekly update to parents, shared Proposition SPS information to ensure they were aware of the facts. Following protocol, the teacher did not encourage them how to vote; but by simply attaching her name with the information gave it a personal touch, and added a relational aspect to information. A trusting face to a cause always adds value.
I will be attending the MASA (superintendents) conference Wednesday through Friday this week, but will be available to connect for support. Have a fantastic last full week of March.