Eagle Express
LHS Staff Newsletter--Year 18, Vol. 6, 10/1/2018
Remembering the WHY
During the 2017-18 school year, we spent a good deal of time examining our WHY. We revisited this work briefly during our August inservice week. I recently saw the blog post below by A. J. Juliani and thought that it brings together our work from last year with the work we will be doing in our department meetings this afternoon as we begin formulating our SMART goals for the year.
"Trevor Ragan of Train Ugly points out, we have the choice between easy or better all the time:
- It’s easier to eat out. It’s better to cook at home.
- It’s easier to play someone that you know you can beat. It’s better to play the person who might beat you.
- It’s easier to read the SparkNotes. It’s better to read the book.
- It’s easier to do it how it’s always been done. It’s better to challenge, stretch, and experiment.
- It’s easier to talk about goals. It’s better to lace up and go to work on them – off stage.
- It’s easier to enhance your strengths. It’s better to go to work on a weakness.
We’re presented this choice literally all of the time. The problem is: easy is fast, easy is fun, easy is comfortable – and we’re wired to lean in that direction. But we grow by choosing better.
Finding your why isn't easy, but it makes life better. Finding your why takes time, but it changes the trajectory of your life. Finding your why is empowering, because you own the choices you make and the things you do, design, and create."
HAPPY HOMECOMING WEEK!
News from Our SCA
The SCA is seeking chaperones for our Homecoming events. Dr. Askew has agreed to award comp time to chaperones, and the kids love seeing teachers at these events.
- On Wednesday, October 3rd at 6:30 (doors @6:30, movie starts at 7) we are hosting a "Screen on the Green" which is a movie on the tennis courts. We will be showing Lilo and Stitch and the event is free and open to the community. Bring your families!
- On Saturday, October 6th, we are hosting our annual Homecoming Dance from 7-10pm in the gym.
Screen on the Green Volunteers:
Dance Volunteers:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XpQ_lU0IzT0foI3rbD5auHQCWID293ORAkIdYB4a8HE/edit
Dance ticket sales begin next Monday, September 24th.
We would also love to have a lot of enthusiastic faculty and staff participation in spirit week! Please see the infographic below for more details!
Come out to the DECA cashola at Buffalo Wild Wings from 5-11 PM this Friday. Be sure to mention Landstown DECA!
I Make a Difference
From Keith Leonard
When the computer lab was removed from Room 224, which is directly across from my classroom, I was excited to see the new resident was Dwight Robinson. Unbeknownst to him, I was looking forward to tapping into his knowledge, classroom strategies and charisma to help me become a better teacher because I am always looking for role models who will inspire and guide me as I seek to create more meaningful and richer educational experiences for my students. Recently during one of our extended between bell conversations, which always results in powerful impromptu inservice moments, we discussed the importance of developing the student-teacher relationship and the influential moments and significant outcomes of these relationships. All one has to do is take a few minutes and observe Coach Rob in the hallway and they will immediately recognize the connection he has with the students of LHS. Likewise, in the classroom the strategies he uses truly motivates his kids. Every day I see Coach Rob talk the talk and walk the walk and I want to THANK YOU for inspiring our students and me as well!!!
The VBCPS Teacher Assembly includes one teacher representative from each school. This group meets four times during the school year to engage in dialogue and problem-solving activities associated with the goals of Compass to 2020: Charting the Course. Serving as a representative is a leadership role and provides those teacher leaders an opportunity to contribute to the division's strategic efforts by collectively sharing a broad spectrum of teacher input. Each representative is expected to provide a briefing of Teacher Assembly outcomes to faculty and staff after each meeting. If you are interested in serving as Landstown High School's Teacher Assembly representative, please email Dr. Askew by Friday, October 5.
Announcements & Reminders
Staff Polo Shirts: Our stock of staff polos has been replenished. If you borrowed a shirt for the staff picture in August, you can bring it to Terri to exchange for the correct size.
Gymnastics Coach Needed: If you or anyone you know might be interested in our gymnastics coach position, please see Dave Siock. Our wonderful gymnasts need you!
Progress Report Grades: Grades to be reflected on our upcoming progress reports are due October 5th by 12:30. As all students now have a device and consistent access to the Synergy portal, we will only be printing progress reports for students earning below a C- this year. Teachers may, of course, print a report for a student who requests it for their particular class. Progress reports will be issued on October 9.
PL Input: Don't forget to take a few minutes to give your input on our Professional Learning here. The survey will close this Friday (October 5).
Sunshine Committee News: We are closing in on our Sunshine goal. The Fine Arts department is our most recent 100% department. Will your department be next?
Heritage Week Speakers: Do you know someone who would be willing to be a speaker during our Heritage Week event this year? Our theme is "Leaving a Legacy" and we are looking for lots of speakers who can give presentations on the importance of legacy. If you know of someone who fits this bill, please send their names and contact information to Dave Siock or Kay Gramling.
Pumpkin Painting Party
The admin team is sponsoring a pumpkin painting party on Monday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to noon. If you and/or your department would like to participate, just bring in a pumpkin and come to the cafeteria. We will provide paint and bling for the pumpkins. We will be awarding first, second, and third place prizes!
CWRA Testing
On Wednesday, October 10th, Landstown High School students enrolled in all English 12 (or English 11 4x4) courses will participate in the College and Work Readiness Assessment (CWRA+). Students’ performance on this mandatory test will provide our school and the school division with foundational data that will lead to improvements in instruction and learning in the areas of analytic reasoning, problem solving, and written communication. Additional information about the CWRA+ can be found at vbschools.com.
Wednesday, October 10th is also the day on which students in grades 9 – 11 will participate in the PSAT test administration.
Sister Cities Program
The third annual Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Event is scheduled for March 1, 2019 and applications are due November 16, 2018. It is quite an honor to be selected as a Youth Ambassador for the Sister Cities Association of Virginia Beach. Not only do recipients receive a scholarship, they also are recognized at many citywide and regional events. Students with a 3.0 GPA in grades 9-11 may apply. The application provides details including qualifications and criteria. Please encourage qualified LHS students to apply.
Commonwealth Armistice Art Contest
Students in grades K-12 are eligible to enter the 2018 Commonwealth Armistice Art Contest from now until mid-October. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, the Virginia WWI & WWII Commemoration Commission is hosting this statewide art contest for all public, private and homeschooled students in elementary, middle and high schools. Details and submission guidelines can be found here.
Armistice Day is the date the Allied forces signed a treaty with Germany to end the first World War. The Virginia WWI & WWII Commission want students to answer this question: How has World War I shaped Virginia and our world 100 years later? The winning artwork will be displayed at the Carillon WWI memorial at the state’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony on November 11 in Richmond.
KUDOS
Congratulations to Malcolm Keyes for his recognition as a National Merit Commended Student.
Congratulations to Tahj Caines who was selected as the recipient of the September Principles of American Citizenship Award. September’s principle wasresponsibility.
Congratulations to Angela Henry, Jennifer Renne, Mark Alberda, Steve Roenker, Margaret Burgess, & Tim Wright who were recently recognized as SUPERHEROES by one of their colleagues.
Upcoming Events
Monday, 10/1 (B)
Student Pictures, Auditorium
ODU Visitation, Schola, 9:00
Department Meetings, 2:20
Field Hockey vs Kempsville, 4:00
Tuesday, 10/2 (A)
Student Pictures, Auditorium
Field Hockey vs First Colonial, 4:00
Volleyball vs First Colonial, 4:00
Wednesday, 10/3 (B)
Hollins University visitation, Schola, 10:00
XC @ Kellam, 3:30
Screen on the Green, Tennis Courts, 6:30
Thursday,10/4 (A)
George Mason University visitation, Schola, 11:00
Field Hockey @ OLHS, 4:00
Volleyball vs Tallwood, 4:00
JV Football vs Green Run, 6:00
Friday, 10/5 (B)
Spirit Assembly, 4th Block
Football vs Salem, 7:00
Saturday, 10/6
Homecoming Dance, Gym, 7 - 10 p.m.
Virtual Learning Day Follow-Up Info
Teachers are also asked to submit their VL plans to their assistant principal in Schoology. Directions on doing this can be found here.
10/03 Tim Blum, Special Ed
10/04 Kathleen Giles, SECEP
10/07 Jim Quick, Social Studies
10/07 Kelly Singer, Instructional Coach
NEW TO THE NEST
Hilliary Thompson
Hilliary is a member of our science department and hails from Freeport, Illinois. She attended the University of Connecticut. Hilliary has two children--James, 14, and Spencer, 11. She enjoys swimming, running, and reading and she is an Ironman Wisconsin finisher!
Lisa Wiggins
Lisa is our bookkeeper and she lists two hometowns--Aiea, HI, & Destin, FL. She attended Northwest State College. Lisa has three children--Zachary, 23, Jacob, 19, and Sophia, 9. She loves horses, crocheting, and baking.
Carli Hanback
Carli is our newest art teacher and is from Lancaster. She attended Longwood University. Carli enjoys kayaking, hiking, and ceramics. She lived on a sail boat one summer when she was in college.
Pink Out Shirts
JV Cheer has launched the 4th annual Landstown "Pink-Out" campaign at www.tinyurl.com/lhspink18 . Orders close October 11th. This year there are long-sleeve shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, and baseball tees, as well as a polo option (that can be worn for jeans days all year). The Pink-Out football game is on November 2nd and we hope to see you there!
**Staff will be permitted to wear these Pink-Out shirts to school on Friday, November 2!!
Heritage Week Display Boards
Heritage Week is set for November 11-17 and will be here before we know it! A new addition to our second annual Heritage Week this year will be the opportunity for clubs and groups to create a display board (think large stand-up bulletin board) to be displayed throughout the building during Heritage Week. It should showcase your group's legacy to LHS in keeping with our theme this year, "Leaving a Legacy". If you are interested in having your club/group participate, please reply on the following google form: https://goo.gl/forms/Pg6Aw7NA380RjXja2
Education Foundation Grants
For the 2018-2019 school year, $150,000 will be awarded to Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) in Virginia Beach Education Foundation grants. VBCPS staff members are encouraged to apply for these grants if they have ideas for innovative projects they wish to implement to engage students in hands-on learning activities not already funded by the school division.
The Innovative Learning Grant application is available on vbcps.com under Hot Topics and is due Oct. 12, by 4 p.m. Each approved grant awards up to $2,000 for innovative learning projects that benefit students.
Annual Mandatory Employee Training
Employees can complete the annual mandatory online training at a convenient time while working at their own pace. Some of the training courses have changed again this year and have been customized to meet the needs of particular departments and schools. Failure to comply fully with this training requirement may result in disciplinary action. All employees will be required to view each entire training module assigned to their job title. New employees will also be required to view the training modules from the previous year. Five license renewal points will be awarded to all eligible employees who complete the training before the deadline. A target completion date of February 15, 2019 has been established. Employee training modules required for ALL employees:
- Boundary Invasion
- Diversity Awareness: Staff to Staff
- Email and Messaging Safety
- Health Emergencies: Life Threatening Allergies
- Office Ergonomics
- Protection Against Malware
- Sexual Misconduct: Staff to Student
- Slips, Trips and Falls
- Workplace Bullying: Awareness and Prevention
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is October 1 through October 24 at 5 p.m. This is the annual opportunity for staff to review and make changes to benefits and covered dependents. It is required that staff elect or re-elect the following benefits through the BENEFITFOCUS platform during Open Enrollment to have coverage in 2019: health, dental, legal, identity theft protection, health savings account, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts. (Please note: any other benefit plans do not require re-election.)
Principal's Advisory Committee
The Principal's Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to address employee concerns as they relate to site conditions that negatively impact on high student achievement and high employee morale. The PAC is committed to resolving issues professionally and in a timely manner. The following staff members have been elected to serve on this year's PAC: Katie Bennett, Caroline Clark, Jae Clark, Terri Gayer, Woody Gehlert, Kay Gramling, Kathy Holbert, Suzette Johnson, Connie Martinez, Michael Robinson, Kelly Singer and Anne Marie Sprague. Use this form to submit concerns to the PAC.
Minutes from the September 26 meeting can be found here.
Our Guiding Questions
- How do students determine and engage with their learning targets?
- What is the evidence that students are exercising their voice and choice throughout the learning process?
- What evidence is there that the teacher has planned opportunities for students to choose from a variety of tools/structures during their learning?
- How are teachers using assessment tools as part of their assessment strategy?
- What evidence exists that supports student collaboration, exploration, and creation efforts?
Report Card Calendar (MP1)
Beginning Date--September 4
Progress Reports Issued--October 9
Ending Date--November 5
Report Cards Issued--November 14
Landstown High School
Email: cheryl.askew@vbschools.com
Website: http://www.landstownhs.vbschools.com/
Location: 2001 Concert Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Phone: 757-648-5500
Twitter: @LandstownEagles