Anchor Weekly
SPECIAL JULY EDITION
Upcoming Events
- Week of July 13: Reading Academy Modules for K, 3rd, SpEd, Principal, ISs
- Wednesday July 15: Reopening Planning Session at 4 pm via ZOOM
- Monday, July 20: Leadership Retreat at Alta Vista 9:00-3:00 (Leadership Team)
- Monday, July 27: Leadership Team back on contract (most)
- August 3-5: New Teacher In-service at Alta Vista
- August 6: ALL STAFF REPORT TO ALTA VISTA at 8:00 AM
- August 18: First Day of School!
Captain's Log
FLEXIBILITY...I think that is the term we will use to define this upcoming school year. As we have seen, COVID is an ever-changing beast. I have provided an update about school reopening plans below, but know that nothing has been decided at this time (and we know things even change that come from TEA and Governor Abbott).
Our Leadership Team is working hard to prepare us for multiple different scenarios. During this time I urge you to prepare as well. The best way you can do this is to seek out and complete training to better prepare you for online instruction. See the PD section below for more details on district-sponsored technology PD.
If you have any worries or concerns, know that my door is always open. I will be working from home next week to complete the Reading Academy modules, but I'm just a text or an email away. This year may be a challenge, but Alta Vista has the very best team to face the hurdles together.
UPDATE School Reopening Planning Team
- 100% Online Learning-students would stay at home 100% of the time and complete all work virtually
- 100% Face to Face-students would come to school every day and get 100% of their instruction face to face
For students in PK and K, we are encouraging 100% face to face (with option for 100% virtual).
Our first campus reopening planning session went really well. HERE is a link to the document we started working through. Anyone is welcome to attend, but I do ask for at least one representative from each grade level to participate. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 15 at 4:00 pm on Zoom (LINK HERE).
SEL Resources
- TBRI In the Classroom (Free thru August 31)
- FREE Second Step Next SEL Lessons by Grade
- No Place for Hate
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we prioritize SEL and connections during the upcoming school year!
We are World Changers
Grade Level Summer Planning
Grade level planning may be done off site or virtually next week. Make sure you clock in using the right code. Two of the days will have a different code. Call Bonnie if you aren't sure.
For grade level planning, please complete the following:
- Review and finalize 6-week assessments, report card assessments (Kinder), and writing rubrics
- Work on the virtual lesson plan template for the first two weeks of school. Please drop your grade level plans into the PLC Folder and share them with Helton/Boggess/Alvarado.
Remember that your virtual lesson plan template serves 2 purposes. One-it is a plan for how to introduce content and tools if you have to start the school year teaching virtually. Two-if you are teaching face-to-face, it's a plan for you to support students as they learn how navigate the online tools with your support.
**Even though content is important, you need to consider how you will build classroom connections and support SEL needs during the first 1-2 weeks of school. Consider how you might do this while using online tools (IE: Create a video about your favorite things; upload a picture of something you're proud of; record yourself describing a goal you have for the school year).
If you have questions, reach out to Helton/Boggess/Alvarado/Orchard. We are all here to support you as you navigate new learning!
Classrooms and Free Stuff
My hope is to have the campus ready for you to start working in your classrooms on Monday, July 20. However, the AC replacement project is still not done in the 3rd grade/back hallway and so this will most likely cause a delay for: all 3rd grade, Vallee, Allums, PE, RESET, Counselor. Please wait for a final notice before coming back on campus to work.
There is free furniture on the 5th grade hallway. Put your name on a big sheet of paper on the furniture if you want it. There is also some free furniture and appliances in the workroom that you may have.
Google & SeeSaw Training
All Elementary faculty (PreK -5) will be enrolled into the following modules thru Canvas by Waco ISD. You will receive an email link to enroll in a Canvas course.
Google Level I
Google Level II
Seesaw
Waco ISD Online Teaching (Lisa Monthie)-this will teach you how to integrate the two platforms
You can take the Google Certification test on your own, but it's not required.
Teachers will receive $500 for completing all modules by August 5.
If you already have your Google 1 or 2 Certification or if you are a SeeSaw Ambassador, it's still recommended you complete all of the courses. You will be able to go thru them very quickly and support other teachers that are still building their tech capacity.
Reading Academy
Training for NEW Social Studies TEKS
- July 9
- July 22
GT & ESL Training
If you need to get your ESL Certification, please see below regarding online self-paced training through Region 12. ALL teachers are HIGHLY recommended to have their ESL certification.