the RAH
March 2-6, 2020
from Mike & J
Wow...it's March! I can't decide if "it's about time", or if its "I can't believe it's March already" is the more accurate statement. What I know for sure is that last Tuesday felt like February 74th...
Months tend to have some themes, and they seem to fluctuate between excitement & anticipation, and days of daily grind. A reflective question for us all: Can you tell what month it is by the culture of the school? A recent read caught my attention with this line: In a culture of excellence, you shouldn't know the season.
I don't think that means we don't appreciate the breaks that come our way. They are well-earned and deserved for staff & students. But culture - a culture of excellence - transcends months and seasons. Excellence matters. Thank you for reflecting on your role as Chief Culture Officer.
Delta Team Overview
Our Delta Team met this week and shared some great things that are happening around the district. One of our topics included the purpose of the Delta team, and we will be sharing some feedback with you at our next Job Alike.
FSPS Pick-a-Project Now OPEN!
Beginning February 26, 2020, the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools (FSPS) is expanding its crowdfunding platform, Pick-a-Project. Pick-a-Project, in its 8th year, is a platform designed to support the needs of Springfield Public Schools. Projects may be posted online with a dedicated landing page, ability to share a direct link to a project’s page via social media, e-mail and text. Supporters may make a donation directly to a project from its landing page.
What’s great about our program?
The FSPS offers this program to Springfield Public Schools employees only and does not currently charge an administration fee, while many other crowdfunding platforms charge fees.
All donations raised will go directly to the project.
The FSPS keeps a database of your donors, which means we can help you in the future when you want to raise funds again!
Any project or program sanctioned by Springfield Public Schools can utilize this crowdfunding site. Projects can be for specific classrooms, athletic groups, after school programs, debate teams, and so much more.
To apply for Pick-a-Project visit https://www.supportsps.org/pick-a-project-2/pick-project-new/. Questions should be directed to the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools at 417-523-0144 or nmurdock@spsmail.org.
Kindergarten Enrollment
Please: promote, promote, promote - It's time to register for Kindergarten!
Updates from Communications Department-
United Way Day of Caring projects
It is time for you to submit proposals for projects at your school that you would like volunteers to assist you with on the United Way Day of Caring. You must submit your projects via School Dude by Friday, March 6. Please refer to an email from Teresa Bledsoe sent on Feb. 25 for more details. Day of Caring is June 11, 2020.
Interested in using ThoughtExchange to engage with your school community?
ThoughtExchange is a tool SPS uses to obtain stakeholder feedback. As a school leader, you might find it useful as a way to engage your staff, parents or community in discussions about important topics. Please complete this survey by March 5 if you are interested in receiving training to use ThoughtExchange.
Questions? - contact Teresa Bledsoe
Communications Department
Springfield Public Schools
(417) 523-0117
Action Items and Calendar Events
Action Items
Curriculum Audit
We will have curriculum auditors onsite this spring during the week of March 23rd – March 27th. Classroom visits will be conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday of that week. In order to put together the least intrusive schedule, Allison will need a copy of your classroom teaching schedules, specifically when your teachers are teaching math (the audit is focused on K-5 math). She will contact your administrative assistant in an attempt to obtain that schedule, but if the assistant does not have a copy, Allison will need to come to you next. If the schedule is easily accessible, you are welcome to email it directly to Allison.
UPCOMING DATES
MARCH
7 - Academy of Fine & Performing Arts application window closes
23-27 - Curriculum auditors on site