The RAH
August 3-7, 2020
from J & Mike
May this find you well and healthy as we get ready to turn the corner into August. With our return to learning in its various formats, the leadership you provide is more important than ever, and we are grateful for the team that we have. While our upcoming leadership meetings will ensure you know the details of what to do, we will also be leaning into the how. How we lead either invites calm or chaos, confidence or distrust, unity or division.
A reminder of some information and asks already sent your way: 1) Reviewing the Return to School plan (sent by Dr. Holt on 7/31 am), and 2) your engagement in ensuring families have made their selection into their learning plan (my email sent 7/31 am).
As you plan for next week and the start of the year, here are a few more updates from you.
Elementary Leaders Kick-Off
We are once again looking forward to our annual Kick-Off meeting with our principals, A2Ps, SCLs, directors and assistant directors. Thank you to #OneWestport for hosting this event next Wednesday! This year we will be offering both seated and virtual options for participation and you are encouraged to select whichever option you are most comfortable with. Please take a moment to RSVP here by Monday at noon as we will be offering lunch for those who are able to join us in person.
Transfer Requests
It is that time of year again as you will soon begin seeing transfer requests in your inbox. As we know, this year presents some unique variables. While we are awaiting more clarity around the number of students who elect to participate in seated learning, it is important to remember that virtual learning students are still assigned to your site and could potentially return to seated learning in January. Also, as Amy Patton shared with us this spring, transfer requests can now be reviewed for severe discipline and attendance issues. Principals may request a review of a student's discipline/attendance history by Dr. Courtney Martin, Director of Student Services, prior to accepting an immediate transfer for students having any of the following discipline/attendance issues:
Class I or Class II assault/Class I or Class II Fighting
Assaultive behavior toward school personnel or non-students
Threats of violence toward a person or property
Weapons possession or use
Drugs/alcohol possession or use
Poor attendance as defined by less than 90%
For more information about this process view the 2020-21 Transfer Guidelines presentation again by clicking here or contact Amy Patton/Courtney Martin.
PBIS Updates
As we move forward with implementation of our PBIS Tier 1 supports in each building this fall, we will continue to build upon the plan your team has developed to positively define, teach, and reinforce expected schoolwide behaviors. This year we will host three learn and work sessions (BOY, MOY, EOY) for you and select members of your team. These days will be hosted virtually by our partners at Missouri State University through Zoom on Wednesday dates that have yet to be determined. This will allow us to minimize the need for subs and eliminate the need to pull a teacher out for this work on a precious day that we have those students in the building.
Our focus during this time will be based on the needs of your team as shared through the end of year implementation survey, thus schools will be grouped based upon common needs rather than by feeder pattern. Thank you for continuing to make this schoolwide approach a priority for your staff while empowering them to take ownership of what this looks like for your school within the PBIS framework.
The Return to School Plan
On the calendar
Aug 4 - Lead, Learn, Succeed
Aug 5 - Elem Principal Kick-Off @ Westport & virtual
Aug. 11-14 - Induction Days (New certified staff) - Can trade out Aug. 11 for July 28 or 29
Aug 17-21 - Activate SPS (Asynchronous PD sessions for all certified staff)
August 24 - First Day of School