North High School
Staff Bulletin - October 7, 2019
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Literacy Goal: North High School will raise the percent of students proficient on the Open Response from fall to spring by 10% in 2019-2020.
Math Goal: North High School will raise the percent of students proficient on the High School Math Assessment from fall to spring by 10% in 2019-2020.
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Daily Announcements
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TV and Marquee Information
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Homecoming is Coming
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Weekly Strategy Challenge - Practice This Strategy In Class!
Strategy - No Apologies Strategy
The key to this is this: Teachers with high expectations don't apologize for what they teach. No more "Sorry I have to teach you Shakespeare/Cold War/Open Response/etc." However, facing a class of 30+ disappointed or angry teens is not always easy. Here are the things to avoid when confronted by grumbles in the classroom:
- Assuming something will be (or is) boring
- Blaming it
- Making it (too) accessible
Apologizing for content essentially undermines the value of your lesson and can "mis-motivate" your students. Here is what should happen (targeted for Open Response push back):
- This material is great because it’s so challenging. Writing isn't easy for everyone and writing is something that everyone can get better at with practice.
- Writing is a skill that takes practice. This can really help you to succeed by becoming a better writer. We chose a really good article that ties in what we are learning. I want to see how well you understand that article.
- This gets more and more exciting as you come to understand it better. Teachers have received texts from students in college stating how Open Response has been helpful for them as their college professors have praised former student writing. We want you to be successful.
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New Teacher Spotlight
Brian Cole is our new band director this year. He comes to us from South O'brien School District.
A: Ryan, Iowa. Population 400. It is home of the world's largest umpire (statue). It also makes me Brian from Ryan!
Q: Which high school did you attend and your favorite class?
A: West Delaware HS (Manchester, Iowa). I always enjoyed math and was able to take the curriculum at my own pace.
Q: What's your secret talent that no one knows about?
A: I can say the alphabet backwards in 3 seconds
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: Early Bird
Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?
A: Be more social! There is a good balance between work and play.
Q: What was the last series or shows you binge watched on Netflix?
A: The Office
Q: What was your favorite band 10 years ago?
A: Aerosmith
Q: What could you give a 30-minute presentation about with no advance preparation?
A: Umpiring softball
Q: What's your favorite quote?
A: "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right!"
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School Life - A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words
Technology - Desmos
Technology - Kahoot for Review
Physics - Breaking Eggs
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Advisory Calendar of Events
Tuesday:
Complete OR and BME Data Charting (Possible Homecoming Voting)
Wednesday:
No Action Items (Possible Homecoming Voting)
Thursday:
No Action Items (Possible Homecoming Voting)
Friday:
MVP Lesson for 9th Grade
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Upcoming Dates
Below are currently scheduled events that will take place during the school day. These will interrupt academic work.
Wednesday, October 16 - Text and Drive Assembly (All School; Gym) 2:10-2:55 PM
Thursday, October 17 - Homecoming Parade 1:30 PM (Dismissal at 12:30 PM)
Friday, October 18 - Homecoming Pep Rally (Monday Schedule; students will go to homerooms, then the gym)
Tuesday, October 22 - Brooks Harper https://www.brooksharper.com/main/youth (Juniors Only) 10:15-11:00 AM
Wednesday, October 30 - Fall ASVAB Testing
Thursday, November 7 - SportsWorld Presentation 9:00-9:51 AM
Tuesday, November 19 - Audrie and Daisy Film for Freshman (8:35-10:35)
Wedenesday, December 11 - Senior College and Career Readiness Survey (homeroom only, should not be an interruption).
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Reminders and Checklists
All Staff:
- Sign off as received and reviewed the handbook. https://www.siouxcityschools.org/employee-handbook/
- Safe School Training is released. Here is the link: https://siouxcityschools-ia.safeschools.com/ There are five training's on this year's module. Total time indicated is 129 minutes. Due dates are varied.
Certified Staff:
- Sign up for duties with Chris. If you sign up now, you will have a choice. If you wait, you will be assigned to an open duty.