Monday Message
12.14.15
As I shared with you on Friday, the release of the Common Core Task Force Report from Governor Cuomo’s office has created some interesting news. While it is tempting to rush through the talking points of this document, we must remember that these are recommendations, not an immediate change in regulations. There are, in fact, 21 recommendations set out by the Task Forces in the report. Reading them, it would be easy to begin predicting all of the possible ways that things could change for us and for our students. As we have seen in the past, however, trying to predict how things will play out in Albany is never an easy call.
When I read the Task Force Report, I was relieved to see that some of the negative examples they shared (teachers being required to use modules in whole, automatically placing students in AIS based on one state test score, not providing IEP accommodations, etc.) did not occur in our building or district. That’s one of the things that makes jumping on “throw away all things Common Core bandwagon” difficult. Some of what we have seen in implementation has been good. Let’s not lose sight of that! Our best bet at this time is to fully read the report and stay tuned to position statements from sources we trust. In other words, it is business as usual.
The next tell tale signs will likely be gleaned from the Governor’s State of the State address in January and the Board of Regents Meeting this week. The BOR documents that are available don't indicate any reference to this new information. So, for now, I don’t anticipate sweeping changes anytime soon. As always, I will keep you updated as more information comes down the line.
Calendar (AKA Where Will Tim Be This Week?)
IMPORTANT: Progress Report Comments are due in SchoolTool by 12:00 AM Wednesday
Monday, Dec. 14:
- Curriculum & Assessment Council, 8:00 - 11:00, Gick Rd. BOCES
Tuesday, Dec. 15:
- Admin Cabinet Meeting, 9:45 AM, HS LGI
Wednesday, Dec. 16:
- SchoolTool Quarter 2 Interim Grades Lock at 12:00 AM
- 6th Grade Teams participate in the Hour of Code, See Schedule Below
- Join Student Council for neighborhood caroling, 2:45 PM, Around Hudson St.
Thursday, Dec. 17:
- 7th and 8th Grade Teams participate in the Hour of Code, See Schedule Below
- MS ITL Meeting, 2:30 PM, Main Ofc Conf Room
Friday, Dec. 18:
- Quarter 2 Progress Reports sent home
- Regional Ed Tech Leadership Meeting, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Glens Falls CSD Central Office
- XFactor Event #2, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, OWWMS
Other Important Upcoming Dates:
12/21- 2nd Annual OWWMS Holiday Smorgasbord, Check out the Sign-up Sheet
12/21- Ugly Holiday Sweater Day (My game has been upped this year!)
12/22- Pajama Day
**If you're looking for me, don't forget to check the big calendar hanging on the wall outside of my office. This is the best I can do until someone forcibly implants a GPS device in my forearm.
Hour of Code
Reindeer Games
Reindeer Games Schedule (ICYMI)
Monday, Dec. 14 @ 2:02-2:45: 7th grade semi-finals
Thursday, Dec. 17 @ 2:02-2:45: 8th grade semi-finals
Monday, Dec. 20 @ 2:02-2:45: Finals for both grade levels
Tuesday, December 22 @ 9:25-10:25: 6th Grade Reindeer Games
Please share with your homeroom.
#OneNewThing
Please keep sending me those new things you are trying. It's more important than ever during this crazy time of year to keep each other energized by sharing innovative things that are working for you!
Thanks for sharing your #OneNewThing! Click here for the #OneNewThing Google Form
New Things We Have Tried This Year: Pear Deck, Google Classroom, Kahoot, Poll Everywhere, TodaysMeet, Piktochart, Smore, Storybird