Celina Curriculum Newsletter
Volume 1 Issue 1 - August 2020
About
Technology Device Needs Survey
Please note that we are using this survey to see who needs what.
DLT Holds August Meeting
On August 13, our DLT held their first meeting of the 2020 school year. Here are key highlights from the meeting:
- Celina admin shared new learning from their OLI4 (leadership training cohort), specifically shared leadership and communication models used in the district. The admin will spend the year learning best practices for shared leadership and communication. A discussion was held on the current state of these themes throughout the district. Members felt that teachers had a voice (in the context of shared leadership), but communication (flow of ideas) could be improved.
- Next the team reviewed what items/concerns can be brought to DLT. The team concluded that items/concerns brought to DLT should be reflective of the entire district. Building issues should be handled at the building level. In addition, successful strategies should be shared with the DLT (by the BLT) so that they can be replicated across the district.
- Also, the team discussed the device needs of our staff for virtual learning. The team decided a survey would be sent out to teachers across the district to review these needs. These needs would be reviewed by the admin team and/or DLT.
- The team reviewed the Opening Day Meeting Agenda, which will be held at the Fieldhouse on August 24 at 8:30 am.
- Step 1 (Identify Critical Need) - Based on the survey data from the August 10 Educational Software PD Day Survey, the team identified teachers needing more time, practice, and application (with Google Classroom, ZOOM, and Kami) as the critical need to address.
- Step 2 (Select Strategy) - The strategy chosen to address this need was for each building to design a plan to meet their needs, including: differentiated support for teachers, small and large group sessions, and time for teachers to practice with feedback from teachers (Guided Practice).
- Step 3 (Implement) - Teachers will implement this training into their daily lessons and continue to practice sharing learning targets and success criteria through these lessons.
- Step 4 (Monitor) - TBT’s will report on how everything is going (What are we doing well and what do you need to work on?) BLT will collect info and share to the DLT.
Step 5 (Reflect) - DLT will reflect on Steps 1-4 at next meeting.
Our next DLT meeting is Sept 16.
DLT Members include: Dr. Ken Schmeising, Bill Sell, Vaughn Ray, Tracey Dammeyer, Michelle Duncan, Casey Hinton, Cory Ahrens, Erin Weigel, Lisa Bye, Jen Birney, Toby Siefring, Brittany Green, Andy Mikesell, Jackie Mertz, Phil Metz, Allie Slavik, and Carrie Cubberley.
Curriculum Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Yes, our DLT and admin team revised our Vision, Mission, and Beliefs last school year during a leadership cohort that they serve on. These can be summarized in three key words: Challenge - Prepare - Empower. In the future as we address our needs with solutions, we will be mindful of our Vision, Mission, and Beliefs and ensure that they serve as a guide.
Here's a link to the revision on our district website. More will be shared about this revision at our Opening Day Meeting. In addition, teachers will receive a poster to hang in their classrooms.
Q: What are teachers supposed to do during the additional teacher work days (August 26-September 1)?
A: Staff should use this time to prepare for the upcoming school year. Each building is working to address their technology training needs. This can include coaching from Betsy Crites, building leader, or a teacher who is willing to help others learn more. If you have a firm understanding of using Google Classroom, ZOOM, or Kami, please reach out to fellow staff in your building and offer your help and feedback. Also, staff will receive necessary training on the PPE that will be made available to them (this will vary by teacher of course).
Q: What are we doing with ACL this year?
A: Right now, we are taking a pause on new learning. However, we are still practicing what we learned last year (sharing learning targets and success criteria with our students in every lesson). We will revisit new learning in the future.
Key Reminders
- Remember to complete your Celina Virtual PD Collaborative Topics (Google Classroom and Incorporating Part 1 of ACL into Lessons) by August 25. Reach out to Betsy Crites, a tech savvy teacher in your building, or myself for additional support.
- Also if you have not do so already, review the August 10 Educational Software PD Day on the Celina Virtual PD Collaborative.
- 2-6 Math Teachers: If you have not done so already, review the Big Ideas Webinar training (from August 11) that was shared with you. Contact me if you have any questions.
- Our Celina Literacy Leadership Team has started their journey of reviewing our literacy program across the district. We will be sharing our intentions with you in the coming weeks. All teachers, especially K-12 ELA, Title, and Intervention Specialists, are welcome to join our efforts. Contact me if you would like to serve on this team or have any questions.