District Staff News
December 9, 2019
Last week, we had our first Bond Development Committee meeting. We engaged in some thoughtful discussions about what educational programs, opportunities, and experiences are needed to prepare Canby students for a changing future. This first meeting laid out the work the committee will do and outlined how their advisory process will end with a recommendation to the board. We'll continue to keep you posted on the process.
Our Continuous Improvement Plan has been submitted to the state. We expect some feedback from ODE around our goals. Once we have that feedback and we make any necessary changes, we'll begin the next step of working on our plan for the Student Success Act. We'll outline more about how that process will work in January. There will be another round of staff, student, and family engagement as we finalize that work. We're finishing up the analysis of the first round of feedback. Common themes staff outlined when describing our challenges include:
- Student behavior
- Connecting with families (language and communication)
- Mental health challenges/counselor shortages
- Collaboration time
- Training for staff
When we spoke with students in focus groups, they described challenges like:
- Difficult to get help (both academic and social-emotional)
- Lack of diversity/bilingual staff
- Difficult transition between MS/HS, not feeling prepared
- Early school start times
- Lack of feedback from teachers
And among the parent focus groups we held, we heard about challenges including:
- Communication
- Getting help
- Mental health support
- Choice in classes
- Lack of bilingual staff
All of this feedback is incredibly valuable as work on plans for how to invest in improving academic achievement for our students. That process gets underway after Winter Break.
I appreciate your commitment to and focus on our students and your work. Many of our students come to school distracted by uncertainties within their own lives. Your consistency of character each day, your ability to prepare engaging lessons, and your commitment to every student and their well-being is vital to the success of all our students. Thank you.
Best,
.
Larry has over 25 years’ experience in Operations and Facilities Management. For the last eight years he has been the Director of Planning and Facilities Management with Joliet Park District in Illinois where a major part of his position was management of bond projects. Larry and his wife are very excited about moving to Oregon to be closer to their son. His wife is a music teacher and will be joining him in Oregon after school is out.
Holidays are in full swing and it is important to plan proactively in our classrooms. Check out this article with reminders about being responsive to the needs of all of our students during this busy time of year.
Pre-planning with students about schedule changes, changes in routines and expectations and opportunities to talk about these and practice expectations is important, not only for our younger students, but with many of our middle and high school students as well. Building in down times around activities that can be potentially escalating (emotionally, behaviorally) for all students is a part of a solid classroom management plan.
While holidays can be stressful for our students, they can also be stressful for us as well, it is also important to take time to provide for our own self care as well. Concordia University reminds us of the self care basics of getting enough sleep, eating well and making sure we exercise!
And last, a calendar reminder: Brian Wolf will be providing our two-day Crisis Prevention Intervention Training here at Canby School District on December 10 and 11. Once this training is completed, that will bring our number of CPI trained staff members across the District to over 50. Although the training does train staff in physical restraint, the majority of the training is focused on proactively intervening with students to support them in self regulation.
- Kathy
Our colleagues in Student Services remind us of the importance of planning proactively in our classrooms. Below you will find a short video that provides a universal support for your students by giving them an equal opportunity to succeed. When focusing on executive functions, students can take advantage of their environment by providing them with control over the changes that occur. Take a few minutes to watch this video. You will see that it is a tool that you can add to your classroom management plans as well as a tool that can help your students succeed academically.
Have a great week!
- Ivonne
Beginning January 1, 2020, the 403(b) contribution limits are increased to $19,500 with additional catch-up limits depending on your age and years of service. Click the button below to access this year's notice.
- Denise
Did you know that Canby has a District Partnership with Concordia University? Staff are eligible for the following scholarships when enrolled in an MEd, MAT, EdD, or eligible certificate program:
$4,000 MEd & MAT Scholarships
20% off Tuition for Certificate Programs
30% off Tuition for On Campus EdD Program (approx. $15,500)
$10,000 Scholarship for Online EdD Program Programs
- Megan & Morgan
A VIP dining table was set up up like a fine dining restaurant. Staff waited on students providing hot lunch orders delivered from the kitchen, plated cold lunches, beverage service and bussed their tables for them. Their meal was complete with an “after dinner mint."
Cheers to these outstanding Lee Lions and the School Climate Team behind this great idea!
For two years, she has been quietly sending letters to deployed soldiers, as just one small way she can show them their service is remembered and appreciated.
And this year, she stepped it up even more as she recruited some help. Read Bella's story from Canby Now Podcast by clicking the image below.
Jen was honored for her commitment to our students and her dedication to equity. She works hard to tell stories with the data she analyzes each day.
All students. All abilities. All opportunities.
Email: fostera@canby.k12.or.us
Website: www.canby.k12.or.us
Location: 1130 South Ivy Street, Canby, OR, USA
Phone: 503-266-7861
Facebook: facebook.com/canbyschooldistrict
Twitter: @canbyschools