Res Weekly Update #11
The Way to Stay in Touch with All Things Res: 2/4 - 2/15
Principal's Corner
“Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses." -St. Pope Paul VI
As we wind down our abbreviated Catholic Schools Week, I want to thank you! I know the sacrifices that are made so that our young women can have a Resurrection education. Below, I included some information on St. John Bosco, patron of many including young people. He, like so many others, was a witness to authentic charity. We can look to him as an exemplar of virtue and divine grace.
As we move into February, I am very excited to release the professional workshop series "ResU', which will be renamed in the future. The overarching motivation behind the creation of “Resurrection University: A platform for academic excellence” takes its foundation in our need for a common understanding. A common understanding, among all instructional faculty, that will result in:
a shared knowledge, definition, and examples of instructional excellence
a platform to acquire and then practice new understandings in teaching and learning
a vehicle to prepare all stakeholders for new initiatives
a shared responsibility toward our continuous improvement
Here is the link to the sign-up. Please see me if you have any questions. As always, keep focused on the priority at hand!
Until next time,
Dr. P
What's Happening at Res This Week?
Week 22 2/4 - 2/8
Week 22 will officially begin ResU PD opportunities. Most ResU workshops will be from 7:30 - 8:15 am. Please see the schedule in the Principal's Corner for specifics. Departments will meet on Monday morning and Tuesday morning will be February's monthly New Teacher Induction Program meeting. Friday will busy with Sophomores attending their yearly retreat while juniors/seniors experience Career Day 1.0 in religion classes.
Week 23 2/11 - 2/15
ResU workshops will continue throughout the week and Tuesday will be an Activity 2 schedule. Wednesday will be our February liturgy and after Valentine's Day on Thursday, juniors/seniors will go through Career Day 2.0 in religion classes on Friday.
Daily Breakdown
Monday February 4 - White Day
- Department Meetings: 7:30 am in various locations
Tuesday February 5 - Red Day
- Activity 1 Schedule
- New Faculty Induction Program Meeting: 7:30 am in the Board Room
- Formative Assessment Techniques: 7:30 am, location TBA
Wednesday February 6 - White Day
- RtI Strategies: 7:30 am, location TBA
- ResU/Data Wise: 2 pm in the Library
Thursday February 7 - Red Day
- Formative Assessment Techniques: 7:30 am, location TBA
Friday February 8 - White Day
- RtI Strategies: 7:30 am, location TBA
- Sophomore Retreat
- Career Day (Junior/Seniors): In Religion classes
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Monday February 11 - Red Day
- Differentiation of Student Feedback: 7:30 am in Room 123
Tuesday February 12 -White Day
- Activity 2 Schedule (Pictures)
- Designing Rubrics: 7:30 am, location TBA
Wednesday February 13 - Red Day
- Wednesday Liturgy Schedule
- Differentiation of Student Feedback: 7:30 am in Room 123
- ResU/Data Wise Meeting: 2 - 3:15 pm
Thursday February 14 - White Day
- Designing Rubrics: 7:30 am, location TBA
- Academic Council Meeting: 3:15 - 4:30 pm in the Board Room
Friday February 15 - Red Day
- Career Day 2.0 (Juniors/Seniors): Religion classes
- Technology Integration Lunch/Learn: Seminar A in room 123
- Technology Integration Lunch/Learn: Seminar B in room 123
RES U/DataWise
Data Wise (2/6/19)
Teachers will be given time to go through the data review process for our most recent Aspire Interim data.
Instruction & Technology Updates
Data Diving & Differentiation
Following up on our PD from last Wednesday, I believe it is important that we spend some time considering the connection between our assessments, data and the ability to differentiate. When we got to the point in last week's PD presentation where we had identified the strengths and weaknesses of an individual student, we then considered what to do next. What is that next step? The answer is, we need to consider how we differentiate to meet that student's needs! How we differentiate, is our ability to shift our defense, putting our students in the best position to succeed. In the video below, a first year teacher asks the following question, "How do you challenge your top students without leaving anyone behind?" "
"Teachers must adapt their lessons, so that they can be understood by students with different aptitudes and abilities. A teacher who differentiates, responds to the diverse learning needs of her students. This increases the likelihood that all students will learn key concepts".
Please watch the video below and consider the following questions as you watch it.
- Why is assessment a key part of differentiation?
- How does the Aspire Interim data inform my differentiation?
- What aspects of your lesson can be tiered to meet students at their level?
- What are simple ways you can start differentiating tomorrow?
Once we start to receive more specific information (data) about a students strengths/weaknesses in learning, it wouldn't make sense to leave our defense in the traditional alignment. We must be flexible and willing to shift to best meet our students' needs!
Lesson Plan Template
Looking for an effective UbD based lesson plan template? Here is a terrific option that was shared to us by Suzanne Zajack! UbD Lesson Plan Template
Video of the Week
Curriculum and Academics!
Academics
The Academic Council continues to envision our professional development for the year. We are excited about the smaller chunks of time because it allows us to work more closely with departments. Remember, each of you must sign up for six morning workshops which will run from 7:30-8:10 a.m. Dr. Piwowarski will share more about the sign-up process.
Next week, 2/5 and 2/7, Dr. Vallone will be providing workshops on formative assessment. On the fifth we will look at the learning theory upon which the notion of formative assessment is based. Please bring an example of formative assessments you currently use. On the seventh, we will talk about the informal assessment we use during instruction. What do we do with the data we collect while we are teaching? And, we will share ways to conduct effective formative assessment in those teachable moments.
During the sessions on March 4 and March 6, we will delve into using formative, informal classroom assessment data that can be done with pen and pencil or a rubric. Yes, a rubric can be an informal assessment. it all depends on when you use it and the purpose for which it is used. During this session, we will talk about the nuances of formative assessment for various content areas. For this session, please bring your Chromebook.
You will receive a list of formative assessments that you will likely find helpful as you guide your students toward new understandings.
We are continuing to vet our STREAM program. The possibilities are extremely exciting!
Curriculum
UbD
Curriculum coordinators submitted their Spring Semester plan to Dr. Piwowarski for review. Next week, you will receive specific information and guidance from the coordinators on your departments work on UbD this semester.
Placement Appeals
Now that the initial placements are completed, anticipated appeals have been coming into the office. Before recommending a student for a lane change up, please review the criteria as listed below and do NOT recommend the change if each part of the criteria is not met. You may go over this with students as you conference with them.
In order to make a move change up from With Support to CP and from CP to Honors, the following must be completed.
1) Meet the prerequisite scores and classes as published in the Curriculum Guide....as applicable.
2) The students must have positive Teacher Feedback as well as a signature from the teacher implying his/her belief the student will be successful at the next level.
3) 9th and 10th: Student must meet the necessary grade level benchmarks
in both reading and the content area using the latest ASPIRE data.
4) 11th: Student must meet necessary grade level benchmarks
in both reading and the content area using the latest ASPIRE data.
Administration will make the final approval once ALL of the aforementioned criteria is met and the counselor has checked changes in light of a graduation audit. The Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Academics will sign off on the above criteria-if it is met, and it is deemed in the best interest of the student to make the change. ALL signatures including the teacher, parent, and counselor must be on the form before a decision will be made.
***Please take note, the ASPIRE scores must meet or exceed benchmark on the most recent test in BOTH reading and the content area i.e. Math.
While these certainly are not the only factors for consideration, all of the above MUST be verified and signed prior to submitting the form to the Vice Principal of Curriculum and Academics. So, please check these items carefully before sending the appeal through to administration. Lastly, the principal must also sign and approve the proposed change.
Once all the signatures are in place, the STUDENT is responsible to give the appeal form to the registrar: Ms. Mary Kaye Ulczak, who will work with Mr. Joe Lascon , to ensure proper registration and schedule availability.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be sure to have your phones available between the hours of 7:30 a.m.-8:15 a.m. as Dr. Vallone may need to ask you to cover a class period in the event of someone's absence. At those times, it is very important for her to get a a quick response. Thanks!
If you are in need of a same-day substitute, please follow the procedure below:
1) Text Dr. Vallone @ 708-674-4397 as early as possible. Also send an e-mail to tvallone@reshs.org.
2) E-mail your department's curriculum coordinator.
3) Call the school and leave a message at extension 500. This line will be set up this week.
If you have further questions, contact Dr. Vallone
On Jan. 31, the Roman Catholic Church honors St. John Bosco (or “Don Bosco”), a 19th century Italian priest who reached out to young people to remedy their lack of education, opportunities, and faith. John Bosco was born in August of 1815 into a family of peasant farmers in Castelnuovo d'Asti – a place which would one day be renamed in the saint's honor as “Castelnuovo Don Bosco.”John's father died when he was two years old, but he drew strength from his mother Margherita's deep faith in God.
At age nine, he had a prophetic dream in which a number of unruly young boys were uttering words of blasphemy. Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary appeared to John in the dream, saying he would bring such youths to God through the virtues of humility and charity.Later on, this dream would help John to discern his calling as a priest. But he also sought to follow the advice of Jesus and Mary while still a boy: he would entertain his peers with juggling, acrobatics, and magic tricks, before explaining a sermon he had heard, or leading them in praying the Rosary.
John's older brother Anthony opposed his plan to be a priest, and antagonized him so much that he left home to become a farm worker at age 12. After moving back home three years later, John worked in various trades and finished school in order to attend seminary.
In 1841, John Bosco was ordained a priest. From that time, John was known as “Don” Bosco, a traditional Italian title of honor for priests. In the city of Turin, he began ministering to boys and young men who lived on the streets, many of whom were without work or education.
The industrial revolution had drawn large numbers of people into the city to look for work that was frequently grueling and sometimes scarce. Don Bosco was shocked to see how many boys ended up in prison before the age of 18, left to starve spiritually and sometimes physically.The priest was determined to save as many young people as he could from a life of degradation. He established a group known as the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, and became a kindly spiritual father to boys in need. His aging mother helped support the project in its early years.
John's boyhood dream came to pass: he became a spiritual guide and provider along with his fellow Salesian priests and brothers, giving boys religious instruction, lodging, education, and work opportunities. He also helped Saint Mary Dominic Mazzarello form a similar group for girls. This success did not come easily, as the priest struggled to find reliable accommodations and support for his ambitious apostolate. Italy's nationalist movement made life difficult for religious orders, and its anti-clerical attitudes even led to assassination attempts against Don Bosco. But such hostility did not stop the Salesians from expanding in Europe and beyond. They were helping 130,000 children in 250 houses by the end of Don Bosco's life. “I have done nothing by myself,” he stated, saying it was “Our Lady who has done everything” through her intercession with God. St. John Bosco died in the early hours of Jan. 31, 1888, after conveying a message: “Tell the boys that I shall be waiting for them all in Paradise.” He was canonized on Easter Sunday of 1934, and is a patron saint of young people, apprentices, and Catholic publishers and editors.
Happy Birthday!
Ann Marie Schneider - February 14th
Thomas Puhr - February 15th
About Us
Mission
Resurrection College Prep High School is a Catholic Christian community dedicated to the education of young women, and to the development of their God–given talents. Convinced of God’s unconditional love and nourished by the Risen Lord Jesus Christ, we are committed to the spiritual, ethical, intellectual, physical and social growth of our students.
Sponsorship
Resurrection College Prep High School is sponsored by the Sisters of the Resurrection, an order founded in Rome by Blessed Celine Borzecka and her daughter Mother Hedwig. Resurrection College Prep High School was established by the Sisters in 1922 and is built on the Sisters’ mission of transforming society by uplifting women through education and preparing them for leadership. Resurrection is focused on young women and their needs. The faculty and staff are fully committed to developing young women of faith who are educated, confident, articulate, dynamic, inspiring and service oriented leaders who will help build stronger families, communities, parishes and places of work.
Email: Resurrection@reshs.org
Website: www.reshs.org
Location: 7500 W Talcott Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
Phone: 773-775-6616
Facebook: www.facebook.com/reshs.chicago/
Twitter: @ResurrectionHS