Eagle Express
LHS Staff Newsletter--Year 18, Vol. 7, 10/8/2018
I Make a Difference
From Dwight Robinson
It didn't take very long for me to decide who I would pass this recognition to. Students often enter my classroom summarizing the class discussion they had in there Sociology or Psychology class. Sometimes the summation ends with the student saying, "Clark is crazy" but it is said with admiration and love. John Clark is passionate about the teaching profession and those he teaches. He is willing to assist in any capacity around LHS whether it is as a coach, mentor, committee member, or friend. It is with great pleasure that I pass the "I Make a Difference" recognition on to John Clark.
October 8 Info
Today is our first Virtual Learning Day! This is an exciting next step in the division's digital expansion plan. Teachers are reminded to submit their VL plans to their AP if they have not done so already. You are also reminded to be available for office hours at the time you advertised to students.
Today has also been set aside by the division as a professional learning day. Each department chair will be leading the professional learning activity in their departments. Your department chair will communicate the time and place for this PL.
A brief training for both PSAT and CWRA+ will be conducted in the library at 8:45 a.m. Please make plans to attend.
From 9:30-10:30 a.m., our Schoology Champions will be hosting a Schoology Genius Hour. This session is optional and is designed to help teachers break through the surface use of Schoology. Come to the LMC if you have questions about your Virtual Learning Day launch, about finding and grading student work in Schoology, or any other questions you've encountered as you've dipped your toes into our Learning Management System.
504 Accommodation Distribution will be taking place today in the Schola from 7:30 – 2:30. Please take a few minutes to come by and sign for your accommodations packet.
The admin team is sponsoring a pumpkin painting party from 11 a.m. to noon. If you and/or your department would like to participate, just bring in a pumpkin and come to the cafeteria. We will provide paint and bling for the pumpkins. We will be awarding first, second, and third place prizes!
OneLunch Duty Assignment Changes
OneLunch is in full swing and has been going extremely well. Our students have many choices of activities and clubs to attend, and we should see tutoring increase with the distribution of progress reports this week. Please be sure to remind students who may be struggling that you have office hours and make them aware of tutoring opportunities throughout the building. As our students have settled into a routine during OneLunch, we have found a need to reposition some duty stations. If you were notified Friday of a duty change via email, remember there to check the updated schedule here. We ask that all staff continue to be vigilant in your duty and making sure you have coverage if you cannot be on duty at your assigned time. Your presence is essential to the continued success of OneLunch.
Announcements & Reminders
Weekly Tech Tips: Realizing that we have had major technology integration changes this year with the release of Schoology, Krissy, Erik, and the Talon Tech Crew students have created a weekly Tech Tips slideshow. It will be updated weekly. Check it out here!
Progress Reports: Progress reports will be in 2A teacher mailbox for distribution on Tuesday, October 9th. We are only printing reports for students with a D or E. Remember, you may still print a detailed Progress Report from your gradebook and distribute or email home.
Classroom Countertops: Since last spring, Millie has received several requests from teachers to have the blue countertops in their classrooms removed. In order to save both Millie and our School Plant friends time, if you would like these countertops removed please fill out this Google form by Friday, October 12. This will be the final call for removal of these countertops.
Principles of American Citizenship: Don't forget to send your nomination for the October Principles of American Citizenship student. October's principle is DILIGENCE.
Senior Cap & Gown Assembly: The Josten's senior assembly will be held on Tuesday, October 16 at 11:10 in the Auditorium. An announcement will be made calling seniors to the auditorium on that day. At the conclusion of the assembly, seniors will be released to OneLunch.
Advisory Training: On Monday, October 22nd there will be a Mandatory Advisory Training meeting at 2:15. On this day, please bring your device and we will walk through how to load this year's remaining Advisory lessons into your Advisory Schoology Course. Schoology champions will be conducting these meetings in various locations around the building. More info coming in Eagle Express prior to the meeting.
VBEA Blended Learning Opportunity: VBEA received a grant to offer training on classroom management through the NEA. This is a blended learning class, offering both face to face instruction and online module work. It is a good course for teachers and teacher assistants as well. You can see more about this course here.
Heritage Week Speakers: Do you know someone who would be willing to be a speaker during our Heritage Week event this year? Our theme is "Leaving a Legacy" and we are looking for lots of speakers who can give presentations on the importance of legacy. If you know of someone who fits this bill, please send their names and contact information to Dave Siock or Kay Gramling.
'Gymnastics Coach Needed: If you or anyone you know might be interested in our gymnastics coach position, please see Dave Siock. Our wonderful gymnasts need you!
KUDOS
Kudos to Megan Wong for her superb motivational presentation at Friday's spirit assemblies. She inspired us to always seek greatness. Thanks, Megan!
Kudos and thanks to the staff members who came out Saturday night to chaperone the homecoming dance. They will be awarded DOUBLE comp time hours for their efforts.
Kudos and thanks to everyone for a very successful lockdown drill last week. We were able to effectively complete this important drill in record time!
Upcoming Events
October 8 - 12 is School Lunch Week
Monday, 10/8
Virtual Learning Day for Students
Professional Learning Day for Staff
National Speakers Series Event, Auditorium, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, 10/9 (A)
Progress Reports Issued
Volleyball vs Cox, 4:00
Field Hockey vs Salem @ RTC, 4:00
Competition Cheer @ Tallwood, 6:00
Chorus Concert, Auditorium, 7:00
Wednesday, 10/10 (B)
PSAT/CWRA+ Testing
XC @ Kellam, 3:30
Thursday,10/11 (A)
ILT, Library, 1:00
Field Hockey @ Kellam, 4:00
JV Football vs Bayside, 6:00
Friday, 10/12 (B)
Fire drill, 1:55
Field Hockey @. Norfolk Academy, 4:00
Football @ Kellam, 7:00
CWRA Testing
On Wednesday, October 10th, Landstown High School students enrolled in all English 12 (or English 11 4x4) courses will participate in the College and Work Readiness Assessment (CWRA+). Students’ performance on this mandatory test will provide our school and the school division with foundational data that will lead to improvements in instruction and learning in the areas of analytic reasoning, problem solving, and written communication. Additional information about the CWRA+ can be found at vbschools.com.
Wednesday, October 10th is also the day on which students in grades 9 – 11 will participate in the PSAT test administration.
Shadow a Student
As part of a division program with the School Retool folks at William & Mary, you may see some adults shadowing a student in our building over the next week or two. The program is designed to help the adults understand the school experience from a student's perspective. The adults are not conducting observations or evaluations . . . their purpose is to become a student for the day. Teachers should accept these adults into the classroom as they would any other student!
Eagle Care Corner
Commemorative Print Contest for Employees
It is time for Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) employees to enter their 2-D artwork for consideration to be the 2019 Commemorative Print. The Virginia Beach Education Foundation (VBEF) sells annual Commemorative Prints to raise money to fund innovative learning programs for which the VBEF awards to VBCPS teachers. Artwork submissions must be emailed in a high-resolution (300 dpi+) image by October 22 to Debbie.Griffey@vbschools.com and include:
- the title of the art work and a brief description of the piece (25 word maximum); and
- name of the artist. where they work in VBCPS and their title
Approved images will be posted online for public voting to select the winning 2019 Commemorative Print. Voting will take place Nov. 9 - Nov. 25 and the winning piece will be announced at the Teacher Grants Improve Futures Celebration November 29. The event, hosted by the Virginia Beach Education Foundation, will include recognition of teachers receiving 2019 Schoolwide and Innovative Learning Grants.
10/13 Jennifer Cholick, Counseling
10/14 Cynthia Enroughty, Special Education
10/14 Dawn Euman, Math
NEW TO THE NEST
Gabriella Atwood
Gabriella is the newest member of our clinic staff. She is from Destin, Florida, and attended Old Dominion University. She has two children--Adrian, 21, and Cristian, 15. Her hobbies include volunteering with our NJROTC unit and amateur radio.
Latisha Martinez
Latisha is our fabulous Welcome Center attendant. She is from Lexington, VA, and attended Old Dominion University. Latisha has two children--Roderic, 13, and Isa, 9. She enjoys doing DIY projects, baking, crafting, and Zumba.
Tim Wright
Tim is a familiar face at the Nest. He graduated from LHS and has come back again to teach in our marketing department. Tim attended Old Dominion University and he has three children ranging in age from 13 to 21! In his spare time, Tim enjoys reading.
Pink Out Shirts
JV Cheer has launched the 4th annual Landstown "Pink-Out" campaign at www.tinyurl.com/lhspink18 . Orders close October 11th. This year there are long-sleeve shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, and baseball tees, as well as a polo option (that can be worn for jeans days all year). The Pink-Out football game is on November 2nd and we hope to see you there!
**Staff will be permitted to wear these Pink-Out shirts to school on Friday, November 2!!
Heritage Week Display Boards
Heritage Week is set for November 11-17 and will be here before we know it! A new addition to our second annual Heritage Week this year will be the opportunity for clubs and groups to create a display board (think large stand-up bulletin board) to be displayed throughout the building during Heritage Week. It should showcase your group's legacy to LHS in keeping with our theme this year, "Leaving a Legacy". If you are interested in having your club/group participate, please reply on the following google form: https://goo.gl/forms/Pg6Aw7NA380RjXja2
Education Foundation Grants
For the 2018-2019 school year, $150,000 will be awarded to Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) in Virginia Beach Education Foundation grants. VBCPS staff members are encouraged to apply for these grants if they have ideas for innovative projects they wish to implement to engage students in hands-on learning activities not already funded by the school division.
The Innovative Learning Grant application is available on vbcps.com under Hot Topics and is due Oct. 12, by 4 p.m. Each approved grant awards up to $2,000 for innovative learning projects that benefit students.
Sister Cities Program
The third annual Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Event is scheduled for March 1, 2019 and applications are due November 16, 2018. It is quite an honor to be selected as a Youth Ambassador for the Sister Cities Association of Virginia Beach. Not only do recipients receive a scholarship, they also are recognized at many citywide and regional events. Students with a 3.0 GPA in grades 9-11 may apply. The application provides details including qualifications and criteria. Please encourage qualified LHS students to apply.
Commonwealth Armistice Art Contest
Students in grades K-12 are eligible to enter the 2018 Commonwealth Armistice Art Contest from now until mid-October. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, the Virginia WWI & WWII Commemoration Commission is hosting this statewide art contest for all public, private and homeschooled students in elementary, middle and high schools. Details and submission guidelines can be found here.
Armistice Day is the date the Allied forces signed a treaty with Germany to end the first World War. The Virginia WWI & WWII Commission want students to answer this question: How has World War I shaped Virginia and our world 100 years later? The winning artwork will be displayed at the Carillon WWI memorial at the state’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony on November 11 in Richmond.
Annual Mandatory Employee Training
Employees can complete the annual mandatory online training at a convenient time while working at their own pace. Some of the training courses have changed again this year and have been customized to meet the needs of particular departments and schools. Failure to comply fully with this training requirement may result in disciplinary action. All employees will be required to view each entire training module assigned to their job title. New employees will also be required to view the training modules from the previous year. Five license renewal points will be awarded to all eligible employees who complete the training before the deadline. A target completion date of February 15, 2019 has been established. Employee training modules required for ALL employees:
- Boundary Invasion
- Diversity Awareness: Staff to Staff
- Email and Messaging Safety
- Health Emergencies: Life Threatening Allergies
- Office Ergonomics
- Protection Against Malware
- Sexual Misconduct: Staff to Student
- Slips, Trips and Falls
- Workplace Bullying: Awareness and Prevention
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is October 1 through October 24 at 5 p.m. This is the annual opportunity for staff to review and make changes to benefits and covered dependents. It is required that staff elect or re-elect the following benefits through the BENEFITFOCUS platform during Open Enrollment to have coverage in 2019: health, dental, legal, identity theft protection, health savings account, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts. (Please note: any other benefit plans do not require re-election.)
Principal's Advisory Committee
The Principal's Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to address employee concerns as they relate to site conditions that negatively impact on high student achievement and high employee morale. The PAC is committed to resolving issues professionally and in a timely manner. The following staff members have been elected to serve on this year's PAC: Katie Bennett, Caroline Clark, Jae Clark, Terri Gayer, Woody Gehlert, Kay Gramling, Kathy Holbert, Suzette Johnson, Connie Martinez, Michael Robinson, Kelly Singer and Anne Marie Sprague. Use this form to submit concerns to the PAC.
Minutes from the September 26 meeting can be found here.
Our Guiding Questions
- How do students determine and engage with their learning targets?
- What is the evidence that students are exercising their voice and choice throughout the learning process?
- What evidence is there that the teacher has planned opportunities for students to choose from a variety of tools/structures during their learning?
- How are teachers using assessment tools as part of their assessment strategy?
- What evidence exists that supports student collaboration, exploration, and creation efforts?
Report Card Calendar (MP1)
Beginning Date--September 4
Progress Reports Issued--October 9
Ending Date--November 5
Report Cards Issued--November 14
Landstown High School
Email: cheryl.askew@vbschools.com
Website: http://www.landstownhs.vbschools.com/
Location: 2001 Concert Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Phone: 757-648-5500
Twitter: @LandstownEagles