Matt's Monday Memo
December 3, 2018
Good morning all.
This is a big week for our school community with wrap-up semester/prep for finals work as well as multiple concerts and games. Please be mindful of your own wellness and focus on what is essential to you and your students. This weekend my daughter had her first basketball game and marks the first year that I have not coached high school or youth sports in 25 years. I reflect on how that might have been a better experience for me and more importantly, the students I worked with at all levels.
While acknowledging I am now a step removed from being directly responsible for leading student performance, I suggest giving yourself some grace when they have adolescent missteps. I hope you will address those moments to reflect, teach, and build, not to become frustrated. Young people note and learn our responses and what they say about our beliefs in learning and them.
We are very grateful for what you do and cannot wait to see the work reflected.
Best,
Matt
Peek at the Week
- All this week: Individual Department Chair meetings
- December 4: Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m., Auditorium
- December 6: Holiday Band Concert, 7 p.m., Auditorium
- December 7: A Capella Concert, 7 p.m., Auditorium
- December 11: PD Discussion
- December 11: WG Holiday Choir Concert, 7 p.m., Auditorium
- December 12: Winter One-Acts, 7 p.m., Black Box Theatre
Celebrations
Congratulations to Kara Siebe and the marketing students for the 8th annual Mr. Webster pageant. Ray McIntyre was crowned Mr. Webster (Sam Getz was runner-up). Contestants performed in front of a packed house.
Thanks to Jessica Haskins for coordinating the Staff Shout-Out. Please take a moment to give a shout-out to your fellow colleagues.
Reminders/Announcements
Teachers, please continue to keep up with SIS Gradebook and homework.
Our next PD Day is December 11. Angela Thompson will send details.
Teachers, remember that final exams begin soon. All teachers must give a final exam. Please see a school calendar for the exam schedule. The purpose of final exams is to evaluate a student’s progress for the semester. The exam shall count for 10-20% of the final course grade, with the exact percentage determined by the department chair. Each teacher must provide to the department chair a copy of his/her final exam. Also, please note that students may not take exams early unless approved by the Assistant Principal. In most cases, we are going to require that the student receive an “I” and make-up the exam at the beginning of second semester. If, for some reason, you are giving an exam other than the time scheduled, you must have approval from the administrator who oversees your department.
Don’t forget to check www.statesmensports.com for all athletic updates and scores. Winter sports begin this week.
Upcoming Professional Development
- December 11: PD Discussion