PCSD Weekly Notifications

Christine Durst leaves a mark on every person and project she touches; she brings people together, pulls impossible undertakings out of thin air and into fruition, and makes you feel seen. For this and many tasks, undertakings, and kindnesses, we’d like to celebrate and congratulate our District’s Library Media Coordinator, Christine Durst, with the Provo Way Award. Read the full story on provo.edu website.

For: All Employees

A few reminders for the upcoming Thanksgiving Break:

• The District Office will be closed during the break, November 23rd-25th.
• If you are a 242 day contract employee, November 23rd is a contracted day for you. Please work with your supervisor to discuss your plan to work or approval to submit leave.

Energy Conservation:

• Turn off all electronics i.e., TVs, computers, sound systems, projectors, document cameras, DVD players, printers, copiers, etc.
• Set thermostats to 55 degrees or unoccupied if in a portable or office
• Close window blinds
• Remember to shut down all computer labs
• Do NOT shut off network switches or routers

We hope that you are able to enjoy some much deserved time off, doing the things that bring you joy!

For: All Employees

We will be hosting a URS Seminar for those employees who are planning to retire within 3 years on Monday, December 12, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Professional Development Center adjacent to the District Office. Learn more on the employee website.

For: Teachers & Admin

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm will be a edWebinar with Pam Allyn, Hiba Eid-Khoury, and Annabell Burrell. They will share fresh strategies for helping parents and caregivers of newcomers to be their very best as allies and partners in this journey of student achievement. Learn more on the employee website.

For: Principals

Please fill out the google form by December 2, 2022 for any surplus textbooks you need to have removed. If you have any questions, please contact Kerry Crockett (kerryc@provo.edu). Google Form

For: Admin and All Classified Employees

The self-appraisals (self-evaluations) have been uploaded to the ESP Evaluation Portal. All classified employees are required to complete a self-appraisal by December 1, 2022 and meet with their supervisors to review the self-appraisal and professional goals by December 15, 2022. The self-appraisals will take roughly 30 minutes to complete. Visit the employee website for details and links.

For: Elementary Teachers

Our next LETRS training is on January 17, 2023. Those in the district cohort doing Unit 3 do not need to do anything to register. If you are a classroom teacher doing unit 7 you will need to sign up. Learn more on the employee website.

For: Elementary Teachers & Principals

If you are interested in learning more about Lexia Core5 or Lexia PowerUp you can take advantage of asynchronous professional learning opportunities. Learn more on the employee website.

For: All

Hello from East Bay Post High. We are a post-secondary school for students with severe disabilities. We want to assemble “Keep Me Warm” kits and “Bags of Toilet Paper” to donate to Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry. To reach this goal we need your help in gathering the materials. Learn more on the employee website.

For: All Teachers

December 5-11 is Computer Science Education Week! Every student in Provo City School District should have experiences with computer science, and this is a perfect opportunity. Learn more on the employee website.

For: Secondary Math Teachers

Come learn more about how to use Nearpod in your secondary math lessons! We are forming a collaborative work group which will meet for four Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 in Room 36 of the District Office. Learn more on the employee website.

For: Math Teachers

UCTM will be in Provo this year! The conference is for all levels of math teachers and will be two days of learning and fun. It will be at the Utah Valley Convention Center on January 31 and February 1. The cost is $60 if registering now through December 1, and $85 after. Learn more on the employee website.

For: All Teachers

Are you pursuing a STEM, Math or Ed Tech endorsement? Did you know you can be reimbursed for tuition and course materials? The Utah Legislature has allocated funding to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) to use to incentivize educators across the state to achieve endorsements in the STEM subjects. Learn more on the employee website.

For: 4-7 Grade Teachers

The Ultimate Robot Competition challenges teams of students to create a robot from an Ultimate Robot Kit. Students are not meant to follow the plans exactly, but instead must modify (engineer) what they have to accomplish a task. Visit the employee website to learn more and sign up.

For: All Teachers

The primary goal of the Holiday Card Challenge is the collection and delivery of personalized, signed expressions of respect, caring, and gratitude to US Military. Learn more on the employee website.

For: Admin and Teachers

The Allison family, a local Native American family, delighted Amelia Earhart Elementary students with an educational and engaging assembly, sharing about Native American cultural traditions through dance, music, and storytelling. Learn how you can have presentations like these at your school on the employee website.

For: Elementary Teachers

With newer science standards, what shifts to instruction are expected? Explore how to implement the Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards into instruction at elementary science workshops. Learn more on the employee website.

For: All Employees

November 22, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. will be a webinar focusing on the importance of this history, what outcomes it can have for both Native & non-Native students, and the ways this issue can be improved in education systems. Learn more on the employee website.

For: All Teachers

Showcase your student's creations this year at the "This is Us" District Art and Film Festival Gala in March. This is a chance to really highlight those special creations you see pass through your classroom. We want to see those cute preschool pieces as well as the beautifully crafted high schooler art and everything in between. Learn more about this and the film portion on the employee website.

For: All

These are the things you need to remember for this month:

1. Walk the Wonders team challenge is ON! Track your steps weekly to get credit.
2. Healthy Habit Challenge – Listen First – November 14-20
3. November is the month of GRATITUDE. Take a few minutes each day to show gratitude to the many people around you. Co-workers, family, friends and many others who enrich and support our lives.

For: Elementary Teachers

The Utah Science Teaching Association and the USBE are collaborating to bring this science training to three locations in the state. This is a two-day professional development for elementary teachers with three strands: K-2, 3-4, 5-6. Learn more on the employee website.

For: All Employees

Instructure will once again be partnering with the Utah Jazz to recognize Utah teachers and all they are doing for our kids and communities. Learn how you can nominate your favorite teacher for this award on the employee website.

For: Everyone

Check out these new book titles just in time for this year's holiday season. Something for everyone, bringing smiles and sparkle home this December! Find the holiday book list on provo.edu.

For: All Employees

This month, we'd like to sing praise for our Social Workers, show you their day-to-day dealings, and direct readers toward their services before the holidays hit. Today's interview is with Mary Alisa, Dixon Middle School's Social Worker, sharing how her life led to social work and offering avenues for service. See the interview on Provo.edu.

For: Admin & Teachers

The District World Language and Elementary District Literacy Committees met in November. View their meeting summaries on the employee website.

For: All

The District Wellness Team put together nine reasons gratitude is good. Learn more on the employee website.

For: Secondary Teachers

In this month’s secondary ELA November Newsletter find information about Native American Heritage Month including teaching resources and literature recommendation, the annual NCTE convention in Anaheim this month and more. See the full ELA Newsletter.

For: All Employees

November Benefit Buzz is highlighting Your PCSD Leave Policy. If you would like additional information please review policy 5400. Learn more on the employee website.

For: All Teachers

The Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra has spent years promoting educational and community outreach within Utah County and across the state of Utah. On Saturday, March 4th at 7:30 pm, the orchestra reprises the “Aspiring Musicians Competition” concert. Find out how to get your students involved on the employee website.

For: New Employees

Did you know that Utah Risk Management offers liability protections to employees in the State of Utah? Refer to the document above if you have any additional questions. Read Utah Risk Management Document.

For: All

Nominate a coworker that you feel is exceptional at what they do. Give them the recognition they deserve. Provo Way Nomination Form.