The Navigator
October 4, 2020
A note from Jen
Sailors,
Welcome to October! As I look outside, I can see the leaves starting to turn, the weather is cooler and wetter, and I'm personally enjoying football on the television this morning, as well.
This past week, we had two great opportunities to highlight our school and community. First, on Thursday, our PTA held its annual Ice Cream Social, but with a twist. They followed our parade route from last June and we drove through neighborhoods, PTA stopped to hand out ice cream, and I loved honking and waving to so many of our students and families. This helped fill my bucket; I miss our students so much!! Second, this past Friday, Melissa and I had the opportunity to share our building launch with Dr. Reid, Michael Tolley, and Chris Bigelow. Within this time, I shared some of our assessment results and highlighted our building goals, which focuses on those students not meeting standard. If you care to view the presentation I shared, feel free to click this link to view our Fall SAP presentation. We have a lot to celebrate at Cottage Lake!
This week, there has been an iReady training scheduled by the district. This will occur on Wednesday afternoon. I've provided the Course number for you to register for this in Performance Matters. This training is for those staff who use iReady in their classroom. If you cannot attend, the district did share there would be an asynchronous opportunity for you to participate in the training, as well. Please don't forget to register!
There is a lot of important information below for you, so please do read the information carefully. You will find information around evaluations and check-in meetings, Flu vaccine opportunity THIS WEEK, Nature Vision, Highly Capable nominations, and book circulations begin this week. There is a lot going on, so please do read the information below.
Thank you for the care you lead with each day for our students. We have had great attendance and participation thus far in our remote learning, and that is reflective of the lessons you are planning and the environment you have created in your virtual classrooms. Thank you!
I believe we are going to have a great week ahead! If there is anything I can do to brainstorm with you or support you, please reach out. Additionally, feel free to schedule a time with me on my calendar using the steps I listed below in the observation section. I've added a link to my signature to schedule time on my calendar. :)
I believe in us. I believe in you!
With appreciation,
~ Jen
Upcoming Events
- WEEK A for Library
- Evaluation Team (ET) Meeting
- .....8:00 AM - LK (DeVlieg/Stookey)
- Jen check-in & goal setting w/ Michael Tolley, 9:00-10:00 AM
TUESDAY, 10/6:
- Evaluation Team (ET) feedback
- .....8:00 AM - LG (Rendahl)
- Jen weekly check-in with Sarah & Teri, 9:00-9:30 AM
- Jen meeting w/ Melissa Riley regarding Equity work, 2:10-2:50 PM
- Jen and Melissa W weekly meeting, 3:00-3:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, 10/7:
- SDLT Meeting, 8:00-8:45 AM
- Early Release Wednesday - School concludes @ 2:00 PM
- i-Ready staff training, 2:15-3:45 PM (See section below for registration and training information!)
- Individually-directed time, 2:15-3:45 PM
- Evaluation Team (ET) feedback Meeting
- ..... 2:30 PM - ML (Stief)
THURSDAY, 10/8:
- Evaluation Team (ET) Meeting
- ..... 8:00 AM - SC (2nd grade)
- Jen in IEP @ 3:45 PM
FRIDAY, 10/9:
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FUTURE EVENTS:
- October 12 - Evaluation Team (ET) Feedback Meeting
- ..... 8:00 AM - PP (2nd grade-Current WE student)
- October 13 - Jen weekly meeting w/ Sarah & Teri, 8:00-8:30 AM
- October 13 - Jen and Melissa W weekly meeting, 3:00-3:30 PM
- October 13 - Tentative Evaluation Team (ET) Feedback meeting
- ..... 3:30 PM - NS (1st grade-Klinich-Current RB student)
- October 14 - Staff Meeting, 8:00-8:45 AM
- October 14 - Evaluation Team (ET) Feedback Meeting
- ..... 1:00 PM - MD (Klinich)
- October 14 - Early Release Wednesday - School concludes @ 2:00 PM
- October 14 - Individually directed time, 2:15-3:45 PM
- October 15 - Jen check-in w/ Michael Tolley, 2:00-2:45 PM
- October 19 - Evaluation Team (ET) Meeting
- ..... 8:00 AM - LB (Morrision)
- ..... 8:50 AM - EJ (Hakamada)
- October 19 - Jen and Melissa attend East Region meeting, 2:30-4:30 PM
- October 20 - Jen weekly meeting w/ Sarah & Teri, 8:00-8:30 AM
- October 20 - Jen check-in w/ Michael Tolley, 11:15-12:00 PM
- October 20 - Jen and Melissa W weekly meeting, 3:00-3:30 PM
- October 21 - Collaboration/Job-a-like Meetings, 8:00-8:45 AM
- October 22 - Evaluation Team (ET) Meeting
- ..... 8:00 AM - AT (Ninmol)
Flu Vaccine
WHY IS THE FLU VACCINE SO IMPORTANT THIS YEAR?
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever. CDC has worked with vaccine manufacturers to have extra flu vaccine available this flu season. Manufacturers have already begun distributing flu vaccine and will continue to distribute vaccine throughout the season. CDC recommends getting a flu vaccination in September or October but getting vaccinated anytime during the flu season can help protect you.
- Make sure you bring your ID and insurance card.
- When you go to the site to sign up for your time slot and register yourself, you will prompted to list up to 3 more family members you’ll be bringing with you; a maximum of 4 people per car.
- Please note that only people in your immediate household may get flu shots in the drive though clinic.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Nurse Audrey
425.408.4206
October 7 i-Ready Training from 2:00-3:30 PM
In September, we learned how to administer iReady assessments virtually. Now that we have assessment data, it's time to learn how to use it! On October 7, iReady trainers will provide training to our elementary and middle schools about how to use iReady data to inform our instruction. Middle schools will have the opportunity to work with trainers from 1:35-3:05, and elementary schools will have the opportunity to work with trainers from 2:00-3:30. Our training will be held 2:15-3:45 PM.
These trainings are optional. If you do attend, here's how the time on 10/7 will benefit you:
- You'll learn about iReady's newest data analysis features;
- You'll understand how to analyze your data using iReady's tools;
- You'll have time to walk through your student data with your team;
- You'll learn about the ways to use the data to make choices about iReady instructional modules for students;
Learning about iReady's features will also help the plans you're developing for students' asynchronous learning. In fact, it may mean you spend less time creating asynchronous activities because you'll feel more comfortable using iReady's instructional modules to support students' asynchronous learning time.
A Zoom link will be provided prior to the training. All staff who use iReady with students are encouraged to attend. In the event they are unable, an alternative asynchronous training will be made available.
If you plan to attend the training, please register for Course 34345 in Performance Matters BEFORE October 7. This course is specific to Cottage Lake's training. We cannot add participants to the course after the training has started, so please ensure you registered for Course 34345 in Performance Matters.
Just a few reminders for the training:
- Teachers will need access to a laptop/computer so they can view their i-Ready data
- Teachers need their i-Ready Teacher Success Guides(or Digital version https://i-readycentral.com/pdfs/i-ready-success-guide-for-teachers/ )
- and teachers need their i-Ready login.
I'm looking forward to this training with you on Wednesday afternoon!
Staff Evaluations during 2020-2021 school year
2020-21 Evaluation Process & Observations: Information about the adjustments that have been made to the evaluation process and to how we will engage in observations can be found using the following links:
NSD Evaluation Information and Resources for Teachers (a Google folder)
09-29-2020 Recording of the Evaluation & Observations Training Session
WHO DOES JEN EVALUATE?:
This year, I will be evaluating all certificated staff, including ESA's, and all classified staff. If you are shared with another building, I will talk with those admin to determine who will write the formal write-ups.
CHECK-IN MEETINGS:
At this time in a "normal" year, we would be talking about goal-setting and holding those conferences. One of the changes that has been made this year is we will be engaging in goal-setting beginning in January. What does remain the same is a meeting with each certificated staff member between now and November 13. This is a check-in meeting. I want to listen and learn how remote learning is going for you and learn how I can best support you.
To streamline the scheduling of these 30-minute meetings, I have added a scheduling link to the bottom of my emails. Here is information on how to schedule the meetings:
- Visit this link: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/JenniferWelchPrincipal@nsd.org/bookings/
- Click on the 30-Minute meeting option
- Select a date on the calendar
- Select the time that works best for you (and when I'm available, as well)
- Enter your name and any additional information you want to add.
- A confirmation email will be sent to you. This email will include the Zoom link to my Bookings meeting room.
OBSERVATIONS:
Observations will continue this year, but the criteria will be different. (Please review #5 of the links above.) It is my plan to start observations soon, as I've done in previous years, as well. Each certificated staff member will require two observations, lasting a minimum of 30 minutes, each. I will be asking SDLT on Wednesday if providing a calendar of observations (scheduling each certificated staff member to a given week...you decide the day and time) is helpful to you all? Please provide your SDLT colleague with your thoughts so I can move forward with scheduling and calendaring these observations.
If you have questions about anything that has to do with evaluations, please ask! I will continue to make this a low-stress experience and I look forward to highlighting all the great work you are doing with students!
ALL TEACHERS NEED TO SET UP eVAL @ COTTAGE LAKE:
***IMPORTANT*** eVAL Access - Annual Reminder: Teachers in Northshore are required to have access to eVAL so that their principals can document observations, and so that teachers can see their observation and year-end summary reports. Teachers will not have functional use of eVAL until they are assigned an evaluator and evaluation cycle. Please review the information in the Northshore Learns 3.0 Announcements & Updates document for details.
Highly Capable testing
Below is information that has been shared with me regarding the Highly Capable process for this year. Please read through it and let me know questions you may have.
On Friday, September 18, the highly capable department sent out a robocall to remind families about the need to refer students for highly capable testing if they are not in grades K, 1, or 5 if they wish to participate in highly capable testing this year. The referral window closes Friday, October 16th. This means that if a family would like their student to be tested this year and their student is in grades 2, 3, 4, 6, or 7, then they must complete a referral to test form online. The robocall went out to families in grades 1-7.
- Families in grades 1 and 5 were included in this robocall because they need to give permission for their students to assess if they score above the threshold (85%) on the universal screener. To make it easier on families we ask for referral and permission at the same time.
- Kindergarten families will be universally screened and not assessed, thus, they do not need to refer their student or give permission.
- Robocall email text below.
Testing update: The Highly Capable office met with Pearson who provides us with the NNAT3 (Naglieri) on Friday, September 18, to determine how to support the Naglieri online. Our hope is to universally screen (NNAT3) and test (IOWA) grade 5, along with those students in grade 6 and 7 who are referred, and those who are new to Northshore, close to the timeline we used last year. We would like to complete both screening and testing prior to December 21, the start of winter break. The assessment calendar provided by the Curriculum and Assessment Department will provide a timeline we will use for grades 5-7.
Grades 1-4 will need to follow a very different timeline. We need to be able to test these grades in person to some degree. We are not comfortable with online testing at these grades. We must, therefore, wait until we are in a different stage before we can roll out a screening and testing plan for our younger students.
Kindergarten students are part of the creation of a “watch list” for holistic services. WaKIDS has been a part of this screening for some time. We will continue to use WaKIDS as one of the screening tools for the “watch list” for holistic services. We will wait to see if COVID stages allow us to safely screen kindergarten students this school year.
Ultimately, if you have parents asking questions that you do not feel equipped to answer, please refer them to our website www.nsd.org/hicap or to our email at hicap@nsd.org.
Email Text that was sent to families on September 18:
This is a message from the Northshore Highly Capable Department.
We are sending this email to remind you that we are currently accepting referrals for highly capable testing for the 2020-2021 school year. Eligibility would begin in the 2021-2022 school year. Our referral window closes Friday, October 16th. We intend to universally screen grades K, 1, and 5. If your child qualifies for testing after they are universally screened, we will need your permission to test for highly capable services. Below is a link to our website for testing and referral information.
If your student is currently single qualified (ie: reading OR math only), we need your permission to test them in the second content area. If your student is NOT currently qualified in either content area, we need your permission to screen AND test (grades 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7).
If you are a dual qualified student, you do NOT need to refer your student. You are already qualified. You also do NOT need to complete the permission to participate form if you have already done so for this calendar year.
OPTIONAL Professional Development calendar for staff
Library book circulation begins THIS THURSDAY!!
Suzanne has been working so hard with the district to launch our circulation of books for students. You can see below the message I am also sharing with families today. Students will need to submit an online request and Suzanne will then select books for students. Students can look right in our catalog to select specific books, select a genre, etc.
If you would be willing and able to help Suzanne pick books students are interested in, please be in contact with Suzanne. For the first round of books, Suzanne has already checked-out books to students and they have been ready for a few weeks. Those are the books that will be delivered next week to students. After that date, there will be more student choice.
Thank you, Suzanne, for advocating and helping create this circulation plan. I am super excited for students to have access to books! Please share this addition with your students.
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Cottage Lake Library - NS Learns 3.0 - Book Circulation - Begins October 8
Mrs. Sterling is so excited to begin checking out books for you to enjoy at home!
Our Bus Driver heroes and school assistants are helping with this project, too.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO READ THROUGH:
Thursdays are the Book Bus and Pick Up day for Cottage Lake Sailors.
Everyone gets a stack of books on Thursday, October 8. Your Bus Driver and a special guest from school will be on board to give you a surprise pack of 5 books! These library books are checked out to students and will need to be returned.
How will we know where to find you?
Please complete THIS GOOGLE FORM and choose the Bus Stop where you will pick up your books or your choice of picking them up at school.
The choices of bus stops and times are below. These may not be your individual regular stops. Students who usually walk or drive are encouraged to choose a bus stop below.
After you complete THIS GOOGLE FORM, we will back books in boxes according to which bus stop you have indicated you will use.
PICK-UP LOCATION CHOICES:
NE 168th ST @ 191st Ave NE (Beachclub) @ 11:05 AM
NE 146th Way @ 184th PL NE (Brook Trails) @ 11:35 AM
172nd PL NE @ 181st PL NE (Canterwood) @ 12:05 PM
185th AVE NE @ NE 179th ST (Blueberry Farm) @ 12:40 PM
School Curbside (for students who are not on a bus route) from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
After October 8 -
Students will alternate check out weeks. If your student has a live session, their circulation will be the following week.
Week of October 12 - Check-out for 1st, 3rd, and Ms. Roberts’ class
Week of October 19 - Check-out for Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, 5th, Klinich, and Hakamada
The weeks continue to rotate from here.
You will fill out a Book Request for every check out so that Mrs. Sterling will know your choices and get to know you better as a reader.
Book request forms are due on the Friday night before your library book delivery week.
Books are due two weeks from the day of delivery. Return books to the bus stop when you go to gather your new ones.
Mrs. Sterling would love to answer any questions you may have. ssterling@nsd.org
Nature Vision
This is another check-in to gather who is interested in participating in Nature Vision this year? We have only heard back from 2 grade levels/teachers, so wanted to check again. Please respond to the link below by Wednesday, October 7 @ 3:00 PM. Thank you!
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Nature Vision has reached out to PTA about the programs they’re offering during this time of remote learning. In the past, a Nature Vision rep has come into your classrooms and presented lessons on the topics you have selected for your class and grade level. It will look a little different this year. PTA is asking if this is something classroom teachers are interested in continuing this school year? Rachel Tarr, PTA Co-President, shared, "if teachers have questions on how it will work, Nature Vision is happy to set up a zoom call to provide additional details."
Below is information from Nature Vision regarding the plan for this year.
Each program utilizes videos they are filming, alongside accompanying activities written for teachers and is approx. 1 hour. These activities require few or no materials, so teachers can gather from common objects, or they may print a few items. Each class may also participate in a 10-15 minute video call Q&A session with an educator to follow their program if desired. Topics would be the same per grade and there would be about 3.
Remote topics available include:
- Watershed Ecosystems Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8
- Salmon Cycle K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
- Water Cycles Round/Terrariums K-2, 3-5
- “Toadally” Amphibians K-2, 3-5
- Water Conservation K-2, 3-5, 6-8
- Water Supply K-2, 3-5, 6-8
- Natural Filters K-2, 3-5
Nature Vision is requesting a commitment by Oct. 26th.
Classroom teachers, please complete THIS NATURE VISION SURVEY by October 4 to share if you are interested in including this program into your instruction schedule.
•• Repeat of Important Information ••
UPDATED....i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment
UPDATED INFORMATION:
This is a reminder that the assessment window closes October 9 for fall diagnostic Reading and Math assessment. Thank you all for working so very hard to support your students finishing the assessment! As of Friday afternoon, we had 12 students who need to complete the Reading and a few more to complete the math. Thank you!
2020-21 Year-long Planning Calendar
Library designation of weeks
As you read the specialist schedule, Suzanne will have a rotation of weeks for her schedule. This will allow her to also process book circulation for students. She has already started some book check-outs, as she has prepped books to go home with each Kindergarten student!
As you prepare your classroom schedules beyond our Community Building weeks, below is the week designations for your library schedule.
- Week A is: 1st, 3rd, & Roberts
- Week B is: Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, 5th, Klinich, & Hakamada
Here are the next 6 weeks. 🙂
- A - week of 10/5
- B - Week of 10/12
- A - Week of 10/19
- B - Week of 10/26
- A - Week of 11/2
- B - Week of 11/9
Jen Welch, Principal
Email: jwelch@nsd.org
Website: https://cottagelake.nsd.org/
Location: 15940 Avondale Road Northeast, Woodinville, WA, USA
Phone: (206) 218-6659