In the Middle Newsletter
May 18-22
Principal Ponderings: Solitude and Silence
The above is an excerpt from Lead Yourself First. Right now it seems that the thing that is most important may be the hardest to get. In our busy world, and even more so now being "stuck" in our homes that may be more densely populated, a break from the noise is important for us to reflect, think, and move forward with greater clarity. It's Science really. Our prefrontal cortex is largely responsible for our complex decision making and social behavior. If it doesn't have an opportunity to process information, we and those around us, may suffer the negative consequences.
For me personally, I have tried to take steps to exit from the noise, yet, I'm good for at least one time per week of that prefrontal cortex being compromised. Whether it's reading, taking a run, sitting outside in a chair in the sun (when it's present), it's important to step away so that when we step back in we can be our best selves.
How are you getting solitude and silence during your day?
Student Check Ins: Update, May 11
Please, review the criteria for VC and NC.
Attendance/Contact Recordings
PowerSchool
Once per week on Fridays
VC - Virtual Contact opportunities
Assignment turned in
Email returned
Joined Zoom/Google Hangout
Phone call
US Mail
Other Student-initiated contact (parent communication does not count)
NC - No Contact
Nothing turned in
No other contact
Your reporting attendance in PowerSchool is your reporting to your building administrator. There is no additional communication needed beyond Friday attendance.
What is "good faith"? Update: May 15
As we inch closer to the end of the school year, it is important to take an inventory of where our students are in regards to earning a Pass or an Incomplete. Similar to if we were in the building, if a student was in danger of failing, steps in communication must be taken to notify students and families in advance. If we have students who are in danger of receiving an Incomplete for Q4, call and/or email families to inquire and let them know that it isn't too late to put forth a "good faith effort" at completing the assignment in order to earn a Pass.
Previous info
In our COL plan, the district has defined a “good faith effort” as an attempt to complete assigned work as accurately as possible given the availability of little or no direct instruction, as this is a new and unprecedented set of circumstances.With that being said, you know your students better than anyone. If one of your highly capable students turns in work that is far below their level of performance that they have displayed throughout the year, feel free to provide them feedback and have them redo it.
On the flip side, if a student who struggles academically turns in work that has been consistent with their work during the year, but may be below grade-level expectations, that is a "good faith" effort.
If a student completes the assignment, the work is done at grade level, but maybe didn't meet the directives of how you wanted it done. Note it in PowerSchool, give the student feedback in terms of what they need to do, and allow them to redo the assignment.
IEPs
Upcoming Dates and Events
5/21
- Department Meetings: wrapping up the year, materials that need to be returned from students, window for students to earn a Pass
6/1
- Staff Meeting, 1:00pm: EOY items
Stephanie Stephens, May 20
Resources Worth Sharing
A powerful image of some of the feelings we're experiencing during this time.