Matt's Monday Memo
August 26, 2019
Good morning, Staff,
I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend. Our first full week together was undoubtedly both taxing and rewarding. Classrooms were in instructional mode throughout the building after Monday's CLT work. I was with Drs. Simpson, Denbow, and Wiley in classrooms on Thursday morning, mostly in math and English classes. We observed student work and voices in the room through activities that made students thinking visible--discussion, using technology to respond, visual representation of terms, mathematical reasoning, or performance work. Teachers followed the work with feedback on the needed next steps for learning in all settings. It was clear to see the intentional work being conducted and the expectations our staff has for themselves and each other.
The Statesmen will be in full swing with many of our athletic teams kicking off their seasons this coming week. If the opportunity presents itself, your students and colleagues would be grateful to have you attend an event.
Our Open House this week will provide a chance to share with our families your aspirations for your course and their students for the year. The window is not large but an important opportunity to share what we believe and value in our work--I am excited for our chance to do so on Wednesday. Friday's PD information will be shared out by Dr. Thompson, but I will share that we will start with a pancake breakfast, work in CLT settings, PD around performance assessment, and district work after lunch around safety and HR.
Thanks for a great week.
Regards,
Matt
Peek at the Week
- August 28: Open House, 6:30 p.m. (see Mickey's email for full agenda)
- August 30: No School; PD Day (see schedule below)
- September 2: Labor Day, No School
August 30 Professional Development Agenda
7:30-8:30--Start your day with Pancakes with the Principals--we'll begin serving at 7:30.
8:30-11:30--two 90-minute work sessions: A) CLT meetings (facilitators will send additional details out before Friday morning); B) PD and supported development of Performance Based Assessments within CLT groups
LOYO
12:30--Two 50-minute sessions: A) Active Shooter Training for ALL STAFF; B) WGSD HR Roadshow *SSD not required to be at HR info session
Specific details will come in a separate email on Thursday morning.
Did You Know?
- PD Viewing Room and PD Room: Reserved through Mickey Erb
- Auditorium and PV Commons/Cafeteria: Reserved through Johnetta Buchanan (any activity should be approved by Cliff Ice first)
- Library Conference Rooms/Library space: Reserved through librarians
- Computer Labs 319 and 320: Reserved individually through Outlook Room Calendar
- Shapleigh Conference Room: Reserved individually through Outlook Room Calendar
Reservations for any of the above after normal school hours must be reserved through an online facilities request on the district website.
Celebrations
- Special thanks to the Counseling Department for their Senior College Night meeting last Tuesday.
Reminders/Announcements
Reminder that Open House is this Wednesday. All teachers must be in their classrooms by 6:45 p. m. Please try to do your best to assist custodians by cleaning up your classroom to prepare for our parents. The custodians will be coming around for a detailed cleaning prior to Tuesday.
We hope you will take the opportunity to follow our fall sports at www.statesmensports.com for the latest athletic scores and events.
The WGSD Foundation will be available for a Q & A session regarding the entire grant application process on September 4 from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm at the Service Center. This is a great opportunity for teachers to talk to the Grant Committee about any ideas they have, provide feedback, offer suggestions, or brainstorm ideas.
In addition, as a reminder, Preliminary Grant Applications are due on October 7. All information regarding the Grant Application process can be found on our website at www.wgsdfoundation.org.
- Under NO circumstances is the postage machine in the main office allowed for personal use. The machine is for district mail only. We will be happy to mail your personal items, provided they already have postage.
- Teachers, please remember that all hall passes must be some form of paper. Do not use any large objects, wood, or anything that could be used in a negative way.
I am asking the staff and students do not use the elevator unless needed.
Just a reminder about showing videos in the classroom: Teachers should not play R-rated films in the classroom. If you feel that an R-rated film has strong educational content that is essential to your lesson plan, then you may discuss the issue with the AP assigned to your department. If your AP agrees that you can show the movie, parents must be notified of the name of the movie, why it is rated “R,” your reasoning for showing the movie, and whether you will screen parts of the film. Also, if you show the film, students shall have the option of not viewing the video and having an alternative assignment. If you have any questions, contact one of the AP’s or me.
- Teachers with assigned parking spots: DO NOT block or park in another assigned spot if your parking place has been taken. We understand how frustrating it is to have your parking spot taken, but blocking cars in only adds to the problem. Please contact the Counseling Office if any parking concerns emerge.
Upcoming Professional Development
- August 30: Building PD Day