Matt's Monday Memo
December 2, 2019
Good morning, Staff,
Hey all,
Those of us affiliated with the rhythms of a high school, particularly Webster Groves High School, realized at Thanksgiving that we had entered a time when the calendar year and school year had merged on a path toward a significant stopping point. The calendar year, as always, began with a clearly defined head start, but I marvel at how the new school year accelerated so quickly. We are all connected to a final, frenzied march when things significant and meaningful conclude or at a minimum, take a break.
Before we get too far down the road on that work, I want to express my gratitude for two tenets of our amazing community.
Thank you for your resolute focus as we made our way through an unprecedented fall of discourse and disruption. The work in PLCs is taxing, to be sure, but powerful in its impact on teaching and learning. Thank you for the gifts and abilities you possess to work in learning teams and to create micro-communities where there is sufficient space for each of us to grow and learn.
Thank you for your attention to each other. This is a complex place with pieces and people that move differently in any given moment. The way you attend to each day and all who constitute our community is anchored by a deep care and concern for the other person.
Best,
Matt
Retirement Q&A
December 4
Room 194
11:00-11:30
12:00-12:30
3:00-4:00
Peek at the Week
- December 2: EOC Week Begins. See schedule below.
- December 3: Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m., Auditorium
- December 5: Holiday Band Concert, 7 p.m., Auditorium
- December 6: A Capella Concert, 7 p.m., Auditorium
- December 7: Robotics Meet, 8 a.m.
Celebrations
- Thanks to Jessica Haskins for coordinating the Staff Shout-Out. Please take a moment to give a shout-out to your fellow colleagues.
Revised Delayed Start due to Inclement Weather
Webster Groves High School
Staff Arrival Time: 8:55 a.m.
School Start Time: 9:25 a.m.
Did You Know?
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.
For students who are engaged in MSHSAA sponsored athletics or activities, a grade of incomplete may have a negative impact on their eligibility. If there is a way to avoid giving a student an incomplete, please do so. For example, if a student is missing a major assignment or will miss a final but still has a passing grade without it, then give him/her the passing grade. If/when they make up the assignment or final, we can submit a grade change to improve their grade.
Reminders/Announcements
Teachers, please continue to keep up with SIS Gradebook and homework.
Our next PD Day is December 12. Angela Thompson will send details.
- Don’t forget to check www.statesmensports.com for all athletic updates and scores. Winter sports begin this week.
Upcoming Professional Development
- December 12: PD Discussion