The Weekly Roar
Notes from Nick Novak: Sunday April 10, 2016
Kudos...
...to all the coaches and members of the athletic staff who gave up so much of their Spring Break to practice and participate in games and tournaments. The road to championships is paved with sacrifices (I don't know if someone famous said that; I just thought it sounded cool. If I need to attribute it to someone, let me know.)
...to Demetrius Ball for hosting a successful Alpha Achievers event promoting dressing for success and public speaking skills. Alphas from around the county really benefited from the message they heard from HCPSS and community leaders.
...to Colette Lawrence who was selected by the class of 2016 as the Senior Teacher of the Year. The SGA surprised her with the announcement on Thursday and students shared a wonderful acrostic poem that explained what makes Mrs. Lawrence such a great teacher. Congrats once again!
...to Jennifer Ford, Lynnette Moore, and John Webster for putting on a great Mr. Howard High contest on Friday. The students did a nice job with their outfits, dance numbers, etc and Devin Meek came out the winner. Thanks as well to the judges: Karen Lorenz, Tyler Petrini, Dayna Spoto, and Tyler Wade.
FYI
1) AP teachers--please remind students in your classes that Mrs. Peters will be holding a mandatory pre-testing session on Wednesday 4/13 during Lionstime. Students who attend the ARL in the morning should report to the auditorium once they return to Howard.
2) Wednesday after school is the PARCC training in the cafeteria. It is mandatory for staff. If you cannot make it, please notify Gina or Brian to arrange a make up time. Thanks.
3) The sign up for graduation has gone out and we're hoping that everyone comes to Merriweather to help out and see the class of 2016 walk across the stage. It really does take a village to get these students through high school and graduation is that culminating celebration of success. Hope to see you there!
4) All MP 3 grades must be posted by close of business on Friday 4/15. Don't forget grades for your aides and comments for any student with a "D" or an "E." These comments are essential for communicating concerns about seniors in danger of failing and students you may be processing for denial of credit.
Staff Birthdays
4/9 Mike Williams
4/10 Jimmy Creighton
4/11 Julia Martinez
4/13 Jennifer McLeran
4/15 Nick Zaron
Instructional Tidbit
In the April issue of Educational Leadership, Dylan William, emeritus professor of educational assessment at University College, London shares his insights about how to provide feedback to students that will be beneficial in improving their performance. You can read the entire article here, but for now, check out these six key recommendations:
1) Keep purpose in mind
2) Give feedback they can use
3) Assign tasks that illuminate students' thinking
4) Make feedback into detective work
5) Build students' capacity for self-assessment
6) Create a trusting relationship for feedback
To Get Through the 4th MP, You Need a Pep Talk from Kid President
Mission
In partnership with families and the community, it is the mission of Howard High School to cultivate an environment of collaboration, empowerment, and engagement that exhibits world-class support for staff and inspires students to thrive in a dynamic world.
Email: nnovak@hcpss.org
Website: http://hohs.hcpss.org/
Phone: 410-313-2867
Twitter: @PrincipalNovak