Transition Plus
Celebrating Great Teaching!
Teacher Appreciation Week!
We are inching closer and closer to the end of the year. There are many things that will continue to take our time- graduation planning, final IEP meetings, transfer meetings, plus maintaining regular schedules. I recognize that we are always juggling many things as staff from work expectations to family to other responsibilities outside of work. Whenever people ask me what I do, I always share what an amazing staff I work with and the great things we do for our young adults.
One day or one week could never be enough to tell you how much I appreciate what you do for students everyday.
As a small token of appreciation, I will be providing lunch for all staff on Tuesday, May 9th- Teacher Appreciation Day! Coffee Plus will help me in the catering of this event. There will be gluten free, veg, and non-pork options. Lunch will look similar to what was served prior to winter break. If you have additional dietary restrictions please see Tia so we can make sure those are available for you.
We started the year out MPS Strong - Let's finish the year the same way!
Spring Time Stress- Group for Staff
The program will be:
* 5/10, 5/17 & 5/24 from 7:30-8am
-----You can come to one session or all three
* Run by Employee Assistance Program
-----Totally Free
-----Confidential
Mental Health Awareness- 13 Reasons Why
In recognition of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, and because we know spring can be a stressful time for our students, It’s important that we take time to check in as a community and be sure we all know how to access support when needed. Additionally, many students and parents have come to us with questions regarding the impact of social media on student well-being.
One common question was about the recently released Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why,” which is focused on a teen dying from suicide and revealing the reasons for her death through a series of tapes. You may have seen commentaries on the series in the press. It’s important for our community to be aware of films, social media, apps and other technology that may have an impact on our kids. It’s important to recognize this has been a concern in our city and want you to be aware. At the bottom of this memo, you will find links to important information on stress management, warning signs for teen’s mental health concerns and talking points about the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.”
Stress management:
Stress Management and Coping
American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry
Warning Signs:
Mental Health and Teens: Watch for Danger Signs
Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips for Parents & Educators
13 Reasons Why:
Thirteen Reasons Why Talking Points
For Parents: Thirteen Reasons Why
If you have questions about your students possible mental health concerns, please contact our school social worker, psychologist, counselor or nurse.
Job Fair
Great teamwork!
Project Based Learning - Training Opportunity
Here is a great video that she would like to share. Its an introduction to PBL, but from the student’s perspective.
Also – a VERY basic explanation
There will be training sessions in June and in August. Please let me know:
- If you're interested in the training opportunity
- When you'd like to attend
Drive Smart Now!
The CTIA Wireless Foundation holds an annual competition for teens to create short videos to convince peers not to drive while distracted.
See some of the videos and download other resources at the link. The deadline for the 2017 competition is in December 2017.
News & Opportunities from Upstream Arts
Upstream Arts is thrilled to again offer our Art of Instruction - Arts-Based Strategies and UDL ProPay course, starting in June. Check out page 18 in the attached ProPay course catalogue for more information. We would love to create with you this summer!
JOIN US!! Upstream Arts is hosting The Art of We: Are Family, our 4th Annual Community Celebration and Fundraiser on May 18 from 6-9pm at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis! FREE, family friendly, and fully accessible. Click here to learn more and RSVP.
Lastly -- We are honoring our teaching artists at our May fundraiser, and would welcome any stories you want to share about their work with you and your students. Feel free to email me your thoughts, which we will include on the artist thank you wall, on display at our May 18th event. Any personalized notes your students create or have created and shared with artists will also be included on this wall.
All best and happy May!