Principal Zeman's Notes
November 4, 2022
Thank You
Chromebooks
We have seen an increase in cracked chromebook screens this year. Please talk to your student about the following items regarding taking care of their chromebooks:
Make sure to take time closing the screen and check to see that there is not a pencil or cord in between the screen and the keyboard. This is the most common reason a screen breaks (it has happened to me with my charging cord to my laptop).
Keep chromebooks in the case. The case helps protect the chromebook from minor bumps and drops.
Keep heavy things like textbooks off chromebooks. The weight will have a negative impact on the chromebook and will often crack the screen.
Avoid eating or drinking near chromebooks as a spill can damage the device.
Enroll in the optional student device protection program here.
Students of the Week
End of First Quarter
A week from today will be the end of first quarter. Please continue to encourage your student to finish strong. Positive reinforcement and encouragement goes a long way. Continue to reinforce that students should do their best in all of their classes.
AVID
We are very pleased to continue on our path to educate, inspire, and empower students at VMS by expanding our AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program into our 6th grade. During the week of November 7, all 6th grade students will be informed of the opportunity to join AVID and given applications by the AVID Team here at VMS. The AVID program helps to prepare students for success in high school, college, and beyond. If you are interested in finding out more about AVID please visit the following link.
AVID applications are due November 18, 2022.
Individual Student Reports
The Individual Student Reports (ISRs) from the 2022 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) have arrived from the Minnesota Department of Education.
If your student took the MCA or MTAS test at VMS (or another in-district school) last spring and you did not pick up their ISR at conferences, we will be sending the remaining ISRs home with students on Monday, November 7. Please check with your student to ensure that they share this report with you.
CTE November Update
Tip of the Week
I have had the opportunity to attend the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) national conference on two occasions. They were outstanding conferences where I heard from the law enforcement community on how they are keeping schools safe. One of the highlights was learning from Jermaine Galloway, a 6’ 9” tall alcohol, tobacco and drug expert from Idaho. He goes by TallCopSaysStop on Twitter and Facebook. He is an awesome resource in terms of the latest trends with vaping, tobacco and drugs. I subscribe to his newsletter to stay up to date on the latest trends to keep our building free from drugs. I have attached his blog below and I would recommend reading about the vaping epidemic and Delta 8.
Upcoming Events
End of First Quarter - November 11
No School (Teacher Workshop Day) - November 14
First Day of Second Quarter - November 15
No School (Fall Break) - November 23-25