PKM HIGHLIGHTS: July 27-31
Dear Bill, Darin, Todd, Michael & Pat:
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Funding – Operations & Technology (July 27)
Sr. Staff Plus Pandemic Meeting - (July 29)
· The members of the Senior Staff Pandemic team held their weekly meeting on July 29. The team shared plans for the re-entry of students and staff. The facilities and transportation department shared safety plans that include sanitation and cleaning. Technology is planning for a large deployment of devices to both students and staff. In addition, a discussion of two different options for internet capability for students in preparation for remote learning. CARES funding, the additional grant supplied by the federal government to aid school systems during the pandemic, has been used for technology, cleaning supplies and masks. The district will continue to offer four open feeding sites until August 31 with the anticipation of school beginning September 8. We are pleased to say that we are continuing to see an increase of students participating in this option. Several leaders within 3 different departments have been collaborating to write a competitive grant that is being offered from the WVDOE that is an additional federal grant that had been directed to the Governor. If awarded this additional grant we will be able to support additional technology, social emotional needs as well as academic supports for teachers and students.
Service and Professional Staff Weekly Conference Calls - (July 29)
Dr. Murphy hosted the weekly meeting of service and professional representatives Wednesday, July 29, 2020 that included: Jana Woofter, Jessica Salfia, Georgiana Lang, Mallory Painter, Debbie Sloat, Ricky Mason, and Mark Weisenburg along with the Human Resources team of Dr. Justin Schooley, Karen Hensell and Lewis Mullenax along with Facilities and Maintenance Executive Director, Scott Mathis.
Discussion Topics:
- BCS’ Student and Staff “Return to Learn” Plan
- BCS’ Staff and Family Survey Results
- Employees’ ADA requests and the interactive process
- Providing Q&A for re-entry plan
- Update on process/procedures to ensure safe return including PD offerings and supplies
Contact Dr. Schooley (jschoole@k12.wv.us or ext. 13267) with related questions.
State Superintendent Meeting (July 29)
On Wednesday, BCS Sr. Staff members attended the weekly state superintendent conference call with the following information provided.
- State Superintendent Clayton Burch addressed recent rumors of possible strike noting WVDE Re-entry plans have been ranked as one of the top in the nation and the state plan provides all or most of the unions expectations in regard to safety. Health data and information forthcoming by mid-August from DHHR infection levels will be used to determine the pandemic risks for each county and the Governor will use this for decision making to determine when and if a county should transition to remote learning.
- WVSSAC Bernie Dolin shared that now through August 17 phase 2 conditioning is allowed, no sports specific practicing. August 17 will be the start day for fall sport practices. Information is regularly updated and available on the WVSSAC website for all sports with guidelines and modifications.
- Michele Blatt shared a clarification of virtual and remote learning. Virtual Learning can occur in a variety of formats from school district designed, West Virginia Virtual, vendor provided and other platforms. Full remote learning is when no schools are open to students and can only be designated if the Governor closes the school or county based on the health metrics.
- Monroe, Jefferson and Pleasant County Superintendents shared examples of their Re-Entry Plans and responded to panel questions.
- WVDE is working with legislatures to provide anchor facilities across the state for statewide technology and access to include schools and libraries. By August, we will have over 1,000 access points and the plan is to have this communicated to the public.K-12 facilities will have secure access and K-12 addresses will have priority to these secure networks.
- Board President Hall shared final comments thank all members on the call for the positive approach and actions. He encouraged us to continue working together and let us know of his support for making a difference in the lives of the youth in West Virginia.
WRNR Talk Radio with Rob and Dave (July 31)
Friday morning I was invited to speak with Rob Mario and Dave Welch on WRNR. The conversation centered on the start of school and responding to questions from viewers that included staff member and parents. The main ideas that I conveyed in my responses included the need to continue to be flexible, listening to families and staff, and offering all classes at this point in Brick and Click pathways. I emphasized that we are managing multiple logistical and management issues on several fronts and we are going to continue to need patience, understanding and time to address all of these areas. Rob and Dave invited me back next week for and update and opportunity to get current information out to families, staff and community.
Strategic Plan Update (July 31)
Robyn Lopez, Betty Anne Powell and I met as we are in the process of finalizing the strategic plan goals. During each of departmental discussions, 3 major themes were threaded through the meetings – (1) setting SMART goals, (2) establishing baseline data for measuring goals now and in the future and (3) defining specific treatments (e.g., strategies) that effect change to attain the goal. The next steps will be for department leaders to begin to deploy and implement the treatments (e.g., strategies) and develop a schedule for consistently monitoring goals. The plan for monitoring will be on a nine-week cycle (quarterly basis) to meet with each of the departments for a status and progress check all part of our continuous progress improvement. The school board will be receiving a strategic plan update as a monitoring item later this fall and the final strategic plan will be included in an upcoming Friday Letter in August.
Thought for the Week - (TFTW)
Often we hear that we need more information and/or data to make a decision. I agree with the importance of data and/ or information to provide a rationale for a position and future action. There must be a basis for why a certain path is being taken. The data and/or information will not make the decision for you, it will only inform your decision. The perfect decision is not possible.
Early in my career, I was capitulating on taking an action and a mentor said to me, “what is the best decision you can make right now based on the information you have today?” And he added, “if you get new information, then you might need to adjust your decision and that is ok, it is responsible action”.
The action and decision you make is going to be guided by two key elements, the gray matter between your ears, and your heart to do the right thing. Keep those two elements as guiding lights to good sound decision making and be willing to adjust and explain why. Also, letting others know how you will act builds confidence in the decisions being made and the understanding around the why.
PKM Calendar for upcoming week: August 3-7
Mon.Aug. 3rd
Sr. Staff Mtg
Principals Mtg
Board Mtg
Tues., Aug. 4th
Routine Mtgs
Wed., Aug. 5th
Pandemic Mtg
State Sup. Mtg
Anti-Racism & Equity Forum
Thurs., Aug 6th
Advance Team
Summit on Race Matters
Fri., Aug. 7th
Routine Mtgs
Friday Letter
Summer Meal Program Continues
June 1: 15,670 (One location)
June 8: 16,930 (4 locations)
June 15: 19,620
June 22: 19,300
June 29: 22,260
July 6: 22,460
July 13: 24,180
July 20: 24,370
July 27: 24,910
MEALS PROVIDED SINCE MARCH 16, 2020 = 411,700
Please view the following attachments and Pat's Picks:
WVEA Tele-Town Hall Questions
Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs Qustions
UPDATED WV Schoool re-Entry Toolkit
We Rise Together Resolution
Patrick K. Murphy, Ed.D., Superintendent
Email: patrick.murphy@k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-582-0880
Twitter: @PKMSupt