Transition Plus January 7
Welcome Back and Happy New Year!!!
A friendly reminder: If you have information that needs to go out to the whole staff, and it can wait until Monday, submit it to be included in the MMM. We are trying to cut down on all staff emails.
I hope each of you had a restful and relaxing break. I hope you were able to rejuvenate and fill your cup.Think of ways you were able to do this during break and see if you can capture even a small bit of this for yourself each week as we move into the new year.
In the spirit of SEL, rather than asking each other or students what they did during break, instead ask who they spent time with over break. This re-frames the question from activity to connection. This is a way to deepen our students' understanding of the value of connectedness.
If you have a Bitmoji of yourself, please email it to me so I can add you to our screen. This is a great way for students to guess who is up on the screen - check out these in the office and cafeteria. They are a fun way to connect and learn information about T Plus and what is going on.
- We are going to start honoring staff and students here too.
- If you see someone doing great things around the building please come to the front office and recognize them.
- There are forms to fill out by the door in the front office as you enter
- ------------ Pink is for staff
- ------------ Blue is for students
Let's have a great 2019!!!
New Staff
If you haven't met Grace yet - stop by Kathy's room and say hi.
Christopher is a new addition to the engagement team.
Boozhoo!
It’s that time again! Many Native American students in Minneapolis are doing great work in and out of the classroom. Students are involved in many extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural activities, performing arts and leadership in the community.
MPS Indian Education hosts an annual Native American Achievement Celebration for students High 5 through 12th grade to highlight their hard work and dedication to their education.
This year, we celebrate the achievements of our Native students on:
Wednesday, February 13th, 2019 5:30-7:30pm at South High School
As district staff and community partners, you work with our students and see their brilliance every day. We invite you to nominate any Native American student you believe should be recognized for their success this year.
Nominations can be made online HERE
Nominations are currently open and will be accepted until Monday January 28th, 2019.
Once you submit a nomination, you will be sent a personal invitation for your student and their family to attend the celebration. We ask that you present the invitation to them yourself, so that you can continue to build your relationship to the student.
If you have any questions, please contact Christine Wilson at Christine.Wilson@mpls.k12.mn.us or by phone at 612-668-0108.
MCIS
MCIS (Minnesota Career Interest System) training is scheduled for Monday, Jan 14 at 8:30 in Fredrick's room
We will have a presenter from Step Up here on Thursday, January 17 in Tom's room both 1st & 2nd hour. Please let Tom know if you will be sending a student to ensure we have adequate seating. Step Up provides paid summer internships for independent students who live in Mpls
Project Search
Do you have a student who wants to apply to be an intern with Project SEARCH at Children's Hospital or Hennepin Health next school year? Check their date of birth to confirm that they have at least a year of eligibility left and consider getting started on some items for the application packet.
Project SEARCH applications will be available in early February in T227- the work coordinator office. Meanwhile, you can help your student gather some of the needed items together.
Each candidate will need: a resume, 2 letters of recommendation, their high school transcript, their immunization record, a photo of themselves, a copy of their most recent eval, and a copy of their current IEP. All of the items must be submitted together.
Please come to T227 with any Project SEARCH questions.
SEL Work Groups
If you are interested in either of these opportunities and are a licensed staff member. Please let me know.
- The first group will be exploring SEL and Project Based Learning
- The second group will be expanding advisory activities from the work done this past summer- Ideally we would also like representation from Team 1 on here too.
TPlus Library
Anyone with suggestions should contact Jason.
Suggestions for materials can be added here.
We can make this year's celebration meaningful with some preparation. As a building, we can do anything from inviting families for coffee to preparing students to reflect on and share their thoughts and journeys to inviting people from the community to help celebrate.
Tell Colleen your ideas for how to make it meaningful for our students and our community and how you are willing to participate in making that happen.
It is time to start planning for 2nd Semester CBI Modules. Some module pairings from 1st semester can be repeated if needed/appropriate.
Each teacher shall facilitate 2 rounds per semester. If you didn't facilitate a module in round 3, you are a good candidate to facilitate in round 4.
February 1st will come upon us VERY quickly after the break so it would be a good idea to make a plan before break.
ESS Time Entry for December 24-January 4th -
The following days need to be entered as Holiday. You do not automatically get paid for Holiday.
12/24, 12/25, 12/31, 1/1
The remaining days should be Vacation if you have accrued it and want to use it, or no pay. You can either enter 0 or nothing at all.
Just a reminder--
- If you need to leave early, notify Jason if he is not available, let Daphne know. You also need to let Traci know so the office staff is aware of arrangements you have made. Sign out in the staff sign out book and punch out if you have a time card.
Everyone should sign in. There have been instances where staff intercepts a visitor before the office staff has a chance to ask the person to sign in. Please support us in ensuring that all visitors have signed in. This includes district staff who are visitors to our building.
- If you need to order materials or goods for an upcoming class or project, please let Traci know as far in advance as possible. The purchasing department has launched a new system and for now, it may take a bit longer than usual to get orders.
- Payroll should be entered by Friday payday. Traci starts approving on Monday morning and continues through Tuesday. If you enter or change anything on ESS after Tuesday at 4:00, you will need to let Traci know.
Please refer to the payroll schedule here
Student leaders have been busy planning and acting in service learning and as youth advocates for students and our building.
The Youth Participatory Evaluation (YPE) Team is researching student voice and lunch options. We’re participating in Service Leadership. Students will be acting as Student Ambassadors by providing tours of our new building.
Also, look out for donation boxes for Pennies for Patients which benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Finally, students will be leading a food drive which will benefit the food shelf at the Division of Indian Work. More details to come...
Textbook Replacement Funds
We have a limited amount of money to use for replacement books, literature, etc. Please think of books that are needed to reinforce your class library, curriculum room, etc.
Send your lists to Traci no later than January 21st.
Grand Opening
We will celebrate in the lobby from 10:30-11:30. Please feel free to bring your students down during this time to get a treat.
Be aware, there will be a number of people touring the building during this time.
Upcoming at TPlus
Monday --------
Tuesday ------- Licensed Staff Meeting ------------ 8:30-9:30-------Small Cafe
Wednesday---- Grand Opening ------------------------ 10:30-11:30--- Town Hall Entry Area
Thursday--------
Friday ------------ PSWE- Equity and Engagement--8:30-9:30------Engagement Room
**** Thursday, January 24th will be an all staff PD day - All staff are expected to be here this day instead of January 25th- (exceptions for those who are required to go to CPI or CPR- ideally I would like you to try to schedule this on a different day) Friday, January 25th will be the record keeping day for T Plus