The Reds Tale
January 26, 2017
Newark High School
Email: thomas.roote@newarkcsd.org
Website: http://newarkcsd.org/Domain/84
Location: 625 Peirson Avenue, Newark, NY, United States
Phone: 315-332-3240
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nhsreds
Twitter: @Newark_HS
From the Desk of Mr. Roote
I recently facilitated a discussion between a parent, student, counselor, and teacher regarding a students desire to drop his Spanish class. The student was given the floor early on in the meeting and he chose to present his concerns as a series of points regarding why to drop the class. The school based team countered his points. For example, when the student stated, "I don't need Spanish to graduate!" we stated, "That may be true since you have a fine art, but Spanish on your transcript will get the attention of a college admissions office." etc. etc.
At a point about ten minutes into the meeting the parent at the table saw clearly my position on her sons situation and realized that I would not support a drop from the class. Mom's affect darkened a touch and she stated, "Who needs Spanish anyway, it is such a waste of time." I will admit that at that moment my mind flashed to the movie A Few Good Men with me as Tom Cruise asking, "Did you order the code red?" and the parent as Jack Nicholson stating, "Your %$&amn right I did!". To her credit, the teacher to my right somehow managed to keep her composure and shared that her Spanish heritage and her belief that the mastery of a second language compel her to commit to supporting all kids quest to perform better in Spanish class.
As our counselors work with their students to program for next school year I ask you to do as the teacher at the conference did and act as a passionate ambassador for your courses. I would never stifle your desire to express the value of your course and to market it to your students/families. Three cheers to the teacher that did so in a contentious moment. I appreciate seeing you advocate on behalf of your programs and look forward to many opportunities to do so in the days ahead of us.
From the Desk of Mr. Wagner
“Find at least one thing that you like about every student you have”
One of the most powerful pieces of advice I ever received on my journey to becoming an educator was from my college professor at Cortland during our student teaching seminar. He said, “find at least one thing that you like about every student you have”. It sounds simple enough, but it has served a great purpose throughout my career. It allowed for me to make at least one meaningful connection between myself and every student. This is something I found I had to work hard at with some students that did not want to engage, had challenging and disruptive behaviors, or were attempting to fly under the radar by being as quiet as possible. I had to try to connect with them before or after class, talk to other staff members, learn about their interests at a parent conference, etc. The effort always paid off, though sometimes over a longer period of time. In addition to making connections, this advice also has an impact as I carry it with me throughout the entire school year. In thinking about working with some of our most disruptive students, I often see that the relationship between the teacher and student has been damaged due to multiple disciplinary issues. I can relate as it is frustrating if progress is not made by January. As we move into the second semester, I would ask that you take a moment and think about which students, if any, you have a strained relationship with. Then, think about one thing you like about that student and treat this as a fresh start to repair or create a positive relationship with that student.
Mash Up
REPRINT: Effective Monday, January 30 most of the furniture in the freshman foyer will be relocated. Our current group is struggling with the freedom this space offers and as a result they will be relocated to the rear of the cafeteria.
From Ms. Kyra Sprngett, "The signature sheets for the Regents are now in the main office (on the table in front of Mr. Roote's office). If you proctored a regents or scored a regents you will need to sign this sheet. Please pay attention to which one you are signing. Proctor sheet (white) will ask: Exam(s) Proctored and Exam(s) Room. Scoring Sheet (green) will ask: Exam(s) scored."
Friday, February 3 Merry Go Round Theater assembly schedule (no change to morning routine):
- Lunch 5 10:44-11:14 AM (PM BOCES kids to stay in cafe partway into lunch 7)
- Period 6/7 11:18-11:48 AM
- Period 8/9 11:52-12:22 PM
- Period 5/6 10:44-11:14:00 AM
- Lunch 7 11:18-11:48 AM
- Period 8/9 11:52-12:22 PM (AM BOCES kids arrive late)
- Period 5/6 10:44-11:14 AM
- Period 7/8 11:18-11:48 AM
- Lunch 9 11:52-12:22 PM
Period 10 12:26-12:56 PM
Assembly 1:00-2:00 PM
Period 11 2:05-2:30 PM
Ms. Mikler-Crandon is dealing with a small health scare with her daughter-in-law. She reports, "She is at Cleveland Clinic and no diagnosis yet. Tremendous pain and fever. We are all getting very worried the longer the testing goes on but are confident in her care here."
Social Emotional Learning and the Plan for Excellence
"People who do not live by their conscience will not experience this internal integrity and peace of mind."-Dr. Stephen R. Covey, from The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
Calendar Share
Wednesday, February 1 to Friday, February 3 in grade 10 and 12 social studies classes. Evalumetrics Youth Survey. Contact: T Roote.
Friday, February 3 from 1:00-2:00 pm in our auditorium. Merry Go Round Theater. Contact: A Lannon
Tuesday, February 7 from 2:30-3:00 pm. Staff Meeting. Contact: T Roote.
Friday, February 10 from, 7:15-7:40 am in the LGI. Script N Ceremony. Contact: T Roote.
Friday February 17 and March 3 in the AM at BOCES. Regional Principals-Tom Out. Contact: T Roote.
By 3:00 pm on February 14, March 22 and May 2. ↓65 Infinite Campus Grade Reports. Contact: T Roote.
Friday, May 12 at NRW. Special Olympics.
The Newark High School Mission, Vision and Values
The Newark High School Mission: We are a school community with deeply held hometown pride, committed to readying young people to be life-long learners with experiences aimed at continuously motivating us to hone our skills in the complex tasks of teaching and learning. Our community is devoted to providing supports for the aspirations of our adolescents as they mature into adults with ambitious plans for college and careers.
The Newark High School Vision: Staff embody the school values and impart confidence while providing an inviting classroom environment with clear expectations and specific academic and behavioral goals. Students embody the school values through intellectual and emotional perseverance. Families embody the school values while remaining actively involved as advocates for their children and supporters of the school programs and staff.
The Newark High School Values: Safe, Responsible, Trustworthy, and Respectful.
Email: thomas.roote@newarkcsd.org
Website: http://newarkcsd.org/Domain/84
Location: 625 Peirson Avenue, Newark, NY, United States
Phone: 315-332-3240
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nhsreds
Twitter: @Newark_HS