ENHS Staff Notes
January 10, 2016
Standards Based Grading
On the horizon, we'll be making some district level changes to our grading policies. Those changes are based on the Standards Based Grading philosophies. Each month Becca has offered training to share the ideas and explain what, why, and how it works. We've seen great things through our Algebra program that embodies many of these ideals, and we have teachers who are taking risks within their own classrooms by modifying their grading practices to reflect this new standard. Becca will continue her PD, and everyone is invited to come be a part of shaping the district philosophy. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done. It's not as simple of telling everyone what to do and then expecting it to work. We all need to understand and be part of this, so I encourage each of you to attend the SBG PD sessions that Becca offers, and if you can't be there in person, at least look at the Canvas lessons she posts regarding SBG. Standards based grading has a lot of merit, and could help us reach kids we weren't reaching before. Be part of the change process and help shape the future.
Message From John King - Acting Secretary of Education
My New Year's Resolutions
Every New Year offers the chance for each of us to set new personal goals to make us healthier, happier, or more productive. In 2016, I hope you’ll join me as I recommit myself to ensuring that every child in America—regardless of background or circumstance—has access to an excellent education.
I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity President Obama has given me to build on the many accomplishments he and my friend Arne Duncan have achieved over the past seven years.
Education always has been a focal point in my life—both my parents were New York City public school educators. My father was a teacher and a principal. My mother was a teacher and guidance counselor. When I was 8, my mother passed away. I then lived with my father who was suffering from undiagnosed Alzheimer’s disease and passed away when I was 12.
After that, I moved around between family members and schools. Home was an unpredictable and often scary place. But school, and the remarkable teachers who believed in my potential, offered me a safe haven. Because of them, I went on to become a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal, and a state education commissioner—and now I have the tremendous privilege to serve you in this new role.
Over the past seven years, we’ve made a lot of progress. More students than ever are being taught to college- and career-ready standards; dropout rates are at historic lows and graduation rates at all-time highs; and high quality preschool and higher education are within reach for more families.
But there is a lot more work to do. Our efforts in 2016 must be measured by the progress we make toward educational opportunity for all—so that no child’s fate is left to luck, no student’s destiny defined by circumstances.
In the weeks to come, I’ll be traveling across the country to visit with folks like you—students, parents, teachers, principals and community leaders—to highlight what’s working and hear about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
I’ll also be asking you to help us accelerate progress in more classrooms.
In the meantime, please follow me on Twitter @JohnKingatED and ask me a question anytime using #AskJohnKing. Here’s wishing you a wonderful New Year!
John King
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day
Greetings and Happy New Year from the APC!
Terrific job by all of you in “getting back into the grind” this week; we had our share of poor decisions made by students, but overall it was a smooth ride into 2016.
Some upcoming events:
- 1/13 (Wednesday) Administrative meeting at Central Office (AM); Steve, Kathy, Lindy, and I will all be out of the building.
- 1/13 Parent Teacher conferences. Enjoy the time talking to your students’ parents; I know that you usually see the parents of only the kids that are doing great in your classes. The fact that their parents are there is a strong indication of why their kids are doing so well with you in the first place. Regardless, thank you for the respect and interest you show in your students; parents really do recognize and appreciate it!
- 1/18 (Next Monday) Fire Drill
*Disclaimer: During these “chilly” months, we will operate on a “we will drill when we can physically stand it” principle. This means you may have a very short notice that a drill will be occurring. Thanks in advance for your cooperation and flexibility!
Thanks and have a great week!
RG
Weekly Duty
Energy Audit Report
We Can Do Better...
1/7/16 7pm and 5 am
- Building unoccupied – activities in both gyms
- 38 degrees outside temp
- The hvac system not complete as yet so temps vary from room to room. Range from 67 to 75.
- Hall lights at night levels except in gym area where activities were taking place.
- Lights were on in the apc, media center and science storage area in 300 hall.
- Computers – desktops and laptops were left on in 104, 202, 014, 024, 853, 621, 618 and the apc
- Monitors were found on in 202, 354 and 004.
- Unoccupied power strips were on in 105, 107, 418 and 511
- Projectors were on in 104, 414, 514, 513 and 770 – three of these had the bulb projecting onto the screen
- DVD on in 513
- Speakers on in 004
HS Graduation Coordinator
We have an opportunity for someone to serve as HS Graduation Coordinator. Your primary responsibility is to oversee the HS graduation ceremony. You'll work closely with the counselors, administrators, and maintenance to ensure the event runs smooth. Graduation this year is scheduled for Sunday June 5, 2016. If you have any questions, or if you're interested, let Steve know.
Round Table Cafe Menu: January 15, 2016
Olive Garden Salad
Chicken Parmesan Baked Pasta
Garlic Bread-sticks
Limencello Cupcakes
For reservations: roundtablecafe@eastnoble.net
Upcoming Events
1/11 MON: Meeting with Ann Linson - 7:30, Room 612
1/13 WED: Admin Mtg - 8:00, ENCO
Parent Teacher Conference - 4:30 -6:30, Main Gym
Financial Aid Meeting - 6:30, Auditorium
1/14 THU: Principal STEM Conf - All Day, Purdue
ENSC PD - TBD Check Ann's Notes for Schedule
East Noble High School
Email: speterson@eastnoble.net
Website: eastnoble.net
Location: 901 Garden Street, Kendallville, IN, United States
Phone: (260) 347-2032
Twitter: @ENHighSchool