Howard Happenings
March 16, 2020
Wednesday Update
As things are changing daily and to ensure you have the most recent information, Howard Happenings will be sent out daily with updated information at the top.
Report cards. Completed report cards are now past due. Please send me an email once you complete your report cards.
Remote Employee Record Log. Per district communication sent today. All employees working remotely should complete the linked Remote Employee Record Log. Please make a copy before you begin inputting information.
Virtual Staff Meeting. We will be having a virtual staff meeting Wednesday, March 18th at 1 pm. Come as you are as it will be an audio-only meeting. Please let me know if you did not receive the invite with the login information.
Reach out with any questions are concerns.
Take care,
Nikki
Important Information-ALL
As things are changing often based on direction from the county and state, please ensure you read all communication from the district.
Thank you for all your calm and hard work last week.
Based on recent county guidance, most staff is encouraged to shelter in place and are not expected to report to the site. Staff must be available during their normal working hours (unless using sick or personal leave) and check email at least once a day.
I am available via email and phone. Please reach out with any questions and/or concerns.
Important Information-Support Staff
Support Staff Remote Work Activities. Please see the below activities that can be completed during this time
- Complete Teacher and/or Admin assigned duties
- Plan for upcoming units
- Read and answer emails
- Attend team meetings remotely
- Complete the below modules and/or online training
- → AFIRM Modules: Appropriate for paras and ISSs who work with students with Autism and related communication/developmental disabilities.
- → IRIS Modules: Online professional learning across a variety of topics, including behavior, assistive technology, accommodations, IEP basics, and instructional strategies.
- → Keenan online training. Mandated Reporter (New Hires), Active Shooter, Conflict Management: Managing Angry Parents, Sexual Harassment Training, HIPAA Overview, Bullying: Recognition & Response, Cultural Competence and Racial Bias, De-Escalation Strategies, Disruptive Student Behavior, Making Schools and Safe & Inclusive for LGBTQ Students, Playground Supervision
Important Information-Teachers
Teacher Remote Work Activities. Please see the below activities that can be completed during this time.
- Finish report cards (Please email me once your report cards are complete)
- Conduct parent-teacher conferences via phone
- Complete online training, webinars, and/or modules
- Plan for upcoming units
- Support student learning via email or talking points
- Collaborate with colleagues via phone, zoom, facetime
- Communicate assignments and/or activities to families to support student learning
- Meet remotely with staff, coaches and/or admin
- Read and answer emails
Sped Teacher Remote Work Activities-Additional Options per SPED department
All Special Educators should use this time to draft any past-due and coming-due IEPs.
When all past-due IEPs are drafted, teachers should complete progress on goals notes for all students on their caseloads in accordance with IDEA. Teachers should work with site administrators to gain access to the building to access student data sheets or work samples if needed for this purpose.
Special Educators should work in concert with Instructional Coaches to clean their SEIS case files, including:
- Deleting old notes and notice of meeting forms
- Ensuring all IEPs held are affirmed/attested
- For specific Special Educators who have Data Identified Non-Compliant IEPS (DINCs), Instructional Coaches and Coordinators will reach out via email with specific tasks that are required to correct the area of noncompliance.
- IEPs may be held remotely via teleconference or video chat if acceptable to parents. Special Education is asking that all teachers offer this option to families for any IEPs coming due between now and 4/5/2020.
Parent-Teacher Conferences. Conferences can be held via phone. You should prioritize meeting with the parents of students you're most concerned about, students significantly below grade level and/or students you are recommending for retention.
Report Cards. Please email me once you complete your report cards.
- Here is the Report Card Comment Tool - 2nd Trimester (make a copy to use)
- Deadline to complete report cards is March 17th
- Parent-Teacher Conferences are March 18-20