Scarlet News and Notes
April 28, 2019
Assuring Learning Excellence and Readiness for a Changing World
Family Connections
While the graffiti incident is still under investigation, based on the information we have, public safety does not believe it is a student who is responsible for this act.
Our Principal Advisory Council met last week and we did a circle addressing the graffiti and other racist or disrespectful behavior they encounter. This group of students recognized that racism/disrespect is not a school issue but a community and even world issue. They generated ideas of how we can do a better job of addressing the racism/disrespect in our school and how to better promote kindness and community. One of the ideas they addressed was to call out racist and hurtful remarks whenever they hear them, and not to ignore such remarks.
These past two weeks have reminded me why our Life Journey work is so important and we will continue to work together to increase our understanding of different perspectives and how we can best build community honoring the voices of all of our members.
Superintendent Interviews
In the evening, the candidate will take part in public interviews from 5:00 - 6:00pm in the Mankato Room at IGC. The public is also invited to attend the School Board final interviews at 7:00pm each evening.
Shhh....
Thank you!
Hiring Updates
Amanda Whiteas will be rejoining our Scarlet Staff next school year as a FACS teacher. Amanda was a teacher at West for two years, 2007 and 2008, and is very excited to come back next fall. Tuesday we will be interviewing for a shared (East/West) FACS position.
Last Friday we interviewed Social Studies candidates, and it proved to be a very strong group. I am hopeful that we will name a social studies teacher later this week.
We have completed the screening process to identify candidates for our next Assistant Principal. This process is being combined with the East as they are also replacing an Assistant Principal. Each candidate will interview twice, once with a team from West and once with a team from East. These interviews will be taking place at the Intergovernmental Center on Thursday (approx. 3:30 - 7:30 pm) and Friday (approx. 7:30 am - 3:00 pm). If you are interested in serving on the West team, please let me know.
We are taking applications for Activities Director and will be needing participants to serve on that hiring team, also. I will keep you posted about a timeline for this hire.
Staff Meetings
Schedule for our 4th quarter staff meetings:
Meet with your department - create common re-take practices and weighted grade books
3:15 - 3:35 - May 22
Life Journey Staff meetings in the Media Center
3:15 - 3:35 - May 8
Life Journey Small Group meetings
3:15 - 3:35 - May 15
*These dates are set aside for your small group meetings, although you are not required to meet at this time. Your group may decide to meet at a different time if it works better for the group.
Project for Teens Video on Vaping
Prom 2019
Thank you to all staff members who volunteered at the event.
Cheryl Ellstrom Update
Cheryl is home now and trying to get settled in. She wishes to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and warm wishes. They are very much appreciated.
Cheryl shared they are hoping all the cancer has been removed but she will be getting regular checkups to keep a close eye on things. Good news for sure!
PDS Summer Institute
Nominate Your Academic All Stars!
Celebrate Your Students!
Nominate Your Academic AllāStars
Visit www.synergyexchange.org - click on Gathering of Champions under the Celebrate tab or click here to nominate your students!
Please let me know if you have nominated a student. Thank you!
The Week at a Glance
Monday
Department Rep Meeting - 3:15pm Conference room
Superintendent Interviews
Events: Adaptive Bowling 3:45pm Wow Zone
Girls' Lacrosse - 7:15pm DMMS
Tuesday
FACS Interviews
Scheduling Voluntary Meeting 3:15pm Media Center
Superintendent Interviews
Events: Adaptive Bowling 3:45pm Wow Zone
Tennis - 4:30pm West
Girls' Track Meet - 4:30pm West
Baseball - 5:00pm Franklin Rogers
Girls' Lacrosse - 5:45pm DMMS
Wednesday
Superintendent Interviews
Thursday
Senior Meeting 10:00am Auditorium
Events: Adaptive Bowling - 3:45pm Wow Zone
Girls' Lacrosse - 5:45pm DMMS
Friday
Big 9 Music Festival - Albert Lea
Parent Circle Meeting - 10:00am
Coming Soon...
May 3 - Big 9 Music Festival
May 6 - AP exams begin
May 6-10 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 17 - Educare Benefit
May 31 - Parade of Graduates