ZEN
Volume 6, Issue 11-----October 22, 2020
Our Strength is Systems
Be overly prepared for Monday when we add 3rd-6th graders! How? Leverage your hard work this week by capturing your systems in videos and sharing them with your upper grades and families. Let those joining us next week SEE what it will look like so Monday begins just as smooth as Friday ends.
This is such a unique opportunity, a staggered start to the school year--it's unheard of in the 21 years I have been in SLPS. Use it wisely! Rise up!
Rise Up: Coach to Exemplar in Hybrid Instruction
Here is a universal action step for the network, accomplishing How's 1-4 by next Wednesday. The timeline is short because our students deserve the best right now--we cannot wait--learning is urgent and is rooted in high-quality instruction. Rise up!
What:
Coach to Exemplar in Hybrid Instruction, Leverage as See It
How:
- Name the teacher moves for hybrid instruction as clear, actionable steps that will be replicated in every room.
- Identify one teacher to coach to exemplar for integrating at-home students with in-person students. Ideally this teacher is already close to exemplar or on the path to exemplar AND highly coachable.
- Spend a significant amount of time with the identified teacher modeling and coaching in order to bring the teacher's practice to the level of exemplar (see How #1).
- Catch each move in action on video--These might be smaller segments to allow you to break your hybrid action steps into smaller "hows" for some of your teachers or merge together for teachers who can manage more.
- Use the videos as "see it" exemplars in coaching cycles and/or PD sessions for hybrid coaching. Teachers will unpack the videos to name the specific steps the teacher takes that make hybrid instruction so successful.
- Follow-up with teachers individually (through coaching cycles, observations, and further PD sessions) to replicate those named teacher moves in their own classrooms.
By using your own teacher with your own students using your technology, you are showing your staff what IS possible. This is also a great opportunity to highlight the tremendous talent you have in your schools. No excuses! Rise up!
Rise Up: Revisiting Equity in Hybrid Classrooms
As this week has progressed, I've seen many teachers trying very hard to treat both virtual and in-person learners equally. I appreciate everyone's efforts to make all students feel like they are in the same class; however, now is a good time to revisit equal vs. equity, and personal biases.
As our learner environments have changed, we need to rethink our student needs and supports.
- How can we continue providing access to high-quality instruction and materials to all students?
- How am I holding all of my students to the same high academic standards?
- Which students need something different/extra to meet the academic goals we have set?
- How am I accommodating individual learning differences and prioritizing accessibility?
- What does student work tell me about how I need to adjust my teaching and supports?
- How are my biases showing up in my classroom? How are they impacting my students?
Cones on Loan
Cones on Loan
Walbridge Paint Crew
- Thanks to the construction crew at Jefferson and 44 for the industrial cones. Because of your generosity, Carver & Hodgen are much safer at dismissal! (nominated by Jeanine Zitta)
Shout out to Julia for organizing the birthday box. (nominated by Brandon)
Shaimeka for always responding to my questions with information when I need it! Thank you! (nominated by Tyler Archer)
Dr. Zitta for noticing our social distancing dots were too far apart and then helping us correct them. We appreciate it! (nominated by Tyler Archer)
Ms. Ireland, Ms. Simmons and Ms. Sharp—thanks for providing so much support to teachers during this reopening period so they feel confident and ready to welcome students back to their classrooms. (nominated by Tyler Archer)
Upcoming Dates
October 19-30
- Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, October 22
- Comprehensive School Meeting, 12:30-3:30
Friday, October 23
- Approve Kronos
Monday, October 26
- 3-6 Students Return
- Board Meeting, 6:30 PM
- How's 1-4 Completed from AS above
Friday, October 30
- AIC PD (all day)
- RGR Due
- Notification of Academic Concern Due (in Forms)
- Site Based PD Day (Election Day)
November
2 Laurel Baxter