In the Loop
McDowell School News 9.4.15
What's Up?
Evans - EW Office
Wilkins- Kickball field
What's coming next week:
9/9 - Staff Meeting in C-11 @ 7:45
9/11 - Harvest Fair
This that and of course the other
The Trail is the Destination. This statement was spoken to me several years ago when I passed a lone hiker on Isle Royale. I asked him if he had seen the boys I was in charge of and he said they were quite a bit ahead. He went on to say that he is pretty sure the boys never saw him because while loaded down with heavy packs they were simply heads down grinding out the days 6 hour hike to get to the campsite in order to rest, eat and goof around. He said when you see them tonight remind them, "The trail is the destination."
I told the staff this story a few years ago, but considering this weekends tragedy I felt it worth repeating. My trail, your trail, our trail includes working with 3rd graders one half of all the days on a years calendar. I have caught myself this year saying something like, wow, it is almost October which means Halloween, then it will be Thanksgiving, then our glorious Christmas break.
Those are exciting things to be sure. But this weekends tragedy reminds us; that my life, your life, our lives can change in one instant! So, while I might prefer to hit the golf course tomorrow, catch up on the chores that did not get completed this weekend the reality is I will be at my job. I will continue on the trail of my career with you impacting the lives of 8 year olds in ways we may never know.
Let us strive this year to not "wish away" precious time. Let us strive to remember The Trail is the Destination.
- Please make sure to look at your calendars as October will soon be here. Some changes from the typical include the 15th of October being the last day of the grading period and a records day in the afternoon. McDowell will release students at 1145 AM. This will not be the Halloween parade date. Hard to believe but the 15th will mark the end of the first grading period.
Chromebooks
Beginning early next week (intentionally vague), a set of Chromebooks will be stored in the library. Orwig's pod will have access to Chromebooks 1-10 all day everyday. Standley's pod 11-20 and Matchinga's pod 21-30. This will give us approx. 1 CB per 2 students.
Also, on Tuesday, 9/8, you will find a letter in your mailbox with a snack list attached. This is to be sent home with the children. Moving forward, our school has all nut-free classrooms---that is in the legume sense of the word. This will be discussed at the staff meeting on 9/9/15.
Another first......today is the LAST day you will be viewing the bus screen as you now know it. In your mailbox, you will find the "bus screen" in printed form. This should be hung where you need it for reference. Mike Schnellinger is happiest about this, and if you want to know why, email him.
3D
Hot Lunch!
Do Good, Be Kind
OTES (More info to come)
Ohio Teacher Evaluation System
2015-2016
1. How does a teacher qualify to be evaluated less frequently?
Any teacher who had a final summative rating of Skilled or Accomplished (includes teachers with and without student growth measures).
2. What does it mean to be evaluated less frequently?
A teacher with a final summative rating of Skilled or Accomplished do not have the full OTES evaluation cycle of 2 observations, 2 walkthroughs, and 2 pre and 2 post conferences. However, the law and our contract state a formal observation with a conference is still required. Two walkthroughs will also be conducted as part of the off-year. The OTES observation form will not be used. However, a modified walkthrough form will be completed with areas of reinforcement and refinement.
3. How am I able to choose my evaluator?
Teachers with above average Student Growth Measures (Most effective and above average VA or a 4 or 5 average on SGM) can choose evaluator. (Section 11.08 a). Evaluator choice only applies to teachers with above average student growth measures.
4. Do I still have to write an SLO?
Yes, all teachers must have at least 1 SLO. Teachers who were A-1 teachers (value-added only) will need to develop SLOs for the next 2 school years.
5. What if my student growth was below expected levels?
Teachers who were Accomplished/Skilled but have below student growth are required to have the full evaluation.
6. What if I am on an improvement plan? How does this impact my evaluation timelines?
Teachers on an improvement plan are required to have a full evaluation.
7. I am new or have 3 years or less in Hudson Schools. How often am I evaluated?
Teachers who have 3 years or less are required to have the full evaluation.
8. What if I am on leave for part of the school year?
Any teacher who is on an approved leave for 50% or more of the school year will not be subject to the evaluation process.
9. Can I still submit my retirement by the December 1 deadline to be exempt from the evaluation cycle?
Yes, any teacher who has submitted a notice on or before December 1 of the intent to retire will not be subject to the evaluation process.
**Please refer to pages 37-45 of the HEA Negotiated Agreement for more information regarding OTES and the teacher appraisal/evaluation process.