PKM HIGHLIGHTS: August 10-14
Dear Bill, Darin, Todd, Michael & Pat:
Leadership Academy (August 11)
Thank you to Donnie Dellinger, Dave Banks, Amanda Stevens, Jason Kamlowsky, Dan Comer, Amber Boeckmann, Sharon Dove, Derek Oldfield, Maranda Ralph, Bryan Hott, Ron Stephens, Veronique Walker, Elice Gregory, Kayla Cook (Bowles Rice), Hal VanMetre, Holly Branch, David Dilly, Robyn Lopez, Tracy Heck, Betty Anne Powell, Penny Cave, Jim Butts, Brad Sponaugle, Justin Schooley, Lewis Mullenix, Karen Hensell, Elaine Bobo, and Kim Croyle (Bowles Rice)
I also want to recognize our new leaders in our schools: principals Ian Hillman at Musselman Middle and Shane Shaffer at Bedington Elementary; assistant principals Shelby Glover and Courtney Doyle at Martinsburg High; Scott Campbell and John Golebiewski at Musselman High; Megan Smith at Hedgesville Middle; Paul Baker at South Middle; Jennifer Pownell at Mountain Ridge Intermediate; and Craig Arch at Opequon Elementary. Congratulations to all of our new leaders – you will be great!
I shared introductory remarks that focused on three key elements as a reminder for starting the year:
- Listen: As leaders in our schools, communities and among our peers we are going to be looked to for answers, build confidence and be a support system to students, families and staff. The greatest asset we have is to listen, be present and available for others.
- Slow down: This will require all of us to be patient. We will need to establish routines for how we are going to operate in and outside of our school buildings. Establishing those routines are going to have us practice those routines so they become part how we work daily Sr. Staff and I met with principals to provide updates and timelines to the start of school on September 8 and the preparation in motion.
- Close-the-loop: Making connections, keeping all of us in the loop and most importantly following up will be the third ingredient to being a solution oriented leader as we start to prepare for the coming year. We are available, do not hesitate to pick-up the phone.Please know we are here, continue to lead and make sound, reasonable and caring decision with all of the members of our school families.
Other key topics addressed on the first day of the academy included Ron Stephens and his
team from Pupil Service providing updates on attendance, Youth and Family support
and Title IX followed by Sharon Dove, Derek Oldfield and Maranda Ralph
educating us about distance learning through our learning platform Schoology.
At the end of each day principals and assistant principal met in programmatic levels
for planning for the return of staff on August 24 along with students on September 8.
On day two, we received department updates from Special Education, Curriculum
and Instruction, Food and Nutrition, and Federal Programs. We enjoyed presentations from Bryan Hott, from Eagle Elementary and Miranda Ralph and Derek Oldfield from Curriculum and Instruction Department on setting up the classroom for Click distance learning this fall. All three individuals provided examples and helpful teaching hints of how to design weekly and daily lessons in English and mathematics. The day wrapped up again with programmatic level planning meetings.
On the final day we heard updates from Bradley Sponaugle in Finance, Dr. Justin Schooley in Human Resources, and Elaine Bobo and Tabitha Porterfield in Communication Departments. We we also joined by Kim Croyle from Bowles Rice who shared a law update related to many of the current events in our society today and how best to manage and respond to freedom of speech issues that could arise during the school year.
Again, a big thank you to Donnie Dellinger and Dave Banks and the entire team that lead the three-day in person academy for our current and future school leaders – Well Done!
Greater Berkeley Long-term Recovery Committee (GBLTRC) (August 12)
Facilitated by Senator John Unger, the committee met for a third time in the course of the last month. We took the next step in beginning to network with community resources that could support schools as we get ready to return on September 8. As a reminder GBLTRC is coming forward at this time to offer their help, resources and positive energy. Senator John Unger is part of an effort with the GBLTRC modelled from other greater community groups in West Virginia that John leads.
The group is comprised of a cross-section of community groups to include: Tina Combs from
the Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ed Grove, from the faith-based community, Aneesh Sompali from Valley Health, Lisha Burks from Blue Ridge CTC, Garret Flynn a student from Hedgesville High School, Dana DeJarnett from Berkeley Medical Center and Joanne Wadsworth and Rebecca Linton from the banking community.
Part of the plan here is to create a series of connectors in establishing a network of resources. This group is essentially playing the part of a networking router.
Here are the three areas we are thinking about:
- Faith-based and other properties for internet hot spot – there is an opportunity to set-up technology hot spots in areas that need technology connections. Dave Kenney, Dr. Grove, John Unger and I can meet about
- School supplies and resources for students/families – Rebecca Linton, Elaine Bobo and I can talk about how we can supply chain resources out to families such as school supplies, clothing and other tangible type items.
- Wellness task force team – Elice Gregory, Judy McCune, Veronique Walker, Christi Heaton, John Unger and I can talk about how we create a connection with families through volunteers who could check in on families
Next steps will be for these three committees to meet and plan how we can network resources and opportunities out to families and how these community and agencies group can play a role in leading these efforts. A big thank you to the GBLTRC for stepping up and taking a leadership role – it is much appreciated!
Service and Professional Staff Weekly Conference Calls - (Aug. 12)
Dr. Murphy hosted the weekly meeting of service and professional representatives Wednesday, August 12, 2020 that included: Justin Mauck, Jana Woofter, Georgiana Lang, Mallory Painter, Debbie Sloat, Ricky Mason, and Mark Weisenburg along with the Human Resources team of Dr. Justin Schooley, Karen Hensell and Lewis Mullenax along with Executive Directors, Scott Mathis and Eric Keesecker.
Discussion Topics:
- BCS’ Student and Staff “Return to Learn” Plan
- Dr. Murphy provided the group with updates regarding the student and staff surveys along with highlights from the BCS Leadership Academy
- The group discussed the need for a plan on how to handle substitute teachers in brick and click situations
- Providing staff with updated/additional/revised FAQs
Contact Dr. Schooley (jschoole@k12.wv.us or ext. 13267) with related questions.
Sr. Staff Plus Pandemic Meeting - (Aug. 13)
Topics of discussion this week during Senior Staff Pandemic included preparations for the return of staff and students. Items such as masks, sanitizer, and thermometers have come in and being sent to all locations. The transportation department has been researching the idea of using body temperature scanners and have purchased several to explore the process of using them with students on the bus. By exploring this option, it will expedite the process of temperatures being taken for all students when they enter school. The facilities department has a plan for the installation of barriers in common areas of the schools and investigating a local company for table barriers for the safety of students. All custodial staff is participating in a health safety training to ensure cleaning and safety measures are in place. BCS will be using an online registration system this year. We will use the program Family ID to have all families complete the student registration information electronically. This will create less paper for schools and allow personnel to have access to student records electronically should there be a time that school transitions to remote learning. Also, this will allow families to just edit their child’s information yearly. There has been discussion around the need for additional school nurses to ensure all schools have adequate staffing for the return to school. Our school nurses have been instrumental this summer in supporting our athletic and extra-curricular activities as they have transitioned back to practice and conditioning. In addition, they have helped with athletic physicals during the last week and over 300 students have received sports physicals. Human Resources has been working diligently with schools to determine the number of additional staff that are needed to facilitate brick/click learning. BCS currently has vacant service positions as well as teaching positions available. We are pleased to welcome all new professional staff next week at new teacher orientation. Technology is preparing for the deployment of devices to students and staff and devices and mobile hotspots are being delivered. We are working to secure internet connectivity to all areas of the county as well as have the internet made available in school parking lots by the Governor’s action. It is encouraged that all staff and families stay tuned to the BCS webpage for the most up to date information. Please take time to investigate the Return to Learn information located on the county webpage. https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/returntolearn
Special Education Review process at middle school level (August 13)
The Berkeley County Team of David Dilly, Michele Tost, Kelly Duranko and myself met with Charlene Coburn and the WVDE team to continue taking next step with the review of special education services. That next step will be looking at the middle school programmatic level focusing on similar areas with the most recent elementary programmatic level review. The tentative plan is to meet next with middle school principals to outline a schedule for when the review team can visit schools and begin reviewing documentation. The preliminary thinking is that this will occur in February of 2021.
Talk Radio WRNR (August 14)
On Friday, I was part of WRNR radio show with Dave Welch and Rob Mario about the start of the school year. The focus of the conversation was on operations and how we are preparing for students and staff to return either in the Brick or Click pathways. Dave and Rob took a number of questions from viewers, who are staff, about routines and health practices in the school buildings. Our continued focus is and will be on the safety and well-being of staff and students – this is a priority for all of us. I encouraged families and staff to reach out to us if they have questions or if they have concerns. Please know we see all of us as important part of the community. We are addressing each situation on an individual basis. It is our intent with this approach that we are keeping all of us connected, engaged and part of Berkeley County Schools.
State Superintendent Update (August 14)
From last week: Anti-Racism and Equity Forum (August 5)
Dr. Veronique N. Walker served as a panelist in the Anti-Racism and Equity Forum facilitated by Shenandoah University. The forum, held virtually on August 5, 2020, was designed to provide a safe and supportive space where educators and community leaders were welcomed to explore, discuss and plan ways to sustain anti-racist and equitable practices in K-12 schools. Carl A. Rush of Winchester Public Schools and Manual Gomez Portillo of Fairfax County Public Schools, in addition to Dr. Walker, provided insight in three areas: educators (Walker), students (Portillo), and the community (Rush). There were over 85 participants in the event which was a great success. I big word of thanks to Dr. Walker for her work with this forum.
Thought of the Week - (TOTW)
As a continued effort to diversify the Friday Letter and TOTW to include thought provoking observation and lessons about leadership, I was encouraged to also recognize individual or groups who contributed in some way to our mission as a school district and community. This week that happened thanks to a dedicated group of individuals from Berkeley County Schools (BCS), WVU Medicine, Berkeley/Morgan County Board of Health, BCS Athletic Directors and principals, school nurses, staff, students and volunteers.
This past week on Tuesday and Thursday free sports physicals were provided for fall student athletes and band members at Martinsburg High School. A total of 352 physical were completed!
A big thank and congratulations to all the individuals who played a part in making this opportunity available to our students in a safe and healthy environment – all of us appreciate what you do!
Dr. Cathy Funk, MD with the blessing of WVU Medicine coordinated and organized the logistics following Covid required guidelines.
BCS Athletic Directors (Dan Comer, Steve Campbell, Aaron Whitford, Davis Moore)
BCS School Nurses (Judy McCune, Nursing Service Coor., Penny Creel, Melissa Bates, Lynne Blackshear, Christina Byrnes, Colleen Coleman, Jane Ishman, Aljenny Molina, Kelsey Neterer, Dara Randolph)
BCS Staff:
Luke Seno
Matt Copley
Michelle Dozier
Emily Grogg
Avery Gletner
Josh Sims
Joy Vandine
Allison Whitford
Doug Wilson
Brittany Smithy
John Coleman
Christy Robinson
Jennifer Roach
Ken Jackson
Hannah Homer
BCS Students:
Maria Amores
Barrett Colerick
Sarah Beard
Zoe Burleson
Shelby Henson
Katie Mesich
JoJo Mesich
Helani Chacon
Averi Bishop
Skylar Bishop
Kailey Jaston
Kesi Boaitey
Ruby Amores
Keniya Basey
Ariel McGrain
Ella Joseph
Ella Hensell
Jadelyn Joseph
Laya Chennuru
Gracey Wilt
Mary McCune
William McCune III
Layton Craigie
Xavier Jenkins
Chloe Thomas
Grace Martin
Elliana Mosby
Trinity Jenkins
Daija Wright
Jordan Endrick
Laasya Chennuru
Kiera Anderson
WVU Medicine Volunteers:
Dr. Cathy Funk, MD
Chris Amores, Office Supervisor WVU Medicine
Dena Bowers, NP – UHP
Dr. Rosie Cannarella Lorenzetti, MD
Justin Fox- Medical Student
Dr. Strauch, MD
Dr. Al Draper, MD
Patrick Northcraft, NP
Dr. Cicchino, MD
Betsy Gambino, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Dana Dejarnett, WVU Health Promotion Coordinator
Blake Debord, PT
Brenda Allen, PT
Melissa Caton, PT
Jennifer Miller, OT
Karen Mennett, PTA
Kim Heishman, RN, - BlueRidge Healthcare
Erik Lamb
Jessica Craigie – Medical Assistant BlueRidge
PKM Calendar for upcoming week: August 17-21
Mon., Aug. 17
Sr. Staff Mtg
Principal Mtgs
Board Mtg
Tues., Aug. 18th
Principal Mtgs
Strategic Plan Mtg
Routine Mtgs
Wed., Aug. 19th
Pandemic Mtg
State Sup. Mtg
Employee Rep Mtg.
Thurs., Aug 20th
New Staff Orientation
Routine Mtgs
Fri., Aug. 21st
New Staff Orientation
Friday Letter
Summer Meal Program Continues
June 1: 15,670 (One location)
June 8: 16,930 (4 locations)
June 15: 19,620
June 22: 19,300
June 29: 22,260
July 6: 22,460
July 13: 24,180
July 20: 24,370
July 27: 24,910
Aug. 3: 24,230
Aug.10: 24,680
MEALS PROVIDED SINCE MARCH 16, 2020 = 460,610
Please view the following attachments and Pat's Picks:
Leadership Academy Agenda
Leadership Academy Presentation Slides
10 Things to Know About Title IX
Patrick K. Murphy, Ed.D., Superintendent
Email: patrick.murphy@k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-582-0880
Twitter: @PKMSupt