Monday Memo
Week of October 21st, 2019
In case you missed it.....
What's happening at KH?
Election time is here
C'est fantastique!
Important Dates
Monday, October 21st - Day 3
- 3:20pm - SHORT, voluntary Progress Report Cafe
Tuesday, October 22nd - Day 4
- 8:00 - Cheryl, Yvonne, Carolyn and Jenn meeting with Peterborough Green-Up
- am - Heather out at Professional Learning
Wednesday, October 23rd - Day 5
- 8:15am - SHORT, voluntary Progress Report Cafe
- 3:20pm - Tech Team Meeting
Thursday, October 24th - Day 1
- Staff Potluck Salad Day (see below)
Friday, October 25th - Day 2
- 3:20pm - Parent meeting for Yvonne, Heather and Jenn
Some important information for this week....
The Chill Zone
It was so nice to see the excitement building in the school this week as our new "Chill Zone" started to come together! On Friday, several of our students who will be using the space came down for an introduction. We have a few more who will be introduced on Monday, and letters will be going home to parents so that they are aware of this support. We are creating a schedule that will be shared with all, as the intention is we have students come to the space BEFORE they have any rough bumps in their day (hoping this helps to diminish rough bumps). Students only stay for 10 - 15 minutes, so it shouldn't be too disruptive. Stay tuned as more is added to this space - and feel free to drop in to see what it's all about!
School Morale
Last week we shared with you our Staff Morale Plan.....we're excited to get going. The first thing we'd like to plan is a potluck salad bar lunch for Thursday. We're thinking Thursday so that any leftovers can be eaten on Friday :) Please sign up on the white board so that we try not to only have lettuce.....
In addition, we'd love to have a Halloween Door Decorating Contest. Put your thinking hats on, and get decorating! Please try to still keep a little window space that isn't covered for safety reasons. Doors will be judged by a student committee (yet to be named) on October 31st, so you have 13 days to get your door finished.
Annual Learning Plans
Thank you to those teachers who have submitted their Annual Learning Plan to me. Those who haven't yet, I'll touch base with you through email. You know how much I hate doing paperwork for paperwork's sake....and these plans are personal and important! I'll be responding to each of you by email. I'll then compile an overview of our goals, so that you can support each other as you work on your goals over the year. At our February staff meeting we'll be sharing our journey to date, and at our June staff meeting we'll be celebrating our learning from this year. I can't wait to read all about your professional intentions for 2019/2020!
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
Each school is required by KPR to have a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. I couldn't find one for Kawartha Heights, so attached please find a draft - ready for your input. Much of this document is supplied to us by the Board, and then it's personalized in certain spots. I would appreciate any input you have to offer - I'll also take it to School Council for their feedback before we make it official.
Online duty to report
I'm not sure if you're aware, but the form we have to fill in when a call to CAS is made, is now available electronically under WebForms (this is an app in myKPR). We'll review the Duty to Report at our November Staff meeting, but just wanted to give you a head's up.
Progress Reports
I'm not sure why it feels a bit like two dirty words, but Progress Report time is here! In order to support, I'd like to offer a voluntary, short Cafe (I'm thinking it wouldn't be more than 20 minutes) at 3:20pm on Monday, or a repeat at 8:15am on Wednesday. I'll share with you some guidelines for writing comments and preparing the reports. The most important thing is remember your audience....My best tip is to read your comments out loud. If you wouldn't say the comment to a parent in conversation, it probably has too much "edubable". I'm more than happy to provide feedback if you want to send along a comment ahead of time... Remember, Progress Reports are all about giving a general idea of how the learning skills and academics are progressing.....
IEP's
Thanks for all your hard work in getting IEP's signed and in the OSR's by the deadline. For Progress Reports, a new copy must be sent home. Please add that "IEP sent home with Progress Reports" and the date (November 8th) on each consultation page. They must be updated with this info, printed and given to Sherry by November 1st so I can review them along with the Progress Reports.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
November is also the time when every teacher is required to meet with parents to review learning skills and academic progress. I'll be putting a poll on Edsby around some dates that I can stay late, as you should never interview in the building alone. Once you have an interview schedule, please send a copy to me. Next week I'll provide a sample of a letter you may choose to use to set up interview times.
School Improvement Plan
I hope the start to Geometry and Spatial Sense has gone smoothly for everyone. A reminder that we'll review our final Math School Improvement Plan at the November Staff meeting and will also be providing you with a pre-assessment task connected to our goal.
I also wanted to remind you about the Excellent Math Adventure that I posted in our Edsby Staff room, should you wish to use it with your class. If you're interested, feel free to use it how it works best. I'm also happy to copy it and come visit to "launch" the task with your class. Then I can either come back for a follow up visit - or your students can submit their thinking to me and I'll respond.
Please also remember to send students down to show their great work and be celebrated on the WOW wall! I love to see the amazing things they are doing with you :)
And last but not least, with any luck, I'll start classroom math visits this week. Just ignore me - I'll do my best to blend in and be part of the learning. I can't wait to spend more time in your classes!
Upcoming Dates to Keep in Mind...
October 28th - Headlice Check
October 31st - Rees' class to Outdoor Education
October 31st - Judging for the Halloween Door Decorating Contest
November 1st - Progress Reports due to the office
November 4th - Staff Meeting
November 8th - Progress Reports are sent home
Just one more thing.....
Jennifer Sampson
Email: jennifer_sampson@kprdsb.ca
Website: https://kawarthaheights.kprdsb.ca/
Location: 11 Kawartha Heights Boulevard, Peterborough, ON, Canada
Phone: 705-742-7521
Twitter: @KawarthaHPS