Thursday Thriller

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Way to go ANGIE, STEVE and KARA!!!!  Whoop!! Whoop!!

SHOUT OUT to Beth and her 8th grade students!  WOW!  They did an AMAZING job on their debates.  I told Beth the proud look on her face watching her students said it all. :D

NUTS-n-BOLTS

1.  This is a resource that I didn't look at until yesterday.  I have shared it with our families during Coffee with the Principal.  Some good stuff for at home use for families.

2.  This came up two days ago.  A family was upset because they were using our track and was told, very politely and professionally that our campus was closed.  Information for you to know:  our staff was correct to let this family know our campus was closed.  Per the WA DOH guidance, school grounds should be closed to the public during school hours.  This info is outlined in our Reopening Schools Plan here:

https://www.wwps.org/safely-reopening-schools/frequently-asked-questions#Facilities

If there are no self contained students outside, nobody else is around then it might be fine if a dad is out throwing the ball with his son, for example. However, if self contained students are using outside facilities, or we begin to notice a congregation of students or community users, please address and ask them to disperse.   Furthermore,  we were one of the only districts who allowed community use of our facilities during the spring and summer months, when everyone else remained closed. Many are still not allowing after hours use currently.

Just food and information for thought. :D

3.  Attached in the TT email is an  iReady.  The break down is by grade level and numbers of students, not by name, into three categories.  I colored coded them green, yellow and red. It gives an overall view on how students did in the identified Promise Standards in both reading and math.  It's one data point to examine and can add to your discussions on Friday. 

4.  Mon-Wed next week I will be participating in the PNW Special Ed and the Law Conference.  I signed up pre COVID last year.  With that being said, I will be 'Zooming' these three days but if you need me I will make myself available.

5.  If there are any conferences you would like me to attend, please let both Armida and me know and we will get them on my calendar.

6. Armida has sent out a text to families to let them know to call our office if they need a translator.

7.  In thinking ahead, IF we are still DL 2.0, what types/kinds of materials will students need for 2nd quarter or second semester?  Please shoot me an email.

8.  SST (Student Services Team) made up of Alex, Katie Henry, Rob Graham (school psych) Jennifer Matson (District SEL Team), Kristen Duede (District SEL Team) Angie, Steve, Cesar and me are beginning to meet each week regarding students of concern.  There will be a staff meeting the week after conferences to go over the form, process and answer questions you may have.  The goal of this team is to intervene and assist students who are struggling both academically, behaviorally, socially and emotionally. 

SOMETHING to PONDER

Sometimes it feels like we are playing whack-a-mole, and sometimes it feels like we are changing the world one student at a time.  Thank you for persevering through the hard days and waking up each morning expecting a great day.  If I wake up and tell myself that I am going to focus on WHO I need to be for the people around me rather than WHAT I need to accomplish, it always helps.  May not be easy but it helps frame my thinking.   If you are wondering, "What in the world am I doing???"  It's hard, your job is something totally different, the preparation takes longer and more difficult to connect with students BUT you are making a difference!!! If you need to revisit your calling, watch this video...5 minutes (it is one you could even listen to).  Quote from the video, "The ripple effect that you have on the lives of these students goes further than your eyes will ever see."

The Calling

LITTLE HUMOR