Hello All,
I hope you are well, had a wonderful weekend, and all is good in your world. Renee came home this weekend (all be it sick) after two weeks of traveling; I got to see my dad and sister for dinner, and do the usual chores to keep life moving. We are thinking (more like thinking out loud) about getting a puppy, which might push us over the edge of life, and it would be fun for Banks to have a companion around. I'm not 100% sure when or if, and if any of you have two dogs, I would love some advice.
It is time for a celebration! Not only was the fashion show a huge success, but I know enrichment will be this week. MHS's chronic absenteeism is down! YEET! YEET! Whooo hoo (see the graphic below)! Don't ask why Winnie the Pooh is there.
Thank you all for your continued work in connecting with students, reflecting on how we can improve our work, and making a difference in students' lives so that they come to school more often. All of our work together makes a difference, from Grade level EST's to required Solon Blocks to fashion shows, enrichment's, TA, Clubs, Field trips, TA Check in's, Math League, Debate teams, Athletics, Masque, Chorus, Art, CBLs, Guest speakers, RJA, The Conversation, Cooking, and more. You make a difference. Thank you! We are making progress.
I'll be at a VPA training on Thursday and Friday; if I do not see you, have a wonderful break! Get some rest. Eat great food, have fun, sleep, read, and get outside. When we return, it's March, and we are closer to baseball, the NCAA basketball tournament, (sports is how I measure time) and spring. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Jason
"The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away." ― David Viscott.
Sincerely,
Jason
Edutopia Articles of The Week
Important Happenings this week:
Monday 2/19/24
7:30 Office Hours
Normal TA and Solon Block
3:15 Faculty Meeting LE Work Time AGENDA
LE DRAFT COPY
Tuesday 2/20/24
7:30-8:05 Department Teams Meeting Required
1:00 Normal Solon Block- please be sure every student is signed up for an enrichment for Wednesday.
1:00 Jason G leaves Regional Principal Meeting in Winooski.
Wednesday 2/21/24
7:30-8:05 Use this time for Enrichment prep
1:00 Enrichment during Solon Block
1:45 Jason G at League
3:15 Yoga with Amanda 3:15 - 4:15 Room 206
6:30 MRPS Board Meeting MHS Library
Thursday 2/22/24
7:30- 8:05 10th Grade EST Meeting. If not in 10th grade team, planning time. Required for all 10th grade teachers.
Jason G out all day at VPA Training
1:00 Normal Solon Block
6:00 PM Title 1 Virtual presentation (see Solon Salutes for Link)
7:00 PM Composition Concert MHS Auditorium
Friday 2/23/24
7:30- 8:05 11/12 Th grade EST. Required for all 11 & 12 gr teachers, if not in 11/12 planning time.
Jason G out all day at VPA Training
7:45-1:00 CVCC Second Program Visit Interview day (Matt M attending)
1:00 Normal Solon Block
Enjoy the break week:) See you on March 6th. Be well, safe, and best wishes.
Reminders:
- If you have a student attending your SB who was not signed up with you, PLEASE assign them to your SB immediately so that the attendance can be accurate.
And, if you have a TA student called back to a different teacher, please advise that student where to go. - Reminders! Students are not be allowed to leave class to go home if they don't have a green early dismissal slip. There have been a number of occasions lately where students have been allowed to leave without a slip who have either bypassed the office on their way out or have come to the office saying they are leaving with no official word from caregivers.
- Solon Block Expectations- Students scheduled in your TA or Solon Block should not be granted permission to leave and go to another space during that time without the express permission of the receiving teacher. We're seeing an increase in wanderings, particularly with our 9th graders. If students are scheduled to be with you for a Solon Block, but they have completed the specific to-dos for that session, you are expected to keep them with you for the duration. The students for whom we are creating routine Solon Block schedules typically have plenty to work on in terms of assignments and skills. Please do not send them back to TA or elsewhere. Thank you for helping to keep the expectations around Solon Block clear and consistent.
- Sylvia provided these ML Resources in 9th Grade EST on Thursday- please take some time and review. Super helpful.
Challenges for English Language Learners (ELLs) in Content Area Learning by Judie Haynes - scroll down to pp. 3-4 for strategies, but pp. 1-2 have super helpful information regarding common challenges in content areas.Checking for Understanding Strategies by ELEducation - some new, some tried-and-true,
5 Ways to Ensure Clarity for ELLs from Edutopia.
