Just a review of things discussed at the last department meeting, and some new things too... I may add things as the week goes on, so check back every now and then...
New Item: Clorox Wipes
The flu is spreading these days. There are canisters of Clorox Wipes in the PLC room in the black cabinet under the window. Grab some and pass them around for the kids to wipe down the desks (or you can wipe them if you are so inclined). If we run out, let me know and we can get more. I have a few cans in my office as well.
Phone Pockets and Pocket Calendars
Phone Pockets are here. If you originally requested one, come pick it up in my office. They are in a box in the back by my bookcases.
Also, pocket calendars from the administration (we usually get them around the holidays) are also here in my office. Feel free to grab one if you wish!
Media Center copiers... Just a reminder that the copiers in the media centers are for limited copying only. They are not for class sets of student worksheets or notes. These copiers are not designed for high capacity copying and therefore we do not have service contracts for repairs from damage caused by over-use. Please use the teacher workrooms for bulk copying.
Google/Canvas Class Codes - please share your class codes with a trusted colleague or two. In the case of an emergency where you are not able to post anything, at least someone will be able to go onto your class pages and communicate with the students on your behalf. Relying on the subs is not always the best option.
Educational Platforms
Please increase the practice you are assigning via IXL and NoRedInk in preparation for the upcoming NJSLA tests. You should be assigning skill exercises using these programs every week.
NoRedInk - Use the diagnostic test to see what units your students are weakest in and assign units based off of that data. There are some new things on the site worth checking into:
a) go to curriculum tabs, then writing tab, New rhetorical and literary analysis stuff there
b) Check out things under the “featured” tab – new “quick” assignments for do nows, etc…
Parent Contact
I know that 2 preps per day (and sometimes one if you have a 6th period) is not enough time for us to plan, grade, log, etc... Thank you all for your diligence in emailing parents with updates and concerns. You are really doing a great job here. PLEASE REMEMBER TO COPY ME ON THOSE EMAILS! I keep them all in a folder and can address issues that may arise without even needed to contact you if I have the info I need and can speak on your behalf. Remember to always suggest SES (and post the link) or AAP.
AAP is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:15 to -4:15. Bennett and Kennek run these sessions and the students do not have to pre-register or maintain attendance at these sessions.
SES runs on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:30 and they sign up online. The link can be found on the PCTI website under either the Parent and Student tabs - Link to SES
Because the Assistant Principals do not see the parent emails, they may not know that you are on top of an issue. So, the remedy would be the teacher's log. I know that after emailing 10 parents in one fell swoop takes more than a prep, and then entering a separate narrative into the log only doubles that time. My suggestion would be to either copy and paste the email (as is) into the log or just write a stock comment in the log that parent was contacted so that there is something the Assistant Principals can see that tells them you are on top of things. I know we are overwhelmed with things, and I understand, so I would suggest focusing on documenting the most concerning issues first and go from there...
