highlights 3/22/13

News:

More Change by the NJ Dept of Ed

In the past, the State of NJ has issued "School Report Cards" for each school in every district. Starting this year, the State has changed they way they grade schools, as well as how they are determining which districts we should be compared to (School Peer Groups).  This new Performance Report for Waldwick HS is not a positive one.   As of yesterday, the reports were not available for release because so many districts, including ours, had found errors in the data and expressed concerns about the way we were being compared to other schools with these new peer groups.  I wanted to make you aware of this before you read it in the paper or a parent approaches you about it.  Once it is officially released, I will share it with everyone and we will probably have a meeting to review the new report. 

Congratulations to Dayna on the birth of her son, Michael Thomas Orlak on 3/20/13

@whs_principal @waldwickwhs Newest member of #warriornation! Michael Thomas 3/20/13 twitter.com/desiorlak/stat…
— Dayna Orlak (@desiorlak) March 21, 2013

Tonight  the Waldwick Music Department will present a recital at 7:00 p.m. in the Little Theater.  Performers will include staff, students and alumni.  Free Will donations will be accepted to benefit the purchase of new marching band uniforms.  Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Next week the freshman will be undergoing heart screenings.  On Monday, Homeroom will be extended ten minutes.  We will be showing a video to all students related to the heart screening process.

School Highlights - Blog Posts/Tweets: 

• Pictures for the 2013 Grad Ball Fashion show   
• Second Parent Academy was held on Wednesday, 3/20.  Social Media - Meaning and Safety 

Professional Development:

Google has been in the news a lot lately with new services and ending support for other programs.  I thought this week's PD info would be a few posts related to Google.  

Why Word Order Matters in Google Searches  via Richard Byrne @rmbyrne
How to Create a Test that Grades its Self Using Goggle Forms via @TeachThought
Google Keep - Note taking Service via David Andrade @daveandcori 

** This last one is not related to Google but I really liked the title, so I wanted to share it.
10 Do's and Don'ts to using PowerPoint deliver lectures that don't SUCK via Lisa Nielsen @InnovativeEdu