WHS News 3/10/14

Bye, Bye HSPA..... you have been good to us over the years, but it's time to move on.  Put away the #2 pencils and get working on the keyboards... The PARCC testing is here!!  Thank you to everyone who proctored over the three days of testing.  Big thank you to Mrs. Gastman for coordinating and organizing the three days of testing.  Also need to thank Mrs. Baskin and Mrs. Katz for helping out each day as well.

WHS will be field testing the Algebra 1 PARCC test on 3/25.  More details on this will be out shortly.  Classes will be running on a normal schedule during the field test.  Only students testing will have a modified schedule.

Time well spent!  I hope the PD time you had during testing worked to your benefit.  I heard a lot of positive comments coming out of the meeting related to CCSS /PARCC Implementation Plan.  Thank you to Mrs. Baskin and the Language Arts teachers for all their work on this project.  I also need to thank Mrs. Pastore and Ms. McCann for putting together the RST templates.
You can find the RST template on the bottom of the Language Arts webpage on the HS site.  I have uploaded them as word document and PDF's.
Link to RST Templates    

School News

Congratulations to Mike Clancy and his wife Sylvia on the birth of their third child, Noah Clancy, born on March 5.

Mrs. Kish's last day was Friday, March 7.  We have two teachers filling in for her.  One of the teachers might be a familiar face, Jennifer Edreos, who has been working in the Middle School for the past two years as a leave replacement and this year in a part-time role.  Taking over Mrs. Kish's AP English and Composition class will be Betsy Panico.  Mrs. Panico is a retired teacher who worked in the Northern Valley School District.

The cast and crew did an amazing job last week with their production of "Legally Blonde." Legally Blonde - Huge Success 

Recent Blog Posts/Tweets

Greenberg Center gets a new look - Thanks to the Booster Club
Minds Eye 2013-2014 Edition 

Good Reads/PD Resources 

Did you read "Teach Like a Pirate" this summer by Dave Burgess.  Would you like to hear Dave speak about his book?   Well, Dave is speaking this Thursday at Manville High School, NJ at 4:30pm.  You can read more about this event here: Pirate Event on 3/13

SAT Changes are coming in Spring of 2016
Redesigned SAT via The College Board
A new SAT Aims to Realign With Schoolwork via The Washington Post

@khanacademy and @CollegeBoard getting together for a FREE, world-class test prep for the new SAT https://t.co/KtRIYXU29l #scchat
— Kevin Carroll (@WHS_Principal) March 9, 2014

WHS News - 2/21/14

Spring will be here soon!!

Sorry for the lack of posts the past two weeks.  I am going to try to catch everyone up on some WHS news with this post.  Some of the information is a bit old, but still important so I wanted to include it.

Mid-year evaluation meetings are almost over.  I only have one or two people left to meet with and should be done by Monday.  The process definitely took longer than we thought, but overall, we really think the process was beneficial to everyone and we all learned somethings along the way.  I wanted to thank the overwhelming number of staff members who really took the time to review the rubrics and honestly assess themselves.  Without honesty and self-reflection, there can be no growth.  We get to do this all again in April. Hopefully, staff now knows what the administration is expecting and areas you can work on.

School News 

Congratulations to Kristi and her husband, Mike, on the birth of their third daughter Gianna.   Welcome to #warriornation Gianna!

Filling in for Krsiti will be Mrs. Sharon Katz.  Mrs. Katz is an experienced high school guidance counselor with several years in the business.  She was a high school guidance counselor at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan.  She left to start a family a few years ago.  Mrs. Katz was a high school leave replacement counselor in Old Tappan last year as well.  Mrs. Katz is well versed in the complexities of the position and brings with her an enormous knowledge base that encompasses all aspects of being a successful high school counselor.  When you have time, stop by the Guidance Office and say hello. 

Congratulations to Josh and his wife, Erin on the birth of their son Bennett Charles Sussman.  Welcome to #warriornation Bennett!

Tonight the boys basketball team will play in the championship game of the Bergen Invitational Tournament @ Ridgewood High School at 7pm.  

HSPA Testing (March 4, 5 & 6)

Testing meeting for all proctors (Mandatory) – Wednesday, February 26

Testing Schedule 

Tuesday – Testing will be completed by 11:30 (move to period 5)

Wednesday & Thursday – Testing will be completed by 10:30 (Move to period 4)

Something new this year.......Delayed start for 9th, 10th and 12th Graders (The students don't know about this yet.  I will be speaking with them next week)

Tuesday 3/4

9am start for:   9th Grade (Sticks & Stones video/breakout sessions)

10am start for: 10th Grade (Implementing good teen safety driving habits) – location:  Cafeteria

12th Grade (Fire Safety - which focuses on dorm life) – location:  Little Theater

Wednesday 3/5 & Thursday 3/6

10am start for all 9th, 10th & 12th Graders 

Staff PD Time – All staff will get at least two hours of professional development time during the testing days.  Information on this will come from the supervisors and will be explained in more detail at the February 26 testing meeting.   

Recent Blog Posts 

Congratulations Cara Montella
Congratulations to Senior, Nicole Stahl 
January Student's of the Month 
Senior Night - Boys Basketball
Heart Screening @ WHS

Congratulations Joseph Hurban 

Good Reads/PD Resources 

Mr. Ramiccio recently attended a workshop and one of the resources that was handed out gave great examples of "Depth of Knowledge" for levels and sample questions.  
DOK Resources 

The Global Teacher via George Couros

5 Resolutions To Modernize Your Teaching For 2014

Tweets 

It’s official... D.Palmadessa is now the all-time leading scorer in @WaldwickWHS history! #dedication #warriornation pic.twitter.com/QYUazOHmhw
— Waldwick High School (@WaldwickWHS) February 19, 2014

The newest member of the 1,000 Point Club… Congratulations C. Walsh. #warriornation @waldwickhoops pic.twitter.com/ZEmm85uRo2
— Waldwick High School (@WaldwickWHS) February 19, 2014

Spirit Day for 2/14/14

  

In light of the #crazyweather …. tomorrow will be a Spirit Day at @WaldwickWHS #hoodies #jeans #boots #warriorgear #valentinesdaygear
— Kevin Carroll (@WHS_Principal) February 13, 2014

Digital Learning Day

Over the past two years, many of you have taken part in Digital Learning Day.  It would be great if everyone found someway to take part this year.  Digital Learning Day allows all of us to try something new, take a risk, have fun learning and find different ways to incorporate technology.   

As in the past, I have created a Google Doc (Digital Learning Day 2/5/14 @ Waldwick HS) where I am asking teachers to post what they have planned for Digital Learning Day.  #DLWHS Doc 

For the teachers that use Twitter with their classes, we will be using the hashtag #DLWHS to highlight the events of the day. 

Interested teachers can find free tools and examples on the following website:
http://www.digitallearningday.org/participate/educators/

To officially register for Digital Learning Day and share what you have planned please go to: http://www.digitallearningday.org/events/create-an-event/

WHS Staff News - 1/17/14

School News Sometimes the administrative team feels like the picture above when dealing with observations (SOTELS).  As of January 17, 205 Classroom Observations have been completed.  As an Administrative Team, we have seen a lot of good lessons, engaging assignments, cool projects and teachers stepping out of their comfort zone to try new things.  The post conferences have created great conversation, self-reflection and hopefully an understanding that the Administrative Team is supportive and wants to help our teachers grow as educators.

Something to keep in mind - In the past you have heard the saying "TEACH Bell to Bell."  Instead of that, I want see "LEARNING Bell to Bell."  This is an area the Administrative Team has noticed, in some cases, needs work.  There are times when you need to break down a lab or pack up the lab cart; those are understandable.  What we don't want to see is kids packed up standing by the door, loud conversations unrelated to your class or students leaving class before the bell rings.


Professional Development Day - Monday, January 20
The "Edcamp" Model has come to Waldwick!!  Monday should be a great day of learning since you get to set your own agenda.  With over forty different presentations taught by fellow Waldwick educators, there are many options to choose from.  During the workshops, for those of you on twitter, please share what you are learning by using the hashtag #edcamping14.

PSAT Meeting

On Monday, January 20 during period 2 there will be a meeting for all sophomores and juniors who took the PSAT’s back in October.   Teachers should take attendance and escort the students to the little theater.  

MP 2
The End of Marking Period 2 is Friday, January 24.
Grading tab will be open as of 1/24 and will close on 1/29 at 9am
Remember - parent communication (Positive and for students struggling or failing)

Digital Learning Day is coming "Again" to Waldwick High School on February 5.  Mark your calendars and starting thinking about what your going to do with your classes.  Digital Learning Day will also be a Jean Day.   More information and resources will be posted soon.

WHS Principal's Blog  Posts 
From the Classroom - 21 day Positive Challenge
From the Classroom - Interactive Journalism Websites  
From the Classroom - Global Project on the Great Depression 
December Student's of the Month 

PD Resources 
5 helpful strategies for self-reflection via Justin Tarte ( @justintarte ). 

Thanks to everyone that gave blood today.  

The Source - Last post for 2013

Credit to K. Carroll

I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.  This upcoming twelve day break is well deserved!  These past four months have been stressful and full of a lot of change for all of us.   All of the new educational mandates will start to become part of our normal routines, but unfortunately, as we all know there will be more to come.   As I said back on September 3rd, if we focus on good instruction, professionalism and doing what's best for students, then all these new mandates (New Evaluation System, SGO's, AchieveNJ) will just be a formality.  

When we get back in January I ask all of you to again look in the mirror and ask yourself:

• Have I adjusted my teaching to meet the needs of the common core
• Am I teaching my students the right skills that will help them be successful
• Are my classes engaging?  Do students look forward to come to my class?  If not, why? What can I do to change that? 

Important dates: 
1/8/14 - Learning & Collaborating Time (We will be meeting) 
(All staff is required to attend.  Coaches... practices will not begin until 4pm)
1/20/14 - Professional Development Day (EdCamp Waldwick)


Staff News:

Baby Sal

Mrs. Olivo and her son, Sal Felice Olivo, are home and doing great. Let me officially welcome Sal to WarriorNation!! 


Filling in for Mrs. Olivo is a familiar face to Waldwick High School, Matt Jimenez.   Matt graduated WHS in 2007 and attended Montclair State University, where he studied Exercise Science and Physical Education.   

WHS Principal's Blog 

Recently I have been trying to use my Principal's Blog more as a communication tool and to highlight all of the great happenings going on at WHS.  I can only post what I hear about or what I see, so that's where I need your help.  You might not realize that many of you are doing amazing things in your classrooms or with your clubs and teams, but you are.  We need to share these highlights with the Waldwick community and the world.  You work so hard, be proud of what you are doing with your students and share.  Here is how you can help: 

SUBMITTING A POST

 

The Waldwick High School Blog exists to share information about our school, showcase the achievements of our students and staff and keep the community informed.  Your experiences are the content we are looking for.  Please help us share the great work and accomplishments of our students and staff by submitting posts. 

To make posting simple and efficient, please follow the guidelines below when submitting posts:

• Send text in the body of an email, in paragraph form, so that it may be copied easily.
• When referring to students or programs, identify them as being part of Waldwick High School.  For example, instead of “five basketball players” or “the Ski Club,” write “five Waldwick High School basketball players” or “the Waldwick High School Ski Club,” respectively.
• Write in the third person.
• Send pictures and images as an attachment.  Please do not embed them into word or .pdf documents.
• Name your pictures.  Search engines pick up image titles.
• Use complete dates (August 4, 2012 versus Aug. 4 or August 4 or August 4th).  The blog spans more than a year and searches may bring up posts from multiple years.
• Include flyers or posters as attachments (.pdf is best) if you would like them attached to the post; however, please do not send them as the post.
• Please check your spelling and grammar.
• Write the post as you would read it on the blog.  Avoid “Who:, What:, Where:” descriptions and opt instead for complete sentences.

I created a separate page on this blog regarding"Submitting a Blog Post" for you to refer to throughout the year.  

Again have a great break and Happy New Year!!  

Technology Update

First, I know how frustrated a lot of you are in regards to the technology here at the high school.  Right now you can't plan a lesson and have 100% confidence that the internet will work or that the laptops will connect.  We all agree that this is unacceptable.  
Last week there were a few meetings specifically related to technology and the issues we are experiencing.  Here's a quick summary:

Ms. Angelli presented to the District Administration and the Board of Education a complete technology upgrade.  The upgrade addresses all of the current technology issues within the district, as well as insures the district is ready for  PARCC.  Her proposal was almost $400,000 and would be part of the 2014-2015 school budget.  I'm not going to get into details about the plan, but I can assure you if everything gets done, we will be in great shape.  Right now this plan has the support of Dr. Raupers and all four Principals.  

That's next year.  What about the rest of this year here at the High School?  I meet with Dianna and Joel last week and we have some answers:

In the senior wing, new wireless access points have been installed, which will help with the issue of laptops not being able to connect.

The loss of internet at certain parts of the day has been fixed.  We were having issues with our filter, which has been resolved.  There should be no more 12:30 - 1:30 black outs.  

Laptop Cart 3 has been put down.  It gave us many years of joy, but its time has come.   The working computers from Carts 3 & 4 have been combined into Cart 4.  

We all have to do our part

To be very honest with you, I need some of you to look in the mirror!  They way we treat the laptops is totally unacceptable.  I have been talking about this for years.  Putting the computers back neatly, making sure they are plugged in, not leaving laptops in the classroom... I could go on and on.  Most of you have experienced opening the cart door and being discouraged with what you see.  The lack of respect and care is not only about the equipment, but for your fellow teachers! 

For this not to happen, you, the teacher, need to:  manage your classroom time, manage the students while they put the laptops away, assign two or three students to mange the cart, but you need to monitor them as well.  Dianna put out an email with some great suggestions that seem to help.  - Link to Dianna's email 

I also need to remind everyone that at the end of the day, you need to turn off the projectors. The projector bulbs don't grow on trees and are expensive.  Please remember to turn them off.  

Another issue related to technology has come to my attention - use of the Media Center Computer Lab.  Over the years we have never established clear expectations for the use of the Computer Lab, but I think its time.   It's great that so many teachers want to incorporate technology into their lessons, but everyone needs to have that opportunity. Starting in January, the Computer Lab will only be available for two consecutive days per teacher/period.  In addition, I want to see the lesson/activity you have planned for the  Computer Lab noted in your lesson plans.  It should be in bold type and in red.   If you are working on a big project that may require more than two days in the lab, email or see me and we will discuss the options.   This is something I discussed with multiple teachers and we all agree its fair; we have to start somewhere.  

I am working on a staff technology survey so the Administrative Team can get a better understanding of the needs, concerns, wants and strengths of the staff.   

I hope this information helps. Stay positive, stay focused and work to be better each and everyday.  #ownit