WHS Staff News - Week of 12/14/15

Final full week of school in 2015 and probably my last Source post for the year. Unbelievable!  Mr. Clancy and I have put together something to say thank you, as well as a reminder to each of you that #YouMatter and WHS is lucky to have you!  Check your mailboxes later today or you might even get a special delivery! 

WHS Staff News Last week we had our Winter Concert and a big congratulations goes out to Mrs. Montella and Ms. Thoman for putting together a tremendous show.  Your students sounded great!! 
Winter Concert Highlights  (Blog Post)

Thanks to Ms. Hummel and all of the teachers who participated in the Hour of Code last week.  I encourage everyone to keep creating and trying to find ways to bring coding and other aspects of computer science into your classes.  
Hour Code Summary 2015  

Thank you to Mr. Opderbeck for organizing another great Dessert Wars!  A great event that everyone always enjoys.  It doesn't happen without participation of the staff, so thank you to all of the bakers and dessert creators for some awesome treats.  

Info on Schedule (Same info as yesterday)
Schedule Presentation (Slides)
Schedule Info (Video)
Tuesday and Wednesday I will be in the Media Center after school to answer any questions.  

AESOP
Four months into AESOP and things have been going very well.  One item that has caused a little confusion is "Personal Day" requests.  Please submit personal days as early as possible. Because the way things are setup in AESOP, your request does not go out to the substitutes until both Dr. Casarico and I approve it.  If you do have an emergency or something comes up, please use the "Emergency Personal Day" which goes out to the substitutes immediately.  

PD Opportunity
Level 2 GAFE Boot-Camp (January 20 & 21 4:30 - 7:30pm in Wyckoff )
Did you know Google offers certifications? Do you want to be Google Certified?  
If you ever thought about getting Google Certified, the Level 1 test is very basic.  I believe a large number of teachers have the skills to pass it right now.   Level 2 is a little more advanced but this boot-camp will prepare you for the online exam.  You don't need to have the Level 1 Certification to take this PD session.   Please let me know right away if you would be interested in attending.  I will take care of the paperwork.  Depending upon the interest, we can get a group rate.  

Important Dates 
12/17 Glen Rock HS Visit (1-1 Learning Environment)
12/21 Club Pictures (Schedule was posted to your calendar) 
12/23 Spirit Rally 11:30 - 12:36
12/23 Holiday Gathering $6 (If interested please see Kerry or Terais) 

Twitter Highlights

We reached our goal and were able to pass it! 120 coats for all of those in need! We owned it! Thank you guys! 💙💙 pic.twitter.com/7Z4jaHVpDC

— WHS Fashion Club (@whsfashionclub_) December 12, 2015

Printed our first chess pieces, courtesy of a Senior CAD student #3dprinting #njed #edtech #making pic.twitter.com/JefsnToQ28

— Erin Hummel (@MzHumz) December 14, 2015

WHS News 12/7/15

The weather isn't acting like it's December 8, but lets enjoy it while we have it!  

Congratulations to Jaime Ruch on her wedding this past Sunday.  I finally get to officially welcome Aaron to the #WarrorNation family! 

Welcome Edna Brophy to WHS!  Mrs. Brophy will be taking over the role of bookkeeper as Marci assumes the role of secretary to Mr. Meyers.   Please stop by and say hello and welcome her to #WarriorNation!  

This week is the official "The Hour of Code".  Erin Hummel has done a great job organizing events and activities for the week.  The Science teachers will be incorporating Coding into one of their lessons this week.   Each day Erin will email a Smore with the plans/resources for the day.   Day 1 of Learning Code @ WHS/WMS 

Emergency Drills
Yesterday's evacuation drill went well.  Thank you for your cooperation.  As a reminder, please keep all learning room doors locked during the school day and use the magnetic strip. This recommendation came directly from the local police as well as NJDOE safety workshops that the administration has attended.  Safety first, convenience second!   If you need a magnetic strip, please see Mr. Clancy.

Recent Blog Posts
Congratulations Anthony Tutsche (County Band) 
November Students of the Month  
Graduation Requirement (Updated)

Looking Ahead 
Tuesday 12/8 - Winter Concert 
Friday 12/18 - Club Pictures in the Little Theater (Schedule will be posted on your calendar later this week) 
Wednesday 12/23 - Spirit Rally 

**On Thursday, December 17, a few teachers and administrators from Glen Rock HS will be visiting WHS to see our 1-1 Learning Environment in action.  If you are interested in having a teacher or administrator visit your class, please fill out this form Glen Rock Visit (Form). They will be here at 9am and will be staying until lunch time.  

WEF Chocolate Tasting Party

The Waldwick Education Foundation is hosting a Chocolate Tasting Party on Monday, December 14, at 7:00 PM at the Waldwick High School Cafeteria.  Sample items from Dove Chocolate Discoveries, admission $2.  Items include brownies, chocolate covered almonds & cranberries & pecans, caramels, baking sets, chocolate sauce, bbq sauce, cocoa rub, chai tea, chocolate martinis & more.  Items ordered that night will be delivered by Christmas.  Gifts start at $12.  Please RSVP WaldwickWEF@aol.com (to reserve chocolate).  All funds raised by the Waldwick Education Foundation benefit educational programs at Waldwick Public Schools.  

Catalog can be viewed at:  https://www.mydcdsite.com/pws/homeoffice/tabs/catalog.aspx

WHS Staff News 11/30/15

As we transition into the month of December, we begin our third month in the 1-1 Learning Environment.  One area I would like everyone to think about this month is their "Positioning in the Learning Room" during class time.  Are you sitting, standing in the same spot and not walking around the room?  Are you interacting with students?  Are you monitoring what students are doing on their Chromebooks when you are giving direct instruction or when you have assigned them group or individual work?  Find time (Wednesday's staff meeting is time on your own) to self-reflect, talk with colleagues and think about your style.  Is it best for student learning in our new 1-1 learning environment?   There is time to sit, walk, interact, jump up and down, stand and listen during all good lessons; but, I ask you, is what you are doing engaging your students in the learning?  

Fashion Club Coat Drive (Twitter Account https://twitter.com/whsfashionclub_)
The WHS Fashion Club is sponsoring a coat drive now through December 9.   In addition to the coat drive, this year the Fashion Club is utilizing Kalyn Rodriguez's blog, What Inspires You to get their message out about style and fashion at WHS.  I am very proud of this group. Special thanks to Ms. Ralston for giving these students guidance when needed.   

GEM Club (Twitter Account https://twitter.com/WHS_GEM )
A new club at WHS is making their voice heard for Gender Equality.  Last week the group brought attention to a movement prompted by Mrs. Obama #62MillionGirls which brings awareness to the issue that girls do not having access to education world wide.  Three key members of this group are Amelia Apgar, Bryan Fotino and  Sedona Hamilton, who are doing great things.  Thank you to Mrs. Orlak for supporting and advising the group!

Some posts made it onto the official Girl Rising site, the movement promoted by Michelle Obama & other celebrities! pic.twitter.com/0ysqocvfa7

— WHS GEM Club (@WHS_GEM) November 26, 2015

Last call for Secret Santa 

Remember the drawing for Secret Santa will be held immediately after school today.

Please be aware you don't need to spend anything!  Homemade crafts and goodies are greatly appreciated.  Our goal is simply to spread some holiday cheer!!!

Hope to see you at 3:05 in central office!

Warrior Gear Sale 
Last day to turn in your order form.  

Looking Ahead 
On Thursday, December 17, a few teachers and administrators from Glen Rock HS will be visiting WHS to see our 1-1 Learning Environment in action. If you are interested in having a teacher or administrator visit your class, please fill out this form Glen Rock Visit (Form). They will be here at 9am and will be staying untill lunch time.  

Thursday 12/3 Varsity Dinner 6pm
Tuesday 12/8 Winter Concert 7pm
Wednesday 12/23 Minimum Day

Good Reads
The Relentless Pursuit of What Is Possible via George Couros
8 WAYS TO BECOME A BETTER EDUCATOR EVERY DAY via Cool Cat Teaceher

#WaldwickGAFE Resources 
78 Google Apps Video Tutorials via Richard Byrne (Free Technology for Teachers)
Top 10 Google Classroom Best Practices For eLearning Professionals via Christopher Pappas