WHS Staff News - Week of 2/27

It was great to see so many teachers taking their classes outside the classroom on Friday and utilizing the outdoor spaces we have added.  Over the past two weeks Gordon Andre has replaced all of the wooden benches in the courtyard and in "The Corner" (Area outside room 310/313) with Trex decking planks.  We also had a delivery of some new furniture, which was placed around the building.  We now have a seating area right outside the nurse's office and coming next week, there will be eight high top tables placed around the building.  The chairs are in, just waiting for the tables.  

These are all moves to help us create an environment that focuses on learning anytime, anywhere, as well as prepare for the common lunch. 

New Schedule
We are full steam ahead with implementing the new rotating/block schedule for next year.  I would like to create a committee that can focus on the needs and concerns of the staff, as well as create a detailed plan for "All the Little Things" that need to be looked at and addressed with the new schedule.  Committee Sign-Up Doc
I am in the process of setting up school visits to have WHS teachers spend a day or half a day observing and talking with teachers who are currently teaching in the block.  The ScIP Team is working on creating questions to help structure the visits. 

Parking - One of my favorite topics
First, we will be making changes for student parking next year.  A lottery system will be implemented due to the fact that there just are not enough parking spots for students.  More on that plan in September. 
Second is staff parking and the thought of assigning spots. I had a few conversations with a couple of staff members who would like to see assigned spots.  The middle school staff would need to be part of this conversation as well, but I want to gather some feedback from all of the HS staff.  Please take a minute to answer two questions related to parking. 
Parking - To Assign or Not Assign

Important Dates  
Tuesday 2/28 - 9th Grade Class meeting @ 2:40pm (Items that will be covered)

• For the 8th consecutive year, we will be teaming up the Sean Fisher Foundation to offer heart screening to all freshmen.  The heart screenings will take place over two days this year.  March 24 & 31 at Eastwick College in Ramsey.  Schedule to follow.  
• Information on the CAP Program (Child Assault Prevention).  The program will take place on:
• Wednesday 3/1 during Period 7
• Thursday 3/2 during Period 8
• Friday 3/3 during Period 9

Tuesday 2/28 - Jean Day for World Rare Disease Day  ($3 Donation for Jeans)

The Drama Club presents The Adam's Family - Show nights are March 9, 10 & 11. 
Chaperones Needed - I need help each night with three ticket takers.  Please signup here: Ticker Taker 2017

Good Reads 

3 Ways Culture Affects Learning And How To Use Them
Station Rotation Model: Student Designed & Led Stations

Tweets 

WHS Jazz Band sharing their music with residents and staff at Brighton Gardens. Lots of great comments-thanks to all! pic.twitter.com/U1m6m3WxY5

— Lynne Montella (@mrs_montella) February 25, 2017

#stem Waldwick HS STEM Team - Best STEM Document & 2nd Place winners overall! pic.twitter.com/1n8XOm4Gu4

— njstemleague (@JimDrechsel) February 24, 2017

WHS Staff New - Week of 2/6/17

I really enjoyed my conversations last week with everyone during our mid-year conferences. It's a long week for me but well worth it.  I heard a lot of positive comments and I was glad to hear so many teachers taking risks and trying new techniques and strategies outside their comfort zone.  I also heard your frustrations and will do my best to address your needs and concerns.  

The work we are doing is meaningful and should be rewarding.  It will be stressful at times, but like most things, it's not always going to be easy or go exactly how you want.  In those moments of frustration take a breath, think about the great kids we have here at WHS and do what's best for them.  The students didn't create SGO's, Marshalls, Gradebooks, etc. 

For the second half of the year focus on making the learning meaningful.  Have engaging conversations, create lessons that challenge your students to think and take them out of their comfort zone.  Create an environment in your learning rooms that provides "Purposeful Discomfort".
    
I leave you with one statement and one request for you to think about.... 

I believe we have so many students great at "Doing School" but are they great learners.  Do you agree? 

What can you do to motivate students to love what you are teaching?  You can control this! 

National School Counseling Week 2/6 - 2/10
We have a great crew of counselors that go above and beyond for our students everyday. Thank you Albina, Andrea, Bob, Kristi, Lynda and Penny for all you do and showing what #OwnitWHS is all about! 

Change in Procedure for PLAAFP (Present Levels of Achievement and Functional Performance)
In an effort to streamline the process for collecting information for the PLAAFP's, as well as giving guidance on what exactly should be included, the CST with input from a few teachers created a Google Form that we believe simplifies the process.  Moving forward, all members of the CST will be using this form to collect the information for the PLAAFP. 
Present Levels of Achievement and Functional Performance (Google Form)

*As a reminder, an IEP is a legal document and teachers are required to be part of the development and implementation.  Your input is key to our students' success. 

Important Dates
2/15 - Reschedule of Staff Meeting (3:10 - 4pm)
There will be a speaker from the CAP Program (Child Assault Prevention) speaking to the staff which connects to an upcoming program for our freshmen in March. 
*This is a required meeting.  If anyone has a conflict please see me. 
2/20 & 2/21 - Winter Break 

Recent Blog/Twitter Posts 
January Students of the Month 
WHS Academic Decathlon Success Continues