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