What a summer ... 80 days of summer break! It's not over yet, so take advantage of the time left to enjoy your family, relax and start to mentally prepare for a new school year.
September 6 will be like no other in the history of WHS. Our new rotating schedule will be in place which I think a lot of you are looking forward to. Is everything going to be perfect ... No. It will take a month or two for everyone to get comfortable with the length of instruction time, the rotating schedule and the common lunch, but I have complete confidence in all of you, as educators, that you will adjust and thrive in this learning environment.
Opening day for staff on Tuesday, September 5, will be a little different this year. The entire district will get together first thing in the morning in the Middle School Multi-Purpose Room for the Superintendent welcome followed by a WEA meeting. As a staff, we will get together at 10am in the Media Center. Here is the complete Agenda for 9/5.
Over the past ten years as Principal, (Yes ten amazing years!) I have shared a common goal or mindset for each school year. To me these have been the building blocks or the foundation which we created together here at WHS. It's part of who we are, what we have learned, what we have tried and even what we have failed at. It's my hope that these goals have woven together over the years to help all of us become better educators, made a difference in the lives of our students and provide the Waldwick community a school they can be extremely proud of!
The next block of our foundation is ...
BE PRESENT IN EVERYTHING YOU DO!
I will speak more about this on September 5, but I ask you to think about what this statement means to you, both professionally & personally.
What to expect for the first day with Students
We will run a special schedule for Wednesday, 9/6, where all classes will meet.
The rotation will start on Thursday, 9/7, with Day 1.
The entire school year has been planned out related to the rotation schedule. Here is the calendar for the 2017-2018 School Year .
Changes you need to know
- Oncourse will no longer be used for lesson plans. (I think you all know that one.)
- Oncourse teacher websites will no longer be available as of November 1. Don't make any updates for September. To replace the websites, over the summer we created a Google Doc template that will replace your website. I will talk more about this on 9/5. We believe this will be a very easy transition.
- Learning & Collaboration Time - I plan to use this time more effectively this year with specific learning topics per month. Expect and prepare to be here until 4pm on these dates.
Karley Henig - Language Arts (Leave replacement for C. Pastore)
Stephen Palaia - Physical Education (Leave replacement for P. Olivo)
Heather Ruiz - Special Services (Leave replacement for M. Kabobjian AKA M. Hart)
Valentina Esteves - Secretary to the Athletic Supervisor
Improvements around WHS
- I think we all know the big project was the turf. The field turned out great and our student-athletes have been on it since the first week in August.
- Three learning rooms (140, 310 & 311) were upgraded with new flexible furniture to enhance the learning environment.
- Eleven additional high top tables and fifty-four chairs have been ordered to be placed around the building.
- Forty-Five additional chairs for the Cafeteria were ordered to insure everyone will have a place to sit during the common lunch.
- The upgrading of drop ceilings and new lighting throughout the hallways continued.
- The blue awning around the outside of the building was painted.
- Student parking spots were numbered in the lower parking lot.
Resources
The Answers - Your staff manual for everything you need to know related to WHS. Here you can find the ... Master Schedule, Duty List, Agenda for 9/5, Schedule for 9/6, Meeting dates, Emergency drills and much more!
Safe Schools - Reminder the eight courses you need to watch need to be completed by 9/15
Registration of Automobile - Only for new staff or if you have a new car
Mark your Calendar (Everything is on your Google Calendar)
9/20 Learning and Collaboration Time
10/5 Back to School Night
Enjoy the rest of August and I am looking forward to a great year! #OwnitWHS
