WHS Staff News - Week of 12/11/17

Over the weekend I read an interesting blog post called .... Does your school have an "Avoid at All Cost" List?  The post talks in general terms about all the new initiatives/ideas that get thrown at teachers (mostly by administrators or the NJDOE) and how the important things sometimes get lost. 

I would love to make a clear list of our four or five non-negotiables @ WHS, that we as a school community all focus on and decisions are made with those non-negotiables in mind.  In September I talked about making your job more manageable and eliminating distractions. I think this is in line with that thinking. I will be giving this more thought and figuring out the best way to create this list with your help, but I hope you take some time to read the post and think about your non-negotiables, specific to your department as well as your teaching.
 
Spirit Week - 12/18 - 12/22
Let's have some fun next week and take the staff spirit to another level! 

• Monday: Pajama Day (Find those Pajama pants, grab that robe) 
• Tuesday: Squad Day (We all have a hoodie ... Lets all go with the hoodie and jeans look)
• Wednesday: Jersey Day - If you need a jersey ask. 
• Thursday: Ugly Sweater Day 
• Friday: I say we go with a Warrior Day for Staff. Wear WHS Gear,  Navy Blue, Carolina Blue, White. 

What Made Maddy Run (2 Things)
#1 - If you are done with the book and don't want to keep it please return the book to my office
#2 - Save the Date - January 29, 2018 - Meet the Author, Kate Fagan at Ramsey HS

The Ramsey School District has extended an invitation to the Waldwick community to be part of their One Book - One Community Discussion, when they host author Kate Fagan in January. Once we get back in January, I will be posting for the parents and encouraging them all to read the book and attend this event. I hope some of our staff will be able to make it. I'm sure a handful of our students will want to attend.

Important Dates:

Winter Concert - Wednesday 12/13 at 7pm.  Good Luck Mrs. Montella & Mrs. Serwin
Faculty Dessert Wars - Monday 12/18 at 3:10 pm.  Thanks Mr. Opderbeck for putting this togther!

**FYI - The next BOE meeting is the day we get back from break, January 2. If you need anything approved get it in my this Friday.

WHS Staff News - Week of 12/4/17

Alumni Day @ WHS 
You might have seen a tweet/email last week about Alumni Day @ WHS on Friday, 12/22.  Peggy Larson and I have been brainstorming on this idea for the last two months.  Thanks Mrs. Larson for the great idea!!! The goal for the day is to have recent graduates share their experiences and insight with our current seniors. Right now we have a great response.  We will finalize the schedule next week and share with everyone. 

PSAT Scores
PSAT scores will be released to students on 12/11. We will have access to scores as of Monday 12/4. 10th and 11th grade Language Arts and Math teachers, please modify your plans to provide time during the week of 12/11 to review with students.

National Honor Society toy drive ends on Friday, December 11.  Consider donating a toy.

Upcoming Events:
Tuesday 12/5 - 9th, 10th & 11th Grade Class Meeting at 11:35 in the Gym
Wednesday 12/6 - Learning and Collaboration Time (WE WILL MEET in the Media Center)
Thursday 12/7 - Media Center CLOSED for students. 11- 3pm County Math round table meeting. 
Friday 12/8 - Media Center Closed (Language Arts PD Day)
Wednesday 12/13 - Winter Concert 7pm
Monday 12/18 - Faculty Dessert War (See Mr. Opderbeck for more details)
Friday 12/22 - Minimum Day, Spirit Rally, Alumni Day, Staff Holiday Luncheon

Good Read 
The disconnect between what colleges say and what students hear

Resources Related to Vaping
VAPING: What Parents (Educators) Need to Know
E-Cigarettes and Teens