Friday, October 9, 2020

Friday 10/9 post for upcoming week


Things for next week ... 

Fire Drill
On Thursday and Friday, we will have our October fire drill around 11:30. It will different than a traditional fire drill. Here is what to expect ...
  • An announcement will be made that the Fire Alarm will sound
  • Do not move or exit the building
  • Teachers should review the path and area on campus that class would exit
  • An announcement will be made ending the drill
  • If the alarm goes off again, staff and students should exit the building
PSAT/SAT Testing Rooms
On Monday and Tuesday, all Language Arts teachers should let their students know which room they will be testing in. DO NOT share the list with students. The list of students is included on the email for this blog post.

Plan for Wednesday, 10/14
All staff will be taking part in proctoring the PSAT/SAT. There will be no office hours on Wednesday afternoon. We will use the time to focus on concurrent teaching.
The Math teachers will be available for Q & A in the Cafeteria
Teachers will have time to play and practice
PD can be offered based on need: What tech help would you like to see offered

Concurrent Teaching
I know some of you are excited to get started with this next week. At this point, I am not mandating concurrent teaching be used for every class, every day. I do expect you to try it, explore the options and add this teaching strategy to your tool box.

The Math teachers have experienced very few issues and everything seems to be moving along well. Attendance is one issue that was brought to our attention; however, we are working on that issue. The key for attendance during concurrent teaching is that the teacher is taking attendance for all students. Students should be reminded that they are not to check in when they have a concurrent lesson. Please make sure students know in advance that you will be holding a concurrent lesson so they know to be online during your class time.

Here is a list of things to do/think about before you start with concurrent teaching.


PDP Info for the 20-21 SY
Below are the two school goals for your PDP plan. They are all written out, all you need to do is copy and paste into Genesis. No work required. You will need to create a third goal, which is your personal goal.

How you track your goals is up to you, but it should be kept somewhere.

Goal 1 is what I have talked about since day one related to Consistent Communication via Google Classroom and following up with students and parents.

Goal 2 focuses on making the most of the in person learning time, to include more interpersonal activities and experiences. What do I mean by that? With limited in-person face time, it's important we use the time we do have the best we can; that should include: more student to student interactions which can include discussions, brainstorming, sharing ideas, answering higher level questions, etc.

Avoid doing long videos, extended reading/writing time in class, long in-class assessments, etc. Utilize shorter video clips and have discussions, start a writing assignment and then have them share with each other, have the students start answering questions and then check for understanding throughout the lesson, etc.

Nothing I am asking from you related to these goals should be difficult to accomplish because so many of you are already doing them in your classes. Your PDP should be completed in Genesis by 9am on Wednesday, October 28. That’s 19 days notice.

WHS Professional Learning Goals for 20-21 SY

Goal 1 Consistent Communication with Students/Parents throughout the school year
Goal 2 Make the most of the in person learning time, to include more interpersonal
activities and experiences
Goal 3 Individual Goal or MS Goal if a crossover

Professional Learning Activities - (Follow-up Activities)
Goal 1
Utilize Google Classroom and organize all units using the Classwork Tab
Utilize office hours to follow up with students and provide extra help
Communicate with parents of your struggling learners. This should include at least one phone call or Meet.
Provide positive feedback to students and parents throughout the school year

Goal 2
Interpersonal activities should make up at least 15/20 minutes of a 64 minute class
Allow time for virtual students to collaborate with each other
At least once per marking period, create an activity that allows students to be exposed to and work with other cohorts


Monday, October 5, 2020

WHS Staff News - Week of 10/5/20


Warrior Wellness Wednesday's in PE Class. The PE Department has implemented Wellness Wednesday's into their program. The teachers have been sharing the Dimensions of Wellness with their students and having them reflect on each. 

There are 10 dimensions of wellness, but we are focusing on 8.
  • Physical
  • Mental / Emotional
  • Social
  • Occupational
  • Financial
  • Environmental
  • Intellectual
  • Spiritual
In addition to the Wellness activities, the PE department has been focusing on physical movement during the month of September. I wanted to share these two things with everyone for two reasons, first considering taking 15/20 minutes of your prep to take a walk on the track to get some steps in and get some fresh air. The second reason is the Dimensions of Wellness can help all of us during these stressful days.  For your own wellness, consider reviewing the slide show to familiarize yourself with the 8 dimensions. 

Week of Respect (Blog Post)
Monday and Tuesday will be “wear blue day” both at school or at home. Blue is the National color for Bullying Prevention. Thursday and Friday will be “wear orange “ both at school and at home. Orange is the Waldwick color representing a bullying free environment. Jeans are allowed all week. 

Recent Blog Posts - WHS Principal's Blog (Intro to new staff)


Wednesday, 10/7 Final Assessment due. 
Assessing students is part of good teaching, just think of SGO's as another assessment. Don't over think it. 

If you are on Twitter, you might have seen on Friday/Saturday a few of my tweets directed at the NJDOE regarding mandates. I am fighting for you and trying to make them understand it is not a normal year. I will keep the pressure on but until they change we need to do what we are required to do. Dianna and I are the same page with trying to help you make this as easy as possible.