WHS Staff News - Week of 10/18/21

I hope last week's staff meeting was informative and gave you some insight into how students are feeling and what they are dealing with.  Thank you Kim and Liz for presenting. Resources from the meeting:  
Presentation
Pronoun Doc

First round of testing is over!!! Thank you for all of your help and cooperation. 

Students working in the hallways during class time 

I love seeing students working in the halls, courtyard and some of our outside spaces. 

What I don't love is seeing students in the halls who should be working on class work playing on their phones, talking with passing students and disturbing other classes. 

When you have students working in the halls, my expectations are:

• Monitor the students by walking around and checking on the groups 
• Give clear expectations on what needs to be completed in the time they are outside of the room
• Set guidelines for phone usage 
• Be sure students understand not to bother other classes 

Moving forward, as administrators walk around during class time, the following will take place:  students who are off task, playing on their phones, or disturbing other teachers will be walked back to their teacher/room.  If certain students can't handle the freedom to work independently, then they will not be allowed to work in the hallways. 

Last Call for PDP's
On Friday afternoon I will be going into Genesis and signing off on all PDP's. Please make sure you have entered your goals and the school goal.

PDP info was shared in a previous Source Post. Link to post

Budget Item
Anyone who is interested in purchasing Big Ticket items for the 22-23 school year (digital resources, single large items over $100, furniture or program needs items not normally purchased through Ed-Data yearly from School Specialty/Staples etc.) needs to fill out the document below, attach a quote and send to their Building Principal by Thursday, October 28, at 8am. As it says in the form, submitting a request does not guarantee purchase.
Link: HS Big Ticket Items

Senior Picture on the Hill

The senior picture is scheduled for Friday, 10/22 at 2:15.  Seniors should report to their Period 6 class for attendance. At 2:15 please walk your students down to the turf.  Seniors will be dismissed from the field, so they should bring everything with them. 

Looking Ahead 

Monday, 10/25 - Picture Retake Day

Friday, 10/29 - Halloween Costume Day 

MP 1 Grading Information -  Email from Ms. Cassidy 

WHS Staff News - Week of 10/11/21

Keep doing what you are doing! Focus on the students in front of you each period and give them your best.  Control what you can control!!! 

We are not alone. I talk to other Principals all the time, as I'm sure you talk with teacher friends from other districts. This year has been hard for everyone when it comes to behavior, student conflicts, HIB, TikTok Challenges, you name it, schools have been dealing with it.  We even had two streakers at a Football Game this year. Yep! Crazy!  It's obvious the transition back to "Normal" has been harder for a handful of students; however, there is so much good going on that we need to focus on that. The smiles and excitement on Friday during the spirit rally was great to see. Keep students engaged in your classes, talk with them, make the learning meaningful and continue to build those relationships.  I know the days are long, but the weeks are flying and before we know it, the December holiday break will be here. 

When you need a moment take it. When you need to vent, let it out! Your students need you at your best and that takes you being in the right mindset. I'm here for you! 

Start Strong Testing 10/12 - 10/15
See previous emails with Strong Info and Schedule 

PSAT - 11th Grade (10/13/21)
All classes will meet as normal with the exception of Junior level courses. Juniors will take the PSAT in the Cafeteria and the Media Center.  10/13 is a Day 1. Modified schedule is on the calendar. 

Working Wednesday 

We will meet as a staff on Wednesday 10/13 in the Little Theater

All crossover teachers should attend the HS the meeting  

Recent Blog post for WHS Principal's Blog
Pictures from Fall Spirit Rally (Thanks Ted)
Northern Highlands Regional High School is hosting Chris Herren for students and parents on October 20th!
Commended Students in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program

Looking Ahead

Friday, 10/22, at 2:15pm Senior Class Picture on the Hill