Week ending September 25, 2015

This week marked the Autumnal Equinox. Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It’s a season of Thanksgiving, harvest, fiery colors and crisp air. These crisp, sunny days occur more frequently in memory than in actual life. It is with this harmonious mindset that I hope all of NK finishes out the month of September.

Teachers as Learners

Monday’s faculty meeting was a great opportunity to better understand with whom we work or at least from what lens they are looking as they approach a new group, a class, a problem or any task that they are to do. I know when Lisa Garcia explained to the North, South, and East that when the West asks a question or multiple questions it is to clarify for themselves, not to question the motive or action of those with whom they are working. That was definitely important to me to consider as I work with people who identify with the West.

This was an opening activity I have been considering for quite some time. We are on the two year anniversary of our NEASC visit. As I read through all of the recommendations from our own self-study that the visiting committee agreed were important and now with which we are tasked to complete it seems as though to get there we must have focus and initiative, and the trust of one another. I would like to think there is nothing we cannot do if we put our minds to it.

Students as Learners

AP Art Students behind the scenes assisting Mr. Shaffer and his theater department in preparing  on The Blue Bird, a fairytale in 5 acts written over 100 years ago, by Maurice Materlinck. The show includes live actors as well as puppetry and masked characters. Anyone who would like a closer look, please feel free to stop in room 132 and see first hand what Mr. Shaffer and his theater and art students are up to. Many of the art students I spoke to were excited about the intricate work necessary to get the puppets and masked characters built. Some even want to specialize in this work at the college level. You can show your support in November by attending the show.

This past Tuesday, The Save a Life Tour came to NKHS. Officer Greenhaugh hosted the day and  students were able to try out both the distracted driving simulator and the texting and driving simulator. While the students enjoyed the engagement they had sobering messages once they finished. I asked a couple of students to talk a little more about how they felt after the simulator.

“It was a little scary because you had zero control of anything you were doing.” ~Nick Sisson

“Really, really hard to do. Hard to concentrate on the gas and hard to multitask.” ~Nash Dale

Health and Wellness

Fall Transition:

Arriving at 4:22 AM EDT this past Wednesday, fall is officially here!!  

With equal amounts of daylight and darkness, the Autumnal Equinox reminds us to stay balanced. September’s new schedules & responsibilities pull us in so many directions.  Ask yourself how can I balance my day or my week?  Allowing moments of time for you each day keeps stress from getting out of control.  Just asking this question plants the seeds for change in your daily habits.

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Teaching and Learning

Teachers – Did you know you can access lesson plans and other instructional materials on your RIDEMAP account?  Log into RIDEmap, look under the log-in boxes and there will be a list of choices. If you choose Instructional Support System, a page will upload that has tabs across the top. Choose the resources tab and you will be able to search all types of curriculum materials that have been uploaded by your colleagues across the state. This bank of materials is searchable by content, grade level, and even type of lesson you are seeking. In the future, the NECAP data for students on your roster should be uploaded, but for now the resources alone are worth a look.

Mark your calendars for the October 14^th PSAT test. This will take from 7:15 to 11:00 am.   Most 9^th and 12^th grade classes will be unaffected, other than having advisory in their first period class. We are asking that students be reminded that traffic on the third floor will be restricted, including trips to lockers, during the testing. 

Compass Points Activity

 If anyone is thinking about using the Compass Point Activity in your class, here are some resources.  The second link is for a great power point that you could adapt for your use.

Compass Point Activity

Compass Point Power Point

Upcoming Events/Important Dates

Mon, Sept 28th - First Aspen Update, due 8 am sharp

Tues, Sept 29th - Open House, 6 pm, Auditorium (5:30 pm clubs fair--cafeteria)

Sat, Oct 3rd -- SATs, 7:30 am - 1pm.

Mon, Oct 12th - no school, Columbus Day

Tues, Oct 13th - School Committee Meeting, 7 pm, Auditorium

Wed, Oct 14th - PSATs (in-school)

Articles Worth Reading
Its All About Relationships 

Food for Thought

“Man’s mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions.”

~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Until next time, Think Create, Innovate...Denise

Week ending September 18, 2015

“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” ~Abigail Adams.

We are moving through September nicely. I would like to recognize the calm in the hallways during class time. Donna, Brian and Steve have made it their mission along with Cindy Z. in room 202, and our SRO, Andrew Greenhalgh, to move students where they need to be or give assistance to those who need it. This creates an atmosphere for learning.

Speaking of learning...it is the faculty’s turn. To be well-prepared to participate fully in the Professional Learning Communities we must commit to the starting from the beginning. To this point I am happy to report we will start by finding out about ourselves and those with whom we work. All you need on Monday is a positive attitude. See you in the back gym.

Upcoming Events/Important Dates

Mon, Sept 21st  – Faculty Meeting, 2-3 pm

Tues, Sept 22nd - Yom Kippur; Faculty please remember to keep new material at a minimum in class for that day and if possible no tests. Any student exercising their religious rights will have an excused absence. Thank you.

Tues, Sept 22nd – CCA remediation, Media Center, 2-4 pm

Tues, Sept 22nd – School Committee Meeting, 7 pm

Wed, Sept 23rd -- Senior Parent Night -- Application Process, 6:30 pm Auditorium

Thurs, Sept 24th – CCA remediation, Media Center, 2-4 pm

Fri, Sept 25th -- Junior Parking Passes distributed

Tues, Sept 29th -- Open House 6 pm

Dean’s Corner

The deans had a great meeting with students this past Thursday. There were many ideas floating around regarding Spirit Week and PBIS activities. Brian and Steven will follow up with the students’ ideas. They hope to bring some fresh, fun, activities to NK.

Health and Wellness

Officer Greenhalgh has sign up lists in your mailboxes to show which students have signed up to participate in The Save a Life Tour, next Tuesday.

Student Services Office

TEACHER ATTENDANCE:

Please make every effort to record your attendance in the first 15 minutes of class, in order to reach our ideal goal of 97% attendance, we need accurate records.  Advisory attendance has not been well recorded.  I appreciate your cooperation in the matter.

FIRE DRILLS:

• Please review all materials with your students.
• New Instruction sheets (posted on the wall) should reflect the changes to assemble on the field
• For the classes of 2016, 2017, 2018, please assemble as you always have (I was informed it wasn't always right to left.)  Line up as you have in the past year in the same spot.
• Class of 2019 is marked on the map in your binder, it was where the seniors "use to be".
• Please instruct any medically incapacitated students that they have to report to 201 or 301 if they are on that floor at the time of the drill.
• 1st floor incapacitated students will report to the front of the building.  There will be an adult there to assist.
• Students are not allowed to have backpacks on the field.
• Be sure you have given a copy of your roster to the neighboring advisor, Theresa circled who they are and placed it in your mailbox last week.
• I have given coverage to those advisors who are partially here and at DA.
• Please know that there may be occasion when a DA teacher is not covered, use the Good Neighbor approach and help with attendance
• The deans will collect attendance accordingly by 9/11 and 10/12
• Circle absent students (including incapacitated students that may be elsewhere)
• Write "ALL PRESENT" if they are indeed all present.
• I am sure I have forgotten something, this first drill will reveal it.BEHAVIOR RtI

• We will have our first meeting on 9/22 and meet every other week.  Teachers will be notified if students are part of a behavior plan.  More info to follow in the upcoming weeks. We are utilizing Room 202 with the assistance of Cindy Zito successfully and we are optimistic this will be a tremendous help this year.

MAINTENANCE ITEMS:

• I think we are getting closer, keep forwarding those requests to me and I will create work orders as needed.
• TV's-Rich Booth (IT Department) has informed us that there is a problem with the NKHS lines inside the school and that is why your pictures may have lines on them and you may hear buzzing. If your TV is not working we have a moratorium on TV purchases as administration is determining the best approach forward. In the meantime, Rich Garland has the link on the website to The Morning Announcements (TMA). Teachers may show on their computer or students may look it up. If you need a paper copy, please let me know.

Food for Thought

“Laughter is no enemy to learning.” Walt Disney

Until next time, Think Create, Innovate...Denise

September-- End of Week One

Welcome back. 

I have been in so many classes this week. The teaching and learning began on Day 1 period 1 this year and some positive feedback that I received included teachers noting that students received their syllabus, received their seating assignment and they were also able to begin lessons straight away; no time lost. Another noted that he was not as tired because the repetition of the 7 period day was not happening. I appreciate the positive feedback. Was there any feedback regarding an opposing view? Of course, but why muddy up a wonderful beginning. Actually, all that was reported to me was it was different getting used to the regular schedule instead of the 7 period abbreviated schedule.

Staff News

Congratulations to Erin Improta-Young (Science dept) and her husband on the birth of their daughter, Bentley Ella. A big thank you goes out to Susan Graham for taking the role of English Department Chair while Beth Conrad is out.  Paul Fanning (English dept) will assume the 7th model classroom from Sue. Please make note on your staff lists from the first day.  

Students as Learners

Students engaged in an activity on the subject of probability in Mr. Hoffer’s and Mr. Meroni’s Problem Solving Through Algebra and Geometry class pictured above.

Student Services Office

Thank you for your patience as we put the building together after the HVAC construction.  We know we have some distance to go, your cooperation has been evident.

Please continue to contact Donna Sweet regarding issues of maintenance and technology.  We need to keep to the referral protocol to keep all work requests moving efficiently.

Conduct Referrals:  With late buses slated to begin next week, so will detention.  If there is a concern about student conduct, please use Aspen to make a referral after all teacher managed interventions have been attempted.  If you need assistance with this process, do not hesitate to contact Donna, Steven or Brian, they will help.

The Staff Handbook will be sent electronically to you this weekend for reference, there are few changes other than updated personnel changes.

Our two goals from SSO:

First is to increase attendance to 97%.  That said, we NEED YOU!  Please keep accurate and timely attendance each period.  We are seeking to find a positive way to acknowledge/reward students who meet this goal quarterly.  97% is the magic number!  The start of the school year is the best start to set the tone.  Your suggestions are not only important, they are valued. Please see the link below.

Secondly, we want PBIS to feel real and valued.  Steve and Brian have great ideas, but it takes a village.  You are the first degree of interactions for students, if you believe it, they will achieve it.  Again, your input is important and invited.

Finally, a BIG thank you for your kindness this week as I was dealing with a family loss.  Your notes, e-mails, cards and hugs have helped me get through the week. There was no way I wanted to miss the opening days, but was able to do so with your support.  That graciousness was not lost on me.

http://www.attendanceworks.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Sending-the-Right-Message-about-Attendance-students.pdf

Dean’s Corner

Please remind students of the voluntary meeting in the faculty lunch room that will take place next Thursday, September 17, 2015, at 8:50 am. These meetings will take place periodically for students to participate in PBIS discussions. Their participation will lead the charge for school culture in our building.

Additionally, a great dialogue began last year with students regarding detentions and tardies. We will continue that conversation…stay tuned.

Health and Wellness

For your planning purposes: September 22^nd The North Kingstown High School will be hosting The Save a Life Tour for all of our juniors and seniors in the auditorium. Kramer International will be running the event which is designed to educate the student population on the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. This is not the attorney general’s texting and driving assembly. The junior and senior class will participate in a 45 minute presentation involving guest speakers and students whose lives have been changed by impaired drivers. At the conclusion of the presentation students will be afforded the opportunity to drive a virtual car through an interactive environment. Both an impaired driving simulator and a distracted driving simulator will be present at the event. This will allow approximately fifty students an hour to experience firsthand the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.

This event was organized by the school resource officer in conjunction with the school administration. It is being offered at no cost to the school thanks to a grant by The Rhode Island Department of Transportation. Next week during lunches students will sign up if they would like to use the simulator and they will receive a pass similar to the days we have a blood drive. Students participating in the simulation will be responsible for any work missed. The presentation will take place at 7:30-8:15 and students will be called down from advisory. The schedule will be similar to our schedule this opening week. The periods will be advisory, 3, 4, 1 (lunches) and 5. A separate schedule will be sent to you.

The North Kingstown School Community has lost too many students through fatal automobile accidents. This will be a very serious presentation. Please go to their web site for further information.

Technology

The seven model classroom teacher cohort for your records:

English

Paul Fanning

Michele Lataille

Andrew Propatier

Math

David Hoffer

Science

Susan Eriksen

John Daneau

World Languages

Mark DeLucia

They will be working to create a schedule of opportunities to see the chromebooks integrated into the classroom setting. More to come over the next few months.

Upcoming Events/Important Dates

Mon, Sept 14^th – Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) Faculty please remember to keep new material at a minimum in class for that day. Any student exercising their religious rights will have an excused absence. Thank you.

Monday, Sept 14^th – Junior assembly, Grade 12 pictures during advisory

Tues, Sept 15^th – CCA remediation, Media Center, 2-4 pm

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri – 14^th, 15^th, 16^th, 18^th – PSAT sign ups during advisory

Thurs, Sept 17^th – CCA remediation, Media Center, 2-4 pm

Videos Worth Watching

This is only 6 minutes long…

Articles Worth Reading

Growth Mindset: A Driving Philosophy, Not Just a Tool

Department Chairs please watch and read before our meeting on Wednesday. Everyone else please do so before our faculty meeting. Thank you.

Food for Thought
“Raise the praise, minimize the criticize.” Todd Whitaker

Until next time, Think Create, Innovate...Denise