Wednesday, December 20

BOCES newsletter
Another fine correspondence from Barry Derfel at BOCES

Go Guardian for Teachers program review

This email came from Denny a few days ago:

We are in the second week of two week trial of GoGuardian for Teachers. Go Guardian is the monitoring and filtering system that we use for Chromebooks used by students.  It is effective both on campus and away. GoGuardian for Teachers has various features, and I am not well versed in it, but one thing it allows is for the Teacher to observe the Chromebook desktops of selected students during sessions lasting up  to two hours.

About a dozen people so far have been invited to test the software,and at least five of them have done so, and comments I've received are favorable.  If you would like to try GoGuardian for teachers during the week ending Dec. 22, please send me a reply e-mail.  

Click the title above for more info.  Paul is trying to have the trial extended so more folks can get a good idea.

Here is some input from a few teachers:

Rachel:
I'm loving it! I don't use it to block any thing, but I check after class to see if any students were on a non-academic site so I can correct that / monitor them more closely.

Here is a response from a teachert in Beekmantown.  They did a really nice presentation when I was in Albany.

I will be upfront and tell you that I'm only an occasional user of GoGuardian Teacher.  My goal is to build a level of trust/expectation so that students know how to properly use in class without having "big brother" over their shoulder.

That being said here are three situations I personally find it to be effective:

1. When I have a substitute and I want to be able to see what students are doing/did while I'm not there.  For example, if one of my kids is sick and I'm home for the day, or I'm at a conference, I can still check in to make sure kids are doing what's expected.
2. When you run a study hall and you have a mix of students from various grades/classes, you can be aware of and monitor what they're doing. 
3. When you have to document and provide evidence for how a student is using class time.  This can be helpful for team meetings/parent conferences, etc.  

January testing
Here's the file, and it's also linked from the Master file.


A writing sample for your review
I received this message from a student the other day.  I initially got a kick out the message, but it drives home the fact that quite a few of our students simply write too informally. I know it's just an email, but the student in this case might project this lack of grammar and spelling skill when he gets into the workplace unless we hammer home these skills now.

The moral of the story is to make our students write often, and point out their mistakes so they can see the need for better work, both now and down the road. You can bet this young man will be in my office getting help with viewing his grades, and with writing an email!

New Book: The i5 Approach:
Lesson Planning That Teaches Thinking and Fosters Innovation

Friday, December 15

Have a great weekend!!

Data site updated
You can see 2016-17 info on the NYS data site. Here is a link to South Seneca on the site.  For HS Regents info, click the School Report Card link. 

RTI attendance procedures for middle school
Please be sure to remind students of their on-going responsibility to report to Todd or Tera as the schedule indicates.  If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with Missy or me.  Clear procedures for the process have been added/copied from the staff handbook to the RtI flow chart form for the sake of clarity.

A review of Class Attendance Procedures (click here for the staff handbook):

We believe that there is a direct relationship between a student’s class attendance and his/her successful achievement.  It is important that we continually reinforce this basic concept with our students and their parent/guardian.

The following instructions must be carefully observed if we are going to be successful in establishing and maintaining student respect for the need to be in school and in class.

1. Accurate attendance must be carefully taken at the beginning of each class and study hall.  Teachers who do not have access to a computer must call the Main Office, Ext 4122 (Kim Dresser, HS) or Ext 4120 (Karen Denmark, MS).

It is in the interest of all students to have a collaborative relationship between staff members who support the efforts to improve and support the whole child. To this end, while the provider is responsible for checking on the safety and whereabouts of the student they are assigned and therefore responsible for, it is appropriate for the classroom teacher to remind and send students to their lessons, counseling, etc.

In the instance of Learning Labs or lessons (band or RtI) other pull out supports (nurse, counseling etc.) -students who do not report to the location, lesson, or service should be contacted by the service provider to both remind them and check that they are safe. This includes calling classrooms when necessary.

ELA and Math Update 
This is from Missy's Instructional Planning Council at BOCES.  It covers updates to the spring tests.

Save a Life Tour
The Save a Life Tour (distracted driver education) will be at our school on Wednesday, March 14.  We will have a high school assembly that day, and the equipment will be available for kids to try throughout the day.  The tour was here a couple years ago.  We'll do this every few years as kids cycle through the high school.

Standing desks are on the way
As time allows, the desks will be assembled and delivered to classrooms.

BOCES Weekly Bulletin
There are always some great opportunities from our friends at BOCES.  Opportunities include:

• Demonstration classrooms: You can visit classrooms around the region where teachers have volunteered to allow visits. 
• Google G-Suite training:  Become one of our first teachers to use Google G-Suite. 
• Summer School for the Arts - info on how students can apply.

ASCD Quick Reference Guides
These look very useful. Feel free to check them out.


Product Showcase - Discovery Education

I received the following email last week.  The product is available through BOCES.  Please speak with Jody about it or others.  BOCES has many resources that are part of their library. If you're not familiar with Discovery Education, the linked clip below should give you a good overview. 

Dear Mr. Houseknecht,

I am excited to share with you some recent research findings that link Discovery Education Streaming usage to increased student engagement and achievement. These studies, combined, tell a consistent and promising story of how Streaming is impacting outcomes that matter across the country for students overall, and especially for racial/ethnic minorities and students impacted by poverty, disabilities, and limited English proficiency. The research studies show that students in elementary, middle and high school that have regular access to Streaming resources have higher attendance rates, and are outpacing their peers on state assessments in reading, mathematics, and social studies.  Streaming is, in fact, making a significant difference in teaching and learning.  

Initial findings were based on three separate studies, conducted in districts in three different states – Texas, California, and Tennessee – and supported by the independent findings of a published university study.  A subsequent study was conducted for the entire state of Kentucky. You can read more about this research in the attached flyer.

VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/237127592

Our goal is to make sure that you have resources at your finger tips that will make a real and lasting impact on teaching and learning in your district.    If you’re looking for ways to further integrate Streaming resources into your instructional program, please let me know. 

Sincerely,

Joseph Cuello

National Partnerships Consultant
Discovery Education

DiscoveryEducation.com

Tuesday, December 5

Thanks to Christine Williams

On Tuesday morning about 6:15, Chris was working on the beautiful arrangements in the atrium.  Thanks Chris, they look wonderful. 

Two of my favorite Falcons.  
I'm sure others feel the same!












BOCES bulletin for December 5
Barry has some good PD opportunities listed in the current bulletin. Check it out.


Time sheets needed

The business office will need the time sheets by Monday, December 18th even though the previous payroll ends Friday, December 15th. This will allow 2 days to process, one day to certify and 2 days for direct deposit.


Steelcase Active Learning Center Grant
The grant cycle just opened today, as proposals are due in February. Here is the eligibility page.  This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who would like to modernize their room.

Standing desks on the way
The order for 20 standing desks has been placed. If you haven't expressed interest yet, let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Friday, December 1

Thanks for your work on parent-teacher conferences the other day.  We had a pretty good turnout.  Missy, Cathy and I will always so our best to help you with parent communication. 

Half day schedule
We're going to do the reverse schedule on half days and early release days for the rest of the school year, including Dec. 6.

Rich Johns for the High School:
I can let the whole high school student body attend the assembly.  If you need your kids, please let me know. Click here for his website. 

• Periods 1-4, 10, 9 - regular classes
• Period 8 - lunch for HS kids
• Period 7, 6, 5 (10:18 to 11:20): High School presentation in the aud

If this plan is an inconvenience for anyone, please let me know.  If you need your class, that is fine.  The presentation should be very valuable.

NYS Ed Tech Innovators
...a Newsletter from the Office of Educational Design & Technology

• The Office of Educational Design and Technology is pleased to announce publication of the first issue of its newsletter, NYS Ed Tech Innovators.  The newsletter contains articles describing innovative educational technology programs that have been, or are currently being, implemented in New York State schools, school libraries, and districts.
• NYS Ed Tech Innovators is posted to the Office of Educational Design and Technology’s website and will be sent via the Office’s listserv.  If you would like to subscribe to the EdTech listserv to receive the NYS Ed Tech Innovators newsletter, please send an email to edtech@nysed.gov with your name and organization in the body of the email, and “EdTech Listserv” as the subject.
• We are actively requesting articles for future newsletters.  Topics of interest include Project-Based Learning, Personalized Learning, Device Planning and Implementation (1:1, BYOD), OER and Digital Curriculum, Infrastructure, Data Privacy and Security, Keyboarding Instruction, Professional Learning, Technology Planning, and Leadership.  Articles can be submitted to edtech@nysed.gov at any time.  Please see Guidance for more information. 
• Questions regarding NYS Ed Tech Innovators Monthly may be directed to the Office of Educational Design & Technology at 518-474-5461 or edtech@nysed.gov.

Interested in a NYSCATE conference?

Click here for the Southern Tier ConnectED conference in March.  It's taking place in Endwell. 

Tuesday, November 28

Fundraising Calendar

Please click the title to see our fundraising calendar. As of now, the only things on the calendar are high school events.  We also need middle school and sports fundraisers, so please send your events to Tera Stagg.  

This calendar is linked right at the top of the master. By having all fundraisers on the same calendar, we can make sure they're distributed in a way that doesn't overwhelm everyone. Thanks. 


Rich Johns on December 6
Mr. Johns will be speaking to middle school students in the morning and working with various middle school groups.

Student training for high school: He will be available periods 8 through 10 on December 6. I will personally ask teachers with 9th and 10th grade kids if they can allow them for this training. 

1 hour staff training:  We will make Rich available for a one hour staff training after students leave.  If you're one of our staff who is working late on Nov. 29, I will allow some flex time for this if you'd like to stay. This will be well worth your time.

Please check his website here. 

PD schedule, Nov. 29

Missy and I have scheduled some time Wednesday for folks to work around student conferences.  The work detailed below is in line with our goals from last year's Self Reflection Committee:  

• The Principal and Assistant Principal will assist 6-12 Departments in listing the skills students are expected to master by the end of each course, the identification of skill gaps in the curriculum, and assignment of the identified skills to particular teachers or courses.  

This work will be time consuming, and any small amount of progress we can make will be beneficial. For it to work, we need to take an all hands on deck approach. Missy will be in the library to help and answer questions.  Thanks for your help.

When you are not scheduled for a conference, please report at least once to the library to work on refining learning targets for various courses. Missy is currently working to explain the work with staff. 

• The purpose of this is to ensure that the learning targets for students are available and written in way that others can understand. 
• We intend to make these available online to families. 
• Additionally, helping them understand the expectations for their child will help them support us in making their child successful. The more they understand and can have access to information, the easier it is for them to be advocates for education. 
• Lastly, several teachers think it would be useful to know what else is being taught so they can help kids make connections, plan and adjust their own instruction. I know several of you have variations of curriculum maps, scope and sequence etc. that you use. Please bring what you have so we can work on making them accessible.
• Links to learning targets / other curriculum documents that we currently have.  This curriculum folder is linked from the master contents sheet. 
• Once we have most or all learning target docs, we will start the process of asking for gaps that you see for students entering your courses. I am attempting to get expert help from BOCES to further refine the process. 

There are several students who we hoped would have parent teacher conferences. We have time built in for you discuss the concerns of those students briefly and administration or guidance will continue to reach out to those families. 

Chromebook notes
Click the file here to see any students with Chromebook restrictions. If anyone who should be or is restricted is not on this list, please let me know. I've linked this file from the front of the master file.

I guess those standing desks actually work for student engagement!  Some more of theses desks are coming.  


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Want to add databases to a course?
Check this video from Khan Academy. Additional lessons are linked on the left of the video.

NYSED Newsline, Nov. 21

Friday, November 17

BOCES Bulletin - Nov. 14
As usual, some great info from Barry Derfel at BOCES.

Professional On-line presence for high school kids
You folks know that I've been trying to push digital portfolios. I'm having more luck in the the Middle School, and I'm thinking those skills will transfer up into the High School.  Another idea for high school kids (especially juniors and seniors) would be to create a Linked In profile.  Linked In allows anyone to create a professional presence on line.  Please take a look at the article and feel free to let me know what you think.  Eight Reasons High School Students Should Be on Linkedin

Another free sample from Ergotron

Let me know if you're interested in trying this out.  It is designed for a keyboard and as a teacher standing desk.  

I'm planning to order about 15 to 20 standing desks from Ergotron. Feel free to get some feedback from Joe Brewer. 




Summer Fellowships for Pre-K-12 Teachers
Fund for Teachers    *Note: I have not checked to requirements for NYS teachers.
Fund for Teachers awards fellowships to pre-K-12 classroom teachers throughout the United States so that they may design their own professional learning that will improve their instructional skills, deepen their content knowledge, and increase student engagement in learning. Educators should propose a summer professional learning experience and explain how it will improve their teaching, how the applicant will implement his or her new improved skills in the classroom, and how these improved skills will benefit students, curricula, the school, and community. Teachers must have a minimum of three years of experience and be full-time teachers spending at least 50% of their time in the classroom. Eligible teachers may apply as individuals (funding limit of $5,000) or as a team (funding limit of $10,000). The application deadline is January 31, 2018. Visit the Fund’s website for detailed fellowship guidelines for each state.

Want to spread the good word?  
Email Charlie Wildey, our PR guy. Charlie's email address is cwildey@citiboces.org.  Or email me and I'll get it to Charlie and/or place on Facebook or my HS News blog. 

Athletics procedures for after school
This is from Heather's email on Nov. 16.  I've linked this from the master contents tab.


NYS News

Keyboarding Guidance Released

• As mentioned in the recently-released Technology Literacy Memo, Guidance on Keyboarding Instruction is now posted on the Office of Educational Design and Technology’s website. 
• Keyboarding is an important skill that allows students to write with fluency.  As schools prepare for the transition to the NYS Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards, and continue the transition to computer-based testing for 3-8 English Language Arts and Mathematics, it is important that they begin planning for keyboarding instruction.
• A list of  commonly-used keyboarding instruction programs in New York is also available on the Office of Educational Design and Technology’s website.  The list was generated from responses to NYSED’s survey on keyboarding instruction, released in early fall 2017.
• Questions may be directed to the Office of Educational Design and Technology at (518) 474-5461, or EdTech@nysed.gov

Progress on Educator Certification (see attached)

• Thanks to the advocacy and partnership of stakeholders in the field over the past 18 months, the Department’s Office of Higher Education has developed a number of regulatory amendements and updates to the educator certification process that enhance transparency and provide flexibility while maintaining quality.
• See attached memorandum titled, “Progress on Educator Certification”
• For more information, visit the Office of Higher Education’s website at Office of Higher Education

Cayuga/Seneca Community Action - Survey

Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency, Inc. is beginning the strategic planning process thanks in part to funding through the Cayuga Community Fund. The Agency seeks input from community partners to help inform its plan and strategic direction for the next five years.

Please take a few moments to complete a brief External Stakeholder Survey by the deadline of November 17, 2017 by clicking on the link below. Please complete only relevant sections of the survey of which you have knowledge about the Agency. 

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3966706/Cayuga-Seneca-Community-Action-Agency-2017-External-Stakeholder-Survey

Thank you for taking the time to engage in this process! 

Sincerely,

Tricia A. Kerr, Marketing and Development Director

Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency, Inc.

Monday, Nov. 13

Note concerning lock downs
On Friday, I tested the "siren" ring tone using the PA system.  People in larger/noisier areas like the gym and tech rooms could hear it pretty well, so we will run this for several seconds after the words "lock down" are spoken.  I'd love to have some sort of light system available.  That might be possible in the future as the phone system is replaced, but this will help for now.

If you don't hear this but still hear the words, it's still a lock down.  You never know what's happening (real or not), so we'll run this if humanly possible.

Rob's tech checks available
Rob's tech checks are stored in the folder linked above. Thanks Rob!

Proposed Mission and Vision Statements
Please click on the title for the proposed statements that I showed at our last faculty meeting. The document is set so that you can comment. You can also email me directly. Thanks for looking.

BOCES weekly bulletin - November 7
There are always some great opportunities from Barry and his crew.  Below are a few examples.

• BOCES Demonstration Classrooms
  Would you like to attend a classroom in the region where the teacher has volunteered for the demonstration classroom program?  Please see the link above. 
• PD catalog
  All BOCES PD events are listed here. 
• Workshop: THE LADDER OF PREJUDICE: FROM NAME CALLING TO GENOCIDE
  December 6, 4:00 - 6:00 
• Plenty of other opportunities in the weekly bulletin linked above. Take advantage! 

BOCES 2017-2018 Creativity Contest

November 1-April 30

Student Submission Link

Guidebook












Debate Across the Curriculum Opportunity via Cornell
Cornell University is making their debate program available for schools. See the notes from my principal meeting here:
Jennifer Rudolph (Director of Pre College Opportunity Programs, Cornell) shared the work that she helps facilitate in many schools in our region, such as the Upward Bound Program and the STEP Program.  It is in this capacity that she was able to connect us with Ming-Hao’s invitation.  Ming-Hao Shiao invited students and teachers in the region to connect with Cornell University Speech and Debate Society, which is working in collaboration with TST BOCES, to identify one or two pilot projects and/or schools to implement for winter/spring 2018.  Their work focuses on the skills of argumentation, speech, and debate.  The pilot projects may include student-facing initiatives or educator professional development training.  The Speech and Debate Society will determine an evaluative and assessment framework to measure outcomes and effectiveness of pilot projects and link to existing criteria already being measured in the classroom, as well as Identifying resource gaps, opportunities, and funding channels, if necessary.  Click the title above for more information. 
Contact Ming-Hao directly if you or any of your teachers are interested.  Her email is ms2572@cornell.edu.

Standards Introductions
.... for ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and the Arts.

Memo from last week
*See the note about a grade being changed to a 50.  50 is the correct number. 

IMPORTANT DATES

• November 9^th  -End of the first marking period
• November 15^th  –First quarter grades/comments are due in Schooltool.    Please check your grades and comment codes in Schooltool and make any necessary changes.  Please sign and return the attached acknowledgment form to the Guidance Office by the end of the day.  Phil Owens will be here from 9-2 on November 15^th to help troubleshoot with any teachers who may have questions.  Please try to submit your grades early in case you have any issues and need to utilize his assistance.
• November 16^th –Reports are printed

REMINDERS

• Students should receive numerical grades and comments for all courses.
• High School- to place a student on the restricted list, use comment codes 114-121.  Students with two or more failing or incomplete classes will be put on the Academic Warning List.  If a student is receiving an Incomplete, please use the grade note “Incomplete” to show this otherwise they will not be added to the Academic Warning List.  All incompletes must be made up by November 29^th or they will be changed to a 50.
• Comment code lists can be printed out of Schooltool if you need a hard copy.  Please use comment code #235 “see enclosed report for details” if you are adding a report to be mailed with the student’s report card.

If you want to include any information or additional reports, we must receive it by Tuesday, November 14.

January testing notes
I had previously mentioned that Monday, January 22 would be a "T" day and that we could move all remaining letter days for the year forward by one day. That won't be necessary, so the 22nd will be an A day, Tuesday a B, and so on down the line.

Monday, November 6

Lock down survey results and answers
I'll add more stuff in here as we do more drills. 

If you'd like to add anything, please click here. 

I've hidden the name column in case you put yours in. 

Schooltool help on Nov. 15
Phil will be in the building from 9 to 2 on the 15th. Please click the link above to reserve some time. 

January testing notes
Concerning letter days, I'm not going to change any around or make something like a "T" day.  Each letter day will be available that week anyway.  Any questions or concerns, please let me know. 

STEM is missing an important subject: languages
Thanks to Karen Sanchez for this article.

Faculty meeting on Tuesday
We'll have a full group faculty meeting in the lower caf on Tuesday at 2:30.

United Way appeal (thanks to John R.)

Hello everyone,

   I’m writing on behalf of The United Way of Seneca County.  In your mailboxes you will find literature/donation sheets.  Please take the time to read through the information and consider making a donation to The United Way.  Need is everywhere and I understand that the barrage of organizations seeking donations can sometimes seem overwhelming.  However, giving to The United Way of Seneca County can have a direct, positive impact on students/families in our district.  As you can see on the donation sheet, as a contributor to The United Way you even have the ability to choose how you would like your money to be used.  Please consider making a small donation (every bit helps!) to this local cause. 

Thank you for reading.  Information will be in your mailboxes.  If anyone does not get a brochure, or knows of someone outside of the building who would like one, please contact me. 

Schooltool Question for Phil
Feel free to ask other questions. 

Q: Can a teacher pre-enter an assignment and not have it show up in the grade system? This way, a student could see the assignments due without being penalized.

      

Answer:

When a teacher creates an assignment, they have the ability to set a due date so parents and students can see when the assignment is due.  They can create these assignments at anytime they want without applying a grade to the assignment so that students can view the assignment prior to the due date.  They also can add the assignment electronically via an attachment.  As long as the assignment is left blank with no grade, the assignment does not count against the student until the teacher applies the grade.

Teachers also have the ability to turn on or turn off when assignments are viewable to both parents and students.  

Friday, October 27

Rich John, speaker on December 6
Please check this site:  http://actwithrespectalways.com/

Middle School teachers have secured Coach Rich Johns for Dec. 6, a half day.  I think it would be great to have him do something for HS kids too.

HS teachers: After checking out the site along with his bio, please let me know if you have any concerns about that day.  Middle School teachers are building an adjusted schedule for that day. With Mr. Johns' presentation, we could eliminate a few periods or build a customized schedule. We have plenty of time to look at it, and I think it would be a great opportunity for our kids.

Super presentation at Wednesday's board meeting
Thanks to Chris Nixon and Mike Putnam for Wednesday's presentation.  It's great to let our board and interested public know some of the great things happening in Ovid.  I truly appreciate these guys' efforts.

Schooltool help with Phil on Nov. 15
Sign up here.


The next two stories are about some attempts to help learning with new ideas in furniture. 

New tables in Mr. Z's room
Here's a pic and a short recap from Dave Zeitz:

Tables arrived on Weds. 10/25. In the past two days of instruction I have noticed a sizable uptick in student interaction and collaboration. Individual desks presented a barrier of sorts because students had a limited/confined work space. NYSMSA speaker Jack Berckemeyer often references the fact that students are growing, making them twitchy and uncomfortable. Shoving a teenager into what essentially amounts to an acrylic and metal cage for their lower body is akin to jumping into a burlap sack with a wolverine; it won't end well. Using tables reduces that problem because they're constructed in such a way that students have more freedom of movement.

Even when combining desks, students would often struggle to have the room needed to create or collaborate without invading the space of another classmate. The extra width and length allow students to spread out and not feel constrained. At the end of a class, desks would be strewn about the room, along with students' personal belongings and chairs; creating a hassle to clean up and reorganize before the next class or the end of the day. The tables are heavy and relatively immobile, leaving the chairs as the only movable piece of furniture. This is actually beneficial in my current configuration because it takes less time to set up a Socratic/round table discussion, take part in small group activities, prepare for a debate, use arts and crafts, etc... - all one needs to move is a chair. The extra flexibility gives me more options for instruction; simulations, inquiries, projects, research, and even more traditional note-taking are easier to do AND switch between with this table-based set-up.

I'm excited and thankful to move forward with this set of classroom furniture.


Stand up table samples coming to Joe's room
I was able to get a couple of stand up tables for free from Ergotron.  They were just shipped, so feel free to check them out in Joe's room by sometime next week. Here's the Ergotron links:
Learn-Fit sit/stand desk, tall
Learn-Fit sit/stand desk, short


Coaches Care program
This program is a way for coaches to encourage safe driving for their athletes. Thanks to Laurie Fort for forwarding this to me.

Living Healthy program from STEPS

STEPS, in collaboration with the Seneca County Office of Aging, is sponsoring the 6-session Living Healthy Program developed by the Stanford University of Medicine to help anyone living with long-term health conditions manage their symptoms and improve their health.

Anyone adult, young or older, experiencing ongoing health concerns is welcome to participate in this FREE series of evidence-based workshops. Participants learn techniques to manage symptoms like frustration, fatigue, pain; develop skills to self-manage health related physical limitations, improve problem-solving and decision-making skills, and develop healthy eating and exercise routines that make personal sense. With this program, led by peers from your community, participants make an action plan for a healthier life and have the support of others while doing so.

The six-session will be on Wednesdays from 1-3:30 pm from October 25 through December 6, 2017. The program will be held at the Interlaken Reformed Church, please park in the rear of the parking lot, to enter the churches accessible community rooms.

For more information or to enroll, call:  STEPS office 607-403-0069

​Theresa Lahr, STEPS Project Coordinator ​
7150 N. Main St, Ovid, NY 14521
(607) 403-0069


Product showcase:

ASCD - Everyday problem based learning

ASCD video PD

Learning lab clarification
If a student has a learning lab during any lunch period please do not let them sign out to go to lunch to be with friends or otherwise. Students get 36 minutes for lunch, and that's all they should get. Thanks.

Want to try a filter view in the master?
Check this tutorial from Denny.  Thanks Denny.

Living Healthy program from STEPS

STEPS, in collaboration with the Seneca County Office of Aging, is sponsoring the 6-session Living Healthy Program developed by the Stanford University of Medicine to help anyone living with long-term health conditions manage their symptoms and improve their health.

Anyone adult, young or older, experiencing ongoing health concerns is welcome to participate in this FREE series of evidence-based workshops. Participants learn techniques to manage symptoms like frustration, fatigue, pain; develop skills to self-manage health related physical limitations, improve problem-solving and decision-making skills, and develop healthy eating and exercise routines that make personal sense. With this program, led by peers from your community, participants make an action plan for a healthier life and have the support of others while doing so.

The six-session will be on Wednesdays from 1-3:30 pm from October 25 through December 6, 2017. The program will be held at the Interlaken Reformed Church, please park in the rear of the parking lot, to enter the churches accessible community rooms.

For more information or to enroll, call:  STEPS office 607-403-0069

​Theresa Lahr, STEPS Project Coordinator ​
7150 N. Main St, Ovid, NY 14521
(607) 403-0069

Tuesday, October 10

Homecoming and Parade schedule

Pep Rally Schedule

Here is the pep rally schedule for this week. Because we're not having a game here, we're announcing the homecoming court, which means that I had to add a bit of time to the pep rally.  Class times are still pretty good, but we won't have bells that day.  

Professional Improvement Plan (PIP) Calendar

Kathy Sinkiewicz asked me to share this.  It is stored in staff share / A-Schedules & Calendars.

Schooltool questions answered
Click the title to see the file.  This file is also available on the master near the top of the contents page.  I recently put a few more answers in it.  Feel free to add new things.  I will sort it by date with the most recent questions at the top and then get it to Phil on a regular basis.

Middle School and High School Shared Decision Teams
For this year, we are having these meetings earlier, and we're splitting them up by school.  Next Monday the 16th is our first set of meetings.  Our middle school meeting will take place from 3 to 4 in the and high school will be from 4 to 5.  Both meetings will be in the library. I will send an email to all parents in an effort to boost attendance. I'd love to see some more teacher input and higher parent attendance, and maybe these changes will help. If you'd like to be involved, please let me know.

*Note on the HS meeting: If you would have considered the high school meeting, but the 4 to 5 time frame was too late for you, please let me know. I could make them both from 3 to 4 next month. I wanted to be at both this time, but Missy and I could end up splitting them.

ASCD product showcase

• The Best Class You Never Taught: How Spider Web Discussion Can Turn Students into Learning Leaders
• Teaching to Strengths: Supporting Students Living with Trauma, Violence, and Chronic Stress
• ASCD's National Book Month Sale

TST BOCES Tribune
Latest newsletter from BOCES

A message on copyrights

Naomi recently received this:

When movies are part of non-teaching events and activities at your school, they must be properly licensed to avoid copyright infringement and expensive fines. This applies regardless of how the movie was obtained, whether your institution is a nonprofit and even if admission is not charged.

Click here for additional information on copyright compliance, and please share and discuss this information with staff, parent groups, etc. in an effort to keep everyone updated on the importance of compliance in your school(s). Additionally, our website at swank.com/k-12-schools is a great resource to learn more about public performance licensing and Movie Licensing USA's services.

Thank you for your assistance. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss licensing options for your school.

Sincerely,

Jacinda Corsi
1-877-321-1300
jcorsi@movlic.com

Scholarship opportunity
10/9 - I just received the following email.

Hello, 

My name is Shaelyn Rich, and I am working with Fresh n’ Lean to help spread the word about our scholarship opportunity.

As a company that promotes healthy eating, we believe this scholarship opportunity would be a simple and fun way to create incentives for living a healthy lifestyle while getting the chance to receive help paying for education.

This scholarship would be for high school seniors looking to be enrolled in college for Fall 2018.

As part of the application process, we require that the student submit a short video or photo essay that shows how their personal eating habits have helped them achieve specific goals.

More information on the video or photo essay, as well as submitting the scholarship application, can be found here: https://www.freshnlean.com/scholarship-application/

The award amount for this scholarship is $1,500 and the application must be submitted by May 1st, 2018.

A few other specifics of the scholarship are as follows:

• Must be a legal resident and currently living in the United States
• Fresh n’ Lean staff’s members are not eligible to enter
• Home-schooled students may apply (must be equivalent to high school senior)
• Must submit a video or photos with a short essay

We want to make sure that your students hear about this and get the chance to apply. Feel free to give your students access to that same link included above.
Please let me know if I can help answer any questions or provide any other information.

Thank you,
Shaelyn Rich
Fresh n’ Lean
freshscholars@nutritioncorp.com

Announcements - Linked from the master
A number of people have asked for access through Google to the Announcements.  The announcements file is not where you input your own announcement. Use the input form for that. You can find both the announcement input form and the announcement file in the master file contents.   If you have any questions or if something isn't working, please let me know. Thanks. 



Check out Kyla's new site!
Kyla did a wonderful job using Google sites.  I know that several others showed interest.  If yours is done, please make sure that Rob knows and that it's linked from our site.

Check out Ray's new site!
Ditto for Ray.  Check out Google sites for yourself.  It's a great tool for student portfolios and your own material.

Monday, September 18

Revised NYS Standards

•    Goodbye Common Core: New York's New English, Math Standards Are Here

This week:

• Tuesday: Faculty meeting, 2:30 in the Aud
• Tuesday: Phil Owens - Schooltool help, 8 to 11:30
• Thursday:  Class adviser / student leader presentation in the aud, 2:30
• Remember to check the Calendar tab of the master. I add new events/meetings as I get them.

AFLAC sign off dates
Click the title for all of the available dates.

Workshop Opportunity:
Understanding Anxiety and School-Home Partnerships to Help Students
While at a principal meeting last week, we talked about student anxiety being a major problem. One of our principals shared this workshop with us.

Conflict definitions
A principal shared this document with the group the other day. It defines the differences between conflict, rude behavior, mean behavior, and bullying.

Parent and Student Portals
A number of folks have asked me when the parent/student portal will be available.  We are meeting with the CNYRIC folks this week, and training/startup should be very soon. I'll keep you up to date.

Seneca County folder in Staff Share
I get some files concerning services for kids from places like Seneca County.  I just made a new folder (click on title).  The few that I have in there now concern their independent learning program and services available.  This info is in staff share / programs / Seneca County.

Calculation Nation
Thanks to Todd K for this link.

Product Showcase:
From ASCD: Packed with examples from authentic classrooms, Total Participation Techniques is an essential toolkit for teachers who want to present lessons that are relevant, engaging, and cognitively challenging.

Monday, September 11

Note: Links are a light red in this new format. 

More Schooltool help
Phil Owens will be here on Tuesday September 19 from 8:30 to noon in the library (unless he's called to rooms).  If you want to reserve some time with him now, please email Phil at powens@cnyric.org.

Letter day issue in Schooltool.  This has been fixed. 

Summer PD
Did you work on approve PD and not turn in your paperwork?  This needs to be done ASAP. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Memo from state:
Health alert - Sepsis awareness.  Curriculum resources are available.

See You at the Pole
On September 27, the annual See you at the pole event will take place. Just a heads up that at 7:00 am that morning there will be community members and students praying around our flag pole in front of the HS.    Here is the site.

BOCES student lunch release
Afternoon BOCES should be released in the same fashion as last year.  If the students have a learning lab, they can be released at 10:27 (no earlier). If they are in class, it's up to teacher discretion, but no earlier than 10:27.  They will be given preference in line, so there should be enough time for them if they are in class until the regular time of 10:30.  Please tell your BOCES students that they can get to the front of the line in a civil fashion if other kids are there first.

Portfolio List   (see link in title)
I will be working with several teachers over the next few weeks to fill this list, which is sorted by grade. I might put each grade into a separate tab, which would reduce the amount of links on one page. This file is in staff share / portfolio docs.


Extra class adviser meeting Sept. 21
From Naomi:
Ben Owens from Insero & Co, our auditors, will be here Thursday, Sept 21st at 2:30 pm in the High School Auditorium with their annual PowerPoint presentation.  This is a mandatory meeting for all advisers and student officers to review the documentation needed and required process to run a successful club for 2017-18. If you are unable to attend, please contact me directly.
See you there,
Naomi Zuckerman

ASCD Webinar: 
Teaching to Strengths: Supporting Students Living with Trauma, Violence, and Chronic Stress
Tuesday, September 19, 2017, 3:00 p.m. eastern time (US)
Presented by Debbie Zacarian, Lourdes Alvarez-Ortiz, and Judie Haynes
Click the link for registration info.

A program that Peg Vogel is involved in
Peg formerly worked at an alternative school in Corning. I visited there last spring, and they do some amazing things.
From Peg: When you have 5 minutes, please watch this short video explaining the program that I am involved in with the HSLC and Rockwell Museum.  We could do something similar for after school, or find our own "Triangle Fund" type donor.  It's a very powerful program.
Peg

Articles:

Is it time to tear down monuments to the Confederacy?
I watched a great piece on the CBS Sunday Morning show.  I think it would be great to share with your students in some way.


New York Teachers Wanted: Here's Why
New York has nearly 8,600 fewer active educators than it did five years ago, and the number of SUNY students majoring in education has dropped 50 percent since 2007, fueling fears of a looming teacher shortage across the state.

Nothing like a nice Sunday morning paddle in September!