Hi Shining Stars,
Wow! We had a great turnout for our STEM Night. The activities and engagement were very exciting to watch. I was especially impressed with the level of support that our staff and community provided. Having parents and community members share their expertise at the event is really using our community assets. And a big thank you to all the El Camino staff who also turned out for the event. A special thank you also goes out to Aline Baissac for being the mastermind behind this great event. It’s was an awesome way to involve our community.
Some items of note for this week:
• Report Card Grading Day, Licensed Staff – For licensed staff, Friday’s report card grading day is a regular work day. HR allows teachers to work from home if you notify your administrator (me) in advance, but be sure to plan ahead if you need to collaborate with any colleagues on grading. Also, be sure to use this time for grading and not use it to run errands around town. Teachers are highly visible members of the community, so keep in mind public perception. HR has said that if working off-site on grading days is abused, we will not be allowed to continue the practice.
• Friday Early Release Compensation – In order to make up for teachers’ missed hour of prep, you will have a double prep on March 15th.
•Midterm Goal Reflection for Licensed Staff – Teachers, please make sure you are working on your mid term goal reflection. It takes very little time to complete in Talent Ed. I will count our data team on Tuesday as your mid term goal meeting. Thanks!
• REPEAT: Report Card Comments & Deadlines – Speaking of report cards, don’t forget about the resources on the 4J Elementary Report Card Website, including the Report Card Bridge Document shared at Math PLCs, as well as guidelines on individual student comments. Also remember that all of 4J is sending report cards home a week from Friday on February 8th. Do not forget to translate comments for families who need them in Spanish.
• UPDATE: Classified EA Extravaganza Friday, February 1 – This Friday is the Elementary EA Extravaganza. See the linked Extravaganza Email and Registration Directions for details. Session offerings are listed when you follow the TalentEd Registration Link. Let me know if you have any questions.
• 2019-2020 Staff Survey, Due Feb. 15th– Principals will receive staffing allocation for next school year on Tuesday, February 19th, so to help me in planning potential staffing scenarios for next year, I’d like staff to complete the linked 2019-2020 Google Form Staff Survey. I’d like to know staff members’ individual plans and preferences for the future as well as your thoughts on next year’s staffing plan and master schedule. Please complete the survey by Friday, February 15th. All answers will be kept confidential and please let me know if you have any questions.
• Political Activity & Use of District Equipment and Time – HR asked principals to remind staff that district policy prohibits employees from using district time and resources (including email, photocopiers, computers, network, etc.) for political purposes. This prohibition is broad and encompasses not only the advocacy for specific initiatives, but also advocacy for political action during work time. District materials and equipment will only be used for school purposes. See the linked email for details.
• Teaching Tolerance with Literature Workshop – Short notice on this, but the linked flyer for detail about the Teaching Tolerance with Literature Workshop presented by the Lane County Literacy Council (formerly Emerald Empire Reading Council) for educators K – 8. Classroom activities as well as bibliographies will be shared. The workshop will be Monday, January 28 at 4:15-5:45 at McCornack Elementary School. 1.5 PDUs will be earned by participants. Cost is free to LCLC members and $5.00 for non-council members. Snacks will be provided.
• Making Connections With Greetings at the Door – Research shows that greeting students as they come into class bolsters a feeling of belonging and readiness to learn. See the Edutopia video for details.
• Socio-emotional Learning: Here is a great SEL toolkit ! Empathy and Resilience, Responsibility and Self-Care: Resources for Social and Emotional Learning From The New York Times. You will find the toolkit here: Empathy and Resilience, Responsibility and Self-Care: Resources for Social and Emotional Learning From The New York Times
• Schedule of Upcoming Events –
January 28 (M)
Regular Day
January 29 (Tu)
8:00-2:30, El Camino Custom Full Day Data Team for reviewing Tier 3 supports and potential SP evaluations
3 subs acquired for classroom support- 1 hour sessions per grade
January 30 (W)
3:15-3:45, PLT Meeting in the Conference room.
3:30-5:00, Joel to ESSA Meeting (Ed Center)
January 31 (H)
Regular Day
February 1 (F)
No School – Grading Day
7:45-3:00, EA Extravaganza (All EAs are expected to attend your regular shift.)
February 4 (M)
National School Counseling Week
Second Semester begins.
GBG Training Day One- @ Oregon Research Institute, All k,1,2 teachers to attend. Sub code- Building PD
Attendance pulled for report cards. Finalize report cards.
February 5 (T)
3:10-4:00, Staff Meeting- Focus will be Restorative Justice and an open discussion about discipline philosophy at our school.
February 6 (W)
9:00-10:15, Joel meeting with Madison staff at River Road in office.
3:15-6:15, Special PLT session on ESSA, Snacks provided, Extended contracts provided.4:00-5:00, PLT ESSA Meeting is in the conference room.
February 7 (H)
GBG Training Day Two- @ Oregon Research Institute, All k,1,2 teachers to attend., Sub code- Building PD
3:10-4:00, Guardians of the Galaxy
February 8 (F)
Report Cards Sent Home- No exceptions!
2:00, Classified Evaluation Orientation Meeting Meeting ( 5th grade commons area)
2:00-3:00, Early Release PD – Math PLC (A210)
February 11 (M)
Regular Day
February 12 (Tu)
10:30-12:25, Loved ones lunch, B Loftis will send out a schedule and invitation soon.
8:00-12:00, All Admin Meeting + Elementary Short Meeting
3:15-4:00, Equity Meeting in A200
4:45-5:45, Site Council Meeting
6:00-7:15, Parent Group Meeting – Specialist Jaime Massie will present on math parent support.
February 13 (W)
3:15-3:45, Regular PLT
February 14 (Th)
Regular day. As a rule, we do not have Valentine’s Day Parties. Please do not have candy/ card exchange parties on this day. However, you could celebrate kindness as a classroom to get ready for Dr. Dene’s event.
February 15 (F)
5:00-9:00, Dr. Dene Eller’s PE Event- Family Fun Night and Kindness Event in the Gym- American Heart Association
Have an excellent week! Thank you for being there for our students!
Saludos cordiales,
Joel
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Shift the classroom culture from one where students depend on praise to one where they depend on themselves.
Hi all,
I hope all that went to OABE had many opportunities to become inspired. I got a few texts from staff about the learning and I am encouraged by what I read. This Friday in the Pd session we will set aside some time to give you a chance to share resources and big rocks you learned about.
• Admin Sub for Joel Tuesday – Downtown is helping large elementary schools when principals are out of the building during elementary principal meetings, so for Tuesday’s meeting, Kelly Middle School School Assistant Principal, John Wayland, will cover for me. I will be back around 12:15.
• Friday Early Release PD– Teachers, this Friday’s Early Release PD is a Behavior Framework training Module 6b (Strategies for Inappropriate Behavior).
• Classified AESOP Sub Hours Entry– Classified staff, when entering hours into AESOP, you must enter the times you are out as “custom.” Only 8-hour employees use full-day. Especially on Fridays, your day needs to be entered on the left and then on the right, entering the hours that the sub is supposed to report. MariCarmen is sometimes has to correct this in AESOP for staff.
• EA Extravaganza Friday, February 1– Classified staff, please mark your calendar for the Elementary EA Extravaganza on February 1st (Grading Day). Downtown is in the process of putting together the offerings and they will be using the new sign up system that was used for January 7th, so watch for another email with the courses and a sign up link later this week. I will not be providing trade time to EA’s on February 1st.
• Student Names in Emails (it’s OK)– There’s a common misconception that for privacy reasons staff should not use student names in email and should instead use initials. This is incorrect and it is actually encouraged that staff use full names. This is because if there ever is a records request and downtown has to search for emails, it’s much easier to find relevant emails if the student’s full name is written out versus their initials.
• SafeOregon Information– SafeOregon has a goal of keeping all children in Oregon schools safer by having a confidential or anonymous tip line to report safety concerns. This tip line is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and can be used by students, staff, families, or community members. Go to SafeOregon.com, email tip@SafeOregon.com, download the SafeOregon app, or call/text to 844-472-3367.
• Care Team Resources– Linked here are a few Student Care Team resources:
• Courageous Kids Grief Support Group Referral Information– Linked his is Courageous Kids’ winter term groups and intake information. If you’re not familiar, Courageous Kids offers grief support groups for children and their families who have experienced the death of a loved one. They offer a group specifically for elementary kids on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 and have postponed the start date of groups to allow for more families to sign up. If you know of any families that would like to sign up, please direct them to call (458) 205-7474 to schedule an intake.
• OFSN February Events– Linked here the the February Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN) events flyer. They host a weekly parent night every Thursday and have also opened up a food pantry in partnership with Food for Lane County. We will not have Respite available for the month of February as we are restructuring in order to be able to provide MORE opportunities for families to access respite. This service will restart in March. Please share with any families who might be interested in accessing these services.
• 211 – This one isn’t new, but it’s a very easy catchall to recommend to families looking for almost any kind of assistance. 211 will help families identify, navigate, and connect with the local resources for whatever their need may be (housing, medical needs, domestic violence, bills, mental health, etc.). Families can call 211 toll free, or they can text their zip code to 898211, or they can email help@211info.org, or go online to http://211info.org/
• Eugene Concert Choir Outreach 2019– ECCO is a FREE program that involves three 30-45 minute classroom presentations (not just for music class) designed to introduce basic musical concepts and choral singing to children grades K-5. Students will explore music fundamentals such as melody, vocal sounds, movement, and rhythm. ECCO participants will receive a free pass for themselves and an adult to attend a concert on Saturday, April 27 at the Hult Center to perform “Consider Yourself!” From the musical Oliver! along with the 110-voice Eugene Concern Choir. For more information, see the linked 2019 ECCO Letterand ECCO Application.
Here is a summary of upcoming events:
January 21 (M)
No School
March with El Camino del Rio- Starting at Autzen Stadium w/ NAACP 9:00 AM-11:30 at the Shedd.
January 22 (Tu)
PLC Day 1
|
DAY 1 8:45-12:45
|
SCHEDULE | 3 SUBS |
| 9:00-10:00 | 2ND | |
| 10:00-11:00 | 3RD | |
| 11:40-12:40 | 1ST |
7:30-7:50, Weekly Office Meeting-Office
January 23 (W)
PLC Day 2
|
DAY 2 8:30-12:30
|
SCHEDULE | 4 SUBS |
| 8:45-9:45 | 4/5 TH | |
| 10:00-11:00 | KINDER |
3:15-3:45- PLT Meeting
January 24 (Th)
3:15-4:00, Equity Meeting (A200)
5:00-6:00 PM, School Choice Tour
6:00-7:15, STEM Night
January 25 (F)
2:00-3:00, Behavior Framework Module 6 Part 2- Understanding the Level System for referrals and flow chart.
3:00-4:00, Prep time
January 28 (M)
Regular Day
January 29 (Tu)
8:00-2:30, El Camino Custom Full Day Data Team for reviewing Tier 3 supports and potential SP evaluations
3 subs acquired for classroom support- 1 hour sessions per grade
January 30 (W)
3:15-3:45- PLT Meeting
January 31 (Th)
Regular Day
February 1 (F)
Grading Day- No School
February 4 (M)
Second Semester begins.
Attendance pulled for report cards. Finalize report cards.
February 5 (Tu)
3:10-4:00, Staff Meeting- Focus will be Restorative Justice and an open discussion about discipline philosophy at our school.
February 6 (W)
9:00-10:15, Joel meeting with Madison staff at River Road in office.
3:15-6:15, Special PLT session on ESSA, Snacks provided., Extended contracts provided.
February 7 (Th)
3:10-4:00, Guardians of the Galaxy
6:00-8:00, Craft night for loved ones.
February 8 (F)
Report cards sent home in backpacks!
2:15-3:00, Math PLC in Room A 210
February 11 (M)
Regular Day
February 12 (Tu)
10:30-12:25, Loved ones lunch
8:00-12:00, All Admin Meeting + Elementary Short Meeting
3:15-4:00, Equity Meeting in A200
February 13 (W)
3:15-3:45, Regular PLT
February 14 (Th)
Regular day. As a rule, we do not have Valentine’s Day Parties. Please do not have candy/ card exchange parties on this day. However, you could celebrate kindness as a classroom to get ready for Dr. Dene’s event.
February 15 (F)
Have a great week everyone. Make every moment matter with your students. They count on it!
Saludos cordiales,
Joel
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Hi everyone,
Last week was a very enjoyable week for me in classrooms and across the school. I hope you also enjoyed getting back into the classrooms with your students. Their smiles and happiness really rubs off on me. In addition, it seems like the new lunch routines are helping to increase supervision ratios and student calmness. Yes, there are still a few bugs to work out but it feels smoother and much less crowded on the playground. BTW, supervisors, we have two new radios which can be used at recess. Each supervisor should have a radio now. Please use them at every duty.
Here are some major items of the week:
• New school facility user experience surveys– With the passage of the facilities bond, 4J is preparing to build three new schools and wants input from staff who’ve worked in 4Js newest schools. Follow this link to the 4J Facility User Satisfaction Surveyand follow this link to the School Technology Survey. Our new building certainly had and still has a lot of issues that sometimes bug me , but I do always remind myself that our new building is definitely is a big improvement over the old one. Help out your fellow 4J colleagues by sharing your thoughts about what works and could be improved.
• Site Council and Parent Group Meeting TUESDAY – This Tuesday at 6:00 in the library is the January Parent Group meeting, so if you’re able to volunteer your time to come, I know parents appreciating seeing staff attend. Hope to see you there! We will be making posters for the MLK march and reviewing the State Report Card.
• Friday Early Release PD– Teachers, this Friday was to be the annual OAKS Test Security Training. We have cancelled this meeting due to the amount of staff absent on Friday. Please use your time to plan as a grade level if your team is in town. SBAC training will happen at a later date planned by Jaime Jones. We will set the date after grading day but before SBAC testing time.
• Student Care Team Referrals – The Student Care Team will meet in two weeks, which means referrals to the team are due this Friday. Try to get a signature on the 4J Release Form (English or Spanish). Linked here is a Student Care Team Flyer you can share with families to explain the team. You can also refer “hypothetical” student or family situations if you can’t get a signature. Common referrals, though not limited to, are:
• Death of a parent
• Incarcerated parent - recent incarceration or pending release
• Homeless or impending homelessness
• Unknown status of child welfare call that was made
• Domestic Violence
• Extreme behavior issues – supports needed at home
• Specific resource needed but unknown where to refer
• Medical concerns about the child or other family
Let me know if you have any questions or any potential referrals for the team.
• DHS 211 Resource Sheet 2019– Linked here is the DHS District 5 211 Resource Sheet for 2019 in Englishand Spanish, which contains a succinct list of community resources.
• Centralized Child Abuse Hotline– Oregon is centralizing its Child Abuse Reporting System. Currently there are regional hotlines that are being phased out over the next 5 months to a central Oregon Child Abuse Hotline. The Hotline will serve as the central reporting system for all Oregonians 24/7. Lane County is scheduled to transition to the centralized hotline on January 28th, so after that date all calls to DHS will be routed to a centralized call center. The phone number will stay the same for now, but will change later this year.
• Report Card Updates and Feb. 8th send home date– An Elementary Report Card Resources emailwent out before winter break, which included a link to the 4J Elementary Report Card website(which I actually made, posting the committee’s work), but I wanted teachers to note that the date for report cards to go home is a district-wide date that is one week earlier than Howard has typically done in the past. We’ve usually waited two weeks after grading day to send report cards home, but it’s one week after grading day this year, so report cards will go home Friday, February 8th.
• Teaching the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.– This week, schools across the country will celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The resources in this edition of Teaching Tolerance’s The Moment will help you teach beyond the simplified story and help your students learn about this civil rights leader’s life and legacy. Additionally, here are some resources from Scholastic and NEA. If you have your RACISM FREE ZONE lessons from last year, I highly encourage that you get them out and teach them during this week or next. Also, I will be marching in the NAACP March from Autzen to the Shedd. You are always welcome to walk with me on Monday morning from 9:00-11:00. Parent Group will be there with the banner of our school. Stand and walk with them with Pride.
Join Neighbors and Friends for this Annual March in affirmation to the life work of Dr.Martin Luther King! Free Parking at the Serbu Center. Free Bus Tickets for LTD riders as well!
9-9:30 am- Gather in Front of PK Park
9:30-10 am- Kickoff Rally! Hosted by the UO office of Equity and Inclusion
10-11 am- March to the Shedd Institute
11-12 pm – Community MLK program with Special Guests including representatives of Our Children’s Trust and Eugene Symphony Director Franseco Lecce Chong!
I hope you find passion and inspiration for your students this week. I get inspiration from them and you!
Thanks and have a great week.
Saludos cordiales,
Joel
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