First Weekly Update!

[To read this information in blog format and to access the calendar of important events, click the link at the bottom of this message]

What an amazing week!  I am supremely impressed by all the hard work, patience, flexibility, and dedication I've seen this week.  You really are the most incredible staff in MMSD...possibly the world!

A special congratulations to Valerie, Ester, Inma, Julia, Lisa, and Vicky for a great start to the school year. Cecilia and Anamaria have provided a lots of important behind-the-scenes support to keep the school running smoothly and increase communication with homes.  Lizette, Jane, Sarah M., and Emily have taken on their new roles with grace and tenacity.

Please get in the habit of reading this blog closely, as this is my main broadcast of communication during the school year.

I am confident this will be a great year, and I'm proud to work with such a great group of people!  

--Josh


Important Reminders

• First Fire Drill will be held on Sep. 11 in the morning.  We'll get together briefly the day before to review procedures.
• Get your daily schedule to Cecilia by Sep. 15th
• Complete the Tech Survey and Legal/Social Tech Guidelines webinar by Sep. 30
• Open House is scheduled for Friday, Sep. 19, from 5:30-6:30.  Dinner, and the first Liderazgo: Parent/Teacher Organization begins thereafter from 6:30-8:00 in the cafeteria.  Please plan to attend Open House, and all are welcome to stay for the PTO meeting as well.
• All volunteers (even parents) who have direct contact with students should complete a background check form to be sent to Human Resources.  These forms can be found in the office.
• The Homework Policy work group will be meeting for the 3rd and final time on Tuesday, September 23rd from 4-5 pm in the conference room.  All school staff are invited to attend.  

Important Information

• Teach Scape is now ready for Self-Assessments to be uploaded.  I will share the power point from last week, the directions are there.  These should be done as soon as possible.
• Grant opportunity through U.S. Cellular called "Calling all Teachers"-find out more here:  http://www.uscellular.com/about/community-outreach/calling-all-teachers.html
• The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) will begin next week on Tuesday.  The menu is on the FFVP fridge.  Grade level teams and/or building buddies, please fill in our new staff members on how this program works.  Thanks!
• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) can now be viewed directly from Infinite Campus. There is a section in the IEP summary that lists all the responsibilities of any teacher that works with IEP students (reg. ed, related arts, etc.) . Remember, all teachers are responsible for supporting their students' IEP goals.  

Computer Cart Usage Guidelines

• The calendar is the only method used for checkout (amount and location listed on the event)
• Teachers physically take and return the laptops (or cart) with their class 
• No more sending individual students or groups of students down to take and return  laptops
• No laptops after or before school or weekends (experience shows that  they are not returned in time to use or left unplugged)
• No laptop or Chromebook checkout on Fridays or during assessments in the LMC
• If your students are using laptops then it is in your lesson plans (I got the impression that they were used last year to fill time)
• Last "one" who uses the carts locks them
• All staff is responsible for filling out a work order. If you write   "not working" note  on a computer then please indicate that a work order was completed on that machine

Resources:

• Teacher uses Mine Craft  to meet CCSS in Math class
• Ready to Learn: Creating a Positive Classroom Culture