Week of 9/11 Principal Update

 

Something Personal: 

This week I enjoyed the documentary on Jason Kelce (Eagle's center) and I stumbled upon a new song titled The Cape. Those poor Warren children must have heard it around twenty times by now!

Music hits people differently, so pardon me if this song doesn't make your top ten--or top 100--list, but it reminded me of sticking to my why; staying rooted in what really matters personally and professionally. But more than that, it is about trusting yourself when you are out living this thing they call life. 

You have a cape that you wear, and it is my hope that you come to work each day, and return home each day, still wearing your cape. You deserve it and our world needs what you have to offer. 

Enjoy the tune! 

Something Professional: 

Back-to-School Night

When: September 20th from 6-7. 

Who Attends: All lead learners under the HCSTA contract should join us! 

This is new, what will this be like? Students will come around with their parents to say hi. 

• A scavenger hunt will be provided to classroom teachers to have outside of their rooms! 
• We will have ice cream in the café! 
• Students will introduce mom and dad to their teachers! 
• With ten minutes left (6:50), a ten minute warning announcement will be made. At 7 parents will be thanked over the PA for joining us and reminded that the Book Fair is still open but teachers need to scoot. At that point I would encourage you to wrap up your conversations and slip out! 
• This is not a conference with parents. It's to say hi and to allow the student to share their room. Please do not feel obligated to over-do it in your classroom. Your warmth and welcome to families is the goal.

Looking Ahead (building meetings): 

MTSS Update: 

RtI Problem Solving--We will start RtI problem solving meetings on 9/21 for follow up kids and non-academic needs (executive functioning). If you have academic concerns about a kid, please go see John, our MTSS coach, to determine if we need an RtI meeting. The sign up will be added to the Hub, as normal. Meetings will be bi-weekly on Thursdays or Fridays every two weeks.

Sign-ups will be located on the Hub under the MTSS section!

Optional Book Study: Last Call (sign-up by Monday!)

From Frontline: QUEST teachers will engage in 15-hours of book groups around the topic of inquiry, concept-based instruction, or technology integration. Three books will be utilized: The Curious Classroom (Harvey Daniels); Concept-based Inquiry in Action - Rachel French's, and Don't Ditch that Tech, Differentiated Instruction in a Digital World. As part of the study, participants will engage in small groups to read, reflect, try strategies, and report back to their book group. Times listed are tentative and each book group will adjust the times, and format of meeting (Zoom or in-person), to meet their group needs while getting in the correct number of meetings.

Order which book you'd like to be part of here: click here to select your text if you are joining a book study!

Monday, 9/18: Executive Cabinet Listening Tour

Feel free to stop in and say hi to Casey, Ned, Kristen and Adam on 9/18 from 8-8:30 in the café. They are doing a listening tour, and Q-town is the first stop. 

Why are they doing this? 

As a result of the strategic plan feedback, they will be vising each department and building to learn about what is working and what they can do to strengthen organizational culture! 

This is an optional, stop and chat listening tour. They'd love to see you and hear your voice! 

Vertical Teams next Tuesday (was previously scheduled for 9/12, but moved to 9/19)! 

Next Tuesday, we will have vertical teams at 8 am. This counts as a staff meeting so a sign-in sheet will be available for those tracking their hours. 

If you have not signed up for one yet, please do so prior. There are four teams: IB, SEL, Health, and Sunshine (let's have some fun!). 

click here to sign up!

Attn: Salaried Employees

Tech Update

Google Meet: Beginning this year, Google Meet is the recommended video conferencing platform for staff hosting online meetings instead of Zoom. Instructional techs will offer an overview of this tool. If you need to utilize Google Meet sooner, please review the resources provided by Google or reach out to an instructional tech for support.

 Although Pro Zoom accounts are no longer available, you can attend Zoom meetings using your district Google account with a free Zoom license. 

Also from tech: 

We have received a request to offer additional training for staff on setting up and using Remind Hub. Based on this request, Jacquie Gilmore will be offering an optional overview of the Remind platform on Friday, September 22 at 1 PM. Sign up is required by Wednesday, September 20 at 12 PM through this form. This will be held in person at one of the elementary schools, with the location determined and emailed to registrants following the sign-up deadline. 

 

Safety Reminder from Mike 

This is a friendly reminder that in the afternoon before you leave, please make sure that you have closed and locked your windows. Both handles should be down in the locked position. If you are having problems with them please let me know and I will see what we can do to fix them. Also rescue windows should not be opened except in case of Emergencies. 

 Any questions please feel free to reach out to me. 

Thank you for your help in advance. 

From the Business Office! 

 

Welcome back from the Business Office!  This is to remind you that we are available assist you with any payroll questions/issues that you may have.  We understand that things can sometimes be confusing and hope that you will not hesitate to reach out. 

 

Please contact either Jim Barrett at ext. 7097 (jbarrett@hilton.k12.ny.us) or Sherri Damore ext. 7032 (sdamore@hilton.k12.ny.us).  We would be happy to help you!