Week 11 11/15

Mr. Browne's Precept

"In kindness is encompassed every variety of wisdom." ~ Ernesto Sabato

Honey- Do List 

11/1/19       Register for whole-school PD in TeachPoint

11/18/19     Family Council

11/20/19     First School Preview Day

11/20/19     Whole School PD Teachers Only

11/20/19     Governing Board

11/22/19     Picture Day Make-Up

11/22/19     Family Movie Night

12/1/19       Let Jodi know if you are interested in volunteering at the school showcase

Shout Outs 

Amelia Chase and Chris Wade are a dynamic duo when they are with their students. I had asked Amelia and Chris if we could assign Chris to our K1 friend to maintain adult and student safety and to backfill his position with Ms. Jasmine. Jasmine broke up with us and Amelia has spent the past week alone with very piecemeal support/ I appreciate both of them for their willingness to jump in and support where they can. 

Eleanor gave me the name of a sub that has panned out and the sub is taking a day in December for us. Unfortunately, she is booked for the rest of November in other schools. Thanks, Eleanor. 

Dysregulated Students

This week are the team meetings for our two most visible learners who we all care deeply about. I know that there is a lot of curiosity and interest surrounding both these students. Operating from the paradigm that we are a family of professionals, I wanted to update you that as of this writing (Friday 11/15 at 4:52) there is not another seat available for these young friends. I am confident that one will present itself but I wanted you to have the realistic expectation that nothing will change immediately after these meetings at the end of next week. 

Superintendent's Visit 

The superintendent's visit was over in a flash but went very well. Our energetic tour guides were fun and joyful. This is the text of an email from the office of community engagement that I received today:

Greetings from the Community Engagement Team:

Thank you for helping to make Superintendent Dr. Cassellius' school visit so special!  It was a pleasure learning about your school culture and high expectations for success!  We look forward to future engagement opportunities with your school community. 

Attached are a few photos from the visit. Please share this message with your team.

Best, 

Dr. Casselius and the tour guides

Dr. Cassellius receiving her book

View from the District

The District has scheduled the annual school showcase on December 14th. It will be held at Boston Latin Academy (205 Townsend Street, Dorchester) on Saturday, December 14 from 9am to 1pm. The District believes that showcase is a great opportunity for parents to get information about all the schools on their choice list and meet with staff from any schools they are interested in. Unfortunately, it is 11 days before Christmas and I have plans with my family for a holiday tradition. Keri has a very special party to host as well. We are looking for volunteers who would like to sit at our table and greet any families that may wander by. I am willing to offer a comp day for the first two staff members to volunteer. Please let me know by 12/1. 

Pollinating Positive Behavior

This week we will save Pollination for our whole school PD. The topics will be the following:

K0/K1- FAIR behavior plans for K0/K1 with Jodi

K2 & 1- BIMAS Data and Planning with Jen

2&3- ILPs with Paula

My Way Cafe

This week we launch My Way Cafe! The practice went well. There will be a lot of choices come Monday. I am hoping that we can be all hands on deck during lunches. No matter what our roles are getting our little ones through the line and making choices will help the process run more smoothly. 

Governing Board

This week at our governing board meeting I will be reviewing our enrollment projections for FY21. This is one of two times during the budget process that we can advocate for changes. As you know everything hinges on our projections as that is what our funding is based on.  If you are interested in hearing more about projections please attend this meeting. The good news is that for the most part, we look stable with our projections. There is only one area that I want to be a bit more probative around.  

School Preview Day

Our first of three school preview days will be Wednesday the 20th. Do not be surprised to see a family or two touring our building or sitting in on a class. 

Faculty Senate Debrief

I am assuming that Lyndsay communicates the outcomes of our debriefs with all of you so that it would be redundant to do so here. Please let me know if that is accurate.