From the Classroom

 

From the Classroom:  Jennifer Ball shared her inner Mike Schmoker classroom experience this week.  Mike Schmoker talks a lot about the importance of reading, writing, discussing in the classroom and the positive impact it has on learning.   Last week, she had her students reading the book, "I've Lived A Thousand Years" and Jennifer led her class in a debate; deciding if the murder in the story was justified.    Students picked sides, developed their argument and debated the topic.  The conversation was heated and students were still upset with each other the next day! (That is when you know it is good!) :-)  They were also ready to read and discuss more when they returned the next day!  Thanks, Jennifer for sharing your classroom activity with us!

Lunch Schedule Changes - After some review, we have decided it is safe for students in grades 9-10 to all eat in the cafeteria at the same time.  Starting Monday, all 9th and 10th grade students will eat in the cafeteria during first lunch and 11th and 12th grade in the cafeteria during 2nd lunch.  Junior High will keep their same lunch schedule.  Please find the updated schedule HERE.  

Lunches also mean that we will have some extra help during Learning Lunch.  If you have students that need extra support during this time, please let us know and we can send an assistant to you.  

ISTEP Testing - Reminder we will be testing 11th graders (and a few 12th grade students) Monday and Tuesday this week and Tuesday and Wednesday next week.  Please keep your students in your classrooms and try to keep passing periods quiet.  You can find the testing schedule HERE.  Teachers who are proctoring the exam can pick up their materials in the high school office in the morning.  

Virtual Day/Faculty Meeting:   Wednesday is gearing up to be a busy day.  Please see the schedule below and let us know if you have any questions/concerns.    

          8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Faculty Meeting High School Library  (Schwartz Cinnamon Rolls for                                                                                                                                      Breakfast!)

          9:15 - 10:00 a.m. - CTE Teacher Meeting, High School Library

         10:00 - 10:45 a.m. -  Junior High Math Data Discussion - Jason Barnett's Room(Jason & Brennan)

         11:30 - 12:00 p.m. - Special Education Team Meeting - Heidi's Room

         12:00 - 1:30 p.m. - Readable English Meeting (Readable Lady is coming.  High School Library)

         1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - MTSS Meeting - Phil will send a schedule for this time to our team

         4:30 p.m. - Leaders of Learning - High School Library

COVID Friendly Spring Events - We were able to get the following approved by the health department.  This will give us some guidelines about spring activities.  Please share your COVID plans with Jody or Phil just so we can be on the same page before each event.

General COVID Guidelines: 

* Major banquets/program should be held in the high school gym.  At this time, it is important for us to maintain 25% capacity only.  (If our county color changes, it may open up room for more.)

* Students should be seated at least 3 feet apart (further if possible) and facing the same direction.  Masks are required. 

* Presentation:  Please think through presentation of materials and work to eliminate hand shaking or close contact (this will be hard for me!)

* Food:  Food must be COVID friendly.  Cake/punch may need to be eliminated.  Food served in containers to individuals sitting could be a possibility. 

Program Changes/Notes: 

* National Honor Society - March 9th - High School Gym 

* Honors Night - We will only celebrate students in grades 9-12 at the banquet on May 13th.  Please purchase pins and awards for junior high students - we will celebrate their success during the school day.  This will help with numbers on this night. 

* Commodore Pride - We feel like we could possibly plan an outdoor Commodore Pride event.  Maybe one that is a little shorter with awards, skits, games that are outside and COVID friendly.  This would be for 9-12 at this time.  

We will continue to work together as the end of the school year moves closer!  

           8th Period and Learning Lunch are filling back up!  Thanks for all of your patients with students during this trying time.  It has been a difficult year for both students and our teachers.  Keep up the great work!

Valentines Day Treats - Stop by the office Friday morning for your Valentines Day Treat!   ENJOY!