HUMs staff blog update, January 19, 2020

Lots to consider lately..  I hope within the storm there are some glimpses of opportunity 

ITEMS:

1.  Inservice Jan 20 - HUMS agenda

Time	High School AGENDA	HUMS Agenda
7:30-8:00	Coffee/Tea in the cafeteria	Same
8:00-8:40	Library - announcements Marcus Wellness Activity 5-10 mins Tara - Wellness Center update 15-20 mins Lisa T - Summer Session 5 mins	Middle School Individual Time for core 7th and 8th grade teams (ELOx etc)
8:45-10:15	School-wide Literacy PD (location: dept areas) (agendas forthcoming from Barb to dept heads) Outcome/Goal:  A differentiated approach to writing proficiencies to review previous work and create a plan that reflects action steps and needs in the area of writing.	Middle School Individual Time for core 7th and 8th grade teams (ELOx etc)
10:00		Middle School Meeting at 10:00 - Melissa/Kendra’s  room  Agenda at the meeting.
10:15-10:30	Break	Break
10:30-11:30	Dept Meetings (separate agenda forthcoming from LT to dep heads)  Outcome/Goal: To review the expectations and recommendations of teaching practices in the PBL system and apply these practice components in next semester’s instruction.	Some HUMS staff have asked for time to meet with departments.  To honor this - this time will be either dept time or team/individual time
11:45 - 12:30	Potluck	Same
12:30 - 1:00	HU meeting in the library	HU meeting in the library
1:15 - 2:15		CBMS/HUMS meeting at Crossett Brook  Questions for HUUSD MS combination : Question list for review Link to add questions:  Link to add more questions.
2:30 - 5:00		Duane back at HU for library assistant interviews

2.  Inservice January 21 

Here is a link to the day's schedule and list of workshop attendees:

January 21 Inservice Workshop Schedule

If you do not see your name, please fill out the Google Form at the link here: https://forms.gle/ZL7S32GUeUqcHoDY6 

I'm going to try a different (better!) sign in procedure from how folks did it in October. I'll explain Tuesday morning. 

Have a great weekend and please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Shannon Lessley 

3.  Responsive Classroom observation and end of day meeting for Wednesday, January 23rd has been postponed - I will let everyone know when this will be re-scheduled. 

4.  This is a significant time of change in our district and along with that comes many emotions and concerns. We recognize that the merging of schools presents many questions and that varied opinions exist on this topic. As a staff it is important that we stay neutral with our students. We also know that students are going to ask questions and may be hearing about this in a variety of settings, again with a variety of opinions on the topic. We want to provide some guidance around how best to respond to student questions when they arise so that we do not fuel any undue anxiety and avoid sharing inaccurate information.  Change is hard for all of us and children and adolescents don’t always react in ways that are expected when they hear of coming changes. While we certainly encourage student voice, we also want to be sure that we are not taking away from the learning in the classroom. 

Here are some helpful  guidelines for how to respond:

Listen to your students, and validate their feelings.

If necessary, write down student questions so that we can get them answers.

Encourage students to talk with their parents/families.

Assure students that there will be a formal opportunity for them to share their opinions during the transition process.

Remind your students that while change can be difficult, it can also open up more opportunities...encourage a growth mindset!

Refrain from providing answers/details that have yet to be determined. It is okay to not have the answers at this time.  If your students cite information that you know is incorrect, feel free to correct them.

Be careful not to share your personal circumstances and concerns with students.

Be aware of the importance of your non verbal language and what it might unintentionally communicate.

If you need to process your feelings or emotions around these changes- please reach out to your building administrator, school counselor or other adult resource and avoid bringing any unnecessary stress into the classroom. EAP services provide another valuable resource.

5.  I know things are tough right now.. I just wanted to send out this link to a decent reminder/article about growth mindset classroom.  

https://www.prodigygame.com/blog/growth-mindset-in-students/