January 29-

CSR working a 'wagon wheel' discussion with 10th grade students.

Best Practice: 

*CSR = Communicating School ReDesign
You've heard lots of reference to the CSR group of students and adults this year. You may have experienced some of their work or talked with them about it.
On Monday, the CSR student/adult group is coming to our meeting. Please be aware that students will be in the room from the get go. They have gathered tons of information related to student perspectives (and parent) on our PBL transition. They are very excited to share some celebrations and ideas.  See you then and thanks to Lindsey, Dorienne, Matt, & Jenn for guiding this work.

FYI - In-Service this week update - go here


This week's Link(s): 

A few teachers shared some fun video projects that occurred in their classrooms. Check out the links below to see some fun and thoughtful work from our students.

Forensics - For a good laugh
US History Documentary Films - Lots to see here
Sustainable Communities - Local wisdom

Last Friday, the ski team took a break from workouts & races to the help teach and inspire the next generation. 

Got Grades?
Yes, we just finished a grading cycle. Congratulations! That was hard work.
And, when one cycle ends, the next begins......
Here (High School Quarter 3 Timeline) is the timeline for Q3. As you view the tasks and deadlines, please keep in mind that when possible, I will provide Best Practice and In-Service time to work on things, such as, term narratives, target posters, and target rosters.

Also, I'd like to point out a few updates and improvements (based on your feedback) that were made to the Mastery Report. In review:
- Improved and timely timeline
- ME - Modified Expectations (now in PURPLE!)
- NEE - not enough evidence is now an option
- Course ending weighting and override options
- FYI: Override improvements coming....

Upcoming Events:

1/22 - Best Practice 3pm  - BRING A DEVICE
1/23 - TA - FlexTime discussion
1/23 - PA Nordic race at PA - starts after school
1/26 - TA Friday M3 #8, part 1
1/29 - Best Practice 3pm
1/30 - TA Tuesday M3 # 8, part 2
2/1 - early release - PBL  work
2/2 - In- Service PBL  work
- See Best Practice notes for info
- see LEARNING SPACES(Sunday pm) for sign up
2/6 - TA Tuesday M3 #9
2/13 - TA M3 #10 CELEBRATION
2/12 - TEDx PA competition in Auditorium @ Flex
2/17 - Sweethearts Dance!
3/21 - NEW Q3 TERM ENDING
3/22 & 23 - Conferences &
    In- Service PBL  work






Schoolwide Happenings

Searching for 'artifacts' in Vt History class - look what we found!

The annual PA Spartan Battle....or is it race?

Speaking of Spartan races.....these two challenge you to a plankathon. 

Schedule Feedback: 
If time allows during Best Practice this week, there will be a chance to complete a Staff Schedule Feedback google form. 

The questions will ask the following: 
- What things are working for you in the new schedule?
- What things are not or are you concerned about?
- Do you have any suggestions? 

We will also be asking for feedback on the Program of Studies course template. 
        We will ask: what works in this form, what doesn't, and what question do you need answered in order to complete this form?


Breakfast Cart: 

A well fed brain is less distracted and ready to learn. We have found that many students are hungry (some because they skipped breakfast) by the end of period 1 & 2. Thus, we are going to try an experiment. There will be a breakfast cart for high school students (and you) in the library foyer area between 10-10:15 AM.  Students will be able to purchase food only via there account (no cash) to expedite the process. The food will be simple - grab and go types of things that are easy to transport and 'quiet' (not crunchy nor disruptive loud wrappers). If you have any questions, concerns, or see problems please let me know. We will evaluate after a few weeks and determine next steps. The elementary school has had success with a similar  breakfast cart endeavor. Let's give it a try and hope for the best. 

Celebrations:
Ok, so if you read this far, you will see in the image to the left that PA Boys Basketball is not in first place, but they are super close and those teams above us play an easier schedule. The girls team has slipped down the rankings a bit in the past week, but they are a strong team, too. Both are super exciting to watch as they play energetic, up-tempo, and great team ball. Come check out a game! The boys are home on Monday and the girls on Tuesday.

Happy Birthday: Chris Walsh (1/31), Steve Hudak (2/2)