Friday Focus #15: 12.22.11

Tech Tuesday
I would like to focus Tech Tuesday during the month of January on some of the great things teachers are doing with technology in the classroom.  Please email me if you have something you would like to share with the staff. This doesn't have to be something you spend a great deal of time preparing for... simply tell us what you are already doing.  This is a great way to share our knowledge with each other.
We WILL NOT have Tech Tuesday on January 3rd.... we will start on January 10th.

School Hours during Break
The doors will be locked every day over break... if you need in the building, you will need to bring your fob. The office will be locked most of break also.


Have a safe break, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

1/3    Jodi Wenning

Upcoming Events

1/3      First Day back to reality

Tech Tuesday -- eBooks

*****  REMINDER *****


New eBooks on the Celina High School Card Catalog

Sheila Baltzell will be showing staff how to:

• create a user account
• search for the 44 new ebooks
• read online
• check-out
• read from your online device
• check-in 

Friday Focus #14: 12.16.11

Tech Tuesday 12.20.11
New eBooks on the Celina High School Card Catalog

Sheila Baltzell will be showing staff how to:

• create a user account
• search for the 44 new ebooks
• read online
• check-out
• read from your online device
• check-in 

At this week's department chair meeting, we discussed several items of importance that are worth mentioning here. Hopefully your department chair will bring these items up for discussion within each department.

• Formative assessment -- this is a Race to the Top committee that is working on using formative assessment K - 12.  More on this later. 

• New Teacher Evaluation system:  This is still in the early phases, but this new system will take into account student growth as 50% of the teacher (and principal) evaluations.  There are two messages here that are important to take away: 

1. teacher input is a big part of this entire process
2. this is not as scary as I thought it might be at first!  

Look at the linked document above for a little more information.   Again... more on this later.  

• OGT results & Intervention Stats:  Our students did really well in the fall administration of the OGT.  Check out scores (remember they are confidential) in the public share folder [titled "Fall OGT Scores"].  The 'intervention' link is a summary of how many students passed each subject area that went through the OGT intervention / advisory program.  This is just proof of how effective advisory intervention has been.  Good job to those involved!

• Student survey results from May of 2011 can be found by clicking the word student. 

• ODE and the Chancellor of Higher Education released a report this week that highlights the percentage of Ohio students (by high school) that have to take remedial level courses in Math and Reading.  That report, and older versions, can be found here: College Remediation reports.

• In follow up to the previous bullet point, ODE has begun to piece together Math & English College & Career Readiness expectations.  Click the links to learn more. 

Don't forget that CEUs from the 11/23 inservice day are available in the office.  

Remember the Themes for next week & note the addition on Wednesday: 

Tuesday, December 20th --> Christmas Socks Day [last day for toy drive... $1 goes to jeans fund]
Wednesday, December 21st --> Christmas Jewelry Day [$1 goes to jeans fund]
Thursday, December 22nd --> Christmas Sweater Day (Ugly is Optional!) [$1 goes to jeans fund]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

12/21   Alicia Sneddon

Upcoming Events

12/18   Band Concert @ the Fieldhouse, 3 PM
12/20   Staff Christmas Luncheon
12/21   StuCo Christmas Assembly
12/22   Blood Drive
12/22   Club Photo Day
12/22   Staff Christmas Party -- Club 211
12/22   PAY DAY... Don't forget to update grades in Progressbook!
12/23 - 1/2  CHRISTMAS BREAK!
1/3      First Day back to reality

Have a great weekend!

Holiday News & Notes

Don't forget to get in the holiday spirit...

Dress up days: 
Wednesday 12/14: Christmas Tie Day
Thursday 12/15: Christmas Hat Day
Friday 12/16: Christmas T-Shirt Day

Tuesday 12/20: Christmas Socks Day
Thursday 12/22: Christmas Sweater Day (Ugly is optional)


Door Decorating:
When decorating your door for the door decorating contest, please use your own supplies!  I have already seen some great doors.... competition is pretty tough!

Friday Focus #13: 12-9-11

On Wednesday, December 14th, we will be administering a survey to all students during advisory after announcements.  The surveys will be in your mailbox later today.  Instructions can be found by clicking here.

Parent-Teacher conferences for 2nd trimester are (believe it or not) right around the corner -- JANUARY 18TH from 4:30 - 7:00 PM.  Conference cards will be distributed soon.  Instructions can be found here.

In case you didn't notice, we now have a green screen.  Essentially, this allows us to place any image or video in the background of a recording video or image taken in front of the green screen.  I have one license for software that we are using in the office for announcements and we are working on finding another program so others can use the screen.  If you want to learn more or you think you have an idea for using the green screen, see Jason.  The guidance conference room is the 'green room'.

We are always in need of readers for the Words of Wisdom.  Please see Megan if you would like to record one or if you know of someone that would be good to feature on Words of Wisdom (we are always looking  for any staff member, alumni, community member, famous person, etc.)!

Every teacher needs to begin to become familiar with the new Common Core Standards.  Curt Shellebarger (Curriculum Director) recently sent out an all-staff email with instructions for finding subject specific standards.  In case you lost that email, or you just need a quick link, click here and you will find specific content standard links on the left hand side of the page.  More on the Common Core and its impact later!

CEUs from the Inservice Day on November 23rd are available in the office next to the envelope for the Jeans Fund.  If you attended the inservice, stop by and get your CEUs!

Every year, Student Council does a number of fundraisers to help raise money for the StuCo Santa fund -- the main one being Dime Wars.  This year, they will be trying a new fundraiser: beginning on Monday during class changes, they will be playing a Chipmunks Christmas song -- the same one over & over.  Students and staff can donate money to stop the playing of the music [it really is an annoying song].  If a certain number is reached, they will stop playing the song.  (sounds fun!)

In an effort to help raise money for the Santa fund & the Toys for Tots campaign, we will be having some dress down days between now and Christmas break.  We have created 5 theme days... if you meet 2 of the 3 criteria each day you can wear jeans on these days.
#1 -- dress to the theme
#2 -- pay $1
     OR
#3 -- bring a toy for the 'Toys for Tots' campaign

Themes: 
Wednesday, December 14 --> Christmas Tie Day (I have plenty if anyone needs to borrow one!)
Thursday, December 15 --> Christmas Hat Day
Friday, December 16 --> Christmas T-Shirt Day [last day for Santa fund]
Tuesday, December 20th --> Christmas Socks Day [last day for toy drive... $1 goes to jeans fund]
Thursday, December 22nd --> Christmas Sweater Day (Ugly is Optional!) [$1 goes to jeans fund]


Tech Tuesdays

Tech Tuesdays next week will be 'Using Twitter for PD'.  Believe it or not, the same tool that movie stars use to tell their fans when they are getting coffee or breaking up with their significant other is also one of the greatest PD tools available for educators.  Learn how to use Twitter to make you a better educator.

Week in 3 Words

Thanks to those of you that have participated in the Week in 3 Words.  Many of you have either helped by recording during your advisory/class or by doing your own '3 words'.  Let me know if you would like to do any recording...

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

12/16   Jared Rolfes

Upcoming Events

12/13   Payment for Christmas Party due
12/13   Messiah Choir Performance @ St. Paul's UMC, 7:30 PM 
12/14   Tri Star Visits (Sophomores)
12/18   Band Concert @ the Fieldhouse, 3 PM
12/20   Staff Christmas Luncheon
12/21   StuCo Christmas Assembly
12/22   Blood Drive
12/22   Club Photo Day
12/22   Staff Christmas Party -- Club 211
12/22   PAY DAY... Don't forget to update grades in Progressbook!
12/23 - 1/2  CHRISTMAS BREAK!
1/3      First Day back to reality

In Case You Missed It... Tech Tuesday: Evernote Edition

In case you missed Tech Tuesday this week, we covered the many wonderful uses of Evernote.  For more, use the link below.  This will take you to an Evernote "Notebook" I created with my notes for Tech Tuesday and some other notes about great ways to use Evernote.

http://goo.gl/hFMj4 

Gateway Surveys Round 2

Today, we will be administering the 2nd round of Gateway surveys.  After yesterday's administration, we have decided to take an alternate approach today.  Initially, we were told the surveys would take up to 50 minutes or more to complete.  Yesterday, we only had a handful of students remaining after advisory was over.  Today, I would like to administer the Senior survey in the advisory classroom.

ATTENTION SENIOR ADVISORY TEACHERS: 
By lunchtime today, you will have enough surveys in your mailbox for your advisory along with a set of instructions.  Administering the survey is very simple:

1. pass out the survey and make sure the students DO NOT put their name on it. 
2. make sure they use a blue or black pen. 
3. read the instructions to the students. 
4. ask them to place the survey in the envelope when finished. 
5. return the surveys to the office at the end of the day. 

If students are not finished at the end of advisory, please send them to the office to finish if you are not able to accommodate them in your room.  

Your help with this will ensure students make it back to 5th period in a timely fashion.  Please start the surveys as soon as you are finished with attendance -- skip the announcements today. 

THANKS!

Updates 11-29-11

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Break!  Looks like we had a relatively smooth transition into the 2nd trimester.  Just a few quick reminders and informational info:

1. If you are in need of desks, please email Megan.
2. Tech Tuesdays will resume next week with a session on Evernote.  This electronic note-taking app has many uses from taking notes in class to organizing your personal life!
3. The updated lunch schedule can always be found on the blog under the 'Schedules' tab. 
4. If you have a survey from the staff development day, please place it in my mailbox.  CEUs will be distributed later this week. 
5. Gateway has asked us to administer a survey to our sophomore and senior students.  The survey takes about 50 minutes.  We discussed this survey at our department chair meeting in early November and decided that this week would be the best time to administer the survey.  Today, we will ask sophomores to report to the lecture hall immediately after attendance during advisory.  These sophomores will be late to 5th period.  If the students are done after advisory, they will be released.  Students released during 5th period will have a pass.  Seniors will take the survey tomorrow on the same time schedule.  Senior tri star students will be asked to take the survey Friday morning beginning at 8:00 AM. 
6. Grade cards will be distributed today during advisory period.  Grade cards will be placed in advisory teacher mailboxes by lunch time today. 
7. We mailed home magnets with our Bulldog News web address and our phone number to all high school parents this week.  We will also be placing one in your mailbox this morning.  Enjoy!
8. Tri Star Orientation is this Friday for sophomores.  The time schedule will be distributed later today. 
9. We had originally scheduled a pep assembly for this Friday... that assembly has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.  

Have a great (short) week!

Staff Development Day

Just a quick note about the staff development day in regard to high school staff:

If you are a freshmen teacher with netbooks, please plan to attend one of the two morning sessions AND the afternoon session with Matt Dunlap.  He has a lot of great resources and ideas!   If all goes well, my plan would be to bring him back in the future before extending netbooks to another grade level... in other words, if you don't have freshmen, don't feel obligated to attend his sessions!

Remember that coffee, fruit & pastries will be outside the entrance to the Media Center starting @ 7:30 AM.

No Credit vs. GOWNA

For years, we have had a very strict and hard fast attendance policy.  Miss over a certain number of days and you receive no credit for the course.  There has always been an exception to the rule that we can make the decision to Grade On Work Not Attendance (GOWNA).  If a student had a case and someone, or the student, presented the case to an administrator, teacher, or counselor, we could make the decision to grant them GOWNA.  In the past, most students that failed on attendance were failing anyway.  More recently, we find that more and more students are passing a class and then failing on attendance.  This only sets the student back academically and often times, puts the student on track for opportunity school or dropout.

With recent changes in standards and education (a push for grades based on knowledge gained and standards mastered as opposed to seat time), failing a student based on attendance seems to be counterintuitive to our goals and mission.

We are working to revise the attendance policy to better reflect a 21st Century education...  but in the meantime, the administration has decided to grant all students a GOWNA.  If a student misses a great deal of school, and is still able to master the content of the course, we will award them credit.

Thanks for your understanding in this matter.

Friday Focus #12: 11-18-11 --> updates in bold

End of Trimester 1 -- update

• Tri Star students & exams: we have created a list of Tri Star students in case you need to refer to it for exams.  Included are post secondary students as well.  

• Tri Star juniors may not be quite on time to their 4th period exam on Monday.  All Tri Star students will arrive by 10:25 and if they are late, they will have a pass from the office. 

• If you have senior Tri Star students 3rd period, please let Megan or CJ know and send down a copy of your exam... we will be proctoring these in the lecture hall on Monday (see schedule).   

• USE 11/23/11 for exam date in Progressbook. 

• Remember that the window to enter grades is currently open. You have until 11/29/11 @ 9 AM to finish entering grades.  Probable failures should be sent to Wendy or Lynne by 9 AM on 11/23/11 or AS SOON AS YOU KNOW!

• Announcements will be at the end of the 1st - 5th period on Monday and will be over the PA.  On Tuesday, we will do essential announcements ONLY at the beginning of the day after the Pledge of Allegiance.

• We are short on Special Ed test readers on Monday and Tuesday.  Any teacher that is willing to read a test during their planning period will be paid $20 for doing so... this is easy to do and sometimes doesn't take the whole period.  On top of the extra money you can make, you will also be helping out in a BIG way.  Email Jason ASAP if you are interested.    

• Please return the Blue Acura Folders with Special Ed accommodation sheets back to Jared or Renee's mailbox by the end of the day Tuesday so they can begin getting them ready for 2nd Trimester.  Thanks for your help in this.  

Inservice Day
More info about the inservice day will be out on Monday morning.

Tech Tuesdays

Tech Tuesdays will resume after the Thanksgiving Break, beginning on Tuesday, December 6th.  Check out the poll on the sidebar for options.  Please vote!  If you have topic suggestions, feel free to comment below.

Week in 3 Words

Thanks to those of you that have participated in the Week in 3 Words.  Many of you have either helped by recording during your advisory/class or by doing your own '3 words'.  Let me know if you would like to do any recording...

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

11/21    Candy Weitz
11/27    Mary Jo Alig
12/1      Mary Meyer
12/1      Tommy Huston

Upcoming Events

11/18   Fall Choir Production
11/19   Fall Choir Production
11/21   Exams -- Day 1 
11/22   Exams -- Day 2
           End of 1st Trimester
11/23   Inservice Day
           Failures due by 9 AM
11/29   Start of 2nd Trimester
           Grades due by 9 AM
           Start day in Advisory

Exams -- ROUND 1

By this time next week, exams will be over and we will be gearing up for 2nd trimester!  Before we get there though, here are a few reminders about the ending of a trimester:

1. EXAM SCHEDULE: please refer to the exam schedule and make sure you understand how it works.  Remember that there are different schedules for Junior & Senior Tri Star students.  One anomaly is that Senior Tri Star students take their 3rd period exam early.  If you need the office to administer this exam, please notify us... we are typically proctoring that exam in the lecture hall.  Another abnormality is that Junior Tri Star students may not make it back to the high school in time for the beginning of 4th period exam.  Please accommodate these students as necessary.  As always, ask questions if you need to...
2. GRADE ENTRY: you may begin entering grades now... make sure you send failures to Wendy or Lynne as soon as you can, but no later than 9 AM on Wednesday 11/23/11. 

Friday Focus #11: 11.11.11

End of Trimester 1
We are now only a week and a half from the end of the 1st trimester.  We will have exams on Monday 11/21 and Tuesday 11/22.  The exam schedule can always be found under the schedules tab on the staff blog.  Exams work like this:

• Day 1: we run through a full schedule of shortened periods (30 minutes in length) as a final review day.  Then, we jump into exams around 10:20 AM with only 4th and 5th period exams on this day.  Lunch is organized by the 4th period teacher on day 1... eat the same lunch you always do.  We release at normal time on this day
• Day 2: we hold exams for periods 1, 2, & 3 on this day.  Lunch is during 3rd period and is based on the teacher the students have for 3rd period -- teachers should eat the same period (A, B, or C) while students could potentially be eating a different lunch period.  Tell your 3rd period students prior to day 2 which lunch they should eat.  ALL STUDENTS ARE RELEASED @ 1 PM on day 2.  Teachers are required to stay until normal time!
• Tri Star schedules can be found on the exam schedule.  Special arrangements will need to be made 3rd period for seniors in Tri Star.

Grade Entry Timeline

Grade entry can begin any time.  Grades are due by 9 AM on Tuesday, November 29th.  Remember that probable failures should be sent to the guidance counselors by 9 AM on the inservice day. 

Inservice Day

There was a blog post last week regarding our inservice day.  I have been working over the last 2 weeks to create a day that is meaningful to everyone with Professional Development tailored to your needs as a teacher.  The tentative schedule is still a work in progress.  Initially I was planning for department level meetings in the afternoon, but the district has planned to have a bully prevention event in the afternoon.  Here is an outline of the day:
8:00 - 11:45    Breakout sessions on a variety of topics (4 sessions total)
12:00 - 1:00    Lunch
1:00 - 2:30      Bullying Prevention Session (Lecture Hall)
Teachers of Freshmen can use the afternoon to work with Matt Dunlap out of the Media Center as an alternative to attending the bullying session. 

Tech Tuesdays

Tech Tuesdays will resume after the Thanksgiving Break, beginning on Tuesday, December 6th.  Check out the poll on the sidebar for options.  Please vote!

Week in 3 Words

The theme for the Week in 3 Words next week is 'Being Thankful'.  If you or your class would like to record a Week in 3 Words, let Megan know via email and we can send someone.  We will record Wednesday and Thursday next week. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

11/9    Kristi Stachler
11/17  Brian Stetler

Upcoming Events

11/18   Fall Choir Production
11/19   Fall Choir Production
11/21   Exams -- Day 1 
11/22   Exams -- Day 2
           End of 1st Trimester
11/23   Inservice Day
           Failures due by 9 AM
11/29   Start of 2nd Trimester
           Grades due by 9 AM

Professional Development

We all want to get better at what we do.  Sometimes that means reflecting on a lesson; other times it means trying something new.  Of course, professional development is one way to help us get better in our practice.  That said, many times this phrase (professional development) is met with groans and ugly memories of a bad inservice or a day spent on something entirely unrelated to your classroom.

IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY!

I would like for your professional development more meaningful for you...

Help me create meaning for our inservice day on November 23rd.  If there is a topic you would like covered on the inservice day, make a comment below.  If you have a passion for something you are already doing in your classroom and would be willing to lead a session, comment below.  A portion of the day on 11/23/11 will be dedicated to breakout sessions.  I have some planned, some ideas, and plenty of room for more.

Join in the discussion... make your time meaningful for you!

Friday (Midweek) Focus #10: 11.1.11

• Remember that Tech Tuesday is 'Study Blue'.  If you weren't able to attend this morning's session, consider joining us this afternoon for this useful tool.  

• Veteran's Day is on 11/11/11.  Here is a website with ideas and resources for teachers: http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday.

• The girls volleyball team will compete in Regional action on Thursday night in Ontario.  For tickets, see Bruce any day this week from 10:45 - 2:45.  

Hannah Fleck runs in the State Cross Country meet in Hebron this Saturday.  She took 3rd at Regionals.

Also... don't forget that the Autumn Theatre is this weekend: "I Hate Shakespeare".  Tickets are still available by calling 419-586-1494.  Performances are Friday & Saturday @ 8 PM and Sunday @ 3 PM. 

• Netbook initiative...  I have seen some really great things going on in the classroom with netbooks.  Please share things you have done with the netbooks in the comment section below.   No need to get detailed or elaborate, but share something if you have netbooks in your room and have been using them with the students.  

• When you are planning your lessons and thinking about integrating 21st Century Skills, please think about seeking out ideas and help from others.  Begin by asking other teachers about things they have tried or have done that might work.  I have come across quite a few great classroom ideas just from my conversations with our very own staff members!  Sometimes, you might have an idea that can be further/better developed just by bouncing it off someone else in the teacher's lounge.  

Online research can also be a great way to find classroom ideas.  

Finally, seek the help of someone else.  Never be afraid to ask someone to assist in your lesson if you are integrating something new.  Betsy Crites is available on Mondays & Fridays and will even come in and teach the technology to the students.  Keith Gudorf and I are also both willing to help as we are able. 

• This week's Jean's Fund money will be used to purchase a gas card for Diane Booher and her husband.  Diane's husband, Mike, has been diagnosed with cancer.  He will be undergoing treatments, some of which will take place in Lima.  Please keep Diane and Mike in your thoughts and prayers. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

11/2   Wendy Gabes
11/2   Ryan Jenkins

Upcoming Events

11/4  CHS Autumn Theatre, 8 PM
11/5  CHS Autumn Theatre, 8 PM
11/6  CHS Autumn Theatre, 3 PM

Tech Tuesday -- Study Blue

John Higgins will be presenting Tech Tuesday tomorrow on a new 'electronic flashcard' application called Study Blue.  John has been using this program in the classroom and will be showing us how to use it.

Join us at 7 AM or 2:30 PM.

Friday Focus #9: 10.21.11

• Thanks for your help and patience in making this a fun Homecoming Week for our students.  

• A discussion on in-service came up at our recent department chair meeting.  I would like to do a variety of professional development on our scheduled in-service day (November 23rd).  Please make suggestions in the comment section of the Friday Focus.  

• Tech Tuesday next week will be titled: "Sharing with Google Docs".  We will be discussing the ins and outs of sharing documents with each other and your students.  Included will be a way to see changes made by individual students.  Join us at 7 AM or 2:30 PM. 

Also... Remember that we will have an afternoon "Movie Maker" session on Monday for those of you that were interested in Movie Maker last week but were unable to make the morning session.  

• A quick note about our bells: periodically, the clock that rings our bells is not in sync with the Dukane clocks in your rooms.  Please do not release students early when the Dukane clock indicates the period is over... always go by the bell!

On a somewhat related note, some students have been complaining that there is not enough food during their lunch (especially during C lunch) and may be trying to convince you that they need to leave early for lunch.  For what its worth, their is PLENTY of food... however, we may run out of pizza periodically.  Please do not let students leave for lunch early as this will create issues in the hallway and lunchroom.  Also, if you see students running, please tell them to stop!   

• If you haven't seen this video about vodka soaked gummy bears, you should take a few minutes to watch it now.  Something to watch out for among our students. Click here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

10/29     Bruce Boley
10/30     Dave Maurer

Upcoming Events

10/22  Homecoming Dance, 8 - 11 AM
10/24  OGT -- Reading
10/25  PAY DAY
          GRADES UPDATED IN PROGRESSBOOK
          OGT -- Math
          Tech Tuesday: "Sharing Google Docs"
10/26  OGT -- Writing
10/27  OGT -- Science
10/27  Marching Band Concert, 7 - 8:30 PM, HS Gym
10/28  OGT -- Social Studies
          Pep Assembly 

Assembly Schedule & Tech Tuesday

The assembly schedule was posted under Friday Focus #8 on the staff blog last Thursday afternoon.  It is accurate.  I will also be linking a Google Doc under the Schedules menu across the top of the staff blog later today.

Also, Tech Tuesday for this afternoon will be postponed and rescheduled for NEXT MONDAY after school.  Please vote on the NEW poll on the right sidebar for the next Tech Tuesday topic for next Tuesday.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Tech Tuesday -- Movie Maker

Tech Tuesday for 10-18-11 will be Movie Maker.  I will cover everything you can learn about Movie Maker in 20 minutes.  Join us!

Friday Focus #8: 10.13.11

Good morning.  Not sure how everyone else feels, but I sort of think short weeks go slower than long weeks.  This was no exception!  Regardless, no matter how you spend your day tomorrow, try to get re-energized for the next run of 5+ weeks until the end of the 1st trimester and break from school!

Just a couple of quick notes and reminders today:

• Remember that grades should be updated in Progressbook by the 10th & 25th (Pay Days) of each month.  Of course, you can update more often (and most of you do), but this is just a good guideline for those checking grades to know that they are the most up-to-date.  

• OGT Make-up week is approaching.  More details will be coming from the guidance office next week. 

• Tech Tuesday this week... check out the poll on the right hand side of the blog.  I will do a Tech Tuesday based on the vote.  Winner to be announced Monday afternoon. 

• If you haven't yet completed the bloodbourne pathogens training, I think Friday is the deadline.  To help you out, click here to access the online training. 

• Blog troubleshooting: I have deleted the old feed and recreated it.  I also took down the password protection on the blog and made it visible ONLY TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE LINK.  The blog is STILL PRIVATE... as long as no one shares the link.  You no longer have to log in to read the blog.  You will not be able to find the staff blog unless you know the exact address -- a search engine will not find it.  I am hoping this will also help in the email subscription option.  I think it wasn't sending the email because of the password protection.  SO... TRY SUBSCRIBING AGAIN if you want email notification of blog posts.  

• The Homecoming Assembly Schedule for Wednesday is as follows: 

1st period     7:25 - 8:30

2nd period    8:35 - 9:40

ASSEMBLY 9:45 - 10:15 

3rd period    10:20 - 11:25

4th period     A     11:30 - 12:00

                    B      12:05 - 12:35

                    C      12:40 - 1:10 

5th period    1:15 - 2:20  

 

 

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

10/20  Erika Draiss
10/21  Lynne Ray
10/22  CJ Puthoff
10/22  Toma Hainline

Upcoming Events

10/14  No School
10/19  Homecoming Assembly
10/19  Picture Retakes
10/22  Homecoming Dance, 8 - 11 AM
10/24  OGT -- Reading
10/25  OGT -- Math
10/26  OGT -- Writing
10/27  OGT -- Science
10/28  OGT -- Social Studies
10/28  Pep Assembly 

Trial #4

hello

Email Subscription Trial #3

OK... here it is.  This time I tried the equivalent of uplugging it and plugging it back in.  I deleted the old 'feed' and re-did the whole process.  No one should get an email this time -- except me.  I just set this up and have a new email subscription window on the right (although it looks the same).  I will try this and then let everyone know if it works!

Email Subscription Trial #2

I guess the best way to solve any technology problem (after you unplug it and plug it back in) is to use trial and error.  I am trying a process of elimination to determine the issue with the email subscription option.  If you are signed up to receive emails when I post, then I hope you receive an email after this post.  Please comment below one way or the other.

Thanks for your patience!

You Tube for Educators

I don't know much about it yet, but I just came across You Tube for educators. This is not supposed to be blocked by filters (according to You Tube). Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/education.

Give feedback on how this works.

Friday Focus #7: 10.10.11

Better late than never!  Here is the Friday Focus that didn't make it out last week!

Netbook distribution went well.  All but 4 freshmen received the netbooks on Thursday.  Freshmen are excited (and upperclassmen maybe a little angry!).  So far, there seems to be very few problems.

No Tech Tuesday this week.  We will resume next week.  If you have a topic you would like to hear more about or something you can present, please comment below!

HAVE A GREAT SHORT WEEK!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

10/10  Connie Opperman
10/11   Jason Andrew
10/12   Kim Koesters

Upcoming Events

10/12  PSAT -- Juniors
10/12  Stratford Trip Departs -- return on 10/14
10/13  Spirit March
10/14  NO SCHOOL --WOEA DAY!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

The time is upon us... tonight, we meet with parents to discuss their child's progress.  Since this is most often a conversation about how/why their child is struggling, it is important to remember to always say at least one positive.  I always try the sandwich method with parents:  i.e. say something positive, give the bad news, then finish with a positive.

New teachers (and all teachers) benefit from the advice of others.  If you have a strategy or other piece of advice on parent-teacher conferences, please share in the comment section below.  Feel free to ask questions here also!  Great place to share...

For more tips and tricks for parent teacher conferences, check out the post from last October on the same topic.  Some great comments from our staff!

The conference log will be completed online this year via Google Forms.  Click here for the form, or visit the Parent-Teacher Conference tab at the top of the page.  You will need to submit the form once for each conference.  Give me feedback afterward on how the form worked.  Remember to include any other recent forms of communication with parents as well!

My College Options

My College Options is a survey for all 9th - 11th grade students.  We will be administering this survey during advisory period on Wednesday.  It takes about 10 minutes... you will receive the surveys in your mailbox this afternoon (if you need extras, they are in the office).  Here are the directions:

• After announcements, please distribute the survey to EVERY student (students should not be dismissed with passes until the survey is completed). 
• Explain to the students that the survey helps colleges learn more about potential students and will help match student interests and needs with specific universities and/or career choices.  
• Let students know the survey is voluntary (but no one leaves until all are completed!).
• Ask students to print clearly using a No. 2 pencil or pen with blue or black ink.
• Tell students: 
• Write the last name of their advisory teacher in the box that says "teacher's last name". 
• If students provide a parent email address, their parents will receive a copy of their college matches.  However, only the student will receive a personalized, confidential password for the My College Options website. 
• For school names (Q. 15), fill out the complete name of the school, not abbreviations (i.e. Ohio State University, not OSU). 
• Collect all completed surveys and return to the office by the end of the day. 

Staff Blog Updates Via Email

Good morning!  Hope everyone is having a great start to the week!

I have had some recent concerns that the automatic emails from the Staff Blog posts have not been received recently by those that have subscribed.  This post is a test.  Please let me know if you are receiving these emails by going to the blog and commenting that you have / have not received the email from this post.

THANKS!

Friday Focus #6: 9.30.2011

We are almost halfway through the 1st trimester (27 out of 63 days).  So far, it has been a great year.  We have had very few disciplinary issues (please knock on wood right now) and overall attitude and morale seems high!  Please continue to do what you do best!  Keep up the great work and have a wonderful weekend!

• There will be a Child Abuse Prevention Training held on Wednesday, October 12 from 4 - 8 PM in the Media Center at CHS.  Anyone wishing to attend in order to complete your 4-hour requirement, please email Paula Klosterman.  If you are unable to attend this session, but still need your training, see Jason... there is another option that carries a $30 fee. 

• Last night, a sub-committee of the Race to the Top team discussed the teacher evaluation tool.  As part of ODE and RtTT requirements, we are in the process of revising this tool.  Part of the requirement is to use student growth as part of the measure used to evaluate teachers and administrators. This is still in the very early stages of development and we will keep you posted as we progress. 

• A Thank You Card was received from Matt & Kathy May and family expressing their "sincere appreciation for all [our] thoughtfulness and support in so many ways".  The card is posted across from the mailboxes on the bulletin board. 

• Netbooks are begin rolled out next Thursday to all Freshmen during 2nd period.  Students should report to 2nd period and will be CALLED DOWN after attendance.  They will be gone most/all of the period.  The freshmen have received a copy of the user agreement.

• Tech Tuesday next week: "Organizing all of those GREAT online resources & SHARING them!"
• I am looking for interested staff members to present on Tech Tuesdays... its very easy and low pressure.  Any tech topic of interest to others is welcomed.  Post ideas & needs below!

• Don't forget... parent-teacher conferences are next Wednesday from 4:30 - 7 PM. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...
10/4   Wally Ellinger

Upcoming Events

10/5    My College Options Survey during Advisory (details later) 

10/5    Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:30 - 7 PM
10/6    Netbook Distribution 2nd period

10/7    Spirit March

Friday Focus #5: 9.23.11

• On Wednesday morning, we are going to have a brief meeting for those teachers involved in the Freshmen Netbook program.  The meeting will be held at 7 AM in the Media Center.  ALL ARE INVITED to attend!  On the agenda: Deployment Timeline, Expectations, User Agreements, Ideas for Implementation, etc. 

• Please remember to be checking grades during advisory.  Refer to Friday Focus #1 or #4 for details.  We would like some sort of documentation from all advisory teachers on the September 30th of your grade checking methods during advisory.  Turn in to the office at the end of the mailboxes in the labeled bin. 

• I am looking for someone to do Tech Tuesday this upcoming week.  I will be out of the building, so unless I have a volunteer, we will cancel this week and start up again on October 4th.

That's it this week!  Hope to see you at the game!  Have a great weekend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

9/27   Jon Clouse

9/29   Matt Miller

Upcoming Events

9/23    Spirit March

              Pep Assembly

9/28    Netbook Meeting, Media Center, 7 AM

9/30    Spirit March

10/5    My College Options Survey during Advisory 

10/5    Parent Teacher Conferences, 5 - 7:30 PM

10/7    Spirit March

CHS Faculty 2011-2012

What a GREAT looking group!

A HUGE thanks to Amy Sutter for setting this picture up and for putting together the final product you see above.  Also, thanks to Megan for snapping the camera and to all of you who participated in the picture.

Sad News

Many of you have probably heard already that Travis (12) & Tyler (9) Heistan's father passed away earlier this week.  While Jerry was ill for quite some time, I don't believe this was expected.  Clearly, the boys are struggling with their loss.

Arrangements are as follows:
Viewing will begin @ 12 noon on Friday, September 23rd with the Funeral to follow @ 2 PM at Cisco Funeral Home.

FREE DONUTS... Staff Meeting Reminder

7 AM Wednesday Morning...

Lecture Hall...

Staff Meeting, Picture, and donuts!

Senior Meeting

We were supposed to have a meeting for seniors during advisory with our Herff-Jones rep for graduation info.  He is scheduled to come today to take ring orders and really still needs to do the presentation while he is here.  Therefore, we are going to have the meeting still... it will be during 5th period today.  He is going to shorten the meeting a little, so seniors will miss approximately 20 minutes of 5th period.  

Sorry for the inconvenience...

Also, announcements at the beginning of 5th period.  Seniors will have to catch announcements via the web later.  We will get on the PA to call seniors down and prompt announcements. 

 

Foggy Tech Tuesday

Our 1st 2-hour delay occurred today, September 20th.  With the delay, here are a couple of reminders about our delay schedule:

• We have three different 2-hour delay schedules and we alternate between the three.  Today, we are on the GREEN schedule.  Click here for a copy of the schedules. 
• Senior (afternoon) Tri Star will RUN ON TIME.  Teachers will not see Senior Tri Star students in the period that is moved to the end of the day.  That is 3rd period on GREEN, 2nd period on WHITE, and 1st period on BLACK. 
• Junior (morning) Tri Star classes are cancelled on a 2-hour delay.  Juniors should report to CHS by 11:15 AM for their 4th period class.  Because of our delay schedule, those Junior students will be released at 1:25 after their 5th period class. 
• We have NO ADVISORY on the 2-hour delay schedule.  

If you are not receiving the Leader Alert messages for delays and cancellations, please visit http://goo.gl/OC8W6 to sign up.  You can choose to receive phone calls on any phone and also have the option to receive text messages and emails.  

Unless we are cancelled, we will plan to have Tech Tuesdays on delay days beginning at 9 AM.  

Spirit Week

Teachers & Staff should feel free to participate in SPIRIT WEEK activities... especially the dress up days.  If you need a reminder, here is the schedule for the rest of the week:

Team Tuesday... wear your favorite team shirt/jersey
Wacky Wednesday...  duct tape?
Throwback Thursday... dress in your favorite decade!
Superfan Friday... BULLDOG wear!

In addition, if you would like to wear jeans, just donate a dollar to the jeans fund for a good cause.

Google in the Classroom

Came across this document (its a Google presentation, sort of like a Powerpoint Google style) at a conference a while ago.  Thought I would share it with everyone.  Some of the ideas are worth spending some time on, while others... not so much.  Definitely worth looking at, especially if you are in the netbook group.  I have embedded it below, but for more powerful viewing options, visit this site: http://goo.gl/mZkcY.

Friday Focus #4: 9.16.11

• NWOET is hosting a fall technology conference on October 10th.  I have approval to take a handful of teachers (1st come, 1st serve).  Email Jason or comment on this blog post and you will be added to the list.  For details on the conference including sessions, click here.  I think we would leave around 7 AM and return by 5 PM. 

• Tech Tuesday next week is 'Microsoft Live' with Keith Gudorf.  

Remember, Tech Tuesdays are from 7 - 7:20 AM or 2:30 - 2:50 PM and are always optional.  CEUs are available!

• Our Technology Coach, Betsy Crites, is available for coaching on Monday & Fridays.  To schedule an appointment for technology coaching, email Betsy.Crites@CelinaSchools.org.  Betsy can help with a number of things and is best at helping you come up with ideas for integrating technology into your classroom. 

• Next week is Spirit Week and we will have many different dress-up days and other activities, including a Pep Assembly on Friday.  I know this sometimes is distracting to the classroom environment, but we will work to keep interruptions to a minimum.  

When we have any Assembly, please continue to help us monitor students before, during, and after.  If your room is near an exit, please help guard the door so students don't leave!  If your room is near a restroom, please check it for students before heading down!  Thanks for the great job you all do in supervising these events!

• Next week we will have a brief staff meeting on Wednesday @ 7 AM in the Lecture Hall.  We will have a short meeting and then will have a staff picture taken.  Please plan to attend!  Donuts or Fruit or both?  Do you guys want coffee?  Comment below please!

• Study Sessions will begin next week.  Feel free to recommend and advertise these to your students.  The structure will be slightly different than past years.  Here are the times: 
• Monday, Wednesday & Thursday from 2:30 - 3:00 (location based on teacher scheduled)
• Tuesdays from 2:30 - 3:30 in the Media Center
• Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 7:30 PM in the Media Center

• The Special Ed staff is going to discontinue their practice (that was trialed this school year) of giving EVERY teacher EVERY 'IEP at a glance' for the entire building.  It was too much paper for them and for the regular ed teachers.  Instead, we will go back to the old way of giving each teacher the 'IEP at a glance' for students in their room.  Their will be a 'master list' in the teacher workroom in the office.  

• Referrals for struggling students are starting to roll in... As always, this is a team approach.  Ideally, all teachers are monitoring grades in their classroom and will attempt several interventions (including, but not limited to parent phone calls, before/after school help, study sessions, etc.) before referring a student from their classroom to the office.  If a student does not respond to your interventions, please fill out the guidance referral sheet (found under the documents tab on the staff blog), submit to the office, and either a counselor or administrator will meet with the student and take further steps. 

In addition, as noted in Friday Focus #1, we are asking all advisory teachers to do weekly grade checks for students in their advisory.  The form you use is up to you... samples are found under the documents tab.  If you notice that a student begins to struggle, please fill out the referral sheet (as noted above).  While you may not know specific classroom interventions for your advisory students, you can still fill out the referral sheet.  When we receive these, we will talk with the classroom teachers as well as the students. 

The BOTTOM LINE is this... we want in place a safety net to help catch ALL kids before they fall through the cracks.  It never hurts to have many people watching out for the same students!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

none

Upcoming Events

9/19   CHAMP Meeting, 7 PM, Media Center

9/20   Tech Tuesday: Microsoft Live, room 117

9/23   Spirit March

          Pep Assembly, alternate schedule
          Tailgate Party before the football game

Tech Tuesday: Google Chrome Rocks

If you weren't able to make it to Tech Tuesday this morning, there is still time!  This afternoon, we will cover Google Chrome again... you will learn what makes Chrome [one of] the best web browsers around, for both your work and personal life.  Hope to see you there! 

Friday Focus #3: 9.9.11

Now that we have gotten through some super hot weather followed by very frigid and rainy weather, we can handle it all!  I know this is a crazy time of year with lots of 'extra' activities like Spirit Marches, Pep Assemblies, extra long announcements, meetings, etc., but remember... its the 'extra' stuff that sometimes hooks the student.  We have a very positive school culture and demonstrate in many ways that we are student focused.  Keep that in mind as you prepare lessons and sometimes deal with interruptions.  Students need to connect with their school in some way in order to be successful.  You guys as teachers, counselors, secretaries, aides, and custodians do a great job of this already... connecting with students.  KEEP IT UP!  It's why we're here!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

• We would like for every teacher/staff member to participate in the Words of Wisdom.  If you have not yet recorded yours, please stop down and see Megan.  No pressure, but Brad Siebert memorized his!

• A big thank you to Keith Gudorf for doing this week's Tech Tuesday.  If you don't know how to do World Client now, you should have come to the meeting!  

Tech Tuesday CEU's from last year and this year will be placed in mailboxes by Tuesday morning.  If you think any of them are incorrect, let Jason know. 

Next week's Tech Tuesday will be titled "Why Google Chrome Rocks".  We will be covering some quick tips on how to make Google Chrome the best web browser you have ever used... including how to play ANGRY BIRDS from your computer!  Remember... Tuesday mornings from 7 - 7:20 AM and afternoons from 2:30 - 2:50 PM.  CEU's available. 

• Just a reminder about the procedure for Special Ed testing... if a student has the accommodation "tests read", then we must read the test to the student.  Standard procedure is that the student takes the test in the regular classroom and will then have the test read to them (regardless of whether or not the student completed the test) either during intervention (if they have one) or during advisory.  If they are having the test read during advisory, the regular ed teacher should write the student a note to report to room 105 during advisory.  There, the test will be read to them... even if it is already completed.  The only exception to this rule is if the test is read to the student in the classroom.  Regular ed teachers should follow up with the student the following day to verify that they were in the testing room.  THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS PROCESS! 

• We will be starting a new personal leave request process -- going paperless!  Megan has set up an email form that you need to complete.  When you send the email, it will automatically be sent to Megan, Jason, and Sue Cook.  As long as you send the email at least 2 days prior to the requested date, there is no need to call the sub hotline.  If it is within the 2 day time frame, you WILL need to call the sub hotline.  We hope this will streamline the process (and save paper in the meantime!).  A Google Doc with instructions for sending the email is under the documents tab on the staff blog. 

• Parent-Teacher conferences are quickly approaching... October 5th from 5 - 7:30 PM.  Megan has already placed conference cards in your mailboxes.  Please have these returned to Megan by September 23rd.  Every teacher needs to complete 8 cards.  I will have an electronic version of the conference report each teacher turns in after conferences are completed.  The link to that will be put out later.  

• Be sure you know how to send your lockdown email.  We will be doing a drill very soon (probably next week).  We will send out an actual date/time later. 

• If you are able, stop in at a sporting event sometime.  The students appreciate this more than you might think.  They especially like it when you mention it the next day! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...
Randy Baker (9/16)


Upcoming Events...
9/9   Spirit March
        Pep Assembly -- ALTERNATE SCHEDULE (view under the Schedules tab)
        REMEMBER TO UPDATE GRADES IN PROGRESSBOOK
        PAY DAY!


9/10 ACT


9/12 Freshmen Ring Meeting during Advisory


9/13 Tech Tuesday -- "Why Google Chrome Rocks"


9/14 Blood Drive -- ALL DAY 
        Department Chair Meeting @ 2:30


9/16  Spirit March