I'm looking forward to increased daylight in coming weeks and months! Wishing all of you time to disconnect to connect with loved ones and renew as 2018 closes and 2019 opens.
I recall some of my childhood Christmases as a red envelope (money), poinsettias, and a Chinese feast. There was no way I would return to school with that embarrassing story. To this day, I wonder if my teachers knew I made up the stories about my break. I share this to keep in mind that many of our students may not have a Hallmark card holiday experience. Thus, perhaps teachers can focus more on the New Year and new beginnings to help students like me from telling tales.
My daughter had her last exam yesterday - the last day and last period at the university. I'm looking forward to having her home for a month 😍. It's tradition to travel to Baltimore to celebrate Christmas with my husband's family. I will be off for most of the break and hope that you will take time away from it all too. Remember to disconnect in order to connect.
January-February Visits
We just received invitations for Budget and Probable Org meetings. There are a few conflicts where schools overlap or where I have another commitment. I have entered a note into the calendar invite to keep the team informed. I am working to coordinate with the Operational Superintendent and others. I hope to publish a draft calendar for your review soon. My goal is to be able to visit at least once before February vacation.Do you have a math/ELA content facilitator?
I apologize for the late communication on content facilitators. Below, please find applications for Math and ELA; they require your sign off and are due today or as soon as possible. Ideally, these facilitators are on your ILT so that information can be shared back to your school.
Network 4 Academic Superintendent
I'm excited to introduce you to my colleague Andrea Zayas, who has been appointed Deputy Chief Academic Officer under Dr. Charles Grandson. See announcement here. We are currently reviewing applications and aim for a transition on or around February vacation.
Your Evaluation
After vacation, I will send a communication regarding formative evaluations that I aim to complete mid-late February. This is due for those of you who are on Developing Plans. Please DO NOT think about this over break.
MCAS Training Sessions
Registration is now open for January MCAS training sessions for administrators. While these training sessions are differentiated by participants’ familiarity with computer-based testing, all are welcome at each session. All principals are encouraged to participate in one of the sessions on test security and administration protocols, and new high school principals are expected to participate. Principals who cannot participate in one of those sessions (held January 29 and 31) will be able to view a recording.Resources
Last year I published a "getting ready for MCAS" document. I will update it and reshare it with you. Meanwhile, please see some of the resources below:MCAS On-line and Paper Practice Tests
Resources to Get Students Ready for ACCESS
Graphic Organizers, Checklists, and Supplemental Reference Sheets, for use by students with disabilities
Schools are encouraged to familiarize students with these tools, since students should be comfortable using their graphic organizer or reference sheet during MCAS testing.
Approved ELA
Graphic Organizers
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Approved Supplemental Mathematics
Reference Sheets
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Sample STE
Reference Sheets
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