#21 Work Expectations, Hiring, Tech Resources, MCAS

Natalie Ake worked with Peter Reynolds to create this image as a reminder for social distancing.
#Wow #Art #BPSProud #AllHandsOnDeck

Link to make a phone or hangout appointment with Grace for this week.

Governor Baker's Press Release - Executive Order 
Mayor Walsh's Press Conference March 23, 2020

Work Expectations

• BPS Response to BTU Work Expectations
• COSE Guidelines for work during closure 
• Union Letters Folder 
• School Leader Call Qs and As 3.19.20

It's hiring season...

Q: What if I was in the process of hiring a new staff member?

A: School-based hires in progress will be delayed until April 27th, unless schools open earlier. Staffing will not be scheduling any new Welcome Sessions. In emergency situations only, Welcome Sessions may be scheduled if warranted, please contact Hannah Hall (hhall@bostonpublicschools.org) and Steven Chen (schen2@bostonpublicschools.org) for more information.

Q: How can I move the interview and hiring process forward virtually?

A: We encourage hiring teams to continue moving their hiring processes forward. We know the best hires are hired early. We have put together this Virtual Interview Resources & Strategies guide as a preliminary resource during this time.

Q: When will hires be approved? 

A: Even though the Staffing Team will no longer be scheduling Welcome Sessions, we will continue approving hires and posting positions as hiring teams move forward on the process. For SY2021 BT3 (ex. teachers, social workers, nurses etc.), we will begin approving hires by March 20. Please ensure you continue following the Hiring Policies and Guidance and Best Practices.

Tech Resources

• Learning Sites by Region - Please fill in if you have not already.
• BPS Coronavirus Main Page - contains links to digital resources to share with families and staff (UPDATED)
• BPSTech Knowledgebase  - how to’s of tech
• Webinars and Office Hours for Principals/Teachers - started Monday
• Virtual Learning Info Page, all archived webinars available on demand

Curricular Resources

• Special Education Page  
• English Learner Teacher Virtual Learning Guide  
• Special Education Virtual Learning and Resource Guide 
• Arts Curricular Resource
• Instructional Continuity during Extended Closure 

MCAS News:

• Both Grade 10 and opening of the grades 3-8 Spring ELA assessments have been postponed.
• MCAS-Alt portfolios do NOT need to be submitted by the deadline (April 3), nor is it necessary to obtain a parent’s signature that they have reviewed the portfolio prior to submission.
• Submission of a signed Verification Form will NOT be required this year.
• Schools should not schedule any shipment pick-ups. A new submission deadline will be communicated once confirmed.

#21 Be well. Be healthy. Breathe.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart 💕

I hope all of you had a chance to enjoy sunshine this past weekend. I want to thank you for all the numerous large and small things you have done to communicate with staff/students/families, set up for at home learning/working, and just care for others before yourself. Cindie Neilson commented to me that this will be the longest time that our students who have extended school year will be out of school - this thought frightened me, then I began to try to think about all the ways we can still stay in touch and mitigate lost opportunities for learning for our most marginalized students. I imagine the many emotions you experience - some sadness, loss, relief, wistfulness - as you enter your empty building, tape the signs on your school door, change your voicemail, gather your things and drive away... School is literally your second home and family.

This closure will bring all of us to a new level using technology to communicate, connect, and collaborate. Those of us - I mean all of us, not just leaders - who can practice flexibility, adapt our thinking and mindset, and learn new skills continually will be more successful when we reopen. In the future, we will remember this crisis as a common global experience that truly changes the world. We can be part of that change for the good of all and make history.

Here are some tips from Center for Creative Leadership (Go to link for entire article) Adapting to Change Requires Flexibility:

How to Adapt to Change: 5 Tips

As a leader, you not only have to respond to change, but you also have to steer change. Use these 5 tips as you adapt to change and guide your team through change:

• Be curious. Ask lots of questions. Wonder, explore, and consider before you judge and decide.
• Don’t get too attached to a single plan or strategy. Have Plan B (and C) at the ready.
• Create support systems. Don’t go it alone. Look to mentors, friends, coaches, trusted peers, professional colleagues, family members, and others to serve as your support system in times of change. Encourage employees to do the same.
• Understand your own reaction to change. You have to be clear about your own emotions and thoughts about changes, so you can be straightforward with others.
• Immerse yourself in new environments and situations. Do this when you are confronted by change — but get practice by joining activities, meeting new people, and trying new things on a regular basis.

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I will call you tomorrow to check-in and then follow-up with some Google Hangout/Zoom one-on-ones. As always, feel free to call, text, email. Good luck with working with your staffs to maintain learning opportunities for our students. Please add me to your ILTs, PDs, and staff meetings; I'm interested in innovating, observing and learning with you during this uncertain time.

There will be no PLC this week. We are working on reassessing based on current times/needs. You have been on the dance floor these past few weeks; use this space and time to get on the balcony, think big and crazy possibilities, then zoom back in (no pun intended!!!)

Be well. Be healthy. Breathe.