9.22.23 Staff Blog
Thank you for all the seen and unseen things you did to make camp a memorable experience for our community. It is truly inspiring to see community spirit in action. While I understand there are points for reflection, I hope you had an overall positive experience. I appreciate you and all you do.
Quick Look:
Please check the SST/IEP Calendar to confirm dates and times. This is a live calendar, so please check frequently! https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=azEyLnNob3JlbGluZXNjaG9vbHMub3JnX3Nva2QzNGM1b3ZiZW5mZ3Y5cDJzOGdibmFrQGdyb3VwLmNhbGVuZGFyLmdvb2dsZS5jb20SAFE SCHOOLS: ACTION
The mandatory annual SafeSchools training sessions for the 23-24 School Year are active.
The completion deadline is November 30, 2023.
You may log-in here to get started. You can also find this link on the Human Resources-Links page of the District website.
Please log-in using your firstname.lastname (Ex: mary.smith), as it appears on Employee Access.
Let Marie McCluskey know if you have questions.
LUNCH PERIOD SCHEDULE: HELPFUL
This document is linked in our systems and procedures document, but I am including it here in case.
CK-8 SYSTEMS/STAFF HANDBOOK DOCUMENT (DRAFT): HELPFUL
This document is in progress, and will be updated as we all learn/refresh our memories on the systems and structures in place at CK-8. If you see an area that could use an addition, or if something is not correct, please email me the correction ( rebbecah.emanuel@ssd412.org)
STAFF SHOUT OUTS: HELPFUL
Thank you so much for filling out a staff shout out! If you would like to recognize a colleague, please use the link at the top of the blog. Here are this week’s shout outs!!
MACKENZIE, your positive and problem solving attitude is truly appreciated. You make our school a better place through your fun approach to learning and your calm presence.
GRETCHEN, thank you for being willing to rearrange your schedule and planning for our day camping students. This flexibility allows all students to participate in camp in some way.
MEGAN, your sense of calm and positive approach with students does not go unnoticed. Your flexibility during camp was truly unmatched, and it was a joy seeing our students laughing and playing with you as a guide.
FERGUS, as always, FERGUS brought his best self to camp for day campers and non-campers. Thank you for all the endless times you have stepped in to help with a giving spirit and a positive attitude.
NICOLE, we are not sure how you do it, but you seem to bring endless energy and enthusiasm to each interaction within our community. You are a light at the start of each day, which NEVER seems to dim.
MICAELA, thank you for making each member of our community feel seen and heard. When interacting with MICAELA, we can always expect to feel valued and truly special.
AMBER!!!!! I am not sure how you have done it, but you have hit the ground running in your efforts to keep all things Cascade organized and streamlined as we embark on a new school year. You are amazing!
KELLY, thank you for consistently showing our students that they CAN and WILL do amazing things. The number of times I hear you supporting students with specific strategies and encouragement are innumerable.
JIM, you keep our school and staff up and running in all things. Thank you for making sure we have a safe and clean campus as well as lifting our spirits each day with your support. We appreciate you!!
MARY, thank you for taking care of all of our students as we navigate a new school year. The way in which you understand each student and what they need to be healthy and fueled for school each day is such a strength of our community. Thank you for all you do.
MELODEE, thank you for modeling the art of giving positive feedback in the moment. With students and with adults, you never miss an opportunity to give an affirmation or appreciation. What a gift to work with someone who shows appreciation to others.
HAO, thank you for getting us so beautifully set up for the first community meeting of the year. In addition to that, thank you for quietly stepping in to help out with crossing at the end of the day for our older students.
JANET, you have a quiet strength and joyfulness that is foundational to our community. You are constantly seeking ways in which you can help improve our school. From organizing classroom libraries, to collecting important data, to supporting students in class, to supporting monthly celebrations- the list is endless. Let us count the ways in which we appreciate JANET!!
SHERYL, your direct, no nonsense, and truly kind approach to any task is wonderful to be around. It is such a pleasure to see you working with students and supporting our community through all things.
CASSIDY, your calm and open way with students is so appreciated. Thank you for always showing up for our students and advocating for their needs. Regardless of service model, you always keep students at the center of your work and I am so grateful for you.
TAMARA, I am not sure how you are able to embody both strength of leadership and empathy for all at the same time, but you do it. Thank you for being a model of consistency and thoughtfulness and for all you do for our school community.
KARI, thank you for modeling patience and adaptability with students and community members in each interaction throughout each day. Your attention to detail and planning is admirable, and benefits our entire community.
ROBERTA, you are always willing to consider perspectives of others and have always been such a safe adult for our students as they learn and grow. Thank you for your openness.
ERIN, you always say it will work out, and when you are involved it always does. Thank you for your problem solving approach and your deep dedication to students.
JULIE, your kind demeanor with students and your attention to detail are such an add to our community. You can always be counted on to find solutions and to care for our students.
BECCA, thank you for your work with students in developing complex thinking and problem solving skills. It is always a joy to see you collaborating with students and centering their voice in all things.
KIM, your humor and ability to know each student by name, strength and need is an inspiration. It takes a special teacher to approach teaching middle school with a smile and a “ready for anything” attitude.
LISA, thank you for always being open to communication from students (in any form). You see that behavior is always a form of communication and work hard to make sure students know they are accepted regardless of their communication style. Thank you for providing equity and access for all of our students.
LAURA, you are magical with students and families. I have learned so much from you about the IEP process as well as how to find the strengths of each student within that process. Your commitment to equity shows up in every aspect of your work and I am so grateful to work with you.
CATHERINE, you are so skilled in anticipating challenges and working on solutions that can help our school run more smoothly. I also appreciate your flexibility and willingness to help students in any setting.
DISTRICT INFORMATION: HELPFUL
FROM INSTRUCTION:
As we shared in the spring, due to our budget reductions, we were unable to purchase student licenses for our digital social studies curriculum this year. In addition, at the elementary level, we did not purchase teacher licenses. Mike VanOrden is working with teachers to review options to support our students, including the potential purchase of a limited number of student licenses for students served by our MLL, Special Education, and 504 programs, and refinements to curriculum materials we do have. We are also working with the publisher of the curriculum to determine if there may be options for elementary teachers. We will share updates with teachers and administrators as we have more information.\
DIMC:
This year, we have a number of openings on our District Instructional Materials Committee.Certificated staff members serving on the committee are paid for their time. If you are interested in serving on DIMC, please complete this short application.
Shoreline's District Instructional Materials Committee, consisting of classroom teachers, teacher-librarians, administrators, and community members, reviews proposed basic and supplemental instructional materials requested for use by teachers, curriculum teams, and administrators at monthly meetings. More information about the committee can be found here.
FROM EQUITY AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT:
Anti Racist Book Kits are now available! Each kit comes with 6-8 books and a discussion guide. Perfect for school teams, committees or departments. Please reach out to equity@ssd412.org for more information.
Ethnic Studies cohort 4 has been re-opened for applications! Deadline for application is October 6th at noon. To apply, please complete this form. More information about the Fellows can be found here.
FROM STUDENT SERVICES:
Schools are required to document whether an interpreter is requested and provided for 1) IEP meetings and 2) reengagement meetings following an exclusionary plan. For every IEP meeting or reengagement meeting with a multilingual family, OFFICE MANAGERS will complete each field on your buildings tab on this spreadsheet. See District Policy 4218 for details about this requirement.
NEW FOR 2023-24: Language Line DOES qualify as use of an interpreter for this purpose.
TECH TIPS:
Here is an archive of all tech tips provided by the district technology team.
WEBSITE CHANGEOVER:
As you know, our district is using a new website and platform. As part of that change, some of our district resources that used to be accessed using a department page have been moved into Canvas Courses. I am sure we will find more of these as we use the new platform, but please know that mandated reporting forms can be accessed by enrolling in the Canvas course linked below. This course will contain many resources that used to be accessed under Student Services. CPS forms are also linked in our systems and procedures document.
Here are two shortcuts to help people find the course and self enroll:
self-enroll link is https://shorelineschools.instructure.com/enroll/FHE7LM.
or use the code FHE7LM at https://shorelineschools.instructure.com/register.
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