2.27.26 Staff Blog
Looking forward to some fun Taproot Theater productions this afternoon! A big thank you to Micaela for setting this up, and organizing the event! Another thank you to Casssidy and Laura who presented a mini lesson on zones of regulation and growth mindset last night at the community meeting. Thank you all for leading and caring for our students and families. So grateful to be here!
Quick Look:
*for more information, see below
UPCOMING ASSESSMENT:HELPFUL
NEED SPECIAL CUSTODIAL ASSISTANCE?: HELPFUL
There are some evenings that we get extra custodial services (8 hours rather than 4 hours). If you have a special request for your room, please email Jim so that he can communicate with the evening custodian regarding your request. We typically have Hari in the evenings, but it is not always the same person, so it is best if those requests go to Jim for communication with the evening custodian.
EQUITY HOURS/PD OPPORTUNITY:HELPFUL
Visual Thinking Strategies: Using Art to Get Kids Speaking and Writing
In this class, participants will learn about the Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) technique and will learn to integrate VTS into their lessons and units in order to provide students with a natural and authentic way to develop their ability to express themselves aloud and in writing.
This was a popular class in the fall and many people expressed interest in the topic, but some couldn’t attend the available dates so we’re offering the course again. VTS is a really powerful strategy for MLLs and benefits ALL students. Teachers can sign up in ProDev now. We’ll have a waitlist for this course once we reach capacity. Here is flyer and information for your reference.
LINGOLET INFORMATION: HELPFUL
Shoreline’s on-demand phone interpretation services are now provided through Lingolet and can be used by any Shoreline staff member communicating with multilingual families. This page includes the Lingolet phone number and Shoreline’s pin #.
Further information can also be found on the Language Access Resources Page through the staff portal or feel free to contact Casey Baldner, Language Access Coordinator, with questions.
Please note - As of December 31, Language Line services have been discontinued, please use Lingolet for your phone interpretation needs.
RAMADAN RESOURCES FROM RACHEL BELFIELD: HELPFUL
Ramadan is February 18 through March 19 or 20 this year, and Muslims around the world will fast from dawn to sunset as part of their spiritual practices. The holiday Eid al-Fitr* ends Ramadan, and it is likely to begin the evening of Thursday, March 19, with March 20-22 considered part of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Students and staff may miss school on Friday, March 20 to break the daytime fast of Ramadan and engage in religious and cultural traditions.
Did you know? "Ramadan" is the name of the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which contains 354-355 days. The fewer days in the calendar are why Islamic holidays "move up" 10 to 11 days each year on the Gregorian (365 day) calendar.
Here are a few ways you can support Muslim students during Ramadan, especially at the middle and high school level (though some elementary students may choose to fast):
Consider opening your classroom or creating space in the school for students as a food-free area during lunch.
Allow students to walk during PE instead of running as they cannot drink water.
Provide a space for students to pray.
Be mindful of your Muslim students if passing out food or treats in class.
Provide alternative assessment options.
Allow students to take a quick break if they struggle to concentrate.
Be a support for students who may start wearing their hijab this month.
Remember it is not a student's responsibility to educate class members about Ramadan.
FIELD TRIP OPPORTUNITY: HELPFUL
If you are looking for a March field trip, Aimee Stewart has shared that the orchestra she plays with is doing a free children’s concert during school days in March.
PRODEV INFORMATION: HELPFUL
To ensure questions aren’t lost or buried in individual staff inboxes, please use the dedicated Google Form for all ProDev-related inquiries. If there are issues with accounts, this form is the most efficient way for us to resolve them. Any emails sent directly to Instruction staff will be redirected to the form so we can accurately track issues and resolutions.
For any “how-to” questions, staff can also contact support@schooldata.net
**This google form has been linked in our systems and procedures document linked at the top of the blog**
COMMUNITY MEETING SIGN UP: ACTION
Please consider signing up to present a mini lesson at a community meeting. Families have given very positive feedback each time our staff is willing to share the amazing work we are doing with students. The presentation does not need to be long (10-15 minutes), and will be at the start of the agenda in case you need to leave afterwards.
PTSA GRANTS:HELPFUL
Grants are back!! Here is the information you will need:
Here is a grant link. Cascade K-8 PTSA Grant Application - Google Forms
This year we have $5K in grants available for use in the 24/25 school year budget. Any staff that has interest in applying can fill out the application form. It will be reviewed by the Finance Committee and recommendations will be presented to and voted on during RepBod meetings. All funds must be used before the end of the school year.
The purpose of this program is: To nurture creativity and enthusiasm by awarding grants to members of the Cascade K-8 community to benefit the students in unique ways that improve or enrich their learning experience, when funds are not otherwise available.
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