Week of Sep 15

 

                                                          

Volume: XIII

Issue: 4

September 15, 2025

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

What a great first full week back at school! It is incredibly exciting to walk through our halls and see classrooms alive with energy, focus, and learning. There’s a real buzz in the air - students are engaged, hands are raised, and meaningful learning is happening everywhere you look. In Mike's room, kids are in book clubs, excitedly discussing chapters from their Track Series books. Meg's students are drawing with sharpies and using watercolor as an intro to their art class, and 6th grade math students are figuring out the area of parallelograms with Denyda and Freida...all without the distraction of cell phones - it's a beautiful thing.

It’s also a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Your dedication, creativity, and passion are creating environments where students feel safe, challenged, and inspired. I am excited for the weeks ahead. Thank you for making our school such a vibrant place to learn and grow... And remember, this week is Spirit Week (see flyer below for details)!

UPCOMING DATES

• MON 15SEP25 - Hispanic Heritage Month Begins  
• MON 15SEP25 - Start of Spirit Week! See below for info!
• TUE 16SEP25 - IT Professional Appreciation Day - Let's ALL Celebrate Jason!
• TUE & WED, 23-24SEP25 - Rosh Hashanah - NO SCHOOL 
• THU 25SEP25 - Curriculum Night 5PM-8PM

• WED 01OCT25 - National Building Custodians' Day
• THU 02OCT25 - Yom Kippur - No School
• MON 13OCT25 - Indigenous People's Day/Italian Heritage Day
• WED 15OCT25 - School Based Support Team Appreciation Day (Psych, Soc Worker, Fam Worker, OT/PT)
• MON 20OCT25 - Diwali - No School
• FRI 31OCT25 - Halloween

*All Student Engagement activities for the year will now be listed in this spreadsheet and on the UAI School Calendar! Thanks to Shan, Jen, Sue and the RPET team for bring our community to life through their planning of these events.

UPCOMING TRIPS

Planning a Trip? - If you are planning a trip for September, please make sure to complete this

Hamilton - Thursday, Oct 30th

Fall College Trips: Seniors will have first priority, however the trips are also open to juniors.

September:

• Thursday 9/18 - Fordham University, 12pm
• Thursday 9/25 - Brooklyn College, 12pm
• Tuesday 9/3 0- SUNY College Fair, 9am

October:

• Thursday 10/9 - UFT College & Career Fair, 10 am
• Thursday 10/23 - Queens College, 10am
• Tuesday 10/28 - Lehman College, 11am

TO DO THIS WEEK

FutureReadyNYC. As a reminder, we are a proud FutureReady school starting this year! This allows us to  integrate the best of college and career preparation to successfully launch students into strong careers in high-wage, high-demand sectors. Participating in this program allows us to help students develop financial literacy, participate in career-connected coursework, work experiences, early college credit and/or an industry valued credential, and receive personalized career advising to prepare for rewarding careers. Currently, all 9th grade and many 10th grade students are enrolled in the foundation course for the pathway. Stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks.

PROJECT CAFE PLUG. Project Cafe is an AI-powered, video-based teacher development tool that is designed to be used by teachers and FOR teachers to improve their own instructional practice. You can learn more about Project Cafe Here. Folks who piloted Project Cafe last year (Marsha, Yasmeen, Patricia, Kelly, Phillan, Fatima, Denyda, Freida, Liza, Thomas, Tom W, Camryn (and the residents!), and Judy!) are great people to talk to hear about their experiences and learn more from those in the know!

EQUITY TEAM PLUG. Our RPET (Restorative Practices and Equity Team) will start meeting this week on Wednesday, 9/17, at 3pm in room 403. We'll start with an ice breaker, talk about last year's work and end of year survey, and discuss goals for this coming year. If you'd like to attend regular meetings but can't make this week please check in with Sue. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, October 1. Everyone is invited and persession will be paid!  

CLUBS START THIS WEEK. If you are interested in running a before/after school club (per session) or a lunch club/activity (per diem), please complete the form below.   Clubs and Activities MUST have a minimum of 10 students regularly participating in order to be sustained.  You will need to submit attendance sheets with your per session sheets to show evidence of participation.  The following clubs have been approved.  Teachers need to recruit for their own clubs.  Kiri will be asking for club rosters by 30SEP.  There needs to be a reliable list of at least 10 kids for you to continue the club for the fall.  Per session is approved for 15-30 SEP, but to continue, you must submit your roster with the 30SEP per session period submission. 

For these approved clubs/student activities, please create a flier which lists:  The name of the club, your name, the day and time of club sessions and an overview of what kids can expect to be doing during the club and send to Jen ASAP!

• National Honor Society - Amanda
• Dance - Denyda
• JV Cheer - Denyda
• Double Dutch - Denyda
• MSA - Muslim Student Association - Elena
• Youth Leadership Council - Kelly
• Varsity Cheer - Mary
• Engineering Design Club - Matt
• Art Club - Meg
• Theater Production - Noelle
• HS GSA - Gay Straight Alliance - Noelle
• STEAM Club - Sarah R
• Farm 2 Table - Sarah R
• Events and Adventures in NYC - Sarah R
• Book Club - Pauline
• RPET - Restorative Practices and Equity Team - Sue
• Student Government/Activities - Shan & Jen
• Running Club - Camryn
• Yoga/Mindfulness Club - Sarah M

REPOST  - Curriculum Night. We have Curriculum Night for all grades on September 25th, in-person from 5-8pm. We will be providing dinner for families and staff in the cafeteria with tables for fun activities. This time will be used for families to speak to individual teachers about what to expect for this year. Teachers should prepare a course syllabus with dates of major assessments for the year and be prepared to talk through the syllabus with families. Please reach out to your ILT lead with questions about what the syllabus should look like!

REPOST  - Student Program Changes. If you notice any errors in student schedules, please submit the requested changes through the "Student Schedule Change Request" google form here. This helps Liza keep track of what has already been changed as the schedule shifts around! 

PER SESSION POSTINGS

FOR ALL PER SESSION JOBS:  You must apply by completing THIS FORM

NEW POSTING. Restorative Justice Coordinator. The School Based-Restorative Justice Coordinator position is designed to allow each selected school to have ONE staff member take on a leadership role in Restorative Practices Implementation at your school.   Please complete THIS FORM no later than 3PM on 15SEP25.  See here for the posting.

NEW POSTING. Project Cafe. We're offering folks per session to join in on the training and relaunch of Project Cafe for the 2025-26 school year (17SEP25).  If you are interested in joining in Year 2 of Project Cafe (all are welcome), please complete this form

Operations Team Support.  Are you interested in supporting the school in school programming, procurement and organization, facilities management, and other administrative tasks that make our school go round.  Please complete THIS FORM no later than 3PM on 15SEP25.  Three positions available - programmer, purchasing support (must be willing to move boxes), and payroll support.  Hours are flexible as to need.

Week of Sep 8

 

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

I want to take a moment to thank you all for what has truly been the smoothest school opening during my time here. That’s a big statement, especially considering the rollout of our new Yondr policy... and it’s a direct reflection of your hard work, preparation, and professionalism. Several parents have reached out with gratitude after their children came home with glowing reports on how their first days went! I'd also like to shout out Liza who seamlessly programmed our student schedules for the first time - she did an amazing job!

What made this opening so special wasn’t just how well things ran logistically, but how clearly our school values came to life in your work. There was joy in the way you welcomed students, built community, and brought positive energy into your classrooms. Your commitment to rigor showed in how prepared you were and how quickly you set high expectations for learning. I saw power in your leadership, especially in the way you navigated new systems, held boundaries, and helped students adjust with clarity and confidence. And most importantly, your actions reflected equity, ensuring every student felt seen, respected, and supported from the very first day.

Thank you for bringing our values to life and for starting the year with such strength and heart. I’m excited for what lies ahead and incredibly grateful to be working alongside this team.

UPCOMING DATES

• MON 15SEP25 - Hispanic Heritage Month Begins  
  
  
• TUE 16SEP25 - IT Professional Appreciation Day - Let's ALL Celebrate Jason!
• TUE & WED, 23-24SEP25 - Rosh Hashanah - NO SCHOOL 
• THU 25SEP25 - Curriculum Night 5PM-8PM

• WED 01OCT25 - National Building Custodians' Day
• THU 02OCT25 - Yom Kippur - No School
• MON 13OCT25 - Indigenous People's Day/Italian Heritage Day
• WED 15OCT25 - School Based Support Team Appreciation Day (Psych, Soc Worker, Fam Worker, OT/PT)
• MON 20OCT25 - Diwali - No School
• FRI 31OCT25 - Halloween

*All Student Engagement activities for the year will now be listed in this spreadsheet and on the UAI School Calendar! Thanks to Shan, Jen, Sue and the RPET team for bring our community to life through their planning of these events.

UPCOMING TRIPS

• Planning a Trip? - If you are planning a trip for September, please make sure to complete this

TO DO THIS WEEK

Operational Systems Updates.  For a school of our size, having two secretaries is quite the luxury!  Both Damaris and Paula are amazing women with years of experience on their side!  Debbie, our parent coordinator, brings an equal amount of skill, experience, warmth, and determination to our office!  AND - Just like our instructional and student support staff are on the path for continuous improvement - so is our main office team.  AND I am helping them!  Here are some of the things we are working on

• Having clear roles so folks know who is responsible for what and when 
• Now that kids have no phones, we need parents to be able to reach us at all times.  A schedule for main office coverage, and clear delineation of who is on call for main office support is helping with that.
  
  
• Streamlining the workload means we all need to step up and do our part...
• No more Personal Deliveries.  I know that folks have delivery issues at home.  I too have packages that grow feet.  That said, the solution cannot be sending things to school and asking our tax-funded secretaries to solve our personal problems.  That is no bueno.  So, all of us (including me) have to find another solution (for example - now I make my deliveries happen during hours when I am home ... Amazon has that new nifty tracking device and I use that religiously...and or I now shop more locally)
• Follow Per Session Directions and Deadlines.  Please review these per session directions. They have been updated.  Also make sure that you are ALWAYS on time with your per session submission.
• Complete Attendance on Time.  Debbie has 30 minutes to circulate to hit all classrooms during 2nd period.  If you are not done with your period attendance on time, she has to wait.  That compiles and creates problems for her.  It may seem like a small thing to you, but there are 50 of you and one of her.  The small problem multiplies to a big one for her.  Please make it a habit to complete your 2nd period attendance no later than 9:45 each day.
  
  
• Joy and Welcome to UAI
• The Main office is the first place folks stop when the come in to our school.  The three of these amazing women have been tasked to make the office warm and welcoming for all.  But constant joy and warmth requires cups to be refilled.  Take a minute or a second each day (or every other day) to let Debbie, Damaris, and Paula know of your appreciation.  Do more than ask "how are you".  Make it a point to name something that you appreciate each week.  And if you don't know, show curiosity!  Even knowing that you care is enough to fill their tanks so that THEY can continually work their magic that makes each of your daily jobs that much easier.  AND for that I am eternally grateful to them AND to you!

CLUBS START NEXT WEEK. If you are interested in running a before/after school club (per session) or a lunch club/activity (per diem), please complete the form below.   Clubs and Activities MUST have a minimum of 10 students regularly participating in order to be sustained.  You will need to submit attendance sheets with your per session sheets to show evidence of participation.  The following clubs have been approved.  Teachers need to recruit for their own clubs.  Kiri will be asking for club rosters by 30SEP.  There needs to be a reliable list of at least 10 kids for you to continue the club for the fall.  Per session is approved for 15-30 SEP, but to continue, you must submit your roster with the 30SEP per session period submission. 

These are the approved clubs. Because we have OPW on Tuesdays, you cannot have clubs on Tuesdays after school.   Before. school or during lunch any day is ok.  Only Wed/Thu/Fri after school clubs are allowed this year.

For these approved clubs/student activities, please create a flier which lists:  The name of the club, your name, the day and time of club sessions and an overview of what kids can expect to be doing during the club.

• National Honor Society - Amanda
• Dance - Denyda
• JV Cheer - Denyda
• Double Dutch - Denyda
• MSA - Muslim Student Association - Elena
• Youth Leadership Council - Kelly
• Varsity Cheer - Mary
• Engineering Design Club - Matt
• Art Club - Meg
• Theater Production - Noelle
• HS GSA - Gay Straight Alliance - Noelle
• STEAM Club - Sarah R
• Farm 2 Table - Sarah R
• Events and Adventures in NYC - Sarah R
• Book Club - Pauline
• RPET - Restorative Practices and Equity Team - Sue
• Student Government/Activities - Shan & Jen
• Running Club - Camryn
• Yoga/Mindfulness Club - Sarah M

YES - you can still apply to run before/after or lunch time clubs! Complete  THIS FORM NOW!

Curriculum Night. We have Curriculum Night for all grades on September 25th, in-person from 5-8pm. We will be providing dinner for families and staff in the cafeteria with tables for fun activities. This time will be used for families to speak to individual teachers about what to expect for this year. Teachers should prepare a course syllabus with dates of major assessments for the year and be prepared to talk through the syllabus with families. Please reach out to your ILT lead with questions about what the syllabus should look like!

Monday PD in the Farm at 3pm. Reminder, we have Monday PD from 3-4pm! Tuesday is OPW time for all Classroom staff - until 3:30pm.

Student Program Changes. If you notice any errors in student schedules, please submit the requested changes through the "Student Schedule Change Request" google form here. This helps Liza keep track of what has already been changed as the schedule shifts around! 

Google Classrooms should have been auto-generated for you sometime Thursday, and students should be auto-enrolled into them on your behalf. The google classrooms auto-sync with STARS, which means that it can take 24-48 hours for students who have changed schedules to swap in/out of the google classrooms. 

   

Google Classrooms. Please have your course classrooms up and running by this Friday, Sept 12pm.  Make sure to include the Class Code on your course syllabus.

REPOST  - Pacing Guide Submission.  Each year, we share our learning goals with our kids and families.  Course Pacing guides should be submitted to Kiri by Monday 08SEP25.  Please download and make a copy of this Pacing Guide Template (one for EACH course.  Teachers who teach the same course should be sharing the SAME pacing guide).  

Please make sure ALL links in your pacing guides and lessons are set to "ANYONE WITH THE LINK" can view.  

Please link all pacing guides into THIS DOCUMENT by 08SEP24.  

PER SESSION POSTINGS

FOR ALL PER SESSION JOBS:  You must apply by completing THIS FORM

NEW POSTING. Restorative Justice Coordinator. The School Based-Restorative Justice Coordinator position is designed to allow each selected school to have ONE staff member take on a leadership role in Restorative Practices Implementation at your school.   Please complete THIS FORM no later than 3PM on 15SEP25.  See here for the posting.

NEW POSTING.  Operations Team Support.  Are you interested in supporting the school in school programming, procurement and organization, facilities management, and other administrative tasks that make our school go round.  Please complete THIS FORM no later than 3PM on 15SEP25.  Three positions available - programmer, purchasing support (must be willing to move boxes), and payroll support.  Hours are flexible as to need.

Fall Clubs and Activities.  If you're interested in running a lunch time or before/after school club, please sign up with this FORM ASAP.  After school clubs and activities will start on 15SEP!!!

Week of September 1

 

Volume: XIII

Issue: 2
September 1, 2025

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

Welcome back to a brand new school year! I hope your summer provided the rest and renewal you deserve, and that you’re returning (or starting for our new staff) with a full heart and fresh perspective.

As we begin this year together, I want to reaffirm our shared commitment to building a stronger, more collective community, one where every voice is valued, every strength is uplifted, and every challenge is met together. Community is not just something we build, it’s something we live daily, through collaboration, care, and shared purpose.

This year, our work will continue to be grounded in our school's core values:
Joy, as we create spaces where learning is meaningful, energizing, and full of life and love.
Rigor, as we hold high expectations for ourselves and for our students, knowing they rise to the bar we set with support and belief.
Equity, as we actively work to disrupt barriers and create opportunities for all students to thrive.
Power, as we honor the agency of our students and ourselves, ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and capable of shaping their world.

Thank you for the brilliance, passion, and heart you bring into this work. I’m excited for what we will build together this year - not just for our students, but with them.

Here’s to a school year filled with purpose, connection, and impact. Now let's get to work!

UPCOMING DATES

• TUE 02SEP25 - First day of school for staff
• THU 04SEP25 - First day of school for students
• FRI 05SEP25 - Back to School Kick-off Celebration! 
  
  *During MS & HS lunch!
• MON 15SEP25 - Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
• TUE 16SEP25 - IT Professional Appreciation Day - Let's ALL Celebrate Jason!
• TUE & WED, 23-24SEP25 - Rosh Hashanah - NO SCHOOL
• THU 25SEP25 - Curriculum Night 5PM-8PM
  
  
  
• WED 01OCT25 - National Building Custodians' Day
• THU 02OCT25 - Yom Kippur - No School
• MON 13OCT25 - Indigenous People's Day/Italian Heritage Day
• WED 15OCT25 - School Based Support Team Appreciation Day (Psych, Soc Worker, Fam Worker, OT/PT)
• MON 20OCT25 - Diwali - No School
• FRI 31OCT25 - Halloween

*All Student Engagement activities for the year will now be listed in this spreadsheet and on the UAI School Calendar! Thanks to Shan, Jen, Sue and the RPET team for bring our community to life through their planning of these events.

UPCOMING TRIPS

• Planning a Trip? - If you are planning a trip for September, please make sure to complete this

TO DO THIS WEEK

PD Agenda for Sep 2-3. Please see here for the PD agendas for Tuesday and Wednesday! We will be providing hot breakfast and coffee/tea on both days at 8am (not mandatory to attend). We look forward to seeing you all back and welcoming some new faces! Please note - for Tuesday's AM session, you do not need your laptops (or anything else)! Please do bring laptops to the post-lunch PD session. You will also need it for some of the session on Wednesday - we'll let you know when.

Cell Phone Policy Review. In accordance with the new Chancellor's Regulation on internet-enabled devices, UAI is implementing a new policy using Yondr pouches. Two weeks ago, all families were sent this letter. Please take a moment to review it, we will go over the policy more in depth on Wednesday!

Trash and Furniture Moving. This time of year is always a heavy lift for our custodial staff. As you set up your classroom and office spaces, please keep in mind that the custodians are being pulled in many directions with many requests from the three schools in the building. Harry has asked that we keep trash to a minimum - there will be no trash pickup by the city until Sept 4th. So, please hold off on throwing out large items like furniture. Of course, small items can be bagged and labeled as trash but let's hold off on big items for now. If you have teacher desks or other furniture in your space that you don't want, please send an all-staff email - it seems there will be many takers! Requests for items that you need moved must be submitted through this form.

Schedule Review.  The schedule has been updated since it was last sent out - check it out here. Please email your questions to Liza (and you CC Kiri).  We will be working with Liza closely to answer and address your concerns.  

REPOST  - Pacing Guide Submission.  Each year, we share our learning goals with our kids and families.  Course Pacing guides should be submitted to Kiri by Monday 08SEP25.  Please download and make a copy of this Pacing Guide Template (one for EACH course.  Teachers who teach the same course should be sharing the SAME pacing guide).  

Please make sure ALL links in your pacing guides and lessons are set to "ANYONE WITH THE LINK" can view.  

Please link all pacing guides into THIS DOCUMENT by 08SEP24.  

PER SESSION POSTINGS

FOR ALL PER SESSION JOBS:  You must apply by completing THIS FORM

Fall Clubs and Activities.  If you're interested in running a lunch time or before/after school club, please sign up no later than 09SEP25.  After school clubs and activities will start on 15SEP

Week of August 15th

Volume: XIII

Issue: 1
August 25th, 2025

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP WEEKLY MESSAGE

[From Kiri this week].  Welcome back to the blog!! In preparation for the launch of the 2025-26 school year the blog will be officially gearing up for weekly release starting today!

I do hope everyone has had an enormously fun, refueling, and enjoyable summer!  Myself, I may not have had the summer I planned, but in the end, I did find a way to carve out the summer I needed - and sometimes that's just right!

I am eagerly looking forward to seeing you all again and to launching my final year with you at UAI!  Last week, I was furiously making lists and checking off the final details to send my not-so little one off to college.  Similarly, I feel like this year will be a series of activities and work to send off UAI into your most capable and loving hands, ready to steer the ship and skillfully sail our school into many new and exciting horizons!  

I am certainly feeling all the feels with Dashiel and UAI - my real baby, and my work baby - they are both all grown up.  But for both - I am in complete certainty that they will thrive and carve out an amazing path in the world.  I cannot wait to see what happens!

So, WELCOME BACK UAI! The 2025-2026 school year is about to begin and I am soooo thankful, appreciative, and honored to be opening it up with you for my very last time!


[NOTE:  Annie will be taking the blog over this year!  I'll pop in for a guest post here and there along the way- like today ;-) ]

UPCOMING DATES

• TUE 19AUG25 - Summer Regents Week Begins
• TUE 25AUG25 - Summer Classroom Setup Week Begins
  
  
  
• TUE 02SEP25 - First day of school for staff
• THU 04SEP25 - First day of school for students
• MON 15SEP25 - Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
• TUE 16SEP25 - IT Professional Appreciation Day - Let's ALL Celebrate Jason!
• TUE 23SEP25-WED, 24SEP25 - Rosh Hashanah - NO SCHOOL
• THU 25SEP25 - Curriculum Night 5PM-8PM
  
  
  
• WED 01OCT25 - National Building Custodians' Day
• THU 02OCT25 - Yom Kippur - No School
• MON 13OCT25 - Indigenous People's Day/Italian Heritage Day
• WED 15OCT25 - School Based Support Team Appreciation Day (Psych, Soc Worker, Fam Worker, OT/PT)
• MON 20OCT25 - Diwali - No School
• FRI 31OCT25 - Halloween

UPCOMING TRIPS

• Planning a Trip? - If you are planning a trip for September, please make sure to complete this

TO DO THIS WEEK

Welcome and Farewell.  We have had some additions and departures to our staff!  Please join me sending warm messages to our colleagues

• Welcome
• Matt Babcock.  Joining us this year straight from his AMNH residency with us is Matt Babcock!  He'll be joining our staff to teach Earth Science and Biology with Thomas this year!  Welcome Matt! mbabcok@schools.nyc.gov (yes that's right - the DOE messed up)
  
  
• Meg O'Brien. Meg joins UAI (via referral from our very own Noelle).  Meg is going to help us expand our students' creative expression through visual arts this year!  We are looking forward to seeing all the stellar beauty that Meg is able to help our young ones find within themselves! MObrien32@schools.nyc.gov
  
  
• Mayisha Fariha.  Mayisha is our newest social studies teacher!  This is Mayisha's first official year of our profession after completing masters at Columbia's Teacher's College.  Welcome aboard Mayisha!  We're excited to have you join this epic team!  (mfariha@schools.nyc.gov)
  
  
• Celeste Karzon.  Celeste joins UAI's English team this year with decades of instructional experience in both charter and public school.  Her commitment to young people comes through clearly in her work.  We look forward to having you bring that love and passion to our English classes at UAI! (Celeste's DOE email is still pending - stay tuned!)
  
  
• Welcome Back
• Alison Green.  Alison is returning from sabbatical to rejoin the MS staff this year!  Alison will be really supporting our MS with intervention and in Social Studies!  Welcome back Alison! agreen32@schools.nyc.gov
  
  
• Wishing you the Best of Luck in Your Next Chapter!
• Crystal Dudley.  Crystal made the decision over the summer to move to a school that was closer to where she lives.  We thank her for all of her hard work and wonderful contributions to UAI over the years, and we wish her the absolute best in her next chapter! cdudley2@schools.nyc.gov

Schedule Review.  You should have received the schedule last week in an email that Kiri sent out.  Please do take some time to read and review it.  As I said, the schedule did need to be remade completely because we needed to make some changes to accommodate for the requirements of our Future Ready program launch (which we learned more about in July).  I realize that changes are never easy, and I super appreciate your flexibility and adaptability with these recent changes.

NEW THIS YEAR -->>. We're gonna try this out.  Typically, folks would come to me with any questions or concerns they have about the program.  I'm training Liza up to take over the reigns of programming when I leave.   So, please email your questions to her (and you can cc me!).  I will be working with her closely to answer and address your concerns, but one can only truly learn by doing.  So, I'm asking her to take the lead!  As with anything new, people will make mistakes!  AND I will be there to help her learn and correct should anything go awry!  What I do ask is for your understanding and patience as Liza takes on the helm of programming and scheduling for the first time this year!  She's already done such amazing work!  You're in great hands!

Per Session Sign Up.  If you are interested in coming in this week to prep your classrooms or do some curriculum planning, please make sure you are completing THIS FORM.  You MUST complete the form in order to be eligible for per session pay.  Folks who do not complete the form, CANNOT be paid.  

Here's the work

• Teachers & Paras:  (Teacher Training Rate Per Session/ Paras Regular Per Session)
  12 hours MAX of planning, prep, and classroom set up
• Classroom Set Up and Curriculum Planning
• Materials Organization
• All materials are unpacked, stored in closets or shelves
• All boxes are broken down and marked as trash
• Do NOT remove materials from your classroom unless they have a place to go (i.e. another classroom).  We DO NOT have storage space in the school.  Your classroom closets ARE the storage space.  So, if you have materials that do not belong to you, this is the perfect way to meet your neighbors and see if they would be interested in housing them!
• Do NOT Remove Furniture without completing
  THIS FACILITIES REQUEST FORM (again, there are no empty secret storage spots in the building - we need to be strategic.  Again, ask your neighbors (on different floors even) if they are interested in what you no longer need.
• Classroom Decor -
  Create a warm. loving, rigorous and welcoming space for our kiddos!
• Please DO create a warm and welcoming space
• Please try to refrain from taping or hammering nails or tacks into the walls.  If you need to hang something, use command strips so the walls are not damaged.  This comes straight from our building custodians. 
• Definitely feel free to go wild on your bulletin boards!
• All teachers will get a $100 in UAI teacher's choice to spend as they want this year (If budget is sufficient, we'll offer another round in November). So purchase what you would like keep your receipts, and we'll reimburse you!  Stay tuned for the submission directions (which will come at the end of September)
• Planning & Prep
• Work collaboratively with teaching teams and para partners to prepare lessons, complete pacing guides, and review lesson roles for the opening days of September. 
  
  
• Counselors & Secretaries:  (There's only one per session rate for these roles)
  12 hours MAX of office set up, and role prep
• Office and Role Prep
• Ready materials for school opening
• Counselors & SST
• Transcript & program review
• Transfer & New Admit Counseling
• Prep for Counseling for the Year
• Secretaries & 12month staff
• Prep Classroom Staff Materials (keys, key cards, supplies)
• Prep Student Supplies
• Organize incoming student files
• Prep forms for distribution
• Prep office space for work for the year

Pacing Guide Submission.  Each year, we share our learning goals with our kids and families.  Course Pacing guides should be submitted to Kiri by Monday 08SEP25.  Please download and make a copy of this Pacing Guide Template (one for EACH course.  Teachers who teach the same course should be sharing the SAME pacing guide).  

Please make sure ALL links in your pacing guides and lessons are set to "ANYONE WITH THE LINK" can view.  

Please link all pacing guides into THIS DOCUMENT by 08SEP24.  

PER SESSION POSTINGS

FOR ALL PER SESSION JOBS:  You must apply by completing THIS FORM

Summer Set Up.  12 Hours MAX for all staff to come in 26AUG-28AUG (or on Mon/Fri of that week with permission from Kiri who needs to let school custodians know you're coming in) to set up, prep, and prepare for school opening.

Fall Clubs and Activities.  If you're interested in running a lunch time or before/after school club, please sign up no later than 09SEP25.  After school clubs and activities will start on 15SEP

Week of June 23 - last blog!

Happy Sunday, everyone!

It’s hard to believe, but here we are, at the close of the 2024-25 school year! Time truly flew by, and as we wrap up this year, I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work we've done together. There’s so much to celebrate, and I'm incredibly proud of everything we've accomplished. Here are some of the highlights from this school year:

1. Building Stronger Staff-Student Relationships
   One of the most significant areas of growth this year was in our relationships with students. We saw double-digit increases in students’ positive responses on the Tripod survey - this is a testament to the strong, meaningful connections you’ve all worked so hard to cultivate. These relationships don’t just contribute to a positive school climate, but they lay the foundation for our students’ success, both academically and personally.

2. Impressive Gains in Student Attendance
   We've made remarkable progress in increasing student attendance. This year, we saw a 2% increase in daily attendance, a huge achievement! Even more impressive, we made a significant dent in chronic absenteeism. Your consistent efforts to engage students, keep them motivated, and provide the support they need have had a tangible impact. Thank you for everything you’ve done to make this possible.

3. Senior Class Perseveres
   This year, our seniors truly showed resilience and determination. I’m thrilled to announce that all current seniors are on track to graduate this year, including two who will be graduating in August. They’ve faced challenges, but with your unwavering support, they are persevering and will soon cross the finish line.

4. Middle School Literacy Growth
   While the official middle school testing results won’t be released until the fall, there’s already a clear sign of growth in our 6th and 7th grades, particularly in literacy. We’ve seen impressive gains in MAP testing scores, and I can’t wait to see what the fall data reveals. This is a direct reflection of your dedication to our students’ growth, and it’s something we should all be proud of.

As we look forward to the summer, I encourage everyone to take some time to rest, recharge, and reflect on all the positive strides we’ve made. The work we’ve done together this year is something to be incredibly proud of. I’m grateful for each of you and for your continued commitment to our students' success. I can't wait to celebrate our kids oand the UAI community at this week's graduations.

UPCOMING DATES

• Monday, 23JUN
• 11:30am - 8th Grade Graduation (UAI Gym)
• 9AM - Spanish Regents 
• Tuesday, 24JUNE
• Chemistry Regents
• MS Trip to BRIC Art installation
• 10am - 12th grade graduation rehearsal in Gym
• WED 25JUN
• Algebra 2 Regents
• 10am - 12th Grade Graduation (City Tech Theater)
• Thursday, 26JUN - Last Day of School for Students, Teachers, and Paraprofessionals
  
• Monday, 30JUN - Last Day of School for Counselors, School Psychologists, Social Workers, and Secretaries

IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENTS

8th Grade Stepping Up Assignments. Please refer to the June Regents schedule to see staff assignments. All staff scheduled to be at the ceremony starting at 1st period should report to the gym at 8:30a to support with rehearsal prior to the ceremony. Staff specific assignments will be reviewed at that time. If you are scheduled to report to the ceremony for 4th period, please do so to celebrate our 8th graders. The ceremony begins at 11:30am.

Senior Graduation Assignments.  As we approach 12th grade Graduation on June 25th, here's some important logistical information:

• 8:00 AM: 12th graders will report to the theater, along with Kiri, Annie, Jen, Patricia, and Patti.
• 8:30 AM: All staff should be at the theater and ready for the event. And be in their assigned roles for dress rehearsal.
• 9:30 AM: Doors will open for families. Staff will need to be at their assigned positions at this time. MS students & staff should leave school for the theater at this time.
• 10:00 AM: The ceremony will begin promptly.
• 11:30 PM (approximately): Once the ceremony concludes, all ushers will assist in moving families and any remaining staff outside the building.

Please click here view your staff assignments. If you encounter any issues viewing the link, please request access as needed. If you know in advance that you will be unavailable on graduation day, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make adjustments as necessary.

Shippy Grants!  The Urban Assembly is pleased to announce that the Shippy Foundation will once again be soliciting proposals for Teacher Passion Projects from UA Schools. Grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 per teacher project. Applications from multiple teachers from one school are allowed. 

The kinds of projects we are looking for include (but are not limited to) the following:

● Project-based learning;

● Experiential learning;

● Collaborative learning;

● Projects that foster a growth mindset and self-efficacy;

● Initiatives that foster socio-emotional learning;

● Creative partnerships – either cross-curricular or with external organizations;

● Dissemination of promising and evidence-based practices based on demonstrated impact.

● Projects that are Standards-based

This is a great grant for your classroom projects and clubs AND it is open to ALL disciplines!

ALL Staff are encouraged to apply!!!

Please submit your proposals by July 1st. You can find the link to the proposal template in the overview section of the Google: Form HERE

Feel free to contact David Demarco at ddemarco@urbanassembly.org if you have any questions. 

EOY Checklist.  Please use your non-teaching time during these next final days to begin prepping for the close of the school year.  Review this EOY Checklist.  Please do not seek out Kiri before the last day of school. Annie & Kir will come around to rooms on the last day of school from 8-10AM to sign off on these sheets.  We'll come find you in your rooms.  Please make sure you are have completed the checklist by 8:30AM on Jun 26th!  

End of Year Celebration! Please join us at Randolph's post senior graduation if you are able! 

REPOSTED IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Room Pack Up.  To be ready for the summer, all staff are responsible for stowing and securing classroom technology and materials.  Additionally, any personal items are NOT secure over the summer.  So, if you value it, bring it home.  Otherwise you are welcome to roll the dice and put it in your closets.  As a reminder, we are a public school, and our rooms are used by other schools and programs during the summer.  They cannot be used to store private items.  So, please make sure anything that is yours and that you value is taken home.  You can slowly begin doing this over the next few weeks so that you don't find yourself stuck lugging out loads of stuff on the last day of school.  Stay tuned for the specific checklist in next week's blog post.

The Last Day of School.  The last day of school for students, teachers, and paraprofessionals is Thursday, June 26th.  However, the last day of school for all other staff (secretaries, social worker, and guidance counselors) is Monday, June 30th.  Please let Kiri & Annie know by the end of this week if you are planning to take the 27th or 30th off.  

   

PER SESSION POSTINGS

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