Sunday, December 17, 2017

Week of December 18th

UAI Staff News

Volume V
Issue 16
December 11th, 2017
[School Days 69-73]



Announcements


Civics Success! UAI performed well at Generation Citizen's Civics Day this year! Ms. Suzannah was chosen as a recipient of the 2017 Teacher Change Maker Award for her hard work and dedication to support her students with their project. Class of 2018 Seniors, Q-Tiye and Kalila impressed the CEO of Generation Citizen with their presentation on creating monuments for African American abolitionists in Brooklyn and were personally named and highlighted during his speech.  Ms. Kelly's class (Mental Health Counseling in Rikers) won the Open-Mindedness Award. Congrats team!

Get the Word Out!   The Urban Assembly Institute for Young Women of Math and Science Class of 2018 is trying to get recognition of African American abolitionists in the community around Brooklyn Heights.  THEY WANT TO MAKE A MONUMENT OR PLAQUE FOR THE BLACK ACTIVISTS WHO HELPED TO FREE ENSLAVED PEOPLES. Please help them by sharing and/or signing their petition! CLICK HERE



This Week's To Dos

Advisory Calls This Week.  Report cards are distributed.  This week, please call home to let parents know they should have received them on Friday.  In particular, please prioritize any advisees that are failing any class.  Work with your advisees to set goals around academic behaviors and attendance so that they put forth their best effort to end the Fall term successfully.  

Field Trips.  Many grade teams are taking trips this week.  Taking students on field trips is a great opportunity to broaden their learning experiences and build relationships with their chaperones.  Before you are cleared to chaperone a trip, you must review the UAI Field Trip Protocols and Sign Off that you have reviewed them.  First and foremost, as a chaperone, you are primarily responsible for students while on the trip. At all times during the trip keep them under your direct and active supervision.

Rapid Dismissal.  Starting on Friday at 2PM, we begin the winter recess.  We will be doing a rapid dismissal of students AND staff.  The winter recess is the perfect time to rest and recharge.  Treat yourself to healthy restoration!  Happy break to all of you! Enjoy time with your family and friends, and we will see you all in 2018!

Monday PD.  It's changing again [sorry about that - I have a meeting until 4PM on Monday and totally just saw that on my calendar!].  We'll start fresh in 2018 with our workshops!  For this Monday, please use the extra time to conduct parent outreach - all calls must be logged into Skedula, and to prepare for your Midyear Reviews!

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Week of December 11

UAI Staff News

Volume V
Issue 15
December 11th, 2017
[School Days 64-68]



Announcements

Family Dinner and Craft Night.  Our 2nd annual holiday craft night will be on Tuesday, 12DEC17.  Please join our families for some food, fun, and fancy art making!  This is an excellent opportunity to connect with students and families in a celebratory venue.  Building strong relationships with families is key to building a healthy school community.  

Holiday Cheer.  As Sursattie reminded us in her email, our Secret Santa Potluck will be tomorrow, 11DEC17, starting at 3PM.  If you haven't done so yet, please take a moment to complete this spreadsheet.   Our UAI Staff Holiday Party will be that following Friday, 15DEC17 from 4-6PM at Commonwealth Bar.  The party will cost $20 and it will be an open bar from 4-6PM for staff, and family and friends are welcome to join us after.  There will be food (tacos from Tacos Nuevo Mexico).  Please take a quick moment and go back to the spreadsheet to indicate your response.  I need to get an accurate headcount for food ordering, so please fill that out now, thanks! 


This Week's To Dos


Advisory Clarification.  This year, we are using Tuesday family outreach time to build connections and strengthen our ties with families.  Consistent and regular contact that includes both positive and negative updates on student progress is critical to cementing partnerships with our families.  The UFT and the DOE contracted time for this type of contact to be on Tuesdays after school.  For us, that time is from 3:00-3:40 after school each Tuesday.  We'll be checking in on progress during midyear reviews.  Here are the expectations for Tuesday outreach time

  • Meet with all advisees at least once per marking period.  Either you'll meet in person (if the parent can come) or you'll be calling home.  You'll want students to be at the meeting with you either way so that they can hear the updates, too.  If they aren't there, don't let that stop you.  Go on with the meeting!  You should be meeting with 3-4 advisees' families per week (this builds in flexibility to have longer sessions with students who need it).   During these 10-20min meetings, advisors should be updating families with both academic and social-emotional progress and development using grades and anecdotes posted in Skedula. 
    • How often? We have just finished the 2nd marking period.  You should have met with each of your advisees' parents/guardians in person at least once (1st MP, SLCs, or 2nd MP), and you should have logged at least three successful contacts with parents/guardians for each advisee. 
    • What to talk about?  Are parents logging into Skedula to track attendance, grades, and behavior anecdotes?  If not, get them signed up.  Review grades and anecdotes.  What are the strengths/areas of growth?  What can parents do to help the student?  What is the student's goal(s) and how does she plan to achieve them and by when?
    • DESSA Data.  Lauren completed an analysis of the DESSA.  You can access your individual advisee reports at the same site that Lauren directed you to go to complete the DESSA.  From the latest DESSA, Lauren reports that the vast majority of our student struggle with Goal-Oriented Behavior.  She created this sheet to help you and your students develop this skill.
  • Log all contact home in Skedula.  At the end of the meeting, you should be summarizing the gist of the conversation and the outcome(s) of the meetings in Skedula. That way, you, the student, and the parent all have access to a record of the goals set and can return to Skedula for follow up.
  • Contact Home.  During SLCs as we checked in families, the large majority of parents reported having been contacted by the school only once, with some families reporting happily consistent conversations since the start of the year.  To further improve contact, the main office is starting to schedule meetings for advisors using this sheet.  This is still a new system, so some kinks are being worked out, but we are aiming at improving contact information and more face-to-face meetings for the upcoming marking period.

[REMINDER] Prepare for Upcoming Midyear Reviews.  Reviews will begin next week!  As a reminder, please reflect on the following.  Please bring the blue items with you for the review.
  • Focus School Goal.  Our main priority goal this year is to increase instructional rigor and student intellectual engagement [Rigorous Instruction & Collaborative Teachers].  To achieve this, we have focused on through improved planning & assessment.  Between now, and your midyear review, reflect on  your progress with the following:
    • Improvement in Planning (e.g. UAI Pacing Calendar, Narrative Lesson Plans, Backwards-Designed Unit Plans)
    • Impact on Student Learning (e.g. samples of Student Work with your feedback, Student achievement (analysis of student grades in course or performance on tests/benchmarks), Student Academic Growth)
    • Growth in Co-planning with Peer Teachers/Coaches (e.g. quality of planning, quality of lesson execution (Advance Observations) impact on student learning, outcomes of co-planning survey - please click the link to take it now) 
  • Second School Goal.  The second goal that we will discuss during midyears is our school goal around increasing Strong Family Ties.  Our goal is to increase strong family community ties by increasing both quantity and quality of in-person and phone interactions between teachers and families.  This year, each student in your advisory should have had at least 4 interactions and at least 1 in person, all documented in Skedula:  1 welcome to UAI phone call in September; at least 1 in-person visit during MP1, MP2, or SLCs; and at least 2 10-15 minute phone calls for MP1, MP2, or SLC.   Specifically, review and reflect on the following data points:
    • Number of successful contacts (in person and phone) per advisee (as evidenced by Skedula anecdotals
    • Growth Advisee attendance rates from September (you can see this in Skedula)
    • Academic Performance of Advisees from MP1 to MP2 (again Skedula)
  • Midyear Reflection and Refocus. The Midyear is your opportunity to stop, review your various data points, and reflect on your growth and development.  As teachers, we often get too wrapped up in keeping students doing and busy and we don't make the time to step back and evaluate longer-term progress as shown through student thinking and achievement.  This is one of the big times in the year to take stock of our work thus far.  Where we are strong, we will continue. Where we struggle, we will analyze and refocus spring goals for growth.  Here are some logistical things to keep in mind
    • First Year at UAI?  Teachers who are in their first year at UAI or are up for tenure can expect to be scheduled first for their reviews (schedule will be released next week).   More explicit details on the Midyear will come in next week's blog.  For this week, look back at your planning documents and reflect on your student outcomes (Do your lesson plans result in positive student outcomes? How do you know? Why or why not?)
    • Are you up for Tenure this year?  Teachers who are coming up for tenure are required to submit a formal portfolio of any of the documents or data points listed above.  These will become part of their final portfolio of work to be submitted for tenure recommendation.  The portfolio consists of three parts (1) a letter explaining why you merit tenure and how the documents you submit are illustrative of your growth and achievement (THIS YEAR - we will add more later); (2) samples of student work (with feedback that shows how students used your feedback to improve performance; (3) complete UAI Pacing Calendar with linked samples of Narrative Lesson Plans and all Units are Linked.
    • Everyone else?  You will have the same reflection question:  Do your lesson plans result in positive student outcomes? How do you know? Why or why not? - most importantly, how do you plan to show Kiri/Annie your progress through planning documents and student work? 

NOTE:  Please do not wait to prepare.  Begin gathering your planning documents and reviewing your student work, exam achievements, & growth.  Review and think about what these all say about your growth as an educator and pedagogue.  Jot your thoughts down as you reflect.  Talk to your planning partners to hash it out! 


SEL Update

In SEL this week, 6th and 9th graders delved into their unit on bullying and drama by discussing experiences they have had with bullying and drama, as well as experiences that have taken place at other schools. This week, students will learn to distinguish bullying from drama by examining the type of harassment taking place, how repetitive the harassment is, and the power dynamics present in the situation. Students will also learn to identify bullying and harassment on social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchatand positive ways to respond to social media harassment.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Week of December 5th

UAI Staff News

Volume V
Issue 14
December 5th, 2017
[School Days 59-63]



Announcements

National Press for Girls Inc. and UAI Students.  On Giving Tuesday, Girls Inc. CEO, Pamela Maraldo, was interviewed on the Today show by Stephanie Ruhle!  Pamela brought attention to what we do at UAI with Girls Inc to impact the financial futures of those who participate in our programming. In the Girls Inc. social media #givingtuesday campaign, our UAI girls shared what Girls Inc of NYC inspires them to become. These characteristics included being bold, creative, loyal, and honest. Girls Inc. raised over $16,000 through the generosity of supporters who invested in the girls of NYC becoming strong, smart, and bold! Watch the full interview with Pamela!


A Shout Out for the College Office and the Class of 2018.  With the diligent support of Danielle and Martine, 51 out of 69 seniors have submitted applications to college, and 59 of 63 eligible seniors have completed and submitted their FAFSAs and TAPs submitted already – 96% of eligible students!! --  which is completely unheard of at this time of the year.  Their goal is to have 100% of Financial Aid applications completed before the break and for all students to have submitted applications to at least CUNY schools before the break.  With these numbers, they are well on their way!



The Class of 2019 is going to see Hamilton This past summer, Ms. Annie worked with the Gilda Lehrman Institute of American History to get 60 tickets to Hamilton for our 11th graders.  The experience couldn't come at a more perfect time!  Juniors just completed an intense study of the creation of the Constitution, including a rich study of Hamilton's role and his writings in the Federalist Papers.  Chaperones have already been assigned for this trip.  We are hoping to make this an annual event for each class studying US History! 



Holiday Cheer.  As Sursattie reminded us in her email, our Secret Santa Potluck will be next Monday on 11DEC17 starting at 3PM.  If you haven't done so yet, please take a moment to complete this spreadsheet.   Our UAI Staff Holiday Party will be that following Friday, 15DEC17 from 4-6PM at Commonwealth Bar.  The party will cost $20 and it will be an open bar from 4-6PM for staff, and family and friends are welcome to join us after.  There will be food (I'm still doing the research and taking suggestions!).  Please take a quick moment and go back to the spreadsheet to indicate your response.  I need to get an accurate headcount for food ordering, so please fill that out now, thanks! 


This Week's To Dos


Monday PDs in December.  Here's the updated PD schedule for December making room for PLOPs and the Staff Potluck:
    • 04DEC17 - First Monday - PLOP Writing (complete Dec AND Jan PLOPs)
    • 11DEC17 - Staff Potluck in the Library at 3PM
    • 18DEC17 - Effectively Gathering Assessment Data with Turn & Talks OR 
                          Using Writing to Assess Student Thinking & Learning  OR
                          Strategic Feedback - Figuring out what to say, why say it, & how.

Prepare for Upcoming Midyear Reviews.  Reviews will begin next week!  As a reminder, please reflect on the following.  Please bring the blue items with you for the review.
  • Focus School Goal.  Our main priority goal this year is to increase instructional rigor and student intellectual engagement [Rigorous Instruction & Collaborative Teachers].  To achieve this, we have focused on through improved planning & assessment.  Between now, and your midyear review, reflect on  your progress with the following:
    • Improvement in Planning (e.g. UAI Pacing Calendar, Narrative Lesson Plans, Backwards-Designed Unit Plans)
    • Impact on Student Learning (e.g. samples of Student Work with your feedback, Student achievement (analysis of student grades in course or performance on tests/benchmarks), Student Academic Growth)
    • Growth in Co-planning with Peer Teachers/Coaches (e.g. quality of planning, quality of lesson execution (Advance Observations) impact on student learning, outcomes of co-planning survey - please click the link to take it now) 
  • Second School Goal.  The second goal that we will discuss during midyears is our school goal around increasing Strong Family Ties.  Our goal is to increase strong family community ties by increasing both quantity and quality of in-person and phone interactions between teachers and families.  This year, each student in your advisory should have had at least 4 interactions and at least 1 in person, all documented in Skedula:  1 welcome to UAI phone call in September; at least 1 in-person visit during MP1, MP2, or SLCs; and at least 2 10-15 minute phone calls for MP1, MP2, or SLC.   Specifically, review and reflect on the following data points:
    • Number of successful contacts (in person and phone) per advisee (as evidenced by Skedula anecdotals
    • Growth Advisee attendance rates from September (you can see this in Skedula)
    • Academic Performance of Advisees from MP1 to MP2 (again Skedula)
  • Midyear Reflection and Refocus. The Midyear is your opportunity to stop, review your various data points, and reflect on your growth and development.  As teachers, we often get too wrapped up in keeping students doing and busy and we don't make the time to step back and evaluate longer-term progress as shown through student thinking and achievement.  This is one of the big times in the year to take stock of our work thus far.  Where we are strong, we will continue. Where we struggle, we will analyze and refocus spring goals for growth.  Here are some logistical things to keep in mind
    • First Year at UAI?  Teachers who are in their first year at UAI or are up for tenure can expect to be scheduled first for their reviews (schedule will be released next week).   More explicit details on the Midyear will come in next week's blog.  For this week, look back at your planning documents and reflect on your student outcomes (Do your lesson plans result in positive student outcomes? How do you know? Why or why not?)
    • Are you up for Tenure this year?  Teachers who are coming up for tenure are required to submit a formal portfolio of any of the documents or data points listed above.  These will become part of their final portfolio of work to be submitted for tenure recommendation.  The portfolio consists of three parts (1) a letter explaining why you merit tenure and how the documents you submit are illustrative of your growth and achievement (THIS YEAR - we will add more later); (2) samples of student work (with feedback that shows how students used your feedback to improve performance; (3) complete UAI Pacing Calendar with linked samples of Narrative Lesson Plans and all Units are Linked.
    • Everyone else?  You will have the same reflection question:  Do your lesson plans result in positive student outcomes? How do you know? Why or why not? - most importantly, how do you plan to show Kiri/Annie your progress through planning documents and student work? 

NOTE:  Please do not wait to prepare.  Begin gathering your planning documents and reviewing your student work, exam achievements, & growth.  Review and think about what these all say about your growth as an educator and pedagogue.  Jot your thoughts down as you reflect.  Talk to your planning partners to hash it out! 


SEL Update

6th and 9th grade students wrapped up their unit on responsible decision making in the face of internal and external pressures last week.  Lauren will be coming by the PD on Monday to give an update on the strategies they learned.

This month, SEL students will be focused on bullying and drama. They'll begin the unit this week by examining their own experiences with bullying and drama, and how these experiences made them feel. Then, they'll take a look a real-life case of bullying and drama and think about how the case relates to what students might go through at UAI.