Monday, March 31, 2025

Week of April 1st

UAI Staff News

Volume XII
Issue 26
April 1st, 2025


MP3 Ends ... and our Final Lap of 2024-25 Begins.  This Friday, the 3rd Marking Period Ends, and MP4 begins on Monday, April 7th.  We are getting ready to start our final lap of the 2024-25 school year.   As a reminder,  this year, all of our marking periods are independent.  Student's final grades for the year are a straight average of all four marking periods togther.

So this final marking period is the last chance for a fresh start for kids.  It is the most important MP for them to ramp up their current achievements OR pivot behaviors and choices to end the year strong.  

The most important thing you can do as their teacher is to show our children that you will never give up on them.  Some kids are amazing and always find the ways to do the right things to shine and flourish.  Those kids are amazing!!  That's easy to see.

Then there are the ones who are comfortable in mediocrity.  They may be scared to try or they fear the risks that come with trying and failing.  So, they settle into the meh and are satisfied with achieving the bare minimum.  But they are young and so full of so much potential.  They need someone (AKA - YOU) to show how much they can shine and how amazing they truly are.  They need you to show them you have their back, and that the risks they take will result in some amazing outcomes - and even if they don't - YOU are there to catch them if they stumble.  You got them - and they need to feel that from you.

Finally, there are the ones who just cannot find their way to the good decisions.  It could be a wide variety of reasons - but the common denominator to all of those reasons most often is the lack of a strong, positive relationship between you and them and/or you and their home.  It's not easy for these kids, which in turn makes it more challenging for you.  However, that only means you need to other pathways to reaching them and their families - and more often than not, that pathway starts with simply showing them both (families and kids) that you care.

So, for this final marking period...I challenge us all (yes me included!) to put down the feelings of judgment and frustration that may have built up through the long march through March.  Shake off the stress and disappointment of failed efforts or misaligned attempts. 

Breath in the opportunity of a fresh start and take in the subliminal messaging of the nature around you.  Spring is here.  With each new bud you see on the flowers and trees, remember they came from slumbering plants.  Similarly, every single one of our students who may have not been making the best choices or performing at their peak has the same opportunity to pivot and redefine themselves for a strong end to the school year.  The one and absolute only constant about working with kids is that they are constantly changing, evolving, and growing.  That is what's amazing about them.  They are literally becoming a new person every single day. 

So, take that opportunity to help them see their own potential.  Reset and recharge them to learn from their past mistakes and bad choices.  The next few months are filled with opportunities AND finish lines.  It's important that they see that and see the possibilities of their success through your eyes.

  • This week Wednesday, 02APR - the last HS Benchmarks of the year begin.  They may not be ready, but that's why we practice.  These are the test runs for the real exams in June.  It's important for them to try their best now so we can see where they need the support in order to be truly ready for June.

  • There are 16 Days until Middle School Exams Begin.  Middle School has been doing a PHENOMENAL job in preparing students to do their best and to develop both resilience and persistence in the face of the upcoming middle school exams.  Our incoming students and 7th graders have had their challenges, but impressively, they have all been pushing themselves to be the best version of themselves!  Keep at it!! Those tests are hurdles, but the real win is our students reinvestment in themselves!

  • There are 21 Days until AP Exams Begin.  Students who decided to challenge themselves by taking the class have already won!! Those kids who have chosen to take on the next challenge of the exam are even pushing themselves harder!  Taking that risk is a win in and of itself, and pushing themselves to study and prepare to shoot for the highest score is just another win they can add to their belts.  Go for it!!!!

  • There are 43 Days until Regents Begin.  Students NEED to be studying OUTSIDE of class for these exams. That message has to be on repeat for the kids. In addition to these mock regents, folks also need to be ramping up the assessments (regents based) to show kids where they are performing.  Kids need this information to know they need to study outside of class.  Give them those opportunities to practice.  They do not have to be performance assessments - but they do need to inform kids of how they are progressing to being ready for June.  Help them help themselves by giving them the assessments needed to show them what they do and do not know.

  • There are 55 Days until the Last Day of School.  Students have 55 days to take advantage a a fresh marking period start and end the MP with their strongest performance yet.  Help them make sure to take each day as a chance to shine.  Help them leverage the quickly waning number of days to their utmost capacity!




UPCOMING DATES
  • Tuesday, 01APR - Friday 04APR.  Celebrating our Paraprofessionals!
    • Tuesday 01APR - Breakfast for Champions!! (in staff lounge, room 402)
    • Wednesday 02APR - Gift for our UAI Treasures - small gifts of appreciation (in lounge)
    • Thursday 03APR - Lunch for these Lovely Professionals! (in staff lounge, room 402)
    • Friday 04APR - Words of Wonder - messages and appreciation notes from the UAI staff!


  • Wednesday 02APR.  Celebrating Arab Heritage Month & In-Person Conferences (per session)

  • Wed 02APR - Mon 07APR.  HS Benchmark Week (No MS Benchmarks this round)
    ABSOLUTELY NO HIGH SCHOOL TRIPS WILL BE APPROVED DURING BENCHMARKS
    • Wed 02APR - Social Studies 
    • Thu  03APR - Science
    • Fri    04APR - Math
    • Mon 07APR - ELA

  • Friday, 04APR.  
    • Senior "Slumber" Party.
    • MP3 Ends

  • Monday, 07APR - MP4 (final marking period) begins

  • Wednesday, 09APR - MP3 Grades are due IN GAMA by 3PM

  • Friday, 11APR - MP3 Report Cards Distributed during 7th period.
  • Friday, 11APR - @ 2:20PM - Rapid Dismissal for the Spring Break
                                (Girls Inc After School is still ON!

  • Mon 14APR - Fri 18APR - Spring Break - No School

  • Monday 21APR-Friday 25APR - Administrative Professionals Appreciation Week

  • Monday 28APR-Friday 02MAY - Assistant Principal Appreciation Week

  • Upcoming Staff Appreciation Dates
    • 05MAY-09MAY - Teacher Appreciation Week



TO DO THIS WEEK

Family Outreach.  USE OPW time on Monday and your 55 minute Family outreach time on Tuesday to please reach out to families to
  • Invite them to celebrate a delicious dinner with wonderful activities to learn about Arab American Heritage on Wednesday night from 5-8PM. 

  • Connect with families of your students who are thriving in your classes

  • Connect with families of your students who a stronger partnership between home and school to correct their current trajectory in order to end the year strong.  EVEN if you are not able to attend in person on Wednesday - please invite families to join in on the dinner and activities and the chance to connect with their child's other teachers.  
Please send texts, emails, and make calls.  Yes we'll be contacting them A LOT, but we really want them to come.  So, it's ok to show our excitement!! Be proud that we are reaching out because we are wanting to see them!! We want to show families how open and welcoming we are!!



Did you visit anyone last week?  Did you see SEL or Academic Strategies in Action?  If yes - you go YOU!!!  Try to do one more visit before the spring break if you can!!   If no, really push yourselves to try the SEL strategies and visit one another's classrooms to see those strats (or others!!) in play.  These intervisitations are not going to fall naturally into your hierarchy of tasks.  So please, make sure you make it a priority in your to-do list this week to get in there to see a colleague.  

The face-to-face connectivity is a critical piece of glue that will bring our community more tightly together.  It is 10 minutes out of your week for such an incredible impact on our school and on your own practice & experience at the school.  It's is well worth the effort - just this little bit will go a loooooog way.  So, please make sure to get in there this week if you haven't already done so already!







IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

In your classes this week.  Please read the following to your students this week. Also, please print and share the flyer. and please post to your Google Classrooms.
        • "Hello students! UAI is starting peer mediation. You will see this flyer [pictured here] around the school in which you can request a peer mediation. Peer mediation will be conducted by students who were trained to mediate. This is designed to support smaller conflicts that can be resolved by peers instead of adults, however there will always be an adult in the room. Deans and counselors will determine if students will mediate OR if the mediation will be run by deans and counselors, as usual. If you have any questions please ask Ms. Sue."





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

REPOST:  Summer School Planning is Starting.  Summer school planning is beginning.  We will not be hosting Girls Inc and DYCD summer camp this summer, and our students who need an all-day placement can register for DYCD programs at the Montauk School this summer.   

We are currently looking for folks who are interested in doing some enrichment work (6-12) this summer.  AND we will also have regents prep this summer.  If you are interested in working this summer, please complete THIS FORM no later than 11APRWe still have openings - so go ahead and apply if interested!



Sunday, March 23, 2025

Week of March 24th

UAI Staff News

Volume XII
Issue 25
March 24th, 2025


No Principal Post Today.  I'm sick.  I'm so sick that even my cat is being nice to me - which is weird, because he's a mean little one...

So, no real long post today.  

Many thanks to EVERYONE for your work during Conferences on Friday (& Thursday if you were working!).   Your efforts DID move our parent completion needle a bit (we're up to 8% from 6%).  Please keep at it this week during outreach and conference follow up!  We need way more than 29 families to get real feedback.

They do NOT give us a list of who has completed, unfortunately. BUT please, do not let that stop you.  Be transparent!  Simply say that you're going to be reaching out to everyone because survey completion is blind  (we aren't give information as to who has submitted and who hasn't - I have no idea why!).  Send blanket appreciations to those who have completed, and warmly invite others to complete if they have not yet done so.

STAFF:  There are four teachers and 2 support staff who have not yet completed. Please reach out to Kelly (kpreston@schools.nyc.gov) to get your codes and try to complete those surveys during OPW this week! 

Thank you ALL!





UPCOMING DATES
  • Tuesday, 25MAR.  2025-26 Student Course Selections Begin
  • Saturday, 29MAR.  Project Prom Giveaway
  • Monday, 31MAR. Observation of Eid al-Fitr - NO SCHOOL


  • Wednesday 02APR.  Celebrating Arab Heritage Month & In-Person Conferences (per session)
  • Wed 02APR - Mon 07APR.  HS Benchmark Week (No MS Benchmarks this round)
    ABSOLUTELY NO HIGH SCHOOL TRIPS WILL BE APPROVED DURING BENCHMARKS
    • Wed 02APR - Social Studies 
    • Thu  03APR - Science
    • Fri    04APR - Math
    • Mon 07APR - ELA
  • Friday, 04APR.  
    • Senior "Slumber" Party.
    • MP3 Ends
  • Monday, 07APR - MP4 (final marking period) begins
  • Mon 14APR - Fri 18APR - Spring Break - No School

  • Upcoming Staff Appreciation Dates
    • 01APR-04APR - Paraprofessional Appreciation Week
    • 21APR-25APR - Administrative Professionals Appreciation Week
    • 28APR-02MAY - Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
    • 05MAY-09MAY - Teacher Appreciation Week



TO DO THIS WEEK

Lateness Outreach.  This week, if students are late to your classes, please send a note home to families or call.  In that note, I need you to tap into your perspective taking and empathy to 
    • first seek to understand why students are late and what is happening that they cannot get to school on time.  Please avoid judgment and shame.  That rarely works, and even when it does work, it comes with resentment and bad vibes.  Neither of those feelings serve success.  

    • THEN, help families & students understand how lateness negatively impacts their best potential.  Kids & families still have the misconception that complete is good enough.  They need repeated explaining and reorienting to the potential their child is leaving on the table.  Share with them what they could do if they were in class everyday - what skills and smarts they would get, how much promise they hold in your class - how awesome they could be if they just started coming to class on time.  We are three weeks out from HS benchmarks and six weeks from the MS ELA exam.  Being in class everyday on time for the next month and a half will be crucial for setting them up for success.

    • NOTE:  Admin is supporting with attendance and lateness - but we will never have the impact that teachers will.  Your relationships and connections with kids are like nuclear power to our triple A battery cell.  Teachers have the power to change behavior more than those of us outside of the classroom.  Outside of the classroom, we really only wield the weak tools of punishment, shame, and accountability. Inside the classroom, you all have the magic of inspiration, growth, and achievement.  Both have a role, for sure, and when both are in action we see true change.  So, please step up this week to reconnect with those who are late to try to get them to school each day on time.

    • FINALLY - Please make sure to update the Outreach Log with your Lateness Outreach this week.  Thank you!

SEL Strategies & Inter-visitations.  Please push yourselves to try the SEL strategies and visit one another's classrooms to see those strats (or others!!) in play.  These intervisitations are not going to fall naturally into your hierarchy of tasks.  So please, make sure you make it a priority in your to-do list this week to get in there to see a colleague.  

The face-to-face connectivity is a critical piece of glue that will bring our community more tightly together.  It is 10 minutes out of your week for such an incredible impact on our school and on your own practice & experience at the school.  It's is well worth the effort - just this little bit will go a loooooog way.  So, please make sure to get in there this week if you haven't already done so already!





IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • Women's History Month Activities.  The RPET and Student Activities folks met last Tuesday to finalize Women's History Month Celebration Plans.  For me personally, I had a real proud mama moment as I watched a team of students and teachers work collaboratively to bring the celebration of the power and awesomeness of women alive for our community!  Here's what's on the docket

    • THIS WEEK IS SPIRIT WEEK!
      • - MON 24MAR.  Fundraiser for Women's Charity 
      • - TUE 25MAR.  sHERO Day - Dress as your favorite sHero!
      • - WED 26MAR. Clothing Drive for Women's Charity (still TBD...details to come!)
      • - THU 27MAR. Gal Pal Twin Day! 
      • - FRI 28MAR. Career Day - Dress like the girl boss you are (or soon will be!)

    • Tuesday Craft Activities
      • Tue 25MARBook Giveaway (Celebrating Female Authors)
        • 3rd Period with MS in Cafe with Mike
        • 4th Period with HS in Cafe with Elena & Crystal

    • Thursday Career Speaker Series: MS will have speakers in classes (Mike & Phillan)
      • Thu 27MAR:  Still TBD (please reach out if you have ideas!)
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 with Kelly

    • Friday Movie, Snacks & Pizza:  Six Triple Eight
      • Fri 28MAR:  Continuing the Movie - Last Part
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 (MS), 509 (HS), 511 (HS), 515 (Ramadan Rm) 

  • Ramadan Observances at UAI - 03MAR-28MAR
    • Ramadan Continues.  Starting this week, students need to have parent permission to use the elevator and to miss class to observe Ramadan.  Students without permission will need to get that from their families before they can use the elevator or the Quiet Room.



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

REPOST:  Summer School Planning is Starting.  Summer school planning is beginning.  We will not be hosting Girls Inc and DYCD summer camp this summer, and our students who need an all-day placement can register for DYCD programs at the Montauk School this summer.   

We are currently looking for folks who are interested in doing some enrichment work (6-12) this summer.  AND we will also have regents prep this summer.  If you are interested in working this summer, please complete THIS FORM no later than 14FEB.



Sunday, March 16, 2025

Week of March 17th

UAI Staff News

Volume XII
Issue 24
March 17th, 2025



Problem Solving Social Creatures.  Humans have evolved to have a highly effective problem solving capacity.  This means that we see faults, problems, and issues easily and we are naturally drawn to these because we have been engineered to rapidly identify and fix/address things that are issues or problematic to our survival and thrival...

Our ancestors who weren't so hot at problem identification and resolving ...well...they didn't make it past the dinasaurs.  Those who did have provided us with an evolutionary gift ....which can also sometimes be a curse.

Our kids share this burden of problem focus, too.  Particularly growing up in this current cultural climate with their socioeconomic and racial backgrounds - everything that is wrong with the world is coming at them like a firehose.  Heck, that firehose is coming for us all.

Our nature and our climate will overwhelm us if we let it.  If we allow ourselves to sit in the passenger seat and do what comes easiest to us, we will naturally obsess over everything that's wrong in the world - both the big stuff - like the geopolitical and economic chaos - AND the small stuff - like the places where we have faltered in the lesson or the annoying things that your colleague does ...or even your principal ;-)

BUT.. we, as humans, have many more talents than our problem solving skills.  We are also evolved to have strong social emotional skills because we are all social animals - no matter how much we'd like to be considered a hermit (and yes that is my natural preference), our DNA is built to have us work together.  So much is this true that when cut off from human interaction, physical and mental harm - actual harm - happens to the human.

Problem Solving and Social Emotional Skills are two halves to our wholes.  As we make our way through this stretch of March and through the much longer current presidential term, we need to balance our natural tendencies to see the problems with our skills to be able to strengthen our community and connections.

This year we have leaned into the SEL skill of Perspective Taking because it is a key SEL and academic skill.  Being able to see through the eyes of others is a tool used to analyze author's moves in literature, different sides of conflicts in social studies, possible outcomes in science, and possible solutions in math.  AND Understanding others' points of view is critical to predicting and being prepared for your student needs and strengthening the bonds of collegial working relationships.

Perspective Taking is NOT disagreeing with yourself or others.  Rather, it is considering all sides of an issue to arrive at the best solution - not someone's solution.  Perspective taking adds depth, quality, and understanding to the discourse, and builds a community of trust and strength.

Perspective Taking is also a key skill needed to be able to fully take in information that may be hard to hear AND at the same time accept the good things that folks also say! 

For the rest of the month, I challenge you all to hone your perspective taking skills.  See your work and yourself through the eyes of others.  Stop yourself mid-opinion and challenge your assumptions to look at the issues from others' viewpoints - even if you think that viewpoint wrong - seek to understand before you jump to judgment.

Discipline yourself to look for the points where you agree, where you find strength, and where you can connect.  It is easy to find ways to tear down arguments.  It is much, much harder to build consensus.  Those planks of agreement, strengths, and connections are the pieces to the bridges we need to strengthen our community with students, families, and colleagues.  It will be the strengths of our collective community bonds that continue to move our school forward for the betterment of all!


UPCOMING DATES
  • Tuesday, 18MAR.  CUNY/Affinity Principal Visit to UAI

    • 8:00-9:25 - Welcome & Introduction to UAI
    • 9:25-11:15 - Classroom Visits (3rd) & Debrief (ILT to Join- Marsha, Phillan, Judy, Liza)
      • US History, Kelly, Rm 507
      • African History, Shan, Rm 509
      • Alg. 1, Jasmine, Rm 405
      • Alg. 1, Brett & Sue, Rm 403
      • AP Lit, Patricia, Rm 307
      • MS Math, Denyda, Rm B45
      • MS Science, Sarah R, Rm B49

      • Possible PM Visits (If time permits)
        • AP African American Studies, Kelly, Rm 507 - End of 6th Period
        • Into Lit, Marsha & Yasmeen, Rm 309 - Beginning of 7th Period

    • 11:15-12:10 - Student and Teacher Panel Discussions
      • 11:15-11:45 - Student Leadership
        (YLC, RPET, Student Govt Student Activities, MSU, NHS, and Middle School)
      • 11:45-12:15 - Teacher Leadership
        Teachers to join:  Phillan, Marsha, Kelly, Judy, Liza, Shan, Elena, Amanda
        (ILT, Student Activities, Student Govt, MSU, NHS, Middle School)

    • 12:10-1:10 - Lunch

    • 1:10-2:30 - UAI Systems and Structures Share (and maybe PM classroom visits)

    • 2:30-3:30 - Closing Principal Discussion
  • Thursday, 20MAR.  Remote Parent Conferences 5-8PM for the following Staff:
    (Please correct me if I got anything wrong).  All other staff are joining us for in-person conferences on April 2nd from 5-8PM. 
    • Math:  Amanda, Jasmine
    • Science:  Camryn, Tom W
    • Social Studies:  Jake, JRob, Martine
    • English:  Marsha, Patricia, Sarah M, 
    • Breadth:  Roger, Tom M, Pauline
    • Counselors: Tiffany, Jennifer JR
    • Paraprofessionals:  Adelle, Brenda, Bryanna, Juelle

      Please send me your conference your Thursday evening AND Friday afternoon schedules by the EOD Monday, 17MAR25

  • Friday, 21MAR.  Remote day - all day for ALL STAFF

    • AM (8:30-12:50)
      • 8:30-9:00AM - Full Staff Meeting
        • https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81765931467
          • Meeting ID: 817 6593 1467
          • Passcode: UAIZOOM
      • 9:00-10:30AM - Team Meeting Breakout Rooms
      • 10:30-12:00PM - Independent work time
      • 12:00-12:50PM - Lunch
    • PM Conferences 12:50-2:50 (remote for ALL)
      • If you need a zoom link, please reach out to Kiri and I'll support!
      • All staff MUST submit appointment list by EOD Monday, 17MAR25

  • Tuesday, 25MAR.  2025-26 Student Course Selections Begin
  • Saturday, 29MAR.  Project Prom Giveaway
  • Monday, 31MAR. Observation of Eid al-Fitr - NO SCHOOL


  • Wednesday 02APR.  Celebrating Arab Heritage Month & In-Person Conferences (per session)
  • Wed 02APR - Mon 07APR.  HS Benchmark Week (No MS Benchmarks this round)
    ABSOLUTELY NO HIGH SCHOOL TRIPS WILL BE APPROVED DURING BENCHMARKS
    • Wed 02APR - Social Studies 
    • Thu  03APR - Science
    • Fri    04APR - Math
    • Mon 07APR - ELA
  • Friday, 04APR.  Senior "Slumber" Party.
  • Monday, 07APR - MP4 (final marking period) begins
  • Mon 14APR - Fri 18APR - Spring Break - No School

  • Upcoming Staff Appreciation Dates
    • 01APR-04APR - Paraprofessional Appreciation Week
    • 21APR-25APR - Administrative Professionals Appreciation Week
    • 28APR-02MAY - Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
    • 05MAY-09MAY - Teacher Appreciation Week



TO DO THIS WEEK

Lateness Outreach.  This week, if students are late to your classes, please send a note home to families or call.  In that note, I need you to tap into your perspective taking and empathy to 
    • first seek to understand why students are late and what is happening that they cannot get to school on time.  Please avoid judgment and shame.  That rarely works, and even when it does work, it comes with resentment and bad vibes.  Neither of those feelings serve success.  

    • THEN, help families & students understand how lateness negatively impacts their best potential.  Kids & families still have the misconception that complete is good enough.  They need repeated explaining and reorienting to the potential their child is leaving on the table.  Share with them what they could do if they were in class everyday - what skills and smarts they would get, how much promise they hold in your class - how awesome they could be if they just started coming to class on time.  We are three weeks out from HS benchmarks and six weeks from the MS ELA exam.  Being in class everyday on time for the next month and a half will be crucial for setting them up for success.

    • NOTE:  Admin is supporting with attendance and lateness - but we will never have the impact that teachers will.  Your relationships and connections with kids are like nuclear power to our triple A battery cell.  Teachers have the power to change behavior more than those of us outside of the classroom.  Outside of the classroom, we really only wield the weak tools of punishment, shame, and accountability. Inside the classroom, you all have the magic of inspiration, growth, and achievement.  Both have a role, for sure, and when both are in action we see true change.  So, please step up this week to reconnect with those who are late to try to get them to school each day on time.

    • FINALLY - Please make sure to update the Outreach Log with your Lateness Outreach this week.  Thank you!

SEL Strategies & Inter-visitations.  Please push yourselves to try the SEL strategies and visit one another's classrooms to see those strats (or others!!) in play.  These intervisitations are not going to fall naturally into your hierarchy of tasks.  So please, make sure you make it a priority in your to-do list this week to get in there to see a colleague.  

The face-to-face connectivity is a critical piece of glue that will bring our community more tightly together.  It is 10 minutes out of your week for such an incredible impact on our school and on your own practice & experience at the school.  It's is well worth the effort - just this little bit will go a loooooog way.  So, please make sure to get in there this week if you haven't already done so already!





IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • Women's History Month Activities.  The RPET and Student Activities folks met last Tuesday to finalize Women's History Month Celebration Plans.  For me personally, I had a real proud mama moment as I watched a team of students and teachers work collaboratively to bring the celebration of the power and awesomeness of women alive for our community!  Here's what's on the docket

    • Tuesday Craft Activities
      • Tue 18MARThank You Cards
        • 3rd Period with MS in Cafe with Phillan and Sarah R
        • 4th period with HS in 507/509 with Elena & Crystal
      • Tue 25MARBook Giveaway (Celebrating Female Authors)
        • 3rd Period with MS in Cafe with Mike
        • 4th Period with HS in Cafe with Elena & Crystal

    • Thursday Career Speaker Series: MS will have speakers in classes (Mike & Phillan)
      • Thu 13MARJoanna Robles, VP of Content Acquisition at Paramount 
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 with Kelly
      • Thu 20MARStill TBD (please reach out if you have ideas!)
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 with Kelly
      • Thu 27MAR:  Still TBD (please reach out if you have ideas!)
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 with Kelly

    • Friday Movie, Snacks & Pizza:  Six Triple Eight
      • Fri 28MAR:  Continuing the Movie - Last Part
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 (MS), 509 (HS), 511 (HS), 515 (Ramadan Rm) 

  • Ramadan Observances at UAI - 03MAR-28MAR
    • Ramadan Continues.  Starting this week, students need to have parent permission to use the elevator and to miss class to observe Ramadan.  Students without permission will need to get that from their families before they can use the elevator or the Quiet Room.

  • March School Visits
    • Tuesday 18MAR.  CUNY/AFFINITY Principals Visit. CUNY/Affinity Principals will be visiting our Math, Into Lit, AP African American Studies classes on 18MAR to learn more about our work in these spaces and to learn more about our work with Teacher Leadership, and Teacher Development.

Some Clarifying Information.  This will be a long post because it has a lot of information in it. However, it is designed to be information giving - so you don't have to read it all.  But it will always be here for reference if you want to come back to it.  Folks have shared with me some questions of late, and I'll be coming around to teams this week in-person to discuss in detail, but I want to park the information here on the blog.  

There have been some questions and confusions coming to me from a variety of staff members regarding the SDC vs. the ILT and legitimacy/equity/fairness of the ILT.  I want to come to everyone's meetings to be able to share my perspective (from this horse's mouth - LOL) and engage in dialogue and questions with folks as much as they want.  So, look for me to drop by this week!  In the mean time, here's my perspective (with evidentiary quotes from the contract) on a variety of the most popular questions to date:
  • SDC vs. ILT:  Is the ILT in violation of contract? 
    • Here's the contract language on the SDC (The School Development Committee)

      • On Membership:  Each school (and program functioning as a school) shall form a School-Based Staff Development Committee (“SDC”) that serves as an instructional leadership team in consultation with the Principal. Such committee will include the Chapter Leader and consist of equal number of committee members selected by the Chapter Leader and the Principal, respectively. 

        • At UAI, we have 10 members on our SDC
          • As the principal, I have selected the ILT - the Instructional Leadership Team:  Phillan, Marsha, Kelly, Judy, Liza.  
          • As the chapter chair, Laura has selected Amanda, Mike, Noelle, Juelle, and herself.

          • NOTE:  Please note the use of "a" and "an" instructional leadership team vs. THE instructional leadership team.  My interpretation (as the only representative on the UAI staff of the other 50% of this contract agreement) reads the use of "a"/"an" to indicate that the SDC is not the only instructional leadership team in the building. 

            If folks disagree, that is legitimate!  However, the process for disagreement is a grievance and that would then go to the union and DOE for decision - not anyone of us at this level.  No one at our level can choose to "disallow" the creation of instructional leadership teams.  That must be adjudicated by powers outside of UAI.

      • On the Work;  The SDC shall collaboratively review, consider and develop the school-based professional development that is offered during the Professional Development block to be relevant to all participating staff-members, in alignment with NYCDOE instructional priorities, supportive of pedagogical practices and programs at the school, and reasonable to prepare and complete during the Professional Development block. The committee may elect to create sub committees to work on specific aspects of instructional issues or professional development practices. The Principal shall review the committee’s work and shall have final approval.

        • By contract the SDC's work at UAI is limited to the Monday PD block.  However, I have invited the SDC to join in the planning and work of other PD that happens outside of that block.  That is my invitation - not a union legal right.
          • Two things are true for the work
            • We do have to plan Monday PD activities for staff as a committee
            • We must plan PD that align to NYCDOE (aka our District's) priorities - which are the goals and mission I set forth at the start of the school year - which basically are our CEP goals.
              • Also true - we set the plan for the school year at the end of the summer before the school year (after my first Principal meeting with the district).
          • The SDC Met and here's the outline of the remaining Mondays for the year.  There's not many PD days remaining after you take out the School Business (e.g. celebrations, work time, and school business (e.g. huddles)).  But here they all are:
            • 17MAR - District Priority:  System Coherence:  Developing our Academic Coherence - The Academic Playbook Part I
            • 24MAR - Last Friday of the Month - School Huddles
            • 07APR - Benchmark Grading
            • 21APR - RPET & UA - Building Community SEL Series #3
            • 28APR - Last Friday of the Month - School Huddles
            • 05MAY - Teacher Appreciation Celebration
            • 12MAY - District Priority:  System Coherence:  Developing our Academic Coherence - The Academic Playbook Part II
            • 19MAY - District Priority:  System Coherence:  Developing our Academic Coherence - The Academic Playbook Part III
            • 02JUN - Last  School Huddles of the Year
            • 09JUN - Regent Orientation Meeting for HS (MS work time)
            • 16JUN - Grading Time for ALL Staff

    • What does the ILT do? What are the qualifications? 
      • What does the ILT Do? Instructional Leadership Teams are common structures in schools.  They sometimes go by other names (e.g. "Cabinet, Instructional Cabinet, Department Leads, etc.).  At UAI, I call it the ILT.   Each member of the ILT is charged to:

        • Coach and Support Peers:  Support and facilitate teacher reflection on implementation and instruction and instructional planning.  This takes the form of leading team meetings, holding 1:1 meetings, facilitating or participating in co-planning meetings, classroom visitations, reviewing video, and more!

        • Design Adult Learning Opportunities:  Plan, execute, and reflect on the impact of adult learning experiences at UAI in pursuit of realizing school CEP goals. This looks like, planning team meetings (e.g. like the big ones we have during our PD days and Regents week, planning days - yes work doing lesson and unit planning is still PD) to look at student work/data, plan high quality curriculum/lessons, facilitate instructional rounds, peer inter-visitations, and even visits to others school sites.

        • Facilitate Professional Collaboration:  Foster collaborative relationships between team and co-teaching members and facilitate communications between teachers and school leadership.  At UAI, I depend on the ILT to communicate critical information to teams and to bring back to me critical information from teams.  I lean on them to help you all cultivate, strengthen, and support working relationships.

        • Advocate in Leadership Conversations: In conversations with school leadership, ILT members advocate for teachers, classroom staff, student needs, and the school community.  In our ILT meetings, this looks like raising up issues or possible hurdles to schoolwide initiatives.  This also looks like telling me - "Yo Kiri - that's way too harsh" or crazy.  Listen - I know I'm not the easiest person - I need folks to help me stay in the best zone - and to make sure my mouth doesn't always get the better of me.

        • A Note about Lab Classrooms:  Many other school leaders have their ILT also host Lab classrooms where folks can come see "model" practice.  We have had Lab classrooms in the past, and I rapidly discovered that I have some deep philosophical objections to Lab classrooms, and as such - they do not jive with my leadership style or preferences.  In place of lab classrooms, I encourage our ILT leaders to elevate practice leveraging teachers' own classrooms.  Through their use of videos or classroom visits, they used asset based approaches to level up the instructional quality of the teacher and their own classrooms - vs. expecting teachers to replicate strategies in a different environment with different kids.  Teaching is an extremely personal vocation.  They are like artists.  Sure, folks can be really good cover bands - but in the end - they are just copies - not the artist.  I believe in helping teachers find their own voice and power and honing that, rather than copying something they see another person doing.  So for me and thus at UAI - there are not Lab classrooms.


      • What are the Qualifications of the ILT?  As a reminder, as AN Instructional Leadership Team, and to be clear, this is the instructional team I created to help me fulfill my own instructional leadership work.  I have a firm belief in the quality and superiority of teacher leadership to the health and welfare of a school.  Some leaders choose to hire many APs.  That is a totally valid path.  But I have a deep commitment to a more grass-roots based approach - collaborative vs. top-down leadership.

        Now, again to be clear - this is my leadership style.  It is not contract, it is not directive.  It is my choice to form this committee to support the work I have been charged to do as principal by the NYCDOE.  Again, the ILT is AN instructional leadership team chosen by me to support the work.

        Qualification #1:  History of Trust:  It is a big ask to join me.  First - I'm not the easiest person.  Don't get me wrong...I know my strengths and I know my areas of growth.  I love my strengths..and my areas of growth...well they are growing but they are also difficult.  Chiefly, I have a tendency to intimidate and silence others.  I needed folks on my team who have had significant experience with me (either through working extremely closely with me or through working with me a very long time).  That experience was necessary for me to root in the foundations of trust I needed in folks to help me carry out the mission and vision of the school and directives of the DOE. 

        To that end, outside of Elena & Jen (neither of whom are in core classes), Marsha & Phillan have been with me the longest and have been key players in all of the major initiatives, the ups and downs, and the crazy bad and crazy good over the years.  Kelly, Judy, and Liza have had experience with me on steroids in planning, classroom presence, and many, many, many conversations around instructions and school systems.  I worked closely with Kelly when we worked with Ken Baum to elevate the quality of instruction throughout our school.  Judy and Liza have been the two on the math and science team with whom I have had the most experience with planning, discourse, and teaching.

        In short - the first qualification (because this is a team I am choosing to help me do my instructional leadership work) - the first qualification is a tested, vibrant working relationship with folks who I know I can push and who I also know push me too.

      • Qualification #2:  High Quality Instructional Acumen - both in planning and execution.  Marsha, Phillan, Judy, Liza, and Kelly each have demonstrated consistently a high quality of instructional planning and execution.  On top of that, they also have incredibly strong relationships with our students that inform their instructional planning.  Their knowledge and acumen in their discipline areas is excellent, and because of that, they have the disciplinary chops to support the team.

    • Why does the ILT get a period off and additional compensation?
      • It is solely within the decision making power of the principal to choose to staff Teacher Leadership Positions.  For a long time, I didn't even think about staffing leadership positions.  It was after a visit to Media and many, many long talks with an array of principals and other leaders that I came to understand the potential benefit of having teacher leaders in the school.  Annie was also extremely instrumental in pushing my thinking around this.  The last piece in the puzzle that shifted my choices was the post-COVID funds.  Finally, we had a safe margin to do this level of experimentation without taking away from the classrooms, and now today, I realized the error of my younger, dumber ways, and I have found the importance and power of cultivating teacher leadership within the school.  (Sometimes...it takes me a minute).

        So I opened up Teacher Leadership Positions AND I'm opening up more (Teacher Development Facilitators - next year!).  I do not control who gets in or out of the teacher leadership pool.  I only control who I pick out of there.  I explained above about who I pick and why.  Below is the information you should read about getting into the pool.  If you are interested, put your name in the pool!  I definitely cannot choose you if you're not even in the pool!
      • NOTE:  Part of my responsibility to the ILT is helping them develop their leadership skills.  Take it from me, leadership is NOT easy and it takes many, many years to perfect.  I've bee in Admin roles (AP starting in 2004, P starting in 2006) for 20+ years and I am STILL learning how to do some things!

        They have each grown so much in the last few years in their roles.  It has not been easy for them, and each of them have made mistakes along the way - mistakes which btw have become invaluable lessons for each one of them.

        I am not saying that any of them are perfect, but I will say, that they are all perfectly dispositioned for the role.  Their ability to give grace - both to their team and to themselves - is amazing (and inspiring).  Their ability to reflect, learn and consistently grow is also exactly what every leader needs in order to best serve those they lead.

    • WOW that was a LOT!  If you got through all of that - you're a champ!  Thank you for reading.  I do appreciate it.  I will definitely be coming around to reshare all of this in cliff note version during your team meetings this week.  I do think conversations are best for clearly understanding the multiple perspectives of an issue, and I wanted a place where you could reference and think through the information for yourself.  Thanks for reading and taking a few minutes to step into my perspective as I look at leadership & instruction.


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

REPOST:  Summer School Planning is Starting.  Summer school planning is beginning.  We will not be hosting Girls Inc and DYCD summer camp this summer, and our students who need an all-day placement can register for DYCD programs at the Montauk School this summer.   

We are currently looking for folks who are interested in doing some enrichment work (6-12) this summer.  AND we will also have regents prep this summer.  If you are interested in working this summer, please complete THIS FORM no later than 14FEB.


Sunday, March 9, 2025

Week of March 9th

UAI Staff News

Volume XII
Issue 23
March 10th, 2025



It's Daylight Savings and We're Springing Forward!  TBH, I was really hoping that abolishing daylight savings would have made it's way into the blizzard of insane executive orders in January.  I mean, if we're throwing around ideas like Gulf of America and Red, White, and Blue land...I really thought this one had a chance!  Alas - the idea is probably TOO sane, and thus, would never make it onto that agenda.

Regardless - here we are - an hour shier BUT big gains in PM sunshine. So, as the serial optimist in me demands, I turn to the positive in every situation - even the not-so wonderful ones.

So let's look ahead to the rest of this month...
  • Women's History Month continues and the RPET and Student Activities folks are working hard behind the scenes to make incredibly enjoyable and memorable experiences for our young people!  Last week's Speaker Series with our very own School Safety Agent Level 3 McCrae was riveting!  She shared about herself and her pathway to joining School Safety after exploring careers in forensics and finance.  She was working in finance during 9/11 and spoke about being laid off shortly thereafter to find another opportunity in School Safety.  From one of the most horrific days in her life's journey to her amazing accomplishments and work in her role today, she shared an inspiring story showing our kids that even when things seem to be at their worst, opportunity can still knock and bring you into a future you never thought possible!  

    This week from Jade (Dawson), RPET student intern, we will hear from Jessica Robles, Vice President of Content Acquisitions at Paramount (her aunt!).  Please help us show our kids the amazing possible pathways that exist for them! Encourage them to join our Career Speakers Series on Thursdays!

  • We are officially 11 days out from the first day of SPRING.  The year is rolling by quickly, and before we know it, we'll be celebrating the Class of 2025 and giving everyone high fives as we head out to enjoy the summer.  Time is moving quickly, and everyday matters!  There are only:
    • 11 instructional days until the next Benchmark Week (April 2nd - 7th)
    • 14 instructional days until the end of MP3 (MP3 Ends on April 4th, Grades due 4/9)
    • 21 instructional days until P/SAT Day on April 23rd (10th & 11th graders only)
    • 26 instructional days until the NYS Middle School ELA Exam (April 29th-30th)
    • 31 instructional days until the NYS Middle School Math Exam (May 7th & 8th)
    • 31 instructional days until the start of AP Exam Week (Starts May 7th)
    • 53 instructional days until the first Regents Exam (June 10th)

      (hmm..that was meant to be a positive thing...but I think I may have just stressed myself (and maybe you) out.)

  • School Visits Highlight Great Work!  We have upcoming school visits with The Rhode Island Department of Education and with Principals from around CUNY/UA who are visiting this week and next to learn more about the wonderful work we do.  Of course there are always going to be places where we need to grow and adapt, but we also are doing amazing things in instruction, teacher leadership, and new technologies.  

These days, there are so many pathways that lead to studying what's wrong and what's terrible in our world.  It means that we have to be disciplined and strong enough to make ourselves see the light. Every time something is hard (from something as small as losing an hour of sleep or something bigger), there is always a silver lining (like getting more sunshine into our afterwork day!).  Even in the classroom, when the most challenging students push your very last button, there will also be times that they dig deep and pull out the charm and make your day.  

In nature, things propagate themselves - plants make more plants, people make more people. I think this is also true with ideas.  Darkness propagates darkness and the light spreads light.  

So, for the next few weeks - I challenge you to take the bumps in the road and find ways to turn them into lessons for propelling you and your students towards your next, better future paths!


UPCOMING DATES
  • Friday, 14MAR.  RIDE. (Rhode Island Dept. of Education) Visits UAI.
  • Tuesday, 18MAR.  CUNY/Affinity Principal Visit to UAI
  • Thursday, 20MAR.  Remote Parent Conferences 5-8PM
  • Friday, 21MAR.  Remote day - all AM (8:30-11:50), PM Conferences 12:50-2:50 (remote)
  • Tuesday, 25MAR.  2025-26 Student Course Selections Begin
  • Saturday, 29MAR.  Project Prom Giveaway
  • Monday, 31MAR. Observation of Eid al-Fitr - NO SCHOOL


  • Wednesday 02APR.  Celebrating Arab Heritage Month & In-Person Conferences (per session)
  • Wed 02APR - Mon 07APR.  HS Benchmark Week (No MS Benchmarks this round)
    • Wed 02APR - Social Studies 
    • Thu  03APR - Science
    • Fri    04APR - Math
    • Mon 07APR - ELA
  • Friday, 04APR.  Senior "Slumber" Party.
  • Monday, 07APR - MP4 (final marking period) begins
  • Mon 14APR - Fri 18APR - Spring Break - No School

  • Upcoming Staff Appreciation Dates
    • 01APR-04APR - Paraprofessional Appreciation Week
    • 21APR-25APR - Administrative Professionals Appreciation Week
    • 28APR-02MAY - Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
    • 05MAY-09MAY - Teacher Appreciation Week



TO DO THIS WEEK

Volunteer In-Person Conferences. All staff are invited to hold in-person conferences on April 2nd from 5-8PM in lieu of the remote conferences on March 20th.  These conferences will be per sessionable (teachers/staff will receive 3 hours of per session for the evening).  Those who are not joining on April 2nd will be expected to hold remote conferences from 5-8PM on March 20th.

So that I can track who is doing what - please take a minute to complete this form NOW ;-)


Monday PD and OPW Remote Time.  Please don't forget that on Monday, we're extending PD by 30minutes (because we shortened it last week) and we're moving OPW to after PD (and it will be remote).  So, please be on time to the farm at 3PM for our PD with Lynn Jeudy (from UA) and looking at strengthening our community and building our SEL practices.  PD will be from 3PM-4:30PM in the farm.

GAMA Synch.  Please make sure you have grades synching to GAMA.  Set a reminder on your calendar or phone to update your grades at least once every two weeks.  For this week in particular, please make sure families know if kids are missing assignments or assessments.  Don't forget to document your outreach in the outreach log.  There are only 4 weeks left in the marking period.  However, communication home is key to helping our kids stay on top of their work and studying.  We cannot do it alone, we need our families to help!  So use TeachHub and the Messenger App to send home messages or any other method that works best for you, but families need to be notified, and that has to be documented - particularly as we gear up for Spring Conferences.



IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • Women's History Month Activities.  The RPET and Student Activities folks met last Tuesday to finalize Women's History Month Celebration Plans.  For me personally, I had a real proud mama moment as I watched a team of students and teachers work collaboratively to bring the celebration of the power and awesomeness of women alive for our community!  Here's what's on the docket

    • Tuesday Craft Activities
      • Tue 11MAR:  Friendship bracelet making
        • 3rd Period with MS in Cafe with Freida and Fatima
        • 4th Period with HS in 507/509 with Elena & Crystal
      • Tue 18MARThank You Cards
        • 3rd Period with MS in Cafe with Phillan and Sarah R
        • 4th period with HS in 507/509 with Elena & Crystal
      • Tue 25MARBook Giveaway (Celebrating Female Authors)
        • 3rd Period with MS in Cafe with Mike
        • 4th Period with HS in Cafe with Elena & Crystal

    • Thursday Career Speaker Series: MS will have speakers in classes (Mike & Phillan)
      • Thu 13MARJoanna Robles, VP of Content Acquisition at Paramount 
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 with Kelly
      • Thu 20MARStill TBD (please reach out if you have ideas!)
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 with Kelly
      • Thu 27MAR:  Still TBD (please reach out if you have ideas!)
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 with Kelly

    • Friday Movie, Snacks & Pizza:  Six Triple Eight
      • Fri 14MAR:  Continuing the Movie - Next Part
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 (MS), 509 (HS), 511 (HS), 515 (Ramadan Rm) with Shan, Kiri, and we need two more folks to help out
      • Fri 28MAR:  Continuing the Movie - Last Part
        • 4th Pd Only in Room 507 (MS), 509 (HS), 511 (HS), 515 (Ramadan Rm) with Shan, Kiri, and we need two more folks to help out

  • Ramadan Observances at UAI - 03MAR-28MAR
    • Ramadan Continues.  Starting this week, students need to have parent permission to use the elevator and to miss class to observe Ramadan.  Students without permission will need to get that from their families before they can use the elevator or the Quiet Room.

    • March Madness Observation Noticings.  You all are bringing it!  Over this past week I got to see
       
      • Yasmeen and Laura facilitate their class in reading MLK Jr.'s Letter from a Birmingham Jail, pushing their kids to first understand and hear Dr. King's message, but then look deeper at the literary tools he used to convey such a compelling and convincing message. 

      • Shan's lesson on FDR, the New Deal, and his court-packing was incredibly powerful and the kids were challenged through a series of texts and political cartoons to use their understanding of a historical event to review and analyze what's happening before them today with the Trump administration.  Each of those kiddos had such interested points of view and Shan's lesson was constructed beautifully so that their thinking was the star!

      • Amanda's expert implementation of Building Thinking Classroom Room strategies like Thin-Slicing let to an artfully constructed set of activities that gave kids choice, fostered collaboration & agency, and most importantly, fueled the desire for each individual student to want to understand how to solve the multi-step, complex and challenging Geometry problems.

      • In Phillan & Fatima's 6th grade social studies class, kids passed judgment on a renegade from ancient Roman times during their mock trial.  Acting as roman magistrates, each student group worked collaboratively to weigh and analyze the evidence presented and each group ended up finding the person guilty of breaking Roman laws.  As is often the wont of kids, their punishments were stiff (yet in line with Romans at the time) - except for Irisel who wanted community service (my heart warmed).   Then when the secret identity was revealed  - the room shook with shock and awe!  OMG that was sooooo much fun.  And NO - I'm not going to reveal any spoilers.  You'll have to go talk to them!

      • Finally, Marsha & Crystal conferenced their students on their AP Seminar Projects.   One student (Demi) shared with me her project idea around the negative impact of the invisibility of the neurodivergent.  She was so passionate and beautifully articulate in her sharing.  It was incredible to here, and it was super clear that the tools, support, and lessons that led up to my talk with her were artfully done to set this student up for success.

      • So many amazing things are happening!  The other thing that I got to see is our attendance struggles. I did notice that kids respond incredibly well to each of their moves to welcome them in the room and get the situated into the work as they arrived.  That said to me that the relationships and care are central to the class and the kids feel seen!

        I think the next step is to share that care and concern with home.  When kids are late to your class, sure they may get a notice from the school, but they can't feel the care.  It is not the same.  During outreach this week, please make it a point to show how much you are concerned about the attendance of your kids to your 1st period classes.  Let's try to see if we all reach out with love and support if that would be the secret sauce to getting kids and getting our families to help our kids to get to school on time!


    • March School Visits
      • Friday 14MAR Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE).   Members of the Rhode Island Department of Education will be visiting UAI to learn more about our work with Project Cafe.

      • Tuesday 18MAR.  CUNY/AFFINITY Principals Visit. CUNY/Affinity Principals will be visiting our Math, Into Lit, AP African American Studies classes on 18MAR to learn more about our work in these spaces and to learn more about our work with Teacher Leadership, and Teacher Development.



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

    REPOST:  Summer School Planning is Starting.  Summer school planning is beginning.  We will not be hosting Girls Inc and DYCD summer camp this summer, and our students who need an all-day placement can register for DYCD programs at the Montauk School this summer.   

    We are currently looking for folks who are interested in doing some enrichment work (6-12) this summer.  AND we will also have regents prep this summer.  If you are interested in working this summer, please complete THIS FORM no later than 14FEB.


    Sunday, March 2, 2025

    Week of March 3rd

    UAI Staff News

    Volume XII
    Issue 22
    March 3rd, 2025



    It's Women's History Month.  The Pew Research Center published a report, The Enduring Grip of the Gender Pay Gap. It is a fascinating, albeit depressing read.  The long and the short of it is that even though the gap has narrowed from women only making 65 cents on the dollar in the 80s to making 82 cents on the dollar today (as compared to men's earnings), the gap still persists and in fact, has had an overall negative trend down since 2010.

    Yo...what gives?

    When I read the article, what stood out most was all of the historical structures and systems that created the disparity in the first place.  For example "A Woman's Place is in the Home" - this folksy "wisdom" seems to have new shape in the modern world.  Women may be more present and equally capable in the work force, but when they go home, women overwhelmingly are the primary caregiver, chef, and homemaker - STILL.  So, when measured against the same metrics as men (who don't have a second job at home)... it may seem to some that women don't "merit" pay equity.

    Another point...women are still underrepresented in STEM fields, and in management! For me, this makes me wonder about misogynistic biases that run through all of us unaware.  When we picture a scientist or engineer or hedge-fund manager, how many of us picture the face of one of our students? And if we're not all picturing it, are they picturing it for themselves?  

    With respect to management roles, I think similar internalized misogyny is at play.  What characteristics do you think of when you think of a strong leader? Traditional stereotypes yield characteristics like decisiveness, problem-solving, confidence, and assertiveness.  Which are good qualities of leaders, but are also the common characteristics of male leaders - who have dominated the field forever.  So...my question is - are these actually good traits of leaders, or just what we've come to expect?  When women adopt these characteristics in leadership roles (e.g. being assertive), because of the cultural expectations around males holding leadership positions, women are often forced to contend with the backlash - so they don't get to be assertive...they are often described as the not nice female dog word.

    But wait...There's hope!

    These biases and ideas only exist because people persist in holding onto them and not confronting their own roles in upholding them.  Well, the good news is that we ARE people and we are GOOD people and we can take strong looks at our own thoughts and actions to stop the infiltration of these biases within our own sphere of influence - which is UAI!

    We can
    • help shape the ideas of what is possible for our young people by giving them alternate narratives of who makes a strong scientist, mathematician, engineer, or manager.
    • help our students see the strength and value in traditional female success traits like communication, relationships and community
    • widen the margins of error for our kids - create a safe space and an honored and exalted space for those who have the bravery to make and learn from mistakes. 

    • Nurture our own UAI female leaders. 

      Embrace their success and bolster them up when they stumble.  Your ILT, your assistant principal, your team leaders (Student Activities, RPET, and SST)- they are all women, and they are all amazing.  None of them are perfect (none of us are), and all of them are excellent examples of the strength of female leadership.  This month in particular, please make it a point to understand and perceive our UAI leaders through the lens of female empowerment, not male-associated traits that have historically colored the role.  Circle around your leaders to lift them up when they stumble and honor their successes with your appreciation.

      A truly strong organization uplifts both the workers and the management, creating a symbiotic relationship for the benefit of all, and the students & families we serve.  Our UAI leaders work hard to do their best to support everyone and fulfill the directives of the city and district.  I want us to take the opportunity of women's history month to uplift the other side of that relationship and create a symbiotic support system that leads us all to sustainably thrive.

    UPCOMING DATES
    • Monday 03MAR.  Women's History Month Begins (Stay tuned for specific dates from RPET)
    • Monday 03MAR.  Ramadan Observances Begin at UAI (see below)
    • Friday, 14MAR.  Senior "Slumber" Party.
    • Tuesday, 18MAR.  CUNY/Affinity Principal Visit to UAI
    • Thursday, 20MAR.  IN PERSON Parent Conferences 5-8PM
    • Friday, 21MAR.  Remote day - all AM (8:30-11:50), PM Conferences 12:50-2:50 (remote)
    • Tuesday, 25MAR.  2025-26 Student Course Selections Begin
    • Saturday, 29MAR.  Project Prom Giveaway
    • Monday, 31MAR. Observation of Eid al-Fitr - NO SCHOOL

    • Upcoming Staff Appreciation Dates
      • 01APR-04APR - Paraprofessional Appreciation Week
      • 07APR-11APR - Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
        UPDATE moving this to 28APR-02MAY (Annie's going to be out of town 07APR-11APR)
      • 21APR-25APR - Administrative Professionals Appreciation Week
      • 28APR-02MAY - Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
      • 05MAY-09MAY - Teacher Appreciation Week



    TO DO THIS WEEK
    • New School Leadership Opportunities.  

      • SST - Student Support Team.  The student support team currently consists of our counselors and deans.  They currently meet during the day and review the academic and social-emotional needs of students.  If you are interested, please email Annie and complete THIS PER SESSION interest form.


      • NEW LEADERSHIP OPTION ->.
        Teacher Development Facilitator with AMNH
        .  As part of our partnership with the American Museum of Natural History, we are opening up five new teacher leadership positions. AMNH is joining the DOE in rolling our the new Empire Teacher Residency Grant and we are making tweaks to the program to meet Grant requirements.  One of these tweaks is creating a TDF role for each mentor.

        These are specific to our science team (that's the nature of the partnership), but each member of the team who applies and is accepted will receive $3000 in additional compensation.  I'm still hammering out the final details with AMNH, but the requirements for being selected in this role are

        • MUST have completed 3 years of Effective or Highly Effective teaching by September 2025.
        • Preference given to science teachers who have already hosted AMNH residents in the past (which is basically all of the science folks)
        • Commitment to fulfill all AMNH mentor requirements
        • Commitment to fulfill all of the expectations as a mentor of new science teachers.

          So basically - Liza, Sarah R, Tom W, Cam & Thomas - this one's for you!


      • NEW LEADERSHIP OPTION ->. School Based Professional Learning Committee.  The first meeting of the SDC will be in the farm at 3PM.  If you are interested in working on the committee, please reach out to Laura ASAP.  
     


    IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • Stay Tuned for Women's History Month Activities from RPET
      • RPET was super busy supporting Black History Month - They'll meet again on Tuesday after school.  Please join in at 3PM in room 507 if you are interested in helping support celebrating Women's History Month!  Yes per session is available for those who help!

    • Ramadan Observances at UAI - 03MAR-28MAR
      • With the leadership of the MSU (Muslim Student Union), headed by Class of 2025 Surraiya Sattar, here is the plan for supporting our students observing Ramadan this month.

      • Here's the plan

        Students will be allowed to have access to B35, our quiet room for the month of Ramadan, during the specific times outlined in this DOC.  The room will only be open for 25 minutes each day.  Kids who wish to use this room must have parental permission to miss class.

        • Week of 03MAR
          • Students leave lunch early and arrive late to 5th period (no later than 12:27)
            Room B35 will be staffed by Ms. Mahjabeen until 12:25.  She is covering Sue this week, too. So, please expect her to be late to 5th period during those periods this week.  Sue is returning next week.
          • Students MUST sign in when they arrive at B35. We will share this list out with everyone at the end of each day.
            Debbie will use the list to call home to verify parent permission to miss class.
            • NOTE:  With all the things going on this month, we didn't move fast enough to get approval prior.  So, for the first week, folks can come to B35 to sign in.  By Monday 10MAR, all students MUST have parent permission to continue to miss class and use the space.
        • Week of 10MAR (Daylight Savings begins)
          • Students leave 5th period at NORMAL dismissal time and arrive late to 6th (no later than 1:27)
          • Only students with parental approval will be allowed into B35 (updated list will be published in AM announcements each day)
        • Week of 17MAR
          • Students leave 5th period at 12:55 arrive late to 6th (no later than 1:22)
          • Only students with parental approval
        • Week of 24MAR
          • Students leave 5th period at 12:50 arrive late to 6th (no later than 1:22)
          • Only students with parental approval
    • School Development Committee - Our first SDC meeting of the year will happen on Monday, March 3rd.  SDC meetings will occur on the first Monday of the month in the farm during OPW time.  All are always welcome to join, but the official SDC members are:  Marsha, Phillan, Judy, Kelly, Liza, Tiffany, Juelle, Noelle, Laura, and Mike.  If you are interested and don't see your name - no worries - just join us in the Farm at 3PM!

    • IMPORTANT - VOTE NOW.  Lynn Jeudy is going to join us for another SEL PD sponsored by UA.  That was slated for Monday, but she had asked to have a 90min session, and I dropped the ball and forgot to follow up and ask you all if that was ok. So...here's the proposal

        • Mon 03Mar PD is shorted to 30min - staff leaves at 4PM
          • Teachers will have independent work time from 3:30-4PM to update pacing guides and gradebooks in preparation for observations & GAMA grade pubishing.
        • Mon 10MARPD is lengthened to 90min - Start at 3PM end at 4:30PM - OPW is remote that day from 4:30-5:10PM.
        • If you object to this change, please record your objection HERE.  
          Otherwise, you don't have to do anything. 
          If the majority of staff objects, we will have a regular PD schedule tomorrow.

    • March Madness Observations.  On Monday, I will begin the final round of observations for the year.  The goal is to finish ALL observations by the end of April.  All formal observations have been scheduled.  If you are not yet tenured, you should have one formal observation this year. If you have not had your formal observation yet, and if you don't see the invite from me in your inbox, please reach out.  It just means that I missed you! As a reminder, only formal observations are announced.  Informal observations will happen as I can squeeze them in.  You should expect to see me in your classrooms in the weeks to come.  Please be prepared and make sure your pacing guides are up to date.  With this being the last round, I need to make sure that I rate ALL Danielson indicators, including planning & prep.  I pull your plans from your pacing guides and when they are not there, I cannot rate you in that domain.  So please make sure your March Pacing Guides are up to date!


    • March School Visits
      • Friday 14MAR Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE).   Members of the Rhode Island Department of Education will be visiting UAI to learn more about our work with Project Cafe.

      • Tuesday 18MAR.  CUNY/AFFINITY Principals Visit. CUNY/Affinity Principals will be visiting our Math, Into Lit, AP African American Studies classes on 18MAR to learn more about our work in these spaces and to learn more about our work with Teacher Leadership, and Teacher Development.



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

    NEW LEADERSHIP OPTION ->. I want to expand the work of the SST to take over Huddle Management.  I'm opening up positions for teachers and paraprofessionals to join this committee to engage in the work needed to track and follow up on student progress.  This means keeping a close eye on academic progress, attendance, and behavioral outcomes.  It also means taking on the work of working closely with students and families to pivot choices to stronger ones and keep kids moving on positive trajectories.  This will be a per session opportunity and if you are interested, please email Annie and complete THIS PER SESSION interest form.

    REPOST:  Hiring Committee.  It's that time again!  We're looking for folks to join our Hiring Committee.  We're looking for a team of 6-10 folks to participate in Hiring Activities.  Hours will range.  There will be meetings as the committee to norm on expectations and review outcomes.  Committee members will be tapped to participate in demo lessons and debriefs.  Committee members must be available for zoom hiring events in the evenings and weekends.   If interested, please complete THIS FORM 



    REPOST:  Summer School Planning is Starting.  Summer school planning is beginning.  We will not be hosting Girls Inc and DYCD summer camp this summer, and our students who need an all-day placement can register for DYCD programs at the Montauk School this summer.   

    We are currently looking for folks who are interested in doing some enrichment work (6-12) this summer.  AND we will also have regents prep this summer.  If you are interested in working this summer, please complete THIS FORM no later than 14FEB.