Week of October 27th

UAI High School Staff News

Volume II

Issue 11

Week of October 27th, 2014

Announcements

Attendance Accuracy.  We've had some issues with attendance as of late.  Several staff have reported inaccuracies in attendance for their advisees.  Skedula is transparent and our families see the errors that we make.  The first marking period was a transitional stage.  A few weeks ago, I brought up the issue, and people paid attention and fixed the issue.  How awesome was that?!? Unfortunately, we're back to having some problems with accuracy and with calls going home.

Now that we are entering our 8th week of school, we've had ample time to settle into our routines and/or reach out for extra support, if needed.  There are many things that have successfully launched so beautifully this year.  With more attention, we can readily fix these logistical problems.

Because we're back with the same problem, it seems we need to have a more formal solution to this dilemma.  So, I've made some amendments to the UAI HS Staff Handbook around Attendance Procedures and Expectations.  They are:

• Teachers must take attendance at the beginning of the period. For example, teachers should make it a routine to take attendance immediately following the mini-lesson as the students transition to work time.   Also, from this point on, please do not allow students to take attendance in Skedula.  We had a report of a student changing grades because she had access to Skedula.  This brought to our awareness that we can't separate privileges (grading and taking attendance), and thus when we give students access to take attendance, we are also granting them access to course grades.  That's just not acceptable.  So, no more students taking attendance.
• Advisors must call the homes of all advisees who do not make it to 2nd period on time.  If an advisee does not make it to advisory, check their second period attendance.  If they are marked "P", then you do not have to call home.  If they are marked "A" or "L", advisors must call home before the day is out to let families know.
• Taking accurate attendance and doing outreach to families are part of a teacher's professional responsibilities (Danielson Domain 4).  As such, teachers are accountable to the accuracy and completion of these responsibilities.  I'll be reviewing these and other professional responsibilities (e.g. professional growth in Pods, work on teacher grade or subject teams, etc) during our mid-year review in January/February.  I'll be looking at accuracy and completion starting from this week forward.

In the end, this is a lot of attention for something that is a relatively easy fix. Skedula allows you to mark all student present with one easy click.  Our overall attendance has been strong (about 92%).  So, for most days, you'll only be marking 1-2 students absent each day.  Let's make a commitment to make it part of the routines starting this week, and get it done!



Successful Dance.  Many thanks to the wonderful chaperones (Elana, Michael, Kerry, Danielle, Damon, Hassan, Tyasia, and Jen).  The seniors kicked off their first dance of the year and thanks to the some excellent chaperoning, it was  good normal fun that even included a gaggle of shrieking girls that immediately circled their friend after she gave her phone number to a handsome young man. Ah... teenagers - I love the times when they are like this!

NYCDOE Advance Talent Coach Visits.  As part of being the lead evaluator, I have a talent coach visiting for several hours to norm observations and ... coach me.  On Monday afternoon, you'll see us observing classes.  We'll be popping in and staying to observe a few teachers.  His visit is from 1-4, so we may also be visiting grade teams and Pods!

Talent Coaching - WOO!

The Juniors hosted UAI's first haunted house on Friday.   We had some minor hiccups in organization and setting off fire alarms with the fog machine, but overall the youngsters had a blast!  Nice work Class of 2016!

Cabinet Agenda.  Last Week's Cabinet Agenda focused on modeling an Academic Intervention.  We'll be debriefing that and going over the following items:  Register Shortfall, Attendance Support, SLCs, Friday's Assembly, November Potluck, and any other items that anyone wants to add.  

Important Dates

• Wednesday 29OCT14. UAI High School Open House and 2nd Home Volleyball Game
• Friday, 30OCT14. 1st Monthly Assembly - Teenage Horror Movie Premier.  Start time TBD...Time is still being decided.  Colleen, Jen & I will meet to decide first thing Monday AM.  Stay tuned for email update.
• Monday, 03NOV14. PER SESSION SHEETS DUE

• Tuesday 04NOV14. Election Day PD at Green Careers.  All staff report to Green Careers.
• Wednesday 05NOV14. Student Led Conferences 5-8PM
• Friday 07NOV14. Student Led Conferences 12:00-2:40PM
• Monday, 17NOV14. PER SESSION SHEETS DUE

Per Session Posting

No new postings this week.