Sunday, November 20, 2016

Update ~ November 21 & 22, 2016

CELEBRATING SUCCESS
This week I had the opportunity to attend several "College Signing" celebrations and end of the season banquets.  These are the outside of the classroom events, where our students shine.  Their many accomplishments are truly cause for celebration.  Knowing our students are prepared for the next steps in life speaks to a job well done. During each of the events the students made sure they thanked their teachers.  Never doubt you make a difference every day!

TIS THE SEASON...For classroom observations 
 It is a joy to be in your classrooms observing teaching and learning. If you have not connected with your evaluator to select a week and convenient day for your formal observation please do asap. Also please read the TPEC rubric prior to your formal observation. There are several categories that require additional information from the teacher in order for us to be able to complete the evaluation.  These categories include: Lesson Plan, Technology Integration (if not visible during observation), Assessing Learning and Communication Results, Team Responsibilities and Professional Development. Below I have included the descriptor for the Assessing Learning Category.  If you are unsure about how to access the rubric or have questions, please see your evaluator.

TPEC Rubric ~ Assessing Learning and Communicating Results 
INNOVATING - The teacher provides explanations of their instructional decisions based upon the data of their assessment results. The data for this is taken from the beginning of the school year to this observation. The teacher provides evidence of how they communicate information to students and families. Teacher frequently and consistently reteaches with adjustments to instructional strategies. Uses and shares data with collaborative team(s) for overall improvement and growth. Submission of Artifacts may be requested by the Principal to document learning assessment and
Communication.

SAFETY FIRST
We will practice a Shelter in Place Response this Tuesday, November 22 at the beginning of 7th period.
Please read the procedural steps below with your students before the drill on Tuesday. Also be sure you are able to locate your red emergency folder and include this information in your sub plans.

Shelter in Place

1. Shelter in place means the threat/hazard is outside.  All outside doors are secured.

2. When the "Shelter in place" announcement is made, classroom doors should be closed, they do not need to be locked, but if your  door is already locked, it is okay to leave it that way.   No use of cell phones or electronic devices during the drill.  This is an important point to emphasize with your students prior to the drill.

3. Students remain in the classroom as teachers continue to teach class as usual.  If the passing bell were to ring, students remain in the current classroom until the "all clear" is given. Any classes outside must return to the building and remain inside until the all clear. 

4. Students should not leave the classroom during a shelter in place. If restroom use is, or any other emergency arises, administration should be contacted.
The purpose of the shelter in place drill is to practice procedure and be as prepared as possible should there be a true threat to the safety of our school.  This drill should last only about ten minutes. 
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

THANKSGIVING ON DECK
On my list of the things I am grateful for during thanksgiving grace, will be CHS and all of you. I am grateful for your willingness to do what needs to be done to make a difference in the lives of our students and for all that you do. Cheers to a wonderful thanksgiving holiday full of love and joy-Happy Thanksgiving!

Please acknowledge you have read this post by clicking here








Sunday, November 13, 2016

Update ~ November 14-18, 2016


CELEBRATING SUCCESS...
WOO HOO!  Thank you for making us all so proud and making a difference!
Eric Roth ~ Educator of the Year, City of Flagstaff Commission on Disability Awareness
Christine Sapio ~ Governors Celebration of Innovation Teacher of the Year 2016
CHS Student ~ Damien Tsinnie, City of Flagstaff,  High School Student of The Year 2016
And, Janet Chavez ~ A special recognition by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce for one of Flagstaff's prestigious Twenty Under Forty.  
Congratulations for this well deserved recognition!

SAD HEART...
I have heard from a few of you about negative comments made from and toward some of our CHS Students. Hurtful and hateful comments are not acceptable and will not be tolerated at CHS. If you happen to overhear someone making racists remarks, or if students are telling you that they are hearing these negative comments, please ask for names and send the names to Greg or to the CHS administration. In the meantime reassure our students that they belong here and all students are respected and cared for at CHS.  We are all part of the CHS Family.  Students take cues from the adults in their lives, right now it seems our students could use some positive influences. I am reassured to know you will continue to be that positive influence.   This is a good time to remind students about our CHS guiding principles - RESPECT-RESPONSIBILITY-INTEGRITY!
Thank you!
More sad news...
This weekend our colleague, George Nenes, lost his wife.  Gayle had been battling cancer for some time.  George and his wife also have two grandchildren at CHS. Our thoughts and prayers are with George and his family.  We will keep you all informed as meals and the service information comes our way.

TESTING INFORAMTION...
Chelsea Lohr, our CHS Testing Coordinator, is in the process of designing an "Assessment"  page for our CHS Website. Please take a look and contact Chelsea if you have thoughts or ideas about information that should be included. Click here to view the CHS Testing Page. 

CHEERFUL DAYS AHEAD...
Thanksgiving Holiday Break is November 23, 34 and 25,  No School.
Also, mark your calendars for our annual Holiday Cheer CHS Party.  Hope you can all join us...
When: Sunday, December 11, 4:00-6:00pm.
Where: Stacie's House 5150 Country Club Dr.
Becky will be sending an invite soon with details. 

Have a great, normal, no interruptions, week! Press On and Panther Strong!

Oh and if you were unable to view the LINK Crew video from a couple of weeks ago, try clicking here. 

Please acknowledge you have read this post by clicking here




Sunday, November 6, 2016

Update ~ November 7-11, 2016

CELEBRATING SUCCESS...
How about Lilly Rojas-Powers?...Lilly received her acceptance letter to Annapolis on Friday.  As Colonel Morris says "Hu-ah" and as Lilly will be saying from now on "Go Army-Beat Navy." and as we say here at CHS "Panther Strong." So proud of this wonderful young lady!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT...
The Coconino High School Cross Country Team, Woo Hooo!  Congratulations to coach Andrew Benford and the entire cross country team.  Both Boys and Girls Teams made it to state and the girls ran strong and took second place in the state championship on Saturday.  So proud of our student athletes.

BEHIND THE SCENES...
Each year a group of students come together to form the CHS LINKS Crew, and each year they do great things.  This year in particular the LINKS Crew is truly an extraordinary group of students. Their most recent lesson developed for our freshmen centered around adversity and resiliency. The LINKS Crew created a video to share with their freshmen mentees and I thought you all might enjoy it too. Click here for the LINKS Crew video.

*Successes happen all around us every day...please share your successes with me so I can share them in Panther Report.  These can be from your own classrooms, things you see or know about other classrooms, teachers, students etc., really anything worthy of celebration related to CHS. 

TARDY BELL...
There seems to be a high volume of e-mails of late,  asking for forgiveness for students who are finishing up late and arriving tardy to their next class.  As innocent as this may seem, it is causing angst amongst our faculty.  Please release students on time. Thank you!

INDIGENOUS YOUTH AND EDUCATION...
On Wednesday, November 16 from 5:30-8:30pm there will be a Town Hall meeting with a focus on indigenous youth education. The Town Hall will take place at FHS.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON...
This week we have prep hour meetings on Wednesday, November 9.  The meetings will take place in the back lab in the library.   The focus for these meetings will be Synergy Assessments.

FRONT OFFICE NEWS...
Our amazing receptionist, Sabrena, was recently offered a job she couldn't refuse, so she will no longer be working at CHS.  The good news is we have hired another amazing person to take the receptionist position and join the best office team in Flagstaff.  The new member to the Panther Family is Diane Guitierez. Diane brings a lot of clerical experience and a great professional demeanor and will officially begin on November 14.

GRATEFUL...
I am taking the liberty here to borrow some of Russ Randall's words...
As we approach Veteran's Day, on behalf of the CHS Community, I would like to thank the veteran's of our CHS Community for your service to our country.  Thank you for stepping forward and placing yourselves between us a danger. Thank you also to your parents, spouses, siblings, children and friends for their sacrifices, love and prayers during your service.  Thank you for using the skills you learned during your tour of duty to help our community and nation become stronger upon your return. Thank you for making the world a better place.  We are truly grateful.

DATES TO REMEMBER...
11/9 ~ Prep hour meetings
11/9 & 10 ~ Greg Reiff will be joining me for the Drug Impairment for Education Professionals training. We will both be out of the building Wednesday & Thursday.  The RTR will be monitored by Jim Popham during Greg's absence.
11/11 ~ Veteran's Day Holiday ~ School closed

Please acknowledge you read this post by clicking here