"Press on. Nothing in the world can
take the place of persistence."
- Ray Kroc
Important Dates
November 24 - Lunch provided by Dr. Wenger - See below
November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Break
November 30 - December 9 - Winter AIR Assessments
December 7 - 2:40 - Department Head Meeting - Zoom link will be sent
December 10 - Excel Tecc Opportunity Day
December 14 - 1:24 P.M. - Fire Drill
December 15-17 - Midterm Exams
December 18 - Teacher Records Day
December 18 - January 1 - Winter Break
Important Information
Stop the Hate Essay Contest - Many of you are familiar that Class of 2019 senior Marcie Baker was a finalist in the Maltz Museum's Stop the Hate Essay Contest. This year's Maltz Museum contests include a songwriting contest and an essay writing contest. Each year, the museum gives out more than $100,000 in scholarships to category finalists. I encourage all of you to recognize a student you think would be a top contender for these contests. Your help in supporting the student through the writing process will go a long way in seeing that the student finds success in this prestigious northeast Ohio contest. Please let me know if you have a student working through the contest process. Thank you.
Accurate Seating Charts - Please make sure you keep accurate seating charts for each day. If a student is COVID positive, we are asked to contact trace the student's close contacts. Seating charts help in the process.
Remote Students - You have likely received emails from me over the last several weeks regarding students that have moved online. Thank you for working with each of these students to make sure they can access your classroom via Zoom. I know it can be challenging to maintain an in-person class as well as monitor your online students. The feedback I have received from many of those online says you are doing a great job. Many students find they can keep up with the class, ask questions, and feel as much a part of the class as possible. Keep up the great work. When you receive notices that students are online, please do not make assumptions about their health status. Students are going online for many reasons, and they do not always indicate a positive COVID diagnosis. Please remember student health records are private information.
Tuesday During 5th Period - Evidence shows that students who feel cared for by adults in their school and those who feel part of the school's culture will perform better academically, have higher attendance rates, and be less likely to be involved in disciplinary issues. For many years now, we have asked staff members to identify students they feel they have a connection with. This information was recorded on a connectedness chart. This year we are asking the students to complete the connectedness chart. On Tuesday, during the scheduled snack break, please have your students complete the connectedness survey. The survey will be emailed to each student immediately after 4th period and can be completed either on Chromebooks. Thank you.
Lunch on Tuesday - For those of you that completed a lunch form for Tuesday, please be aware that you will receive a ticket in your mailbox indicating your lunch choice. This ticket will be used to pick up your lunch at the Pizzazz truck on Tuesday at 1:40. Please keep a six-foot space from the person in front of you when picking up your lunch. Thank you and enjoy!
Thanksgiving Gratitude - I hope that each of you can have a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving break. I know this year's Thanksgiving will not quite be the same, with so many of us keeping a social distance from our family members. Hopefully, you will find a way to celebrate your loved ones even from a distance. You are outstanding educators during a pandemic, and I am sure you know how to bring your family close with technology ;). I am certainly grateful for all of you and the important role you play in caring for and teaching West Geauga High School students. Our community appreciates your hard work during this difficult year. I hear the message frequently from the calls and emails I receive almost daily. Thank you for all you do! Enjoy your break!
Good Professional Reading (or Watching)
Helping Students Cope with the Pandemic
How to Strengthen Relationships with Older Students Online
3 Tech Tools for Distance Learning and Beyond
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