Episode Details

Happy Friday!

I want to start this week's Wrap-up by thanking each of you for your hard work and dedication throughout the week. Your efforts make a difference as we kick off the school year. In this Wrap-up, I will share some reflections on the back-to-school process, discuss the growing cell phone-free school movement across the nation, and highlight some opportunities for additional pay. I will also emphasize the importance of engaging students in conversations about what they are reading and providing updates on our sick leave bank.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to the survey and share your thoughts on finding a more engaging term for "collective efficacy." Your input was invaluable. After considering the suggestions, I believe "Shared Success" captures the essence of collective efficacy in a more approachable and motivating way. This new term reflects our unified goals and the confidence we have in each other's contributions to our collective success. ​We will be revisiting our shared success throughout this school year once we establish our performance targets.

Back-to-School Impressions

I am pleased to report that our new cell phone policy has been well received overall, with very few instances of phones being confiscated. This indicates strong compliance and support from both students and staff. In light of this success, I found a timely article offering valuable insights and data supporting our decision. The article highlights the growing movement towards phone-free schools and provides a comprehensive toolkit for successful implementation. You can learn more about this initiative here.

As we reflect on the successful reception of our new cell phone policy, it is important to also pay close attention to how we started off the school year. A smooth beginning sets the tone for the months ahead. During our leadership meeting this morning, I was pleased to hear that all buildings and departments reported a rather smooth back-to-school period. Some issues were brought up, including technology concerns related to upcoming testing, bus overcrowding and departure times, a bus driver shortage, vermin issues at Holly Harshman, and the car rider line at Louise Durham. However, a plan has been made to resolve all of these issues, which will take a few days to implement fully. In years past, I have sought input on how we can improve the back-to-school process, so I invite all staff members to participate in this Thought Exchange to share your feedback and help us plan better for next year. Your insights are invaluable. This exchange will close next Tuesday at 6 pm.

Micro-credentials

I would like to remind our veteran employees and inform our new ones that there are opportunities to earn additional pay through the district's micro-credentialing program. Micro-credentials are a way to demonstrate and verify specific skills or competencies that go beyond your current role. They benefit our school by promoting continuous professional development, enhancing instructional practices, and contributing to a culture of learning and growth. You can find a list of the micro-credentials we currently recognize, along with information on how to obtain them, by following this link.

Sick Leave Bank

In addition to the opportunities for earning additional pay through micro-credentialing, I would also like to remind everyone about the benefits of our sick leave bank. The sick leave bank is a valuable resource that