Hello everyone!
After a long hiatus, the Matrix Journal is back!
1. Winter always turns into Spring
2. Timeline
3. The process
4. Ch-ch-ch-changes
5. Looking Ahead
6. Don't let students get you sick
===============================
===1. Winter always turns to Spring===
As cycles come and go, we know that winter always turns into spring. Such is the rhythm of life and of schools. As we go into January, there will be some hard work that will have to be done in order to get ready for the coming semester.
As we go into holiday, let's take the time to reflect on the year: the adventures and misadventures we might have had and how we forward into the new year. What lessons did we learn from this year as we forge ahead into 2012?
===2. Timeline===================
December - Master Scheduling for Spring
January - Class changes are made
February - Semester shift
===3. The process================
December
a. CL31: Build Spring Course List into CL31
b. CL01: Build CL01 Master Schedule using data from CL31
c: CL10: Create relationships between course numbers in Fall CL01 and Spring CL01
d: CL10 & CL11: Transfer Fall data into Spring
January
a. Print schedules
b. Course changes are taken
c. CL04: Course changes are made in CL04
February
d. Semester switch begins
===4. Ch-ch-ch-changes============
Because we are not having Algebra 1A this Spring, there should not be the massive changes that we saw last year. Course lists should relatively remain the same except for the New Media/Perez/Folsoi transfers.
If we do end up having to make a plan like having an Algebra 2A or collapsing sections of Spanish courses, it could and will more than likely have the system-wide domino effect had last year. For a small school, little changes really impact everyone else's schedule.
If you feel that there has to be some major changes in your class, like taking out a huge portion in your class for whatever systemic reason, please make sure to alert an administrator. Changes that will affect the entire master schedule should be addressed to an administrator.
===5. Reflections=================
When we met into May of last year, a commitment was made that we would have our a tentative Master Schedule set by May. In order for that to occur, we must be vigilant and diligent to the task of creating a master schedule. In order to do so, I think that following will need to happen if we are not to repeat last year late into the game.
- January: Departments meet in order to flush out what classes will be needed in the next year.
- February: Departments and administrative staff meet in order to discuss who will teach what.
- Early March: Counselor put out "Fall Semester - Course Survey"
- Late March: Counselor present SS15 (Tentative Student Course Counts)
- Early April: Counselor works with a committee to create a master schedule
- Late April: Counselor and committee present tentative master schedule options to entire staff
===6. Don't let students get you sick===
I was at the computer lab working with students on their college applications yesterday. A young lady was coughing up a storm and I was sitting next to her. I should have told her not to cough on me but I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. I eventually did tell her but now I am starting to feel the muscle soreness in my shoulders that usually come from a flu.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Focus Shift...
Hello all,
In addition to the Matrix Journal E-mails, you will now find past Matrix Journals on my brand spanking new NOW Academy Counselor's Blog: http://nowcounselor.blogspot.com/
====================================
1. YOUR MASTER SCHEDULE FOLDER
2. A SHIFT IN FOCUS
3. THE COLLEGE BOUND READER
4. COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE NIGHT
5. COLLEGE CLASSES FOR SENIORS
6. FEE WAIVERS FOR SAT, ACT AND COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ORDERED
7. FALL INDIVIDUAL GRADUATION PLANNING
8. THANK YOUS
9. COUNSELOR'S BLOG
===1. YOUR MASTER SCHEDULE FOLDER===
I have prepared a folder for you which includes your rosters, schedules for the students, maps, bell schedules, change of schedule request forms, etc. Please come by my office on Tuesday to get your personalized folder.
===2. A SHIFT IN FOCUS===
My hopes is refocus for the next two weeks will now move from scheduling to developing and implementing a college-counseling center, college-applications, etc.
I have just received two requests for secondary school report forms from students eager to apply to schools that use the Common App. Secondary School Report Forms take time to generate as it requires me to write letters of recommendations, evaluate students and prepare transcripts for students.
For those who have worked in college-counseling or high school, the college application process is an intensive process that includes applications, secondary school reporting, and many others.
===3. THE COLLEGE BOUND READER===
I am working on A COLLEGE BOUND READER for students (specifically for the 11th and 12th grade) compiling important information for students. I hope to have it ready by September 12 as a resource for students and to you. My goal in the next year is to establish A COLLEGE BOUND READER FOR 9th & 10th grade advisories as well.
===4. COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE NIGHT===
I would like to establish College Knowledge Night for our Seniors on Thursday, September 29th from 6PM to 8PM.
October 1 is when the University of California and California State University opens its online applications for students.
===5. COLLEGE CLASSES FOR SENIORS===
We have two college classes on our campus this coming fall: Psychology and Jazz Band. We have 10 spots for Psychology and 7 spots for Jazz band. We have 13 students signed up for Psychology and 3 spots for Jazz Band. Please encourage 4 more seniors for are musically enclined to sign up for the Jazz Band.
===6. FEE WAIVERS FOR SAT, ACT AND COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ORDERED===
On September 1, I ordered the minimum fee waivers for SAT (50), ACT (100) and COLLEGE APPLICATIONS (100) along with 150 SAT Flyers, 150 ACT Flyers, and 300 SAT Practice Books, and 300 ACT Practice Books.
Hopefully, the 9th, 10th, and 11th grade advisories will use this as materials for advisories.
===7. FALL INDIVIDUAL GRADUATION PLANNING (IGP)===
After all the scheduling brouhaha subsides, I will begin to focus on IGPs starting with the seniors, then juniors, then 8th graders.
===8. THANK YOUS===
Thank you to Ms. Harada who was indispensable in scheduling advisories, in putting together all the folders, etc.
===9. COUNSELOR'S BLOG===
I have established a NOW Academy Counselor's Blog and you will be able to find all previous MATRIX JOURNALS and some of my thoughts on the blog: http://nowcounselor.blogspot.com/
Don't forget to subscribe to be kept in the loop at all times.
In addition to the Matrix Journal E-mails, you will now find past Matrix Journals on my brand spanking new NOW Academy Counselor's Blog: http://nowcounselor.blogspot.com/
====================================
1. YOUR MASTER SCHEDULE FOLDER
2. A SHIFT IN FOCUS
3. THE COLLEGE BOUND READER
4. COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE NIGHT
5. COLLEGE CLASSES FOR SENIORS
6. FEE WAIVERS FOR SAT, ACT AND COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ORDERED
7. FALL INDIVIDUAL GRADUATION PLANNING
8. THANK YOUS
9. COUNSELOR'S BLOG
===1. YOUR MASTER SCHEDULE FOLDER===
I have prepared a folder for you which includes your rosters, schedules for the students, maps, bell schedules, change of schedule request forms, etc. Please come by my office on Tuesday to get your personalized folder.
===2. A SHIFT IN FOCUS===
My hopes is refocus for the next two weeks will now move from scheduling to developing and implementing a college-counseling center, college-applications, etc.
I have just received two requests for secondary school report forms from students eager to apply to schools that use the Common App. Secondary School Report Forms take time to generate as it requires me to write letters of recommendations, evaluate students and prepare transcripts for students.
For those who have worked in college-counseling or high school, the college application process is an intensive process that includes applications, secondary school reporting, and many others.
===3. THE COLLEGE BOUND READER===
I am working on A COLLEGE BOUND READER for students (specifically for the 11th and 12th grade) compiling important information for students. I hope to have it ready by September 12 as a resource for students and to you. My goal in the next year is to establish A COLLEGE BOUND READER FOR 9th & 10th grade advisories as well.
===4. COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE NIGHT===
I would like to establish College Knowledge Night for our Seniors on Thursday, September 29th from 6PM to 8PM.
October 1 is when the University of California and California State University opens its online applications for students.
===5. COLLEGE CLASSES FOR SENIORS===
We have two college classes on our campus this coming fall: Psychology and Jazz Band. We have 10 spots for Psychology and 7 spots for Jazz band. We have 13 students signed up for Psychology and 3 spots for Jazz Band. Please encourage 4 more seniors for are musically enclined to sign up for the Jazz Band.
===6. FEE WAIVERS FOR SAT, ACT AND COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ORDERED===
On September 1, I ordered the minimum fee waivers for SAT (50), ACT (100) and COLLEGE APPLICATIONS (100) along with 150 SAT Flyers, 150 ACT Flyers, and 300 SAT Practice Books, and 300 ACT Practice Books.
Hopefully, the 9th, 10th, and 11th grade advisories will use this as materials for advisories.
===7. FALL INDIVIDUAL GRADUATION PLANNING (IGP)===
After all the scheduling brouhaha subsides, I will begin to focus on IGPs starting with the seniors, then juniors, then 8th graders.
===8. THANK YOUS===
Thank you to Ms. Harada who was indispensable in scheduling advisories, in putting together all the folders, etc.
===9. COUNSELOR'S BLOG===
I have established a NOW Academy Counselor's Blog and you will be able to find all previous MATRIX JOURNALS and some of my thoughts on the blog: http://nowcounselor.blogspot.com/
Don't forget to subscribe to be kept in the loop at all times.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Rename - worth it?
1. RENUMBERING ADVISORY/CLASSES :-0
2. DONE, BUT NOT DONE!
===1. RENUMBERING ADVISORY/CLASSES===
So, I am here at work debating with myself about renumbering advisory. I wish we would have renumbered them before I started to input students. Because students are now in classes, SIS won't let me take them out without removing them first and them putting them back in. With all the things, I need to do, I wonder if this is even worth it. It's not hard, it just take forever to do. I would like to see friends and family at some point. I also would like to start calling colleges to come send a representative to our school. When do I also focus on the things that need to be done with the seniors. :-(
===2. DONE, BUT NOT DONE===
I just finished the Seniors. I have to go back and balance numbers tomorrow however.
I also finished the ELLs. I tried my very best to cohort them but because they are all over the place in terms of their Math classes, it was very difficult to cohort. As expected, they unbalanced the numbers in classes. I wish that we would have figured out the EL situation sooner so that I would have built a Master Schedule with them in mind.
2. DONE, BUT NOT DONE!
===1. RENUMBERING ADVISORY/CLASSES===
So, I am here at work debating with myself about renumbering advisory. I wish we would have renumbered them before I started to input students. Because students are now in classes, SIS won't let me take them out without removing them first and them putting them back in. With all the things, I need to do, I wonder if this is even worth it. It's not hard, it just take forever to do. I would like to see friends and family at some point. I also would like to start calling colleges to come send a representative to our school. When do I also focus on the things that need to be done with the seniors. :-(
===2. DONE, BUT NOT DONE===
I just finished the Seniors. I have to go back and balance numbers tomorrow however.
I also finished the ELLs. I tried my very best to cohort them but because they are all over the place in terms of their Math classes, it was very difficult to cohort. As expected, they unbalanced the numbers in classes. I wish that we would have figured out the EL situation sooner so that I would have built a Master Schedule with them in mind.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: They turned the alarm on me. :-O
1. THEY TURNED THE ALARM ON ME
2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT UNSUCCESSFUL
3. NEXT STEPS
4. HELP WANTED
===1. THEY TURNED THE ALARM ON ME===
I guess the custodians didn't know I was here working until I hear them make an announcement they were turning on the alarm. I kept walky-talking them saying to wait and I was packing up they didn't answer so I hauled my ass out of the building.
===2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT UNSUCCESSFUL===
So even after moving around classes, the 10th classes are near to impossible to balance. I was able to finish most of it but the balancing needs work. I moved Geometry, Korean and Spanish everywhere and once two sections would be balanced, the other sections would be unbalanced. And when you move something else, another thing becomes unbalanced. It isn't like like 6-9th where the only difference is an elective. There is way too many pairing of classes, Algebra 1A-Spanish 1, then Algebra 1B1- Spanish 1A, then Geometry-Korean... It's really badly. At one point, everyone ended up in a 75 person PE class. I was able to balance that down to 50 by moving a Geometry but it's been really hard. I will look at it again to see the best way, but my attentions will now turn to the 11th & 12th graders.
===3. NEXT STEPS===
I will now turn my attention to 11th and 12th grade.
I will go back to 10th where I can do some balancing .
===4. HELP WANTED===
I will need help in the following so I can focus on scheduling.
- Printing of schedules
- Printing change of schedule forms
- Printing of rosters
- Inputting advisories into SIS
Thank you.
2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT UNSUCCESSFUL
3. NEXT STEPS
4. HELP WANTED
===1. THEY TURNED THE ALARM ON ME===
I guess the custodians didn't know I was here working until I hear them make an announcement they were turning on the alarm. I kept walky-talking them saying to wait and I was packing up they didn't answer so I hauled my ass out of the building.
===2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT UNSUCCESSFUL===
So even after moving around classes, the 10th classes are near to impossible to balance. I was able to finish most of it but the balancing needs work. I moved Geometry, Korean and Spanish everywhere and once two sections would be balanced, the other sections would be unbalanced. And when you move something else, another thing becomes unbalanced. It isn't like like 6-9th where the only difference is an elective. There is way too many pairing of classes, Algebra 1A-Spanish 1, then Algebra 1B1- Spanish 1A, then Geometry-Korean... It's really badly. At one point, everyone ended up in a 75 person PE class. I was able to balance that down to 50 by moving a Geometry but it's been really hard. I will look at it again to see the best way, but my attentions will now turn to the 11th & 12th graders.
===3. NEXT STEPS===
I will now turn my attention to 11th and 12th grade.
I will go back to 10th where I can do some balancing .
===4. HELP WANTED===
I will need help in the following so I can focus on scheduling.
- Printing of schedules
- Printing change of schedule forms
- Printing of rosters
- Inputting advisories into SIS
Thank you.
Friday, August 26, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Reboot 10th grade
1. SCARY CAMPUS AT NIGHT
2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT
===1. SCARY CAMPUS AT NIGHT===
It's about 8:32 and I just walked out of our very scary hallway. The lights kept flickering on and off. What the heck was I thinking staying this late? Aaaaahhhh.
===2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT===
I almost got through the 10th grade. When I got through it, there was so much imbalance because of the Math and Foreign language. They made it so that the numbers for English, PE, World History and Bio were extremely out of balance. So, I moved Korean, Spanish, and Geometry around to see how that'll help but it didn't solve anything. So, I took all the 10th graders our and is starting over tomorrow. If it still is not working out, please help! I have to get to the 11tth graders and 12th graders eventually. I really wish we had Columbia Scheduler. Uuuuggghhh!
Oh goodie, I'm the last car here. At least the lights are on in the parking lot.
2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT
===1. SCARY CAMPUS AT NIGHT===
It's about 8:32 and I just walked out of our very scary hallway. The lights kept flickering on and off. What the heck was I thinking staying this late? Aaaaahhhh.
===2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT===
I almost got through the 10th grade. When I got through it, there was so much imbalance because of the Math and Foreign language. They made it so that the numbers for English, PE, World History and Bio were extremely out of balance. So, I moved Korean, Spanish, and Geometry around to see how that'll help but it didn't solve anything. So, I took all the 10th graders our and is starting over tomorrow. If it still is not working out, please help! I have to get to the 11tth graders and 12th graders eventually. I really wish we had Columbia Scheduler. Uuuuggghhh!
Oh goodie, I'm the last car here. At least the lights are on in the parking lot.
Monday, August 22, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Scheduling underway.
Hello everyone!
1. SCHEDULING HAS REACHED 10TH GRADE
2. SIXTH GRADE DATABASE NOW IN SIS
3. ISIS IS INCOMPLETE
4. HELP WANTED: ADVISORY CREATION
5. PBL WORKSHOP SUMMARY
6. PBL WEBPAGE ON NOWACADEMY.NET
7. PBL PROJECT SHOWCASE TOMORROW
8. MATH, WE MISSED YOU
===1. SCHEDULING HAS REACHED 10TH GRADE===
I have now completely scheduled grades 7, 8, and 9. I scheduled the 10th graders in their Foreign Language or SPED courses and that will unfortunately be one of the ones that will dictate their schedule. The other one is their Math course.
I will continue in scheduling students throughout the week. I will probably opt out of one of the PDs in order to continue scheduling.
===2. SIXTH GRADE DATABASE NOW IN SIS===
Lucy and Phyllis have confirmed that the sixth graders from NOW Academy are in SIS. I can now begin to schedule them. But they should be an easy group to schedule.
===3. ISIS IS INCOMPLETE===
Edwin alerted me that students are now showing up on ISIS. Please note that ISIS is incomplete as I am currently scheduling. It updates everyday.
===4. HELP WANTED: ADVISORY CREATION===
Amy has helped me split up last year's 6th graders, 7th graders and 8th graders into advisories. I need help in splitting up last year's 9th, 10th, and 11th graders into the Junior Institute Advisories (9th/10th) and Senior Institute Advisories (11th/12th). You guys know the students best and I would like your input in making sure that even and balanced advisories are created.
Why are we changing advisories you may ask? As you know, last year, we were an incomplete school with no 12th graders. We now have 12th graders. I also did not know any of these students and let SIS's random course generator create the advisories.
This year, we can be deliberate. We can create advisory group that are balanced, not only in gender but in ethnicity, skill level and maturity.
===5. PBL WORKSHOP SUMMARY===
The Project Based Learning Workshop was received well today and most found the activity in the morning helpful and the time generating curriculum maps helpful.
I am glad that people found the gallery sort helpful. The gallery sort can be done in many ways and I actually learned it from the Urban Academy of New York which is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Thank you Amy for helping me run the workshop today.
===6. PBL WEBPAGE ON NOWACADEMY.NET===
Please note the "all-new, all-different" PBL Webpage on www.nowacademy.net. You will find it under Policies >> under Project-Based Learning.
You will find many tools on there, including the Curriculum Map Word Document, Videos, Links to examples of curriculum maps, links to BIE and Educare, our Habits of Heart and Mind Rubrics, etc.
===7. PBL PROJECT SHOWCASE TOMORROW===
As an outcome to the two days of work, we are showcasing 1 unit from our curriculum maps. We are sharing our essential (driving/guiding) questions, skills/Habits, assessments, and projects along with it.
===8. MATH, WE MISSED YOU===
To our Math peeps, we missed you. We printed out curriculum maps, etc. for you all so that you can use it in how you form your curriculum's projects, etc. I gave all the examples of curriculum maps form the School of the Future to Velia Valle.
We missed you. We have all began to collaborate amongst ourselves and began planning interdisciplinary projects. I hope that somewhere down the line, we will be able to converge and plan with you all.
1. SCHEDULING HAS REACHED 10TH GRADE
2. SIXTH GRADE DATABASE NOW IN SIS
3. ISIS IS INCOMPLETE
4. HELP WANTED: ADVISORY CREATION
5. PBL WORKSHOP SUMMARY
6. PBL WEBPAGE ON NOWACADEMY.NET
7. PBL PROJECT SHOWCASE TOMORROW
8. MATH, WE MISSED YOU
===1. SCHEDULING HAS REACHED 10TH GRADE===
I have now completely scheduled grades 7, 8, and 9. I scheduled the 10th graders in their Foreign Language or SPED courses and that will unfortunately be one of the ones that will dictate their schedule. The other one is their Math course.
I will continue in scheduling students throughout the week. I will probably opt out of one of the PDs in order to continue scheduling.
===2. SIXTH GRADE DATABASE NOW IN SIS===
Lucy and Phyllis have confirmed that the sixth graders from NOW Academy are in SIS. I can now begin to schedule them. But they should be an easy group to schedule.
===3. ISIS IS INCOMPLETE===
Edwin alerted me that students are now showing up on ISIS. Please note that ISIS is incomplete as I am currently scheduling. It updates everyday.
===4. HELP WANTED: ADVISORY CREATION===
Amy has helped me split up last year's 6th graders, 7th graders and 8th graders into advisories. I need help in splitting up last year's 9th, 10th, and 11th graders into the Junior Institute Advisories (9th/10th) and Senior Institute Advisories (11th/12th). You guys know the students best and I would like your input in making sure that even and balanced advisories are created.
Why are we changing advisories you may ask? As you know, last year, we were an incomplete school with no 12th graders. We now have 12th graders. I also did not know any of these students and let SIS's random course generator create the advisories.
This year, we can be deliberate. We can create advisory group that are balanced, not only in gender but in ethnicity, skill level and maturity.
===5. PBL WORKSHOP SUMMARY===
The Project Based Learning Workshop was received well today and most found the activity in the morning helpful and the time generating curriculum maps helpful.
I am glad that people found the gallery sort helpful. The gallery sort can be done in many ways and I actually learned it from the Urban Academy of New York which is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Thank you Amy for helping me run the workshop today.
===6. PBL WEBPAGE ON NOWACADEMY.NET===
Please note the "all-new, all-different" PBL Webpage on www.nowacademy.net. You will find it under Policies >> under Project-Based Learning.
You will find many tools on there, including the Curriculum Map Word Document, Videos, Links to examples of curriculum maps, links to BIE and Educare, our Habits of Heart and Mind Rubrics, etc.
===7. PBL PROJECT SHOWCASE TOMORROW===
As an outcome to the two days of work, we are showcasing 1 unit from our curriculum maps. We are sharing our essential (driving/guiding) questions, skills/Habits, assessments, and projects along with it.
===8. MATH, WE MISSED YOU===
To our Math peeps, we missed you. We printed out curriculum maps, etc. for you all so that you can use it in how you form your curriculum's projects, etc. I gave all the examples of curriculum maps form the School of the Future to Velia Valle.
We missed you. We have all began to collaborate amongst ourselves and began planning interdisciplinary projects. I hope that somewhere down the line, we will be able to converge and plan with you all.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Bubble, bubble, toil but no trouble...
Hello!!! Here are some great update:
1) Master Schedule Mastered
2) New Student Orientation
3) Senior's Day
4) 7th & 8th Grade - Done Scheduling
5) Thank yous
6) See on Monday!!!
===1) Master Schedule Mastered===
With the help of Victoria Vickers, we we're able to check the Master Schedule and make significant corrections, revisions, and checking. Our goal in our job was really twofold: making sure student needs were being met and to honor as much of teachers needs as possible. As you know from my previous journal, it was impossible for the 7th grade teachers to teach 8th grade based on the needs of the students. Only 9th, 10th and 6th were able to get a primarily complete grade set because of the population numbers.
Nick visited today and lent a hand. Vicki, Nick and I were able to zoom through checking that all teachers have periods 1 through 7, days on the right periods, and a boat load of other tedious administrative SIS necessities. Thank you Nick and Vicki!
===2. New Student Orientation===
A New Student Orientation has been scheduled for Saturday, August 27th. This is a great opportunity for us to welcome our 9th and 6th graders to our NOW family.
===3. Senior's Day===
We will be hosting a Senior's Day on September 1, 2011 to talk about tthe upcoming year, deadlines, service learning, portfolios and all that good stuff.
===4. 7th & 8th Grade - Done Scheduling===
I finished the 7th and 8th grade scheduling today. Finished all core easily because of the way that PE and Elective no longer affect the core classes. And The numbers were evenly balanced through out. Even numbers. Oh, and they are completely cohorted, so English-Social Studies can do a humanities program if they like and they team teach. Math-Science can do some great cross-curricular projects.
Tomorrow, I will finish 9th which should turn out similar to 7&8th grade.
And yes! We found our other Social Justice 9 teacher. I'm not sure if I can divulge just yet but thank you!
===4. Thank Yous===
As some of you know, it has not been a restful or easy summer for me. However, it could have been a lot worst. I have been able to see the goodness in people and people have come through as friends. In my Buddhist practice, struggles are meant for me to show my Buddha-nature. Come what may, I am determined to turn this poison (LAUSD RIF) into medicine. I am optimistic that the RIF will eventually be rescinded but I will be wiser in the year to come.
Thank yous to these individuals:
- Nick: thank you for the help in the beginning of summer and today
- Vicki: Just when I was starting to loose it, you came through
- Maricar & Kimberly: Thank you providing a welcoming ear when I was having my days of dark clouds over my head.
- Yolanda & Xavier: Thank you for letting me come and work with the 8th graders during Bridge. I hope that they found it fruitful.
- Chuck: Thank you for inviting me to come guest lecture at UCLA. It will definitely go into my resume as a highlight. I could actually get used to that. Why don't I have an administrative credential? And thank for letting me sit in with Jeanne Faucci. I have used her materials since the June Jordan days and it was great finally meeting her in person.
- Brenda: Not sure what, but thank you! I'm not sure what but thank for a lot of things. I hope that you are finding The Buddha in Your Mirror enlightening.
- Sonia: Thank for the help in finding the mysterious missing 6th graders.
===6. See You Monday!!!===
I'll see you all on Monday for PD. Back is still sore but spirits are high.
1) Master Schedule Mastered
2) New Student Orientation
3) Senior's Day
4) 7th & 8th Grade - Done Scheduling
5) Thank yous
6) See on Monday!!!
===1) Master Schedule Mastered===
With the help of Victoria Vickers, we we're able to check the Master Schedule and make significant corrections, revisions, and checking. Our goal in our job was really twofold: making sure student needs were being met and to honor as much of teachers needs as possible. As you know from my previous journal, it was impossible for the 7th grade teachers to teach 8th grade based on the needs of the students. Only 9th, 10th and 6th were able to get a primarily complete grade set because of the population numbers.
Nick visited today and lent a hand. Vicki, Nick and I were able to zoom through checking that all teachers have periods 1 through 7, days on the right periods, and a boat load of other tedious administrative SIS necessities. Thank you Nick and Vicki!
===2. New Student Orientation===
A New Student Orientation has been scheduled for Saturday, August 27th. This is a great opportunity for us to welcome our 9th and 6th graders to our NOW family.
===3. Senior's Day===
We will be hosting a Senior's Day on September 1, 2011 to talk about tthe upcoming year, deadlines, service learning, portfolios and all that good stuff.
===4. 7th & 8th Grade - Done Scheduling===
I finished the 7th and 8th grade scheduling today. Finished all core easily because of the way that PE and Elective no longer affect the core classes. And The numbers were evenly balanced through out. Even numbers. Oh, and they are completely cohorted, so English-Social Studies can do a humanities program if they like and they team teach. Math-Science can do some great cross-curricular projects.
Tomorrow, I will finish 9th which should turn out similar to 7&8th grade.
And yes! We found our other Social Justice 9 teacher. I'm not sure if I can divulge just yet but thank you!
===4. Thank Yous===
As some of you know, it has not been a restful or easy summer for me. However, it could have been a lot worst. I have been able to see the goodness in people and people have come through as friends. In my Buddhist practice, struggles are meant for me to show my Buddha-nature. Come what may, I am determined to turn this poison (LAUSD RIF) into medicine. I am optimistic that the RIF will eventually be rescinded but I will be wiser in the year to come.
Thank yous to these individuals:
- Nick: thank you for the help in the beginning of summer and today
- Vicki: Just when I was starting to loose it, you came through
- Maricar & Kimberly: Thank you providing a welcoming ear when I was having my days of dark clouds over my head.
- Yolanda & Xavier: Thank you for letting me come and work with the 8th graders during Bridge. I hope that they found it fruitful.
- Chuck: Thank you for inviting me to come guest lecture at UCLA. It will definitely go into my resume as a highlight. I could actually get used to that. Why don't I have an administrative credential? And thank for letting me sit in with Jeanne Faucci. I have used her materials since the June Jordan days and it was great finally meeting her in person.
- Brenda: Not sure what, but thank you! I'm not sure what but thank for a lot of things. I hope that you are finding The Buddha in Your Mirror enlightening.
- Sonia: Thank for the help in finding the mysterious missing 6th graders.
===6. See You Monday!!!===
I'll see you all on Monday for PD. Back is still sore but spirits are high.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)