Principal’s Notes
March 6

This week in Leadership meetings:

School on Monday March 10: With the amount of snow in the north-country and this seemingly relentless weather pattern there remains a reasonable possibility that we may lose more school time. With the potential to lose time it makes good sense to be in school on Monday. The down side of this is the loss of quality time to work on course competencies. Obviously, not having the January and the March days to work on competencies limits the outcome of our work. With that said, we can only do what we are able to on Tuesday and will need to continue the effort during some of our department and staff meeting time. That will just have to suffice.

Technology Issues: We experienced some access issues this week because of a “loop back” connection in the network and because of a brief power outage. While frustrating, the good news is that the server responded properly and there was no impact on data.
Mrs. Collyer has been investigating the Parent Information Access Module (PIAM) in MMS. This module will permit controlled access to their child’s information i.e. attendance, discipline grades. In addition, she has been researching the On-line Course registration module. More on this later.

Progress Reports: Due dates for progress report grades have been pushed to Monday because of the loss of access to GradeQuick this week. Progress report grades are due to Jamie on Monday and reports will be distributed to students in block one classes on Thursday, March thirteenth.

Cut Slips: The Deans will be using MMS attendance to track student cuts. Teacher cut slips will no longer be required (see George Murray’s 3/5 email for details).

Electronic Device Update: Language on electronic device use developed by a group of staff members with your feedback has gone to the superintendent for review.

The eight members of our group recently finalized our statement regarding electronic devices. We took the staff discussions, feedback (over 30 pieces), our conversations and came up with what we believe reflects the direction that “most” of us want. The statement is as follows:

The use of electronic devices is permitted in instructional areas when deemed appropriate by the teacher/supervisor and when such use is related to the lesson. The use of electronic devices is permitted during assigned lunchtimes and during scheduled passing times. Electronic devices shall not interfere with student safety and communication with any SHS staff member.
As for now, our existing policy on electronic devices remains in force.

Make-A-Wish Dinner: This event is scheduled for Saturday, March 15 here at SHS. Mrs. Locke and the Key club have organized and hosted this event for many years. Their efforts have raised and contributed to this wonderful cause more than $42,000.00 during this time. Just think about all those wishes they have helped to come true! Thank you Mrs. Locke and Key Club for all that you have done. You may be aware that this will be Mrs. Locke’s last year and her absence will certainly leave a tremendous void at SHS. Her dedication and commitment to this wonderful community service oriented Club has influenced hundreds of students in so many positive ways. If anyone has an interest in carrying on the important work of this organization, I bet Mrs. Locke would be pleased to pass on the torch!

Future Programs: Discussion of adding new programming at SHS included expanding offerings in World Language, Computer programming, Project Lead the Way, and Special Education.

High School of the Future : “ A learning process in which schools help students assess their own talents and aspirations, plan a pathway toward their own purposes, work cooperatively with others on challenging tasks, maintain a record of their explorations, and demonstrate their learning against clear standards in a wide variety of media, all with the close support of an adult mentors and guides.”

We used the thought above as a catalyst for thinking about the uncertain but exciting possibilities for the future of our high school. With the depth of experience and progressive thinkers our staff possesses, engaging anyone among the staff in thinking about and discussing the future of our school is exciting. We talked about how to provide opportunity for those interested in thinking and talking about our future might be possible. Your ideas and thoughts on this topic would be greatly appreciated. With a review of our block schedule in process, the eventual loss of the Windham students, competency assessment, learning expectations, improved technology, eventual renovation, and a thoughtful and caring teaching staff talking about the “possibilities” seems timely. If you have any ideas you have about how to begin these conversations please share them with your department directors.