There couldn’t have been a better reason for the Chancellor to visit 102 Friday. Notifying us only a day prior and subsequently double and triple checking to make sure her visit–and the news she’s bringing–would be a surprise, it’s good to know that amidst all the political ruckus she still cares enough about people to put in all this leg work.
The Big Apple Award isn’t just a certificate declaring its recipient as one of the cities top 17 teachers. Big Apple Award winners–selected through a long, rigorous process that involves families, principals, superintendents, the chancellor, and seemingly everyone in between–will also be able to serve as advisers to the chancellor on policies and new initiatives. Lacking any of the cynicism and bicker that finds their way into far too many people who work with children in schools, I’m confident that Ms. Meenan will elevate any discourse as the voice of compassion and quiet fortitude. We’re all so proud of you, Ms. Meenan, and we’re honored to have you as our voice and colleague.
Things You Need to Know:
June 9th is the Chancellor’s Conference Day, and teachers will follow the regular Thursday start and end time. Before lunch we will all learn about how we can better drive student thinking, and how next year’s observations protocols as well as lesson expectations align with this push. Curriculum team members will be sharing their work with you, and I’m sure they’d welcome any feedback or comments. Department/grade teams will be able to gather/move/organize materials after lunch. Western Queens will be providing our entire staff with lunch at 12PM so please be sure to thank them.
Throughout the day APs and I will be meeting with individual teachers for End-of-Year conferences. We will discuss setting your professional learning goals for next year and we ask you to please share with us any feedback or concerns. Feedback is always bilateral!
June 14th is the Clerical Day, and teachers will meet in grade teams to organize class rosters for next year. More information to follow in a staff memo and you will have your teaching assignment by this day.
The latest edition of Staff Spotlight features our new assistant principal Ms. Mintiens. I think the middle school teachers crafted some of the questions–thank you!
Lastly, thank you to everyone for emailing me and the admin team regarding absences. It’s been very helpful and please continue to cc all APs and myself when you can’t come in. Additionally, morning line up has been much more effective, and I appreciate your efforts in holding students accountable.
One more thing: This is my first opportunity to work on the many end of year items as a school principal, and it’s been quite a challenge to learn as you go. I’ll get there this time next year but for now it’s taking up far too much of my time during the day. Please reach out to Teresa should you want to speak with me–I’d love to chat and I want to do so when I am able to fully attend to you.
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