Dec. 19, 2018

MONTHLY CHECKLIST Click on the link below for a list of important tasks that affect students and families, budgeting, communications, professional development, building operations and more. All checklists can be found in the Administrator Handbook . December To-Do List

ACTION ITEMS

USE THE NEW SPPS LOGO

Saint Paul Public Schools is updating its logo. All new materials, websites, publications, etc., should only use the authorized logos that are now available at spps.org/toolkit .   To better align marketing efforts with the SPPS Achieves Strategic Plan , we have removed the slogan, "A World of Opportunities".   Please note that this is a rolling update , which means you do not need to throw away items with the old logo unless they have reached their end-of-life.   What this mean for you: Moving forward, update any new materials or publications with the new logo Follow the new SPPS Style Guide Download the new SPPS logo Do not throw away materials that have the old SPPS logo unless they are no longer useful Be sure to update your email signature. Information and instructions are available here   If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Communications, Marketing and Development at 651-767-8110 or communications@spps.org .

MINNESOTA STUDENT SURVEY 2019

The Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) is administered every three years in all Minnesota school districts. The survey is voluntary and anonymous Saint Paul Public Schools will administer the survey electronically to all participating students in grades 5, 8, 9 and 11 Each school will need to designate a site coordinator by Jan. 25 by filling out this form The administration window for the survey will be Feb. 11 - April 26 More information will be available in the Principal’s Playbook and The Bridge in January. Please direct questions to kathy.lombardi@spps.org or darren.ginther@spps.org .

GOOD TO KNOW

SPPS ACHIEVES: STRATEGIC PLAN REPORT (PHASE 1)

The SPPS Achieves Strategic Plan (Phase 1) report is now available on spps.org/strategicplan. This public document provides: An overview of the plan (terms and explanations) Stakeholder engagement plans Strategic plan chart Action plans for each Phase 1 strategic initiative Prioritized academic services to improve long-term student outcomes Measurements that will define success of the plan Principals will receive paper copies during their principal meeting, Wed. Jan. 9. For detailed action plans for each Phase 1 Strategic Initiative, please visit spps.org/strategicplan.

START TIMES PLANNING UPDATE

Last week, families at elementary schools that will start at 7:30 a.m. in the 2019-20 school year received a child care survey. As of yesterday, we have received more than 750 responses. The survey results will help our partners plan to expand or adjust programming. As an additional resource, the Office of Family Engagement and Community Partnerships has hired Miesha Sanders to work directly with schools throughout the spring. She will help find solutions with your school community starting in January. Miesha can be reached at 651-744-4167 or miesha.sanders@spps.org .

EDUCATOR SUPPORT PATHWAY FOR PROBATIONARY EDUCATORS

Educator Support Pathway for Probationary Educators with Projected Tenure Date of June 30, 2021 Educator Support Pathway  professional development dates  are set for this school year. The Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) have contacted tenure-track educators to let them know about the dates available based on their job title and grade level of assignment. OTL will pay costs for substitute teachers. These tenure-track educators meet in cohorts. The first time they met was between late October and early November. The morning was dedicated to foundational training on positive climate and the afternoon was dedicated to each educator's content area. These cohorts of educators will be meeting for the second time between January 8-17. The whole day of training will be dedicated to their content area. Note for elementary principals: SY 2018-19: Teachers in grades K-2 will focus on reading; teachers in grades 3-5 will focus on math. SY 2019-20: Teachers in grades K-2 will focus on math; teachers in grades 3-5 will focus on reading. SY 2020-21: Teachers in K-5 will focus on writing. For more information on Educator Support Pathway, please see the  flyer  shared with educators at New Educator Week in August. Contact  amy.steele@spps.org  with any questions.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PRINCIPAL MEETINGS

Academic Services Principal Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 19 - CANCELED

IMPORTANT DATES

Important holidays, no school days, special religious days and family engagement events are available online at spps.org/calendar.

Dec. 21 - Jan. 1 - No School (All grades) Winter Break Jan. 2 - Classes Resume

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The Principal's Playbook is a collaboration between the Office of Leadership and the Office of Communications. The Playbook is the main source for communicating with principals. This weekly newsletter includes department action items, professional development opportunities and other updates that directly affect principals and other school leaders. Each Playbook also includes communications and marketing content to help schools communicate with their families.

Jada Wollenzien Program Manager, Leadership Development Office: 651-744-5074 jada.wollenzien@spps.org

Pepe Barton Communications Consultant Office: 651-744-5660 pepe.barton@spps.org