October 16, 2019

MONTHLY CHECKLIST Click on the link below for a list of important tasks for school leaders that affect students and families, budgeting, communications, professional development, building operations and more. All checklists can be found in the 2019-20 Administrator Handbook. October To-Do List

ACTION ITEMS

ATTN: Clerks and Principals Share Active Enrollment for Benefits Info.

Active Enrollment for 2020 medical and dental benefits will be open to benefit-eligible employees next week, from Oct. 23 through Nov. 1. Benefit-eligible staff must select, edit or waive coverage , or they will be placed into their bargaining unit’s core coverage. Share the following flyers in staff lounges, mailboxes or offices: Employee Health and Benefits Fair (share until Oct. 23) Active Enrollment for Benefits (share until Nov. 1) Learn more at spps.org/activeenrollment

iPad Pilot for ACCESS Testing

ACCESS for English Learners (ELs) is an assessment administered to all students identified as English language learners (EL) in grades K-12. It is currently administered via paper/pencil and online via desktop and wireless student computers.  The Department of Research Evaluation and Assessment (REA) in collaboration with Multilingual Learning and Technology Services will conduct a pilot to administer the ACCESS assessment for ELs online via iPads. The pilot is planned for the 2019-20 winter administration.    REA is looking for up to 15 schools to participate in the iPad pilot. Participating schools will be required to do the following: Identify a back-up plan (plan B) for ACCESS testing Able to complete the ACCESS testing within from Jan. 27 to Feb. 14 Complete a feedback survey on the experience   If you are interested in participating in the pilot, please notify Stacey Gray-Akyea at  stacey.gray-akyea@spps.org.

GOOD TO KNOW

Pre-Kindergarten Teachers will be out of the Building on Either Nov. 11 or Nov. 12

The Office of Early Learning will be hosting "WIDA Early Years - Dual Language Learners and Their Families" professional development for pre-kindergarten teachers on Mon., Nov. 11 or Tues., Nov. 12. Ashley Childs will inform pre-kindergarten teachers of their assigned date; Brenda Natala will inform ECSE teachers of their assigned date. The Office of Early Learning will pay for the substitute teachers.

Early Admission to Kindergarten

The Student Placement Center and Office of Early Learning are hosting events to inform families of the Early Admission to Kindergarten (EAtoK) process. Postcards will be mailed to families with children whose fifth birthday falls between Sept. 2 and Dec. 31, 2020 inviting them to one of two information sessions: 5:30 - 7 p.m. | Thursday, Oct. 24 | Galtier Community School 5:30 - 7 p.m. | Thursday, Dec. 12 | Battle Creek Elementary Transportation and child care are available upon request. Interpreters and food will be provided. Families are asked to RSVP by following the link at spps.org/apply or by calling the Student Placement Center at 651-632-3760. Please assist in sharing this information with your families.

Bullying Prevention

October is Bullying Prevention Month. Please see the fall newsletter from the Office of School Support for resources on bullying prevention.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Leadership Academy (Principals and Academics Leaders)

Wed., Oct. 23 8 - 11 a.m. 360 Colborne, Room A/B Wed., Oct. 30 8 - 11 a.m. Location: TBD

IMPORTANT DATES

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

Oct. 17-18 - No School (PreK-12) Teacher professional development - statewide teacher meeting. Oct. 20-21 - Shemini Atzeret Begins at sunset, Oct. 20 and ends at sunset Oct. 21. Closing day of the Jewish festival Sukkot. A day of prayer. Oct. 21-22 - Simchat Torah Begins at sunset, Oct. 21 and ends at the sunset, Oct. 22. Jewish holiday. Reading of the law (Torah) is concluded and begun anew in the synagogue. Oct. 25 - No School (PreK-5 / PreK-8 schools) Conference preparation.

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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