Oct. 31, 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 . November To-Do List

ACTION ITEMS

GUIDANCE FOR ELECTION DAY

We are quickly approaching the Nov. 6 election where voters will decide on whether to increase SPPS school funding. Please note that as a public employer there are certain obligations we have to ensure our employees are afforded the opportunity to vote: Time Off from Work - Minnesota Statute requires us to provide employees with “time necessary to appear at the employee’s polling place, cast a ballot and return to work.” Flexibility should be offered as long as it doesn’t disrupt business operations. For instance, whenever possible, someone assigned bus duty should not plan to take this time off during that duty. You may ask your employees when they will be away and ask that they coordinate their absences to minimize workplace disruptions. Meetings – No district sponsored meeting should be scheduled to between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Election Day. Any reoccurring evening meeting that falls on Tuesday, Nov. 6 should be rescheduled or cancelled if it cannot be concluded by 6 p.m.

GOOD TO KNOW

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR ENGLISH LEARNER REFUSALS

The English Learner (EL) program placement letters (formerly known as Parent Notification letter) will be mailed to EL families this week.      Please refer to this document about important guidelines and procedures for: Refusal of English Learner Services Opting out of one EL class but not the entire EL program Refusal of EL Test (ACCESS for ELLs)  Refusal of Language Academy Program Please contact Yeu Vang at yeu.vang@spps.org in the Office of Multilingual Learning with any questions or concerns .

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PRINCIPAL MEETINGS

Superintendent's Districtwide Administrator Meeting (SDWAM): Wed., Oct 31 8 - 11 a.m. 360 Colborne, Rooms A, B Grade Level Meetings Wed., Nov. 14 8 - 11 a.m. 360 Colborne Elementary: Rooms A, B K-8/Middle: Room F 6-12/High: Rooms J, K Academic Services Meeting Wed., Nov. 28 360 Colborne, Rooms A, B

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MEETINGS

Cohort A Wed., Nov. 7 1 - 4 p.m. 360 Colborne, Rooms D, E, F Cohort B Wed., Nov. 14 1 - 4 p.m. 360 Colborne, Room A

IMPORTANT DATES

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

Oct. 26 - No School: PreK-5 & PreK-8 schools Conference preparation. 6-8 middle schools in session. Nov. 7 - Diwali A Hindu festival of lights celebrated especially in India. Nov. 9 - End of Quarter 1 Nov. 15 - No School (Pre-K) Parent-teacher conferences Nov. 16 - No School (All grades) Parent-teacher conferences/teacher professional development Nov. 22-23 - No School (All grades) Thanksgiving break

DATE TO AVOID

Nov. 6 - Election Day No school events or meetings after 6 p.m.

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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