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November 4, 2024

Good morning- 

As we head into what may be an anxiety-producing week for both staff and students, I want to thank you for the thoughtful ways you approach each other and our students in times of stress. Many of you have expressed that the current political climate and how to effectively address it and support students can be a source of stress for you. I know you all work to keep our school a safe space for all students and adults and the next week will be no different. 

If you need support or resources to navigate this thoughtfully, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or your department liaison. If you feel a student may require assistance, please refer them to their counselor or Dean. Let's make sure we are kind and respectful to each other, as we always are, as we move through the week. The kids are watching us for how to handle their stress and uncertainty. 

Please take a minute to answer these questions about your favorite snacks.

Please review the PD schedule for tomorrow and let me know if you have any questions. All staff at AHS should plan to attend the ALICE training. On Tuesday, please park in the designated faculty lot or towards the back of the student lot. The back parking lot (near the field entrance) will not be accessible to staff. 

8:00- 8:30- classroom time
8:30-10:00- ALICE training (all staff in library)
10:00-10:15- break
10:15-11:15- bryt presentation (via Zoom in your own space)
11:15-12:00- lunch
12:00-2:25- special education law & Easter Seals presentation (all APS staff in auditorium)

Here is the Zoom link for the bryt training, which will occur from 10:15-11:15am. You will also receive the link via email on Tuesday at 10am. 

X-Block reminders: 
1. If you use rosters for your activities, please be sure to update them with any new students who have been added to your class. Some of our new students have been unable to sign up with their teachers because they are not on the roster in FlexTime Manager. 
2. Please remember to schedule your x-block activities by Friday for the following week. 

For your planning purposes: X-block will be canceled on Tuesday, November 19 for a schoolwide survey from JED High School.

We are a team and need to work together to consistently enforce expectations. Please review these student/building concerns that have come to my attention:
Phone use by students- We have had a strong start with classroom phone expectations and the commitment from all of you to be consistent. Lately, however, campus aides and administration have noticed an increase in students in the hall on their phones during class time. Please remind students they should not leave the class with their phones and they will be taken if they are seen in the hall with them. 

eHallPass- We have also noticed a decrease in the use of eHallPass. It is an expectation that any student in the hall has a pass. Please make sure any student leaving your class/space has a pass in the system.

Students leaving the cafeteria- We find it important to support students who struggle to stay in the loud, busy cafeteria and appreciate all of you who provide students with a quiet place to eat. In order to better account for students, please send an email to both Deans and me if you have agreed to allow a student to come to your room during their lunch. 

Time on learning- Please keep students in your class, preferably in their seats, until the bell rings. They should not be standing at the doors or leaving the room early. This disrupts other classes and puts your colleagues in a difficult position when students see other teachers allowing early dismissal. 

Grades close for Term 1 on Thursday, November 7. The grading window will open after school that day. 

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