3+de+septiembre,+2010



Good morning,

Wednesday night I read the whole issue of Educational Leadership, the journal of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. The articles in this September issue explore the topic of meaningful work. I've attached one article on Project Based Learning. In our discussions about assessments and a STEM approach to learning and teaching we've talked a lot about how project based learning can develop 21st century capacities in our students. 7 Essentials for Project-Based Learning describes meaningful projects arising from driving questions. I encourage you to read this article and reflect on how your course projects represent meaningful work. Perhaps this reflection could spark a good discussion with your colleagues as well. If you'd like to borrow this issue of Educational Leadership I'm happy to share it with you.

At our August faculty meeting, someone asked if we could schedule grade level teacher meetings as we did last year-particularly for the 9th grade though others may be interested as well. Here are a few options for a 9th grade teacher meeting:

~September 14, 3:15

~October 5, 3:15

~October 13 during 9th grade retreat

9th grade teachers: Please let me know what you think.

One of our all school goals this year is to develop Salesian leadership skills for our students. To this end, a number of leadership group advisors met earlier in August to discuss ways to further this goal and better facilitate communication among student groups. All co-curricular group advisors are invited to a meeting on September 7, 3:15 in McGuire to discuss ongoing plans. An all-activities fair is planned for September 16 during homeroom/break.

Next week, from after school on Wednesday, September 8 through the afternoon of Friday, September 10, Kathy Daniewicz, Sister Mary Denise, Rene Gavic, Anne Williams, Anne Gimpl and Melissa Murray will accompany our seniors to Villa Maria in Frontenac for their fall retreat. I'll join the group on Thursday. Please keep these young women and their leaders in prayer as they reflect and pray together.

I've attached the schedule for Back to School night, September 15. Please be ready in your classroom for a 6:30 pm start.

I've also attached the communication that was sent to parents yesterday regarding online grade access. As I review your course syllabi and expectations, I note that many of you have indicated to your students how often grades will be updated online. Please communicate your plan to parents as well.

Thank you to all who have sent me your course syllabi electronically. If you haven't, please email me these syllabi by September 10.

A reminder from Rita to update your sub folders which are located at the attendance office.

The dream team coordinators and others have been using a Wiki for discussion. I'm considering using this mode of communication for setting faculty meeting agenda, further discussion after faculty meetings and the like. I'll send you an invitation next week and ask that you accept it. This might be a useful digital tool within your department or in other groups for ease of discussion.

And finally, please consider contributing to the DeSales Annual Fund. 100% participation by the Upper School faculty and staff sends a powerful message to our parents and other donors.

It's Friday and we have a long weekend-hooray! I hope your Labor Day weekend is restful and enjoyable.

Thanks for all you do.