 |
| Matt Sheppard from the IT Department |
This week was action packed! The school year is getting into its full rhythm. Monday night, the Millville Board of Education received the District Strategic Plan. Final presentation formatting to share with everyone is almost complete. Various committees met to oversee the deployment and progress of District goals. One such committee met, Millville Police Department Representatives and District Staff, to continue planning how to further standardize the ALICE Training by empowering the students with the tools of ALICE.
In addition, PLC’s (Professional Learning Communities) are forming across the District. Setting norms and establishing each group’s purpose. I enjoyed meeting with the District vice-principals this week. This was the first official meeting with just the VP’s where I was able to spend time learning with our District VP’s. The productive first meeting gave me the opportunity to hear first hand the areas they are excited about, the success stories across the schools, as well as those items keeping them (and you) up at night. For example, one major item that we discussed included following through to deliver a method (or possibly multiple) to alert staff who travel when a building is under lock-down.
Upon first glance, this item may appear easy to solve – but as we learned, there doesn’t appear to be an easy solution that is both economically feasible and free from causing a ripple effect that creates unintended consequences. Example, we discussed simply cutting off swipe card access during a lock-down. At first this seemed like a simple – inexpensive solution. The challenges include the emergency responders (MPD for example) have swipe card access to our buildings so they gain easy access. If we stop allowing swipe card use during lock-downs that keeps the emergency responders out as well. We began researching the technology to determine if ‘groups’ of users could be isolated to permit some access while keeping unsuspecting traveling staff out. But then an additional consideration was raised that even if isolating staff vs. police is possible, if in their attempt to flee danger a staff member left one wing of a building but needed to gain access to another area’s swipe access for safety to avoid danger they would be locked out. This highlights the challenge. Virtually every potential solution to address an issue with safety leads to multiple hypothetical scenarios that must be considered as well. That said, we are determined to find a solution.
SHOUT OUTS!
Very Special Parent Shout!
“We are writing this letter to inform you that there is an outstanding teacher at Holly Heights who has really stood out to us and should be recognized. If Millville or HH has a teacher of the year award, we would highly recommend Megan Rhubart be considered.” The parents go on to share their personal experience with Megan as their child’s teacher. Very touching and sincere letter of appreciation. It is my pleasure to pass this along on behalf of Jack and Tracy Ramos."
"Shout - out to Matt Sheppard for covering Holly Heights while Rob Smith was out on extended leave with the birth of his daughter Averie. Matt also volunteered to helped reduce the ticket count at Lakeside; all while handling his own work load in Infrastructure Services and at Silver Run."
~Dan Wright, Chief Information Officer
"Shout out to Sandra Padro for her help and going above and beyond to ensure a smooth transition for our Spanish 1 students that are awaiting a permanent teacher. These students are not hers but she has extended a helping hand to 3 extra classes so they do not fall behind. "Sometimes it's the little things that go unnoticed, not this time."
~Steve Platt, Vice Principal
"Shout out to Brian Robinson, Steve Saul, and Mike Coyle for scheduling time this week to start the data discussion with their staff's. This time was valuable to not only share our PARCC data, but allowing the staff time to bond in common purpose and journey. The conversations at all three schools were insightful, thoughtful, and respectful. Thanks again for your support."
~Pat Wulk, Supervisor
"A HUGE shout out to Melissa Sorrantino and her summer crew Cindy, Connie, Jeffery, Joe, Leo, Nelson, Pam and Rick. They worked short staffed and under difficult conditions. We had a larger summer program than ever. This is a HUGE school to get ready for the fall. Also a HUGE Shout out to our secretarial staff Clara Beatty, Patty Parker and Kathie Russo for registering all of our new threes and getting our Bigger than ever Wrap Around ready! You are the BEST!"
~JoAnn Burns, Principal
"Thank you so much to Sandy Lokuta and Jackie Votta for assisting with the materials for Lakeside Middle School's First 3 Days. They utilized AVID strategies to help teachers and students connect to each other and our procedures!"
"A huge thank you to Joyce Hardy for coordinating Wawa coffee and treats for our opening day at Lakeside Middle School. We enjoyed it!"
~Spike Cook, Principal
"Vanessa Strassner, K-12 Supervisor of Special Education, has made it to every school to speak with school administration and staff to see what she can do to help with their curriculum and instruction. Her experience and expertise is an asset to our students and our staff. She has visited classrooms, observed students, provided suggestions on interventions, and provided a survey to all special education staff to see how we can make strides to achieve our goals."
~Steve Matusz, Exec. Director Special Services
"We would like to give a SHOUT OUT to Mike Coyle! Mike leads by example every day. His morning announcements set the tone for the rest of the day. They are always upbeat and end with a “Joke of the Day”, which the staff and students enjoy! He is always kind and most of all he’s always fair. Whether he is filling in as a substitute or whatever task needs to be covered that day, he is always willing to step in. He has more than earned the respect of his staff, parents and students."
~RM Bacon School
"Hear ye, hear ye, you already know they are amazing but I am going to shout them out anyway, “Margaret Keefer and Beth Benfer” continue to strengthen their role’s impact on the district’s professional development. In addition, they stepped up to assist with putting the final touches on the District Strategic Plan. Great job to both!"
"I could recognize this next person every week, Vicky Charlesworth is a critical member of the District’s continued success. She does so many things that go unnoticed that keep this organization on track. I don’t know what I would do without her."
~ Dr. G.
Dr. David N. Gentile
Superintendent of Schools
“Lead Learner”
@drgentile_mps (Twitter)
856-327-6001
#MPSWC (MPS World Class)
#greatdaytobeabolt
Published by Spike Cook, Millville, NJ
No comments:
Post a Comment