Monday Memo - 8/31/2020

Thank you
Thank you so much for a great first week of school! I know that we were met with many challenges last week, but you handled it with grace and flexibility, and we appreciate you for that! Please reach out if you need support, and remember...

Staff Shout Outs!
From Dana Mitchell to Jill Right - "Jill Right was a life saver. She called me willing to help me at 6:30 at night. Her tireless effort is greatly appreciated!"

You can submit a staff shout out through the HIXSON STAFF CHECK IN form, and you can also use it to tell us how you are feeling, provide feedback, or communicate a need. We will follow up as needed. We just want to make sure that YOU are taken care of and we are celebrating the positive things that are happening at Hixson!

Important dates
August 31 - Department meetings
September 4 - Early Release Day/Professional Development Day (see plans below)
September 7 - Labor Day: NO SCHOOL
September 16 - Growth plan must be approved by your evaluator
September 18 - Growth plans due to district

Staffing update
Randy Taylor has decided not to return to Hixson. We are in the process of hiring a new math teacher. Once hiring is complete, I will send an email to the staff announcing our new math teacher. Jill Right will teach the class until our hiring process is complete.

DOMAIN 1: HIXSON & COVID-19

Work location plans
Click the Google Forms below to communicate your work location plans. The forms for the upcoming weeks will appear in each Monday Memo until we no longer need them. The form that's due will always be one week ahead so that I know your plans before the week actually starts. If you already know your plans for each week, then you are welcome to complete them all if you want. If you think your plans might fluctuate each week, then just complete the form when it is due on Mondays. If you need to change your plans after you've already submitted your response, email Sarah Magruder so she can update your information. Work location plans for the week of 9/8 to 9/11 are due today by 3:30 PM. Please make sure you complete this task on time.

Work Location Plans - 9/8 to 9/11
Work Location Plans - 9/14 to 9/18
Work Location Plans - 9/21 to 9/25
Work Location Plans - 9/28 to 10/2
Work Location Plans - 10/5 to 10/9
Work Location Plans - 10/12 to 10/16
Work Location Plans - 10/19 to 10/23

Building subs & instructional support
We have two building subs who are available to support teachers when they are not covering classrooms for teachers who are out. Their names are Ginger Krueger and Kasondra McDaniels. We also have Jodie Hintze, who is an instructional aid. If you need them to support you with anything during virtual learning, please let me know and I will help set it up.

When students are not engaging in virtual learning
The admin/counselor team has been working to develop a plan for how Hixson staff will respond when students are not engaging in virtual learning. We are now ready to share a draft of that plan with you for feedback. Click HERE to view a draft of that plan, and if you have any feedback, please send it to an administrator (Shenita Mayes, Aimee Vogt, Mike Hazelton, Stephanie Berry) and/or counselor (Linda Peterson, Erica Spraggins, Sarah Bodi). We will use the feedback to make revisions throughout the week and implement next week.

Self care calendar
Click HERE to access the self care calendar created by Hixson's counseling department.

Admin needs your Zoom links
If you haven't done so already, please submit the Zoom links and passwords to your classes HERE so we can make sure we have access to everyone's classes.

Feedback from parents
Throughout the week, Mike, Aimee, Stephanie, and I have received a variety of feedback from parents regarding virtual learning. As we transition into the second week of school in virtual mode, I wanted to share the most common feedback that we've received so far to inform your work with students in the weeks to come. 

• Praise
• Teachers are making genuine efforts to get to know my student!
• My student thinks his/her teachers are funny and engaging!
• We appreciate everything the teachers have done to make virtual learning a positive experience so far!
• I would love to see more getting to know you activities!
• Push
• My student is not being allowed to turn off his/her camera to use the restroom, and/or get a snack or drink.
• My student's teachers are giving live instruction longer than the 22 minutes.
• Zoom links are hard to find on some teachers' Canvas pages.
• I have a student at Steger and Hixson and when I receive emails, some say the teacher's name on it, while others just say 3rd hour, for example. It might be helpful for teachers to put their names on the emails for those of us who have more than one middle school student, just so we know which emails belong to which student.

The "Push" feedback is not always easy to hear, but it gives us something to think about. Next week, the district will conduct a survey for students, families, and staff to gather feedback on how virtual learning is going. If you have feedback to share, be sure to complete the survey when it is released.

DOMAIN 2: HIXSON AND EQUITY

Friday is our very first early dismissal day. Please review the schedule below. Each class will be 32 minutes in length, and there are 3-4 minutes between classes. Teachers still need to follow the 50% synchronous and 50% asynchronous model of instruction, which means students will engage with Zoom for up to 16 minutes per class, and complete independent learning for up to 16 minutes. 

For professional development, we have an awesome presenter who will help us move forward in our journey towards becoming anti-bias, anti-racist educators. 

Schedule for early release day

• 12:32 pm to 1:15 pm - Lunch
• 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm - Introduction & Connection
• 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm - presentation from Sherita Love, Founder and Principal Strategist for Changing Systems and EdHub STL
• 3:00 pm - Please start your Labor Day weekend early! You deserve it!

About our presenter

Our presenter on Friday will be Sherita Love! Sherita is the Founder and Principal Strategist with Changing Systems and EdHub STL. With over fifteen years of experience as an educator and internationally practiced anti-racist education strategist, Sherita supports effective systemic change within schools and organizations committed to racial justice. Click HERE to read more about Sherita's plans for us on Friday!

Here is the Zoom link for Friday!

Shenita Mayes is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Anti-bias, Anti-racism in Education

Time: Sep 4, 2020 01:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/98664419210?pwd=RTBMVmFPQWh5SWVFWGlMbzkxR2Zidz09

Meeting ID: 986 6441 9210

Passcode: 763837

One tap mobile

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Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ayMxV4Zx3

Monday Memo, 8/24/2020

WELCOME TO THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR!

We can't wait to see all the amazing work you will do with students this year! We know they are in good hands, and we are confident that you will teach them in meaningful and engaging ways. If you see us pop into your virtual classroom today, we are simply there as a check in to see your classes in action. It is not evaluative. We haven't seen kids since March either, so we are eager to see them in classes today!

A question to ponder

I sometimes scroll through social media when I need a brain break from everything that's been going on, particularly with virtual learning. Over the weekend, I came across a post that asks, "While teaching virtual is not ideal, what are some positives?" As we launch virtual learning today, try to keep this question in the back of your mind, even when you get frustrated and things seem to be overwhelming. 

Important upcoming dates

August 31 - Department meetings

September 4 - Early Release Day/Professional Development Day

Welcome new staff
Recently, we have had a few new folks join the Hixson family. Please join me in welcoming... 

• Randy Taylor, Math - replacing Wilma Slaughter
• Calvinette Cleveland, SSD - subbing for Rebecca McDaniel
• Ginger Kreuger - building substitute

DOMAIN 1: HIXSON & COVID-19

Work location plans
Click the Google Forms below to communicate your work location plans. The forms for the upcoming weeks will appear in each Monday Memo until we no longer need them. The form that's due will always be one week ahead so that I know your plans before the week actually starts. If you already know your plans for each week, then you are welcome to complete them all if you want. If you think your plans might fluctuate each week, then just complete the form when it is due on Mondays. If you need to change your plans after you've already submitted your response, email Sarah Magruder so she can update your information. Work location plans for the week of 8/31 to 9/4 are due today by 3:00 PM. Please make sure you complete this task on time.

Work Location Plans - 8/31 to 9/4
Work Location Plans - 9/8 to 9/11
Work Location Plans - 9/14 to 9/18
Work Location Plans - 9/21 to 9/25
Work Location Plans - 9/28 to 10/2
Work Location Plans - 10/5 to 10/9
Work Location Plans - 10/12 to 10/16
Work Location Plans - 10/19 to 10/23

Substitute teacher procedures
The district has provided building principals with procedures for teachers to follow when they need to arrange for a sub. Please read the information carefully and let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I anticipate some of you having concerns given the feedback that I've already received about providing log in information to substitute teachers. If you have concerns, please share them with me so I can share them with district admin. If you know another way that substitutes can get access to your classes while you are away,please let me know and I will share your ideas with district admin as well. 

WGSD Expectation for Substitutes

·       Substitutes will be required to attend a Canvas Training and Safety Training.

·       All substitutes will need to fill out an AUP and get a wgcloud.org email if they plan on subbing.

·       Substitute will be required to have reliable internet and a device with a webcam. If the sub does not have either/both, each building will have a designated area for the substitute to access a device and complete the substitute assignment.

·       Each morning the substitute will need to log in to Aesop to retrieve the Classroom Teachers credentials to Canvas and also to Zoom.

·       Substitutes will need to follow the additional information left from the classroom teacher in Aesop.

·       Student information should not be shared due to confidentially and FERPA.

WGSD Expectation for Classroom Teachers who need a Substitute

·       Provide thorough sub plans via AESOP, so the substitute can easily access them.

·       Classroom teachers should include all directions, log in information, and passwords for Canvas, Zoom, and additional learning technology supports students might need in the sub plans. Also, include any other information that would be necessary for a substitute to be successful with your class/course.

The classroom teacher can pre-record the lessons to ensure content delivery, but the substitute will still facilitate the learning via the recorded videos and Zoom.

Self-care calendar
"Back to school" season can often feel frantic and overwhelming. When a global pandemic and virtual learning is added on top of that, the challenges that we face can feel insurmountable. Remember, we can do hard things, and we can do them well. Afterall, we are Hixson Middle School! In the midst of all this hard work, it is important for us to take care of ourselves. Our awesome counseling staff took time to create a Self-Care Calendar to share with staff. Click on the link below to access it, and if you're feeling up to it, find time to engage in the daily activities. 

Self Care Calendar

Hixson staff check in
In an effort to proactively support you, we have created a new way for you to communicate your questions, needs, concerns, joys, successes, cool moments, tech tips, and staff shout outs! We are getting so many emails right now, so we feel it is necessary to make sure your communication with us doesn't get lost in the shuffle. With that said, if you would like to tell us how you are feeling, provide feedback, or communicate a need, please click on the link below. We will follow up as needed. At the end of the day, we just want to make sure that YOU are taken care of and we are celebrating the positive things that are happening at Hixson!

Please note: This does not mean that you cannot email us. If that's what you prefer to do, then there is no reason to stop. 

HIXSON STAFF CHECK IN

Posting videos to Canvas and break out rooms
We have received clarity on posting videos in Canvas. Because many you teach the same classes throughout the day, it is not necessary for you to post the video that matches the class to Canvas. If your video is going to be the same for your classes, you can use one video and post it for each of your classes. For example, if your 5th hour video is the best one, then use that one for all your classes.

Teachers are not required to use break out rooms in Zoom. If you are concerned about break out room supervision, do not feel obligated to use them. It is just a cool tool that's available to you in Zoom. It is your choice to use it or not. 

Building subs
We have two building subs who are available to support teachers when they are not covering classrooms for teachers who are out. Their names are Ginger Krueger and Kasondra McDaniels. If you need them to support you with anything during virtual learning, please let me know and I will communicate with them. They could even help you supervise Zoom break out rooms! 

DOMAIN 2: HIXSON AND EQUITY

I would like to share a few of my favorite equity resources. One is a video of Dr. Bettina love explaining the concept of shifting from allies to co-conspirators. Dr. Love is the author of We Want to do More than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom. I have read the book twice and seen her speak online and in person.I've met her as well! I literally have watched this video over and over again. Dr. Love's work is so powerful! You can follow her on Twitter at @BLoveSoulPower.

Co-conspirators

The second is an article called Avoiding Racial Equity Detours by Dr. Paul Gorski. I attended two webinars led by Dr. Gorski this summer, and prior to that, I read this article back in January. Dr. Gorski holds educators accountable for ensuring equity in schools and warns us to watch out for certain things that get in the way when it comes to doing equity work. You can follow Dr. Gorski on Twitter at @pgorski. 

Avoiding Racial Equity Detours

Here are a few graphics that I found over the weekend that help teachers approach virtual learning with equity in mind. You may have seen these already, but they might be helpful to you in your work with students.

I am always willing to discuss any of these resources that I share. If you run across something that you'd like me to add to the Monday Memo, just let me know!

HAVE AN AWESOME DAY EVERYONE!

Monday Memo - 8/17/2020

A question to ponder
Something that has really been on my mind throughout the weekend is the idea of students being required to have their cameras on during virtual classes. While there are valid arguments on both sides, I certainly understand the need to have this requirement in place. However, if we require this of our students, then we should hold ourselves to the same standard. Let's consider and commit to the following norms when we meet as a whole staff:

• Cameras on when in meetings (ie: professional development, committee meetings)
• Mics muted unless speaking
• Cameras off when you need to step away for a moment (ie: use the restroom, get something to drink etc)

Thank you so much for everything you've done to get virtual learning up and running. You truly have been flexible and patient throughout all of this change and uncertainty. I'm looking forward to a great year!

Snapshot of the week

• Monday, August 17, 2020
• Canvas Training, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• teacher directed time after Canvas training
• Tuesday, August 18, 2020
• Canvas Training, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• teacher directed time after Canvas training
• Actively Learn PD (ELA, Science, Social Studies only), 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, August 19, 2020 
• Virtual Open House goes live at approximately 8:00 AM
• Student materials pick up
• Full teacher work day
• Thursday, August 20, 2020
• non-work day for teachers 
• Student Materials pick up make up day (for those who couldn't attend on 8/20)
• Friday, August 21, 2020
• non-work day for teachers
• Monday, August 24, 2020 
• FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

DOMAIN 1: HIXSON & COVID-19

Work location plans
Click the Google Forms below to communicate your work location plans. The forms for the upcoming weeks will appear in each Monday Memo until we no longer need them. The form that's due will always be one week ahead so that I know your plans before the week actually starts. If you already know your plans for each week, then you are welcome to complete them all if you want. If you think your plans might fluctuate each week, then just complete the form when it is due on Mondays. If you need to change your plans after you've already submitted your response, email Sarah Magruder so she can update your information. Work location plans for the week of 8/24 to 8/28 are due today by 3:00 PM. Please make sure you complete this task on time.

Work Location Plans - 8/24 to 8/28
Work Location Plans - 8/31 to 9/4
Work Location Plans - 9/8 to 9/11
Work Location Plans - 9/14 to 9/18
Work Location Plans - 9/21 to 9/25
Work Location Plans - 9/28 to 10/2
Work Location Plans - 10/5 to 10/9
Work Location Plans - 10/12 to 10/16
Work Location Plans - 10/19 to 10/23

Virtual Open House Videos - DUE TODAY!
Virtual Open House videos are looking good so far! Please remember that your Virtual Open House videos are due TODAY by 5:00 pm. You can find the instructions and requirements for the video HERE. Videos should be submitted in the Google form that's included in the directions. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Schedules
Student schedules go live today. We anticipate changes will need to be made throughout the week. Administrators and counselors will be working to make any necessary changes as quickly as possible. With that said, you may see changes on your rosters. Schedules will be issued at Materials Pick Up Day, which is this Wednesday, August 19. This means we will be printing more than 700 schedules early this week. Please avoid using the copier in the front office until Wednesday at 2:00 pm.

DOMAIN 2: HIXSON AND EQUITY

Anti bias Session 1 with the Anti Defamation League
I truly hope you enjoyed our very first anti bias professional development session with the ADL this past Friday. They will be back with us on Tuesday, November 3 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. At the end of our session on Friday, they posed three very important questions to us. 

1. What would happen if one person acted on their next step idea?
2. What do you think would happen if everyone followed through on their next step idea?
3. How can you support each other in making the commitment to take the next step?

I encourage you to continue to reflect on these questions and allow them to inspire you to get on the journey towards becoming an anti-bias, anti-racist educator (ABAR). 

What am I reading/watching/listening to these days?

Getting on and staying on the journey towards becoming an ABAR educator takes persistence, practice, and accountability. It is important for us to help each other by engaging in courageous conversations and sharing resources that push our thinking. Therefore, I will start sharing resources each week related to equity/social justice/ABAR. Here is a brief list of ABAR resources that have inspired me and/or challenged my thinking recently.  

Nice White Parents - A new, five part podcast series about building a better school system and what gets in the way. 

Abolitionist Teaching Network presents Teaching to Thrive (Dr. Bettina Love & Chelsey Culley-Love) - a podcast committed to sharing ideas that strengthen the everyday lives of Black and Brown students within our schools and communities. Episode 2, Building Trust with Students Online, is very powerful and directly related to what we're all doing RIGHT NOW!

School leaders face pressure to address racial disparities as they try to reopen schools - Webster Groves SD is mentioned in this article.

If you ever have a resource that you'd like me to share in my Monday Memo, please let me know!

Monday Morning Memo - 8/10/2020

Four Domains of Change
I never imagined that I would be a first year head principal during a global pandemic, school merger, massive construction project, and significant racial unrest, but yet here I am. Actually, here we ALL are! Throughout my transition into Hixson, it became abundantly clear to me that we would need to simultaneously manage four major areas of change (listed in no specific order). 

• Domain 1: Hixson and COVID-19
• How do we take care of each other in an emergency situation such as a global pandemic that is bringing on a lot of change very quickly?
• Domain 2: Hixson and Equity
• How do we identify and dismantle racism and other forms of inequity within our school?
• Domain 3: Hixson and Steger
• How do we develop a new identity as one school?
• Domain 4: Hixson and Construction
• How do we take this opportunity to re-brand our school and beautify our campus?

I won't sugar coat this for you. This is a lot to handle, but based on what I learned about you throughout my transition in, we have the talent, intellect, passion, and drive within our staff to take this on. As I said last week, everybody take a deep breath, and try to imagine the possibilities that await us on the other side of this mountain! I will share more about our Four Domains of Change in our Faculty Meeting on Friday!

Are you working from Hixson, home, or both?
According to Dr. Wiley Skinner's email to staff on August 5, 2020, there are several employee groups who have the option to work from home or at their school. Almost all of you fall within one of those groups. Dr. Wiley-Skinner has asked you to communicate your work location plans to me. Before making your decision, please review the Remote Work Overview and WGSD Remote Work - Teachers documents. Then, click the Google Forms below to communicate your work location plans. The forms for the upcoming weeks will appear in each Monday Memo until we no longer need them. The form that's due will always be one week ahead so that I know your plans before the week actually starts. If you already know your plans for each week, then you are welcome to complete them all if you want. If you think your plans might fluctuate each week, then just complete the form when it is due on Mondays. If you need to change your plans after you've already submitted your response, email Sarah Magruder so she can update your information. If you already emailed me your plans last week, please add the information into the forms. I am trying to proactively avoid information getting lost due to the volume of emails I receive each day. I need everything in one place! 

The highlighted forms are due today, so please be sure to fill them out by 3:00 PM. Let me know if you have any questions!

Work Location Plans - 8/12 to 8/14
Work Location Plans - 8/17 to 8/21
Work Location Plans - 8/24 to 8/28
Work Location Plans - 8/31 to 9/4
Work Location Plans - 9/8 to 9/11
Work Location Plans - 9/14 to 9/18
Work Location Plans - 9/21 to 9/25
Work Location Plans - 9/28 to 10/2
Work Location Plans - 10/5 to 10/9
Work Location Plans - 10/12 to 10/16
Work Location Plans - 10/19 to 10/23

Adjustments to teaching assignments
We received our enrollment numbers for the Virtual Program on Monday, August 3. There are 193 Hixson students who requested to be a part of the Virtual Program. These students will engage in full time virtual instruction from Hixson teachers at least until the end of first semester. Because of this, we had to make changes to our master schedule so that we could provide staff for students in the Virtual Program and the Responsive Learning Plan. In order to do that, we had to form two virtual teams, ask some teachers to teach in the virtual and responsive learning plan, or move some teachers to different teams. 

I started having conversations with Hixson staff last Thursday about changes to their teaching assignments. I should be wrapping up those conversations early this week. Mike, Aimee, and I realize that these changes are not ideal, but we need your flexibility, grace, patience, and cooperation in order to implement a plan that will best serve our staff and students given such challenging circumstances. COVID-19 is certainly putting our school community to the test, but I truly believe that if we work together as a team, we will get through this and come out stronger on the other side. 

Upcoming professional development and prep time
Please review the schedule below to see what your training and time commitments will be this week. All of this training will be virtual. You can participate in it from home or from Hixson. If you are planning to work from Hixson, please park on the S. Elm lot and enter through the entrance at the end of the long sidewalk. Make sure you are wearing a mask and complete the health assessment before entering the building.

• Wednesday, August 12, 2020
• Watch Wake up to Webster video
• half day Health & Safety Trainings
• half day Canvas & Online Learning PD
• teacher directed time after Canvas training
• Thursday, August 13, 2020 
• Watch Wake up to Webster video
• Canvas & Online Learning PD
• teacher directed time after Canvas training
• Friday, August 14, 2020
• ABAR Training from ADL, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM 
• Faculty Meeting, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
• Monday, August 17, 2020
• Canvas Training, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• teacher directed time after Canvas training
• Tuesday, August 18, 2020
• Canvas Training, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• teacher directed time after Canvas training
• Actively Learn PD (ELA, Science, Social Studies only), 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, August 19, 2020 
• Virtual Open House goes live at approximately 8:00 AM
• Student materials pick up
• Full teacher work day
• Thursday, August 20, 2020
• non-work day for teachers 
• Student Materials pick up make up day (for those who couldn't attend on 8/20)
• Friday, August 21, 2020
• non-work day for teachers
• Monday, August 24, 2020 
• FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Note: Please schedule Department/CLT and Team meetings sometime during the back to school days that works best for you and your team. Please let your administrator liaisons know when your meetings will take place so we can join them if we are available.

School Leadership Team
I am inviting all who are interested to join the School Leadership Team! This group will focus on planning and implementing school wide initiatives, helping to facilitate change, discussing building-based professional development, problem-solving and other duties as assigned. School Leadership Team is required for Department Leaders, Team Leaders, and CLT Leaders, and it is optional for everyone else. During first semester, we will meet virtually after school on September 21, October 19, and November 16. Second semester will have to look different due to the lack of available dates (holidays, breaks, and conferences).  

If you are NOT a Department, CLT, or Team Leader, please email Sarah Magruder by the end of the day on Tuesday, August 11 if you would like to join School Leadership Team. She will keep the list for me.

Materials Pick Up
Materials Pick Up day will be Wednesday, August 19. If your department needs to issue supplies on that day, or if you would like to volunteer to help, please contact Mike Hazelton and let him know ASAP! 

Virtual Open House
Please remember that your Virtual Open House videos are due on Monday, August 17 by 5:00 pm. You can find the instructions and requirements for the video HERE. Please let me know if you have any questions.

This is it for now. Please reach out if you need anything!
Dr. Mayes

Hixson Staff Memo - August 5, 2020

Good evening everyone!

This is the very first memo that I am sending to you as your new building principal! We sure did get here fast, but yet here we are. I realize that this memo is being sent on a Wednesday evening, but I have been very anxious to communicate important information to you because I know you have many questions about the new school year. My hope is that the information in today's memo will get you started and help you plan for next week's events. I also realize that this memo may raise more questions for you, but please be patient and trust that more detailed information is coming. 

Update from Dr. Simpson
Please make sure you read the important letters that Dr. Simpson and Dr. Wiley-Skinner sent to staff over the past few days regarding certain staff having the option to work from home or in the office/school while we are in full virtual learning mode, and teaching assignments (virtual, responsive) for the upcoming school year. There is specific language from both letters that I want to highlight for the purpose of my communication to you today. 

Dr. Simpson: "As we all know, these are far from ideal times.  Over the next few days, administrators throughout the district will approach teachers regarding teaching a particular course they weren’t planning on and/or in a setting they may not have expressed an interest in teaching in (exs: virtual or kids from a variety of elementary schools). While some of these conversations may include options for staff, some will not.  It will be important for each of us to have empathy and understanding for one another in these conversations and support for one another on the “other side” of the decisions so that all can be as successful as possible.  While we can hope, but not guarantee, for empathy, grace and flexibility from our students and families regarding the changes in their school experience this year, it's critically important for us to support one another with each - now and moving forward!"

Dr. Wiley-Skinner: "...in some buildings you will find some staff who did not request to work in the Virtual Program will be asked to teach in the program based upon certain factors that could not be changed.  We appreciate your understanding and patience throughout this dynamic situation. Regarding next steps, the Human Resources Department will make contact with all staff who requested virtual and inform him/her of their status. Then, principals will follow up with each staff member regarding class lists, grade change, class placements, etc. when these matters are applicable."

I will start scheduling conversations with individuals who will be teaching 100% virtual and with those who we need to teach a combination of virtual and responsive. We know this situation is not ideal, and we have worked very hard to make all of the different pieces fit together and have a positive start to this school year in very difficult circumstances. We need you to be patient, flexible, and give us grace as we have these difficult conversations.

Staff Transition back to School
On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, we will officially start the new school year! Everyone take a deep breath! We can do this! In an effort to give you as much time as possible to learn Canvas and prepare for virtual learning, we have attempted to give back to you as much of the upcoming building professional development/preparation time as possible. Please review the schedule below to see what your training and time commitments will be during this week. All of this training will be virtual. You can participate in it from home or from Hixson.

• Wednesday, August 12, 2020
• Wake up to Webster 
• half day Health & Safety Trainings
• half day Canvas & Online Learning PD
• Thursday, August 13, 2020 
• Wake up to Webster video
• Canvas & Online Learning PD
• Friday, August 14, 2020
• ABAR Training from ADL, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM 
• Faculty Meeting, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
• Monday, August 17, 2020
• Canvas Training, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Half teacher work day
• Tuesday, August 18, 2020
• Canvas Training, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Half teacher work day
• Actively Learn PD (ELA, Science, Social Studies only), 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, August 19, 2020 
• Virtual Open House goes live at 8:00 AM
• Student materials pick up
• Full teacher work day
• Thursday, August 20, 2020
• non-work day for teachers 
• Student Materials pick up make up day (for those who couldn't attend on 8/20)
• Friday, August 21, 2020
• non-work day for teachers
• Monday, August 24, 2020 
• FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Note: Please schedule your Department/CLT and Team meetings sometime during the back to school days that works for you and your team. Please let your administrator liaisons know when your meetings will take place so we can join them if we are available.

Welcome New Hixson Staff!

Please join me in welcoming our new staff members! I will have pictures of them on the slides in the Back to School Staff meeting.

• Jessica Gelb - Math (replacing Randy Taylor)
• Emily Collins - French (replacing Trish Powers)
• Erica Spraggins - Counselor (replacing Aaron Pelloquin)
• Rachel Lowe - ELA (replacing Liz Forderhase)
• Shannon Marks - Gifted Fine Arts (replacing Dacia Stewart)
• Hanna Branch - PE/Health (replacing Dawn Meyer)
• Kasondra McDaniel - Building Substitute

In addition, Emily Bardot has pursued another opportunity and will not be returning to Hixson. We are working on hiring her replacement. 

We are so happy to have you all on board, and we can't wait to get to know you!

Health and Safety Guidelines while in the Building

If you would like to work in your classroom, please email Sarah Magruder and let her know. While in the building, you must wear a mask when you are not in your classroom and/or when your are in a room with others. In addition, you must adhere to social distancing guidelines and wipe off copy machines, desks, and other surfaces that you touch so we can keep the building as clean as possible. You will also be required to complete the self-assessment before you enter the building. 

Virtual Open House

Please remember that your Virtual Open House videos are due on Monday, August 17 by 5:00 pm. You can find the instructions and requirements for the video HERE. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Staff Recognition Representative Needed

We are in need of a Staff Recognition Representative for Hixson Middle School. The duties are listed below. Please email Dr. Mayes if you are interested!

The staff recognition dinner is an annual event that takes place at Webster Groves High School in late spring. Retirees and employees who have reached certain years of service milestones are recognized at this dinner. The responsibilities for the Staff Recognition representative include:

1. Confirm the list of retirees and years of service. HR will send the list to the building reps in the spring, and then the building rep will check in with each staff member on the list to confirm that they are retiring and also confirm years of service to make sure HR has the correct information.

2. Attend one meeting during the school year to help plan for the event.

3. Help set up the event two hours before it starts on the day of the actual event.

Please email Dr. Mayes if you would like to be Hixson's representative. 

Chromebook Distribution Update

We've recently learned that Chromebook distribution will be a centralized process facilitated by the district. This means that the district will communicate with Webster families to determine who needs a Chromebook. The district will come pick up Chromebooks from our school and distribute them to Hixson students in need. Because of this plan, Hixson will not transition to a one-to-one technology model at this time. Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

This is it...for now! :-)

Please reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!

With respect and admiration for all that you do,

Shenita Mayes