Friday Memo - 5/21/21

Important dates
May 22 - teacher packing day #3, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (Vogt)
May 25 - Pops Concert, 6:00 pm
May 26 - Virtual 8th grade Promotion Ceremony, 7pm
May 27 - 8th grade celebration activities & 7th grade science Regatta races
May 28 - Last day of school (dismissal at 12:32 pm); EOY retiree farewell luncheon; Virtual student materials collection, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
August 2 - Teachers can access the building to start setting up their classrooms
August 9 - 6th grade orientation; orientation for 8th graders who were virtual in 7th grade
August 10 - rising 7th grade orientation
August 11-13, 16-18: Back to school work days for teachers
August 23 - First day of school!

Hixson Educator Award
Passing along the Hixson Educators Award was a daunting task. There are so many wonderful educators in this building. When it came down to it, there was really only one person that kept coming back to mind and that is Alka Woodard. We started our first year at Hixson together so we had that automatic common bond, my coffee companion. Alka always comes to work with a smile and a positive outlook about her day. She dreams big and passes that along to all of her students. She’s creative and thinks outside the box. 

On top of being a dedicated teacher, she’s also a dedicated wife, mother and student herself. Many times she has told me that after work she will be in class until 9:00 in the evening. I don’t know how she does it all.

This summer she has taken on the responsibilities of being Summer School Principal for our incoming 6th, 7th and 8th graders. I know she will do a fantastic job!

Alka, when you become the first female president, I’d love to be your Admin Assistant! Congratulations! You’re doing an amazing job.

Nominated by Sarah Magruder

Important documents

End of Year Check Out Packet

Last day of school schedule

2021-2022 Building Map

DRAFT 2021-2022 Master Schedule

May 28 - Retiree Farewell and End of year luncheon
This year's retirees prefer a low key farewell. Therefore, we will have a brief reception to honor them on the last day of school after dismissal in the cafeteria. During this brief reception, they will be presented with a gift and then we will mingle for a bit before saying our goodbyes. A grab and go catered lunch will be provided by Hixson administration. We will start at 12:40 pm and end by 1:10 pm. 

Please use the rest of the day to finish packing and checking out. 

Virtual student materials drop off
We will collect Chromebooks and other materials from virtual students on Friday, May 28 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Parents will be instructed to bring the materials to the cafeteria entrance at Hixson during that window of time. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Fillable water stations
Two more fillable water stations will be installed on Wednesday, May 26 at 7:00 am by Linek Plumbing. They will be installed in the 7th grade hallway and the Math/SSD hallway. We weren't expecting them until July or August, so this is great news! Just so you're aware, the new construction areas will have fillable water stations installed in them as well. 

DOMAIN 1: HIXSON & COVID

Protocol for teaching remotely 
Click HERE to access the protocol for teaching remotely.

Protocol for substitute teachers who will cover virtual classes
Click HERE to access the protocol for substitute teachers who will cover virtual classes.

DOMAIN 2: HIXSON & STEGER

Team names
We have finally decided on team names! The theme for our team names focuses on character traits exemplified by the Statesmen and Stateswomen of the world. Earlier in the semester, the Rebranding & Campus Beautification work group from the Transition Task Force facilitated a survey that gathered your feedback on character traits that we could use for team names. Based on your feedback and further conversation, we decided on the names below.

6 Unity, 7 Unity, 8 Unity

6 Bravery, 7 Bravery, 8 Bravery

6 Integrity, 7 Integrity, 8 Integrity

The purpose of choosing three team names instead of nine different names is to help make the names easier to remember for all of our stakeholders. There are several other middle schools in the St. Louis area that follow this model as well. Please see some examples below.

• Parkway Northeast Middle School
• 6 Believe, 7 Believe, 8 Believe
• 6 Achieve, 7 Achieve, 8 Achieve
• 6 Inspire, 7 Inspire, 8 Inspire
• Rockwood Valley Middle School
• 6 Black, 7 Black, 8 Black
• 6 Red, 7 Red, 8 Red
• Hazelwood Central Middle School
• 6A, 7A, 8A
• 6B, 7B, 8B
• Sperring Middle School
• 6 Green, 7 Green, 8 Green
• 6 Gold, 7 Gold, 8 Gold
• Wydown Middle School
• 6 Central
• 6 East, 7 East, 8 East
• 6 West, 7 West, 8 West

In addition to these being important character traits of prominent Statesmen and Stateswomen, these words are also relevant to the transition that we are making together as a school community. We must be brave as we face a significant amount of change. We must build and maintain trusting relationships by showing integrity as we interact with one another and in our work with students. We must stand together as a united front, even in our disagreements, and especially in the face of adversity. It is my hope that these team names will serve as a constant reminder of what is required of us to build the type of school community where everyone who is a part of it wants to be. 

DOMAIN 4: HIXSON & CONSTRUCTION

The Big Move!

·       What is the “Big Move”? The Big Move will take place on July 15, 2021. This the day that a moving company will move teachers' belongings to their new classrooms. Due to summer construction and cleaning, teachers cannot be in the building prior to August 2.

·       Moving company – The moving company will provide plastic bins for teachers who are moving from Steger to Hixson and current Hixson teachers who are moving to new construction classrooms to use for packing sometime during the week of May 1, 2021. You will pack your belongings inside of those crates/boxes and put them outside of your current classroom by the end of the day on May 28, 2021 for current Steger teachers and  June 4, 2021 for current Hixson teachers. You will clearly label the crates/boxes with your name and new room number. On July 15, the movers will move those crates/boxes to your new classroom for you. The crates must be returned to the moving company sometime during the last week of August. Therefore, you will need to have the crates emptied and ready to return by August 27.

·       Labeling your belongings – You will receive a set of labels from the main office so that all labels are clear and easy to read.

·       Moving your own belongings – You are welcome to move your own belongings if you’d like. You will still need to abide by the aforementioned timeline and process.

Our furniture at the Service Center - Our furniture at the Service Center will remain there until we know more about social distancing for next year. If social distancing guidelines are relaxed, then we will bring our furniture back from the Service Center. If we can bring our furniture back from the Service Center, then that will add another layer onto our moving process.

No access to the building June 4 - August 2
The S. Elm parking lot is going to be completely demolished and reconstructed this summer. If you are a current Hixson teacher and plan to do any packing between June 1 and June 4 (the building will be closed on May 31 due to Memorial Day), you will need to park on the Moss Field parking lot and enter the building through the Shop entrance. The construction workers will take up the majority if not all of the parking near and around the cafeteria entrance because the S. Elm lot will be gone.

Friday Memo - 5/14/21

Important dates
May 15 - teacher packing day #2, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (Mayes)
May 20 - Choir Concert, 6:00 pm
May 22 - teacher packing day #3, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (Vogt)
May 25 - Pops Concert, 6:00 pm
May 26 - Virtual 8th grade Promotion Ceremony, 7pm
May 27 - 8th grade celebration activities & 7th grade science Regatta races
May 28 - Last day of school (half day); Science budget due; EOY retiree farewell luncheon
August 2 - Teachers can access the building to start setting up their classrooms
August 9 - 6th grade orientation; orientation for 8th graders who were virtual in 7th grade
August 10 - rising 7th grade orientation
August 11-13, 16-18: Back to school work days for teachers
August 23 - First day of school!

Important documents

End of Year Check Out Packet

Last day of school schedule

2021-2022 Building Map

DRAFT 2021-2022 Master Schedule

May 28 - Retiree Farewell and End of year luncheon
This year's retirees prefer a low key farewell. Therefore, we will have a brief reception to honor them on the last day of school after dismissal in the cafeteria. During this brief reception, they will be presented with a gift and then we will mingle for a bit before saying our goodbyes. A grab and go catered lunch will be provided by Hixson administration. We will start at 12:40 pm and end by 1:10 pm. 

Please use the rest of the day to finish packing and checking out. 

Jarrod Jones wrote a book!
Please join me in celebrating Jarrod Jones! He recently published a novel called My Invisible Father. Hixson has a published author on staff! How amazing! We are very proud of Mr. Jones for this accomplishment! If you would like more information about the book, please click the link below!

https://jaerarmsteadjones.com/ 

DOMAIN 1: HIXSON & COVID

Changes to mask mandate
As you may know, late this morning St. Louis county announced changes to Covid-related protocols. In case you are wondering about these changes and their impact on WGSD, we are still following our current district guidelines regarding masks, social distancing, etc.  More information to come, but at this time, nothing has changed for us. 

Changes to quarantine procedures

St. Louis County Department of Public Health released new quarantine guidelines for COVID-19 exposures that occur in the school setting. If all pre-conditions (listed below) are met, then close contacts of positive cases are able to remain in school during their quarantine, however, they must quarantine at home during non-school hours. The goal is to allow students to continue their classroom learning without disruption when it’s safe to do so. Studies have shown that, when proper mitigating practices are in place (mask mandate, physical distancing, hand hygiene), classroom settings have relatively low transmission rates compared with other settings. 

 

Criteria for modified quarantine:

• The exposure happened at school (not at home or during sports or extracurricular activities).
• Close contacts are under 18 years old or current K-12 students who are over 18 years old.
• Symptoms of the positive case are NOT upper respiratory in nature while at school (no coughing or nasal congestion).
• Masks were worn properly by the positive case and close contacts at all times.
• Additional mitigating strategies (screening and isolation of anyone with possible COVID-19 symptoms, hand hygiene, etc.) were in place, including physical distancing of at least 3 feet.
• There is no suspicion of classroom transmission.

Protocol for teaching remotely 
Click HERE to access the protocol for teaching remotely.

Protocol for substitute teachers who will cover virtual classes
Click HERE to access the protocol for substitute teachers who will cover virtual classes.

DOMAIN 4: HIXSON & CONSTRUCTION

The Big Move!

·       What is the “Big Move”? The Big Move will take place on July 15, 2021. This the day that a moving company will move teachers' belongings to their new classrooms. Due to summer construction and cleaning, teachers cannot be in the building prior to August 2.

·       Moving company – The moving company will provide plastic bins for teachers who are moving from Steger to Hixson and current Hixson teachers who are moving to new construction classrooms to use for packing sometime during the week of May 1, 2021. You will pack your belongings inside of those crates/boxes and put them outside of your current classroom by the end of the day on May 28, 2021 for current Steger teachers and  June 4, 2021 for current Hixson teachers. You will clearly label the crates/boxes with your name and new room number. On July 15, the movers will move those crates/boxes to your new classroom for you. The crates must be returned to the moving company sometime during the last week of August. Therefore, you will need to have the crates emptied and ready to return by August 27.

·       Labeling your belongings – You will receive a set of labels from the main office so that all labels are clear and easy to read.

·       Moving your own belongings – You are welcome to move your own belongings if you’d like. You will still need to abide by the aforementioned timeline and process.

Our furniture at the Service Center - Our furniture at the Service Center will remain there until we know more about social distancing for next year. If social distancing guidelines are relaxed, then we will bring our furniture back from the Service Center. If we can bring our furniture back from the Service Center, then that will add another layer onto our moving process.

No access to the building June 4 - August 2
The S. Elm parking lot is going to be completely demolished and reconstructed this summer. If you are a current Hixson teacher and plan to do any packing between June 1 and June 4 (the building will be closed on May 31 due to Memorial Day), you will need to park on the Moss Field parking lot and enter the building through the Shop entrance. The construction workers will take up the majority if not all of the parking near and around the cafeteria entrance because the S. Elm lot will be gone.

Saturday hours
Mike, Aimee, and I will offer Saturday hours for teachers to pack on May 1, May 15, and May 22 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for teachers who would like additional time to pack up their classrooms. 

Friday Memo - 5/7/21

Important Dates
May 14 - End of Year Celebration at Leslie Bennett's house, after school until 7pm
May 15 - teacher packing day, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
May 20 - Choir Concert
May 22 - teacher packing day, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
May 25 - Pops Concert, 6:00 pm
May 26 - Virtual 8th grade Promotion Ceremony
May 27 - 8th grade celebration activities. More details to come!
May 28 - Last day of school (half day)
August 2 - Teachers can access the building to start setting up their classrooms
August 9 - rising 6th grade orientation; orientation for rising 8th graders who were virtual in 7th grade
August 10 - rising 7th grade orientation
August 11-13, 16-18: Back to school work days for teachers
August 23 - First day of school!

Appreciation messages
We truly hope you enjoyed your appreciation gifts this week. It was a nice way to spread positivity in our school after a very challenging week. Please know that you are loved and appreciated, and we are so very thankful for all you do! Here are some appreciation messages from Hixson parents collected by PTO. I'm sure you will enjoy reading them!

Appreciation messages from parents

Happy Mother's Day to all Hixson staff members who are moms. The journey of parenthood is not always smooth and straight, but it is definitely worth it. Have a great weekend!

Important documents
End of Year Check Out Packet

Last day of school schedule

DOMAIN 1: HIXSON & COVID

Changes in quarantine procedures

St. Louis County Department of Public Health released new quarantine guidelines for COVID-19 exposures that occur in the school setting. If all pre-conditions (listed below) are met, then close contacts of positive cases are able to remain in school during their quarantine, however, they must quarantine at home during non-school hours. The goal is to allow students to continue their classroom learning without disruption when it’s safe to do so. And studies have shown that, when proper mitigating practices are in place (mask mandate, physical distancing, hand hygiene), classroom settings have relatively low transmission rates compared with other settings. 

 

Criteria for modified quarantine:

• The exposure happened at school (not at home or during sports or extracurricular activities).
• Close contacts are under 18 years old or current K-12 students who are over 18 years old.
• Symptoms of the positive case are NOT upper respiratory in nature while at school (no coughing or nasal congestion).
• Masks were worn properly by the positive case and close contacts at all times.
• Additional mitigating strategies (screening and isolation of anyone with possible COVID-19 symptoms, hand hygiene, etc.) were in place, including physical distancing of at least 3 feet.
• There is no suspicion of classroom transmission.

Protocol for teaching remotely 
Click HERE to access the protocol for teaching remotely.

Protocol for substitute teachers who will cover virtual classes
Click HERE to access the protocol for substitute teachers who will cover virtual classes.

DOMAIN 4: HIXSON & CONSTRUCTION

The Big Move!

·       What is the “Big Move”? The Big Move will take place on July 15, 2021. This the day that a moving company will move teachers' belongings to their new classrooms. Due to summer construction and cleaning, teachers cannot be in the building prior to August 2.

·       Moving company – The moving company will provide plastic bins for teachers who are moving from Steger to Hixson and current Hixson teachers who are moving to new construction classrooms to use for packing sometime during the week of May 1, 2021. You will pack your belongings inside of those crates/boxes and put them outside of your current classroom by the end of the day on May 28, 2021 for current Steger teachers and  June 4, 2021 for current Hixson teachers. You will clearly label the crates/boxes with your name and new room number. On July 15, the movers will move those crates/boxes to your new classroom for you. The crates must be returned to the moving company sometime during the last week of August. Therefore, you will need to have the crates emptied and ready to return by August 27.

·       Labeling your belongings – You will receive a set of labels from the main office so that all labels are clear and easy to read.

·       Moving your own belongings – You are welcome to move your own belongings if you’d like. You will still need to abide by the aforementioned timeline and process.

Our furniture at the Service Center - Our furniture at the Service Center will remain there until we know more about social distancing for next year. If social distancing guidelines are relaxed, then we will bring our furniture back from the Service Center. If we can bring our furniture back from the Service Center, then that will add another layer onto our moving process.

No access to the building June 4 - August 2
The S. Elm parking lot is going to be completely demolished and redone this summer. If you are a current Hixson teacher and plan to do any packing between June 1 and June 4 (the building will be closed on May 31 due to Memorial Day), you will need to park on the Moss Field parking lot and enter the building through the Shop entrance. The construction workers will take up the majority if not all of the parking near and around the cafeteria entrance because the S. Elm lot will be gone.

Saturday hours
Mike, Aimee, and I will offer Saturday hours for teachers to pack on May 1, May 15, and May 22 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for teachers who would like additional time to pack up their classrooms.