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