Impactful:
A quick explanation regarding an important part of our teacher development system here at Spectrum is my focus today. Through Spectrum’s teacher evaluation process both Mr. Heinecke, our Middle School Principal, and myself are able to conduct “mini-observations”. A mini-observation consists of a 10-15 minute unannounced visit to a classroom. In our experience, we have found there is plenty to observe and talk about with teachers regarding their practice and potential areas for growth in this short time frame. When factoring in the frequency of our visits (4-8 visits/year/teacher), post-observation meetings, opportunities for reflection, and mid and end of year reviews, our teacher evaluation system is not only evaluative in nature, but a growth model that allows our teachers to be, and/or become, self-directed learners.
Practical:
Ready, Set, FAFSA Announcement:
Option #1: Free financial aid events are available to Minnesota students and families via Zoom. The series, running on Tuesday evenings in October, is intended for current high school students and will cover general information about the financial aid process, details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students, and other ways to pay for college. All sessions will have interpretation in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Attendees can ask questions in the chat and have them answered during the event by financial aid experts. Students who attend any of the sessions will be entered into a drawing to win a $500 scholarship (one entry per session attended). Space is limited so register soon! These sessions are offered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC The College Place and Minnesota Goes to College. For session dates, topics and to register: https://bit.ly/RSFAFSA. Contact tpribnow@ecmc.org with any questions.
Option #2: Need help understanding the financial aid options for college? Attend free virtual sessions for high school students and families offered by a collaborative of financial aid experts starting October 3. All sessions will have interpretation in Spanish, Somali and Hmong. Students who attend any of the sessions will be entered into a $500 scholarship drawing. For session dates, topics and to register, visit https://bit.ly/RSFAFSA. Contact tpribnow@ecmc.org with any questions.
Weeks-at-a-glance:
- Monday, October 2nd: C@SH Day - Delayed Start
- Tuesday, October 3rd: Mandatory Senior Sting Time Advisory Day
- Wednesday, October 4th: Athletic Eligibility SUSPENSIONS
- Monday, October 9th: C@SH Day - Delayed Start
- Wednesday, October 11th: PSAT/NMSQT test administration (grades 10-11)