OSP Connected

As we move through March, we might see just a little more rain along with full weeks of school until spring break. These full weeks are a great time to re-establish the flow of school after a month of less than continuous weeks and to focus on those positive aspects of what is going well for students. There are so many great things happening in our schools to be proud and excited about! Student motivation and teacher motivation are pretty closely tied together and the rain and dreariness of Oregon can sometimes be a bit of a drag. Leverage the excitement of spring, more daylight and an upcoming break to increase student engagement. Create a theme to get you to spring break: look up student high interest sociopolitical events that are in the news that can tie into standards; women’s history month is this month and linked down below are some amazing activities for every grade level to commemorate the month; at the elementary level take some time to utilize some of the fun CCP kit activities tied to Wonders/Maravillas.

Lastly, this month our students that are language learners are beginning to take ELPA to show off the growth and skills they have made in their language development in English. Your positive focus on students and encouragement during this time goes a long way. This assessment is a milestone for our students and we know that for students who are able to exit, it makes a huge difference in their access in schools. The amazing skills that they have learned in your classroom around language development sometimes need a little boost; a growth mindset going into the assessment makes an impact!

Second semester is in full swing and it is the perfect time to use assessments to make instructional decisions. This is true whether you are in elementary and just finished the winter assessment window or in secondary where you have collected formative assessment data over the last month. Use your PLCs to review data and make instructional decisions using the four PLC guiding questions:

• What do we want all students to know and be able to do? (standards)

• How will we know if they learn it? (common assessment data)

• How will we respond when some students do not learn it? (reteach)

• How will we extend the learning for students who are already proficient? (extend)

Best practice is to follow HSD’s three step Student Support Process, specifically looking at the work done in PLCs and making instructional decisions for our students based on the three tiers of instruction below:

• Tier 1: The Whole Class. All students are taught with methods that research has shown to be effective. Teachers have collected formative assessment data on all students to see who is and isn’t responding to these strategies. Students may be broken into small groups that address different strengths and areas of need.

• Tier 2: Small Group Interventions. Some students receive more targeted support in small groups. The scheduling of these interventions is important. The goal is to keep students from missing any core instruction or other Tier 1 activities that might make it harder to catch up.

• Tier 3: Intensive, Individualized Support. A few students who move up to this most intensive level of support continue with Tier 1 activities. Their break-out groups are smaller than in Tier 2, and these sessions last longer and are more narrowly focused.

Use your PLCs to have productive conversations with your colleagues around student data.

It’s forecasting time for the 2023-2024 school year!

Such an exciting season to get planning for the 2023-2024 school year! Please go to the counseling tab of the school’s homepage to find all information regarding forecasting. For additional resources related to Career and College Pathway forecasting, please see the following resources:

HSD CCP School-Specific One-Pagers click here

HSD CCP District-Wide Access Shuttle Programs: slidedeck and student flyer.

For Full Details of CCP and Student Networks click HERE

As we begin to cycle back to facilitate learning around our Five SEL Competencies for semester two, it is important to remind ourselves about each of them as it is implemented through our teaching practices. Implementing skills like clear communication and listening makes talking with others clear and productive. Seeking understanding and empathy brings on a spirit of compassion and not resentment. Focusing and practicing good Relationship Skills helps build support and a sence of comradery with students, families/caregivers and co-workers.When put into practice teachers have the tools to collaborate, problem solve, accept differing viewpoints and communicate effectively.

To achieve this, teachers can tap into other SEL skills they use to build relationships:

Self-Awareness: Become mindful of your own needs, wants, and triggers so you know how to interact with others positively. Be aware of how other people make you feel so you can prepare your response. Understand your own feelings so you know how to communicate that.

Self-Management: Develop an open mind and willingness to work with others. Use the tools you need to remain calm, patient, and resilient. Take time to destress. Seek support from relationships you trust.

Social Awareness: Be aware of how your actions affect others. Seek understanding from those around you. Be accepting of other points of view. Work together despite differences.

Responsible Decision Making: Make choices that work for both parties involved in the relationship. Collaborate with others when making decisions. Find ways to compromise. Use your instincts.

As you can see, SEL competencies build upon one another and can give you the know-how when it comes to building relationships. If you tap into these you can effectively build relationships with your students too!

Videos for all SEL competencies spoken through HSD students and staff can be found here.

March is Women's History Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the many contributions that women have made throughout history and in shaping our present and future. Despite their significant roles, women's contributions have often been overlooked and undervalued, making this month an opportunity to reflect on their achievements in all areas of society.

Women's History Month began as a week-long observance in the United States in 1981 and was later declared a month-long celebration by Congress in 1987. During this month, we celebrate the accomplishments of women from all walks of life, including political leaders, suffragettes, artists, writers, and scientists, while recognizing the ongoing fight for gender equality.

Recognizing and uplifting the stories and legacies of all women is essential to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. By celebrating the achievements and contributions of all women, including those who have been historically underrepresented, we work towards a society where everyone's voices and stories are heard and valued. Women's History Month highlights the role of women in shaping our society; it is up to us to continue to uplift and honor their contributions every day.

To celebrate Women's History Month, resources and activities can be found at local libraries, community centers, or online, with support and resources available from HSD Humanities TOSA or Equity, Access, and Engagement TOSA as well as HSD’s Commemorations Google Site and Commemorations Calendar. It is important to remember that women's history is not limited to a month-long celebration, but rather an integral part of our shared history that should be celebrated and taught all year long.

For questions or lesson support, please reach out to your Humanities TOSA:, Carissa Fleming or Yessica Hardin-Mercado, Equity, Access and Engagement TOSA.

Dual Language PD

We are providing various sessions on The Bridge for Dual Language staff. Please see the link for topics and dates. If you are interested in joining the Translanguaging Cohort 2 to start on March 22, please sign up here.

BEP 2023

HSD’s PK-11 Summer Bilingual Enrichment Program (BEP) will take place from July 10 to August 4. We are looking for licensed and classified staff to fill a variety of positions. Experience with working with language learners in ELD, SPED, Dual and mainstream classroom settings is required. For more information and details on the jobs, please see the links and if you are interested fill out the appropriate form by March 17:

• BEP Elementary Classified Positions
• BEP Elementary Licensed Positions
• BEP Secondary Classified Positions
• BEP Secondary Licensed Positions

For more information, please contact Arcema Tovar.

Please check out the Dual Language Spot Light and help us congratulate those nominated at this time of the year. Let’s continue celebrating the contributions of our DLP community! Please consider nominating a student, teacher, administrator, parent/caregiver, classified staff and anyone who is doing an exceptional job!

This month's Coffee Chat Conversation is on Neighborhood Schools.

Support educators with digital curriculum and technology integration in the classroom. Our hope is to provide HSD staff with tech integration ideas, info and updates via quick digital media that is easily accessible at your convenience. Everything we share works with current HSD tech.

PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES!- Level up your tech integration skills by playing Tech Integration BINGO! This month’s BINGO is all about EdPuzzle! Staff can submit completed BINGO game boards (using Kami) for a chance to enter the raffle and win fabulous prizes (wireless keyboards & mice, ring lights, Rocketbooks, presentation clickers, vlog rig, Kami gear, stickers and more).

Congratulations to our January Synergy BINGO Raffle Winners:

Prize 1- Sonia Gomez, SMMS - Synergy Prize Pack

Prize 2- Kristi Moe, Century HS - Synergy Prize Pack

Prize 3- Kayla Cosman, West Union - Synergy Prize Pack

Congratulations to our February Newsela BINGO Raffle Winners:

Prize 1- Sarah Lewis, Indian Hills ES- Newsela Prize Pack

Prize 2- Kayla Cosman, West Union ES- Newsela Prize Pack

Prize 3- David Savage, Century HS- Newsela Prize Pack

Click the link to play: Tech Integration BINGO!

(submit your BINGO card through the link on the side of Bingo board in Kami for a chance to win).

Bite-sized tech integration ideas, info and updates via quick digital media that is easily accessible at your convenience. Everything we share works with current HSD tech.

Check out Teaching & Learning 2.0! Your place to find standards, pacing guides, planned course statements, lessons, assessments and much more. Want to familiarize yourself with the new teacher evaluation tool? You’ll find that here along with articles, videos and other tools designed to support your implementation of the Five Dimensions of Teaching & Learning. Navigate to your area of instruction and bookmark the page. This site is ever evolving so please check back periodically for new ideas updates & information.

Link to site: Teaching & Learning 2.0

Are you looking for ways to gain more knowledge and understanding connected to your work? We have some great professional development opportunities for you! Check out our one stop shopping Teachflix professional development site! We have resources and offerings for all staff.

PK-12 Searchable PD Playlist

• All PD offerings are presented on the Teachflix Searchable PD Playlist

• Teachflix navigation video: Learn What's Next: Using the Searchable PD Playlist

• Extended contract offered for after school synchronous PD sessions on the playlist

• A chance to win prizes for attending after school synchronous PD sessions

Access Prior PD Sessions (uploaded with presentations and recordings)

• Elementary

• Secondary