WEEKLY BULLETIN for Week Beginning 12.18.17

CALL TO ACTION

● 5 DAYS LEFT UNTIL BREAK / WHEN WE RETURN 3 FULL WEEKS

We are in the homestretch of the Fall term.  Consider allowing students to make-up assignments during the winter break – this time would be an excellent opportunity for students to get back on track.

● HOLIDAY SEASON CHALLENGING FOR STUDENTS

As we all know, the holiday season is upon us, and often times our students may be dealing with some sensitive issues during this time. If you should notice any behavior changes with any of your students, please let the counselors know either through a guidance referral (less serious matters) or speak directly to them (more serious matters).

● HSFI HOLIDAY PARTY THIS THURSDAY – DECEMBER 21

We hope as many HSFI staff members as possible can make the Holiday Party this Thursday, December 21.  Here are the details:

Location: Jake’s Saloon – 206 West 23^rd Street between 7^th & 8^th Avenues

Time: 4:00pm

Cost: $25 per person (includes tip / Cash Bar)

Connect with Ms. Ianniello in Room 819 if you need information about the party – ext. 8191 / AIanniello@schools.nyc.gov

● MENTORING FOCUS FOR HSFI

As you know, we do the best we can at identifying students who need additional supports.

Here is a page that you can nominate a student to receive Mentoring who you believe is at-risk and needs additional support – we are calling this our Mentoring Connection Survey:

https://sites.google.com/hsfi.us/mentoring-at-hsfi/mentoring-connection-survey

MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY
DECEMBER 18 *Regular Bell Schedule PBIS Fashion Dollars Committee Meeting Period 7 – Room 821 PM Supervisor: D Silva (Rm. 125)	19 *Regular Bell Schedule Academic & CTE Committee Meeting Period 4 – Room 821 PM Supervisor: S Rau (Rm. 829)	20 *Regular Bell Schedule Fashion Design NOCTI Exam Administration PM Supervisor: A Rodrigues (Rm. 515)	21 *Regular Bell Schedule HSFI STAFF HOLIDAY PARTY 4:00pm PM Supervisor: S Kohm (Rm. 531)	22 *Regular Bell Schedule STUDENT TOWN HALLS *LAST DAY OF CLASSES WINTER RECESS – SCHOOL CLOSED 12/25 – 1/1 *SCHOOL REOPENS TUESDAY 1/2/17 PM Supervisor: J Tallone (Rm. 201)

THE ANSWER IS IN THE ROOM

Here are some highlights of the best practices shared by HSFI Staff Members.  This round focuses on social emotional learning and differentiation in the classroom:

In the Science Department, Mr. Lee and Mr. Hurley incorporated a Do Now that involved a reflection regarding the students' performance on a recent test.  Included also were questions on how students could better prepare for the next exam.

Test Reflection

In the Social Studies Department, Ms. Ruff compiled documents with questions that reflect the new Global Studies Regents skills set that will be implemented this year. It includes students identifying historical context and making connections between the theme and purpose of the documents.

Documents/Questions

In the CTE Department, Ms. Paulino and Ms. David, created a multi-step project that incorporates TWR skills, and presentations with fashion design.  Below is a sample of student work.

Student Sample

If you would like to see all of the activities compiled from last year, as well as the weekly additions, you can check out the shared Google Folder via the link below.

HSFI Best Practices Folder

*If any staff member would like to share a lesson, activity, or best practice, send it to Ms. Paz at spaz@hsfi.us or Mr. Kearns at kkearns@hsfi.us 

GUIDANCE ON HOLIDAY DISPLAYS

Please be aware of and sensitive to the significance of seasonal observances and religious holidays as you work to foster mutual understanding and respect for your community’s diverse religious, racial, ethnic, and cultural heritages. Public schools may not endorse or promote a particular religion or belief system. Please share these guidelines regarding the display of cultural and holiday symbols with your staff:

(1) The primary purpose of any displays should be to promote understanding and respect for the rights of all individuals regarding their beliefs, values, and customs.

(2) The display of holiday symbol decorations with secular dimensions is permitted. Permitted symbols include, but are not limited to, Christmas trees, kinaras, dreidels, menorahs, and the Star and Crescent. Displays that depict images of deities, other religious figures, or religious texts are prohibited.

(3) Holiday displays must not appear to promote or celebrate any single religion or holiday. Therefore, any permitted symbol or decoration must be displayed simultaneously with other symbols or decorations reflecting different beliefs or customs.

(4) All holiday displays should be temporary in nature.

For issues concerning religious observance by students, please refer to Chancellor’s Regulation A-630

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONAL REMINDERS

● OUR INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS FOR 2017-18 & BEYOND

□ Every student feels cared for

□ Every student feels challenged

● CHANGES TO THE OBSERVATION CYCLES

For our second observation cycle, here are the important dates:

□ Week of December 18 – Evaluative Observations

□ Week of January 2 – Evaluative Observations

□ Week of January 9 – End of Evaluation Cycle #2

● FASHION DESIGN TESTING ADMINISTRATION ON WEDNESDAY

Since students with special testing accommodations may receive extended time, it is likely that their exam will run into a portion of their 4th period class. Students will be provided with a late pass to 4th period if taking the exam. Thank you for your understanding and support as we administer this exam. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tara Ricci at ext. 1929.

12th grade fashion design students began testing for their NOCTI examination on 10/20. The FD NOCTI exam (both practical and written) is divided into multiple sessions. This exam will be administered during 2nd and 3rd periods on the following dates:

□ Practical Exam Section 3 (Pant): December 20, 2017

□ Written Exam Section 1: January 9, 2018

□ Written Exam Section 2: January 10, 2018

□ Written Exam Section 3: January 11, 2018

● NO NEW HOMEWORK WEDNESDAYS

One topic that always comes up at the Student Town Halls is ‘No New HW Wednesday’ – Please remember that as part of our school-wide HW Policy, no new HW assignments are to be given to students on Wednesdays.

● SPECIAL EDUCATION INFORMATION

We in room 329 wanted to provide everyone with a reminder regarding students with IEPs and SESIS as well as the sections of the IEP which you may find most helpful when planning your instruction. While reviewing the IEP you may notice your Teacher Form responses or information you shared during the meeting- this is a great example of how your insight helps us to create an authentic, student specific IEP. In addition to asking a special educator, you can easily determine which students in your class have IEP's by reviewing your class roster. If the first or last character of the students’ official is a letter, the student has an IEP. Generally, but not in all cases, a letter at the end means the student receives SETSS services, while an I, C, or T at the beginning will signify an ICT placement.

There are exceptions where students have been moved from one placement to another based on their needs and this is why it is incredibly important to reference the IEP. Students within our D75 Inclusion Program will have an L as the first letter of their official class and at this time will not appear when you log-in to SESIS. This year we will continue to distribute an electronic standards-based Teachers Form. The information you are required to complete on this form is subject specific and your insight will better help us in determine the needs of our students with IEPs. The Teacher Form in conjunction with your participation at the IEP meeting (if you are invited) are two critical elements we need in order to best serve our students. We try to plan our IEP and Triennial meetings with teacher schedules in mind, however there are times when families are only available at specific times and a coverage will be requested for your class.

Our monthly SIT meeting addresses concerns surrounding Special Education (placement, initials, etc.) and is announced in advance in the Weekly Notes. All are welcome and encouraged to attend and if you are interested in becoming a regular member just let me know. Decembers SIT meeting will take place this Tuesday during 8th period in room 329.

                                  

● PARENT INFORMATION LISTING

Familiarize yourself with our student list with all their Parent Contact information 

https://docs.google.com/a/hsfi.us/spreadsheets/d/1yEo3ZbWPZqU_4C7Tr6HaPRevPjr28h5N5q1_PAhW0Q4/edit?usp=sharing

If you get an updated phone number and/or email of a student that is different from the information in this document, email AP Danielle Silva at DSilva3@schools.nyc.gov – include Student Name & 9 Digit ID - with the correct, updated contact information.  This list will also be added to the Staff Homepage

OPERATIONAL NEED TO KNOW

● CHECK YOUR DOE & HSFI EMAILS EVERYDAY

● HSFI STAFF HOMEPAGE LINK - https://sites.google.com/a/hsfi.us/hsfi-staff-portal/

● ATTENDANCE SHEETS ARE LEGAL DOCUMENTS

There continue to be issues with staff filling out attendance sheets – absent students are being marked present which could put the school in legal jeopardy.  Make sure your attendance sheets are accurate.

□ Blue Sheets- If your blue sheet is not in your box in the morning please check again later.  We must have the sheets by noon.  The phone message needs to get out to parents.  

□ Look over the white attendance sheets to make sure students have not been added. 

□ Confirmation Sheets will be printed the week of December 18 and due back January 4th.  

□ Please hand in attendance sheets every day.  DO NOT HOLD ONTO THEM!!!!

● CANNOT LEAVE STUDENTS UNATTENDED

You cannot leave students unattended anywhere in the building – a classroom or office, the Auditorium or Cafeteria – if you have to leave a particular area, ask the students to leave with you.

● PROTOCOLS FOR RESPONDING TO CLASSROOM INCIDENTS

In the event of an incident in your classroom that creates disruption (student is defiant and / or uncooperative) but is NOT A THREAT to student and/or staff safety, the following protocol should be followed:

□ Classroom management, i.e., using your skills as an educator to move on from the situation, followed by

□ A phone call to your Supervisor informing them of the incident and the steps you have taken to address the matter, followed by

□ A referral to the Peace Center and/or the Guidance Department via Google Docs., followed by

□ Outreach to parents, informing them of their child’s misbehavior, and request for family support to correct the matter.  

In the event of an incident in your classroom that involves an immediate THREAT to student and/or staff safety, the following protocol should be followed:

□ A phone call to the Peace Center (x1491 or x1431) informing available staff of the incident and requesting assistance, followed by

□ A phone call to School Safety (x1341) informing them of the location and nature of the incident and requesting assistance, followed by

□ A call to your Supervisor informing them of the incident and the steps you have taken to address it.

● KEEPING TRACK OF STUDENT ACTIVITY / COMMUNICATING WITH STUDENTS ABOUT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Tracking Activity

In our effort to understand how ALL our students are doing, we need to know how much students are participating in activities around the building – this includes:

TUTORING / CLUBS & ACTIVITIES / PSAL SPORTS – PRACTICES & GAMES / ESL ACADEMY

MAKE-UP LABS / NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY PEER TUTORING / USING THE COMPUTER LABS

Use this link to keep track of student attendance in these activities - https://sites.google.com/a/hsfi.us/hsfi-staff-portal/attendance-for-student-activities

Doing this is mandatory if you oversee these activities and needs to be done every time you meet with students.  You must be signed in to your own hsfi.us account when you do this.  Contact Shannon Kohm with questions at skohm@school.nyc.gov, or ext. 5311

Communication

Please make sure that you communicate with our students about anything going on in the school – a club meeting, sports game or program opportunity – you can do this by including it in our Daily Announcements email / Jupiter message – here is the procedure for submitting this information:

(1) Go to the HSFI Staff Home page - https://sites.google.com/a/hsfi.us/hsfi-staff-portal/home?pli=1 

(2) From there use the Announcement form link on the left hand side of the page - all announcements should be requested by 3:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

WEEKLY PARENT COMMUNICATION

● FASHIONABLE TIMES BLOG

Just like we maintain a blog for staff, we maintain a weekly blog for HSFI Parents that includes a weekly message from me.  The link is:

http://hsfifashionabletimes.blogspot.com/

STUDENT INFORMATION RESOURCE

● NYC DOE STUDENT PROFILES

The NYC Department of Education has created a central location to access key student information – www.nycenet.edu/studentprofile

You have been emailed a one page summary of this resource.  Here are the key categories of the ‘Student Profile’:

● Grades – current and historical report card grades

● Assessments - previous Regents scores

● Attendance - current and historical daily attendance including lateness

● Schedule – students’ current schedule

● Details – student biographical and demographic information including Special Education and English Language Learner (ELL) status

● Enrollment – enrollment history including all NYC schools attended

● Guardians – all the adults on the students’ biographical record including contact information and preferred language

STAFF MEMBERS WHO SOARR

The SOARRing staff showcased below come from nominations from their supervisors and their colleagues.  You can nominate a colleague by using the email: PBISDataTeam@hsfi.us

Please include the reason why your colleague has SOARRed!

Thank you to all the staff members who have contributed to our best practices sharing - MR.  LEE, MR. HURLEY, MS. RUFF & MS. DAVID & MS. PAULINIO - the sharing spirit at HSFI is alive and well!

Thank you to MS. NEWPORT for her amazing efforts with her students during the process for the Holiday Windows Unveiling – the windows are spectacular as you travel along the Fashion Capitals of the World!!!

Thank you to MS. CARTER for her efforts in organizing the logistics of the Holiday Windows Unveiling – the event went off like clockwork.  

Thank you to MS. PADRON & MS. WEINREB for supporting movie week for the Gay Straight Alliance and providing the movie and snacks.

Thank you to MS. LOOSER for stepping up to advise our Debate team that over 50 students were interested in joining.

Thank you to MS. NURSE for stepping up to advise our Step team that is one of our dance teams that our students love.

Nominated by MS. COLLINS, Thank you to MS. WEISS for putting together all the transcripts for our modeling group for our annual Fashion Show this coming May.

Thank you to MR. MONTENEGRO & MS. RODRIGUEZ for their efforts in helping collect all the outstanding Title 1 lunch applications.

Thank you to MS. CHIN for working tirelessly to purchase our CTE supplies.

Thank you to MS. BAILEY for filling in as a last minute chaperone on a trip.

Thank you to MS. EISENBERG for encouraging our students to compete in a spoken word competition and rooting them on at an evening performance.

Thank you to MS. ABRASKIN, MS. FRAGA-ZWIBEL, MS. LOOSER & MS. SIDERIS for hosting this round of Social Studies intervisitations

Thank you to MS. LaTANZA, MR. MATELUS, MS. HUSTED, MS. CHUNG & MS. GARCIA for attending professional development out of the building this week to increase the tools in their teacher tool box

Thank you to MR. MONTENEGRO for ensuring a delivery for student government for their movie week.

VTODs FOR THE WEEK

December 18, Math Monday 

Domain: (n) 1. An area of knowledge or activity. My sister is the math expert, but literature is my domain. 2. The domain of a function in math is all possible values for "x", the variable.  

December 19, Science Tuesday

Reaction: (n) 1 the way that you feel or behave as a result of something that happens. Despite the positive reaction of the fans to the first game in Shanghai, it’s just the first step in a long process   2. A chemical reaction is the reaction between substances resulting in a chemical change. Rust is formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture.

December 20, CTE Wednesday 

Commission: (n) 1.A special group delegated to consider something. The company reached a settlement with the commission in June and accepted responsibility for misleading investors. (2) A fee paid to an agent or employee for transacting a piece of business or performing a service. If you are good at sales, then a job offering a commission might earn you more money than you would make on a salary, alone.

December 21, ELA Thursday 

Explicit; (adj.) clear and complete: leaving no doubt about the meaning or the intent. Many parties can receive your credit report without your explicit consent. Since the professor had failed to make the course’s goals explicit, the students were confused about the course’s direction.

December 22, SS Friday 

Escalate (v) to increase, especially at a fast rate that causes problems. The standoff is also escalating tensions between the central and regional governments.  A journalist asked the Pentagon official if he thought escalating the war might be a strategic and moral error

ADDITIONS TO THE BLOG

If you are interested in adding something to the Weekly Bulletin Blog, please email Angela Ianniello – AIanniello@schools.nyc.gov – by Wednesday of that week.  Submissions emailed after this deadline will be placed in the following week’s Blog.