A Few Things (cleaning, drills, events, printers, etc.)

 Folks,

I wanted to touch base about a few building-wide items and also invite your help and creativity as we move into the next few weeks.

First, I want you to know that I am aware of some cleanliness concerns that have been raised around the building. Our classrooms and common spaces matter, and you deserve an environment that feels well cared for. I have already spoken with Denise Culver, our housekeeping director, regarding a few concerns I have with the night crew, and she is aware that I am gathering feedback from staff. I would really appreciate it if you would take a moment to share anything you feel is being overlooked or needs attention by kindly adding it to this housekeeping feedback document. You all have the right to add/edit this. I shared with Denise that she and I need to connect next week to review areas of concern.  

Due to tomorrow’s weather forecast in the 20s, we will reschedule the planned drills to Thursday, January 22, from 1:45 to 2:15. Currently, it appears to be sunny and 45 degrees for that day. We will schedule them for a day with more reasonable temperatures, ideally in the 40-degree range, so we can complete them safely and comfortably for both students and staff.

As we look ahead to February, I would love some help in two important ways: Black History Month and SRO Appreciation. To support Black History Month, we will be hosting an optional door and hallway decorating contest for any teachers or teams who would like to participate.

• Participating classrooms will receive a slide pass for their class.
• We may also conduct a grade-level student vote, allowing one winning classroom per grade to be selected as the overall winner for the grade. Students will not be allowed to vote for their own classroom door. The grade-level prize will probably be something like a pizza party, ice cream party, or something along those lines. 

Additionally, I would love to host a Donut Breakfast for our first responders close to SRO Appreciation Day (Feb. 16), possibly on the Friday before Valentine’s Day, which would be February 13. I am looking for classrooms that might be willing to make cards, signs, or notes of appreciation, and even some groups who would enjoy stopping by to help greet and visit with our first responders that morning. More details will come, but if this sounds like something your class would enjoy, please let me know.

I also wanted to reach out because I know many of you have been experiencing issues with the copiers over the last couple of weeks. I have heard about the challenges happening around the building, and I can imagine how frustrating this must be when you’re trying to teach, plan, assess, and keep things running smoothly. IT is working with our vendor to diagnose and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. For now, we may need to share machines among hallways as best we can.

And in the spirit of finding a little humor in the middle of the frustration, I’d like to channel the great American philosopher, Jay-Z:

You got 99 problems and the printer is one,
Won’t print plans, won’t scan when you’re done.
It jams, it beeps, it just ain't fun,
You got 99 problems and the printer is one.

Hopefully, we’ll be good to go very soon. 

Side note, I sent this to Paola last night, trying to convince her to do some orchestra hip-hop classics at the next strings concert. When you see her, please peer pressure her as I am trying to do...

Thanks,

Lance