May 2016

From the Desk of Dr. Cotton

This time of the school year is one of mixed emotions. It is almost summer - and it is testing time. We know that one test does not capture the growth a student has made during the school year, but we also know that our students are prepared. You have given them the tools they need to be successful this month as they navigate SOL tests and AP exams. As we allow our students to demonstrate the knowledge they've gained this year, remember to be proud of the investment you've made in the students you've encountered. They are ready, thanks to you!




Looking for a Good Read?

In the new ASCD book The Highly Effective Teacher: 7 Classroom-Tested Practices That Foster Student Success, teacher and professor Jeff Marshall introduces the Teacher Intentionality Practice Scale (TIPS), a framework for both supporting and measuring effective teaching. Taken together, the framework's seven TIPs provide a research-based, classroom-tested guide to help teachers

• Create coherent, connected lessons;
• Use strategies and resources, including technology, that truly enhance learning;
• Organize a safe, respectful learning environment;
• Develop challenging and rigorous learning experiences;
• Promote interactive, thoughtful learning;
• Nurture a creative, problem-solving classroom culture; and
• Deliver feedback and formative assessment that inform teaching and learning.

The Highly Effective Teacher is a guidebook for thoughtful, intentional teaching with one goal: success for all students, in every classroom.


Are You Ready for the Conference?

The Teaching and Learning Conference is fast approaching! Your colleagues have been planning exciting sessions to meet your professional learning needs as we begin to think about making 2016-2017 a year of enhanced instruction. May 31 will be a traditional conference day with featured keynote speaker Dr. John Almarode. June 1 will be an optional day for conference attendees. Following the EdCamp format, this day will be a collaborative day of exploration and discussion. Look for conference details in your inbox later this week!

What is EdCamp? Click here to learn more!

Exciting Opportunity

HCPS is proud to share the Sundance Film Festival sensation Most Likely to Succeed with our community on Monday, May 16. MLTS is a documentary on the student journey through project based learning at High Tech High. Faculty and staff are invited to join us for the film and a panel discussion that is certain to expand our thinking on teaching and learning. Teachers may earn 5 recertification points for attending the event and completing a reflection on PD360.

See You at the Park!

Our annual Sliding Into Summer Fun family event is THIS SATURDAY at Jack Dalton Park from 10-12. Encourage your students and their families to come sign up for summer learning opportunities with community partners, get information about summer reading from each of our schools, enjoy visiting with the animals of Infinity Acres, and complete a build and take activity with representatives from our maintenance department. Student raised plants will be for sale from the LPMS greenhouse as well. We hope to see you there!

Our Community Appreciates You!

May 2-6 is Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6 is School Lunch Hero Day

Want to share great resources and/or announcements with HCPS colleagues? 

Send your recommendations to mhatchet@henry.k12.va.us by the 28th of each month.