August+19,+2008

= August 19, 2008 = Welcome Back Everyone! We have an exciting year ahead of us. Keep reading your Wikis!

=**__Authorization Visit__**=

- for ALL STAFF, Students, Parents and Community Members

Our authorization visit is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, October 2 and 3. ALL teachers, parapros, office staff, custodial staff, parents students and other members of the Newton community may be involved in this process.

Remember, their goal is to see who we are and guide us as we continue to evolve as an IB school. This is an exciting opportunity for us. We'll update you as we hear more from our authorization team.

=__**Getting Started in Your Classrooms**__=

- for ALL TEACHERS

As you introduce your courses to your students please begin using the IB language and approach. Share your plans to integrate the AoI and fundamental concepts into units of study. Spend some time talking about the learner profile. Let your students know that they are part of the MYP experience.

There will be an orientation CD completed in the next several weeks and some tips for back-to-school night in forthcoming Wikis.

Finally, please be sure that the AoI posters that Karin ran off for you are prominently displayed in your classroom. She has extra posters if you need more. Also be sure that unit questions are up and visible and don't forget to save place for the upcoming Learner Profile poster. It's exciting to look like an IB school!

=__Community Service__=

- For ALL STAFF

Juli has updated our CS plan and developed new and improved reflection sheets. Remember that this year World Lanugage has agreed to keep track of CS experiences but that //we are all committed// to promoting CS in our classrooms and supporting our students in gaining quality CS experiences.

Check out the CS page in the margin to the left to get a complete update!

=__**IB Unit Requirements**__= - For TEACHERS

This year all teachers will be required to complete three IB units. Expectations may vary based on experience, but those who were here last year should plan on three units, including use of MYP assessment rubrics. You are encouraged to begin your first unit by the October authorization visit if possible

=__**Locking your Keys in the Car**__= - For FUN and for everyone