February+26,+2008

=February 26, 2008=

__**Horizontal/Vertical Plans**__ - For all teachers ...also known as HVPs. CONGRATULATIONS on getting round one of these in! What a remarkable job you've done amassing this information. I've only started to review what you've submitted, but I can tell by glancing through that we're going to be "tweaking" rather than redoing these. Thank You!

By the way, the "final" drafts of the Course Outlines are in the common IB folder, ready to go. If you need any of your earlier work, please let me know as I have saved it in another location.

One of my responsibilities as IB Coordinator is to update the staff about changes and developments in the world of IB. There are a number of initiatives underway that will support and clarify issues in the MYP. But for now, the "BIGGIE" is a change in the names of two of the AoIs. So ANNOUNCING.....
 * __What's New in IB__?** - For ALL Staff

Environment is being changed to **Environment****__s__**

//and//

Homo Faber is now being called **Human Ingenuity!**

As far as I can tell, there's no changes in the descriptions of these AoIs, so for now, our task is to familiarize ourselves with the new language and to begin making changes in our word usage both orally and on paper. I'm trying to change all the HFs in our paperwork to HIs. But the change will be gradual. And at least we know it's coming!

__**Community Service**__ - For ALL Staff

Thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out our CS survey last week. The Student Summit committee is developing an action plan related to the number one choice: global health. Here are the results...

__Tracking CS Experiences__ - for Home Room Teachers

A reminder that everyone should have a copy of their HR roster in your personal CS file on the common folder. Please remind/encourage your students to turn in their reflections so that you can check them off on the roster. Remember, the goal is for each student to submit two experiences this year, one per semester.

//Eighth Grade HR Teachers// - Because you rotate your HRs, I have placed a total roster for the 8th grade in the __8th Grade Folder__ (under NMS Staff). Please go back and check off reflections from students from both last and this semester. The file is titled "Community Service Check Off..."

__**Help Available**__ - For ALL Staff

I can't help with everything, but I can help with IB stuff. I'll be available in the __Conference Room__ all day (except periods 2 and 4 - 7th grade) on __Friday, February 29__. If you're struggling with AoI articulation, or unit planning, or have something to say or feedback to give, please just stop by.