December 14-22, 2015

WEST DELAWARE HAWKS

Relationships  Challenging Academics  21st Century Skills

Random Thoughts....Revisions to 2016-2017 Courses

The December 7 West Delaware School Board Meeting included an agenda item to approve the 2016-2017 High School Program of Studies.  Some of the major additions or new courses which were approved:

• Accounting I and II are now dual credit courses through NICC
• Cooperative Education (formerly COOP) course was revamped to align closely to new Iowa Department of Education guidance
• Talented and Gifted will now be called Gifted and Talented to align with Iowa Department of Education guidance
• Individualized Reading is now Contemporary Literature
• Practical Writing is now Practical Writing and Career Exploration
• Intro to Communication is now Public Speaking to better align to NCAA guidelines
• World Literature is a new course
• Welding Coursework now embeds required OSHA training
• Physical Education Department objectives now align with the State of Iowa Chapter 12 guidelines

This was a major undertaking and involved much discussion and decision by each of our HS Departments.  I wish to publicly thank Karen Goebel, Libby Allen, and Shari Soppe for their numerous hours of work and dozens of drafts to coordinate the Program of Studies.

There is much work to undertake with our Program of Studies as we look to upcoming years.  As conversations were being had, I heard and felt that deeper systemic conversations which need to occur.  These are valid and impactful conversations that will continue this Spring. A few themes:

• Recognizing the impact of prerequisites across departments and buildings on a student’s future goals and developmental stages
• Providing multiple opportunities for students to enter courses as freshman as well as throughout students’ high school careers
• Developing course descriptions that are highly engaging to students and tied to skills developed in courses
• Consideration of budget and course offerings in an era of lean State appropriations

Again, the process is valid and I deeply appreciate all of the revisions brought forward.  This is a symbol of how you are taking to heart the vision of the District: Relationships, Challenging Academics, and 21st Century Skills.  You are taking a critical look at your courses to meet the task ahead. 

More information on upcoming conversations regarding courses will be shared after the Holiday Break.  

Holiday Mental Health Tips

• Take care of yourself both mentally and physically.  Children and adolescents are affected by the emotional well-being of their parent or caregivers. Coping with stress successfully can help children learn how to handle  stress better, too.    
• Make a plan to focus on one thing at a time. Try a few ideas from "mindfulness" as a strategy to balance the hustle and bustle of things like shopping, cooking, and family get-togethers during the holidays: Stop and pay attention to what is happening at the moment, focus your attention on one thing about it ,and notice how you are feeling at the time. Withhold immediate judgment, and instead be curious about the experience.    
• Give to others by making it an annual  holiday tradition to share your time and talents with people who have less than you do. For example, if your child is old enough, encourage him or her to join you in volunteering to serve a holiday meal at your local food bank or shelter or sing at a local nursing home. Help your child write a letter to members of the armed forces stationed abroad who can't be home with their own family during the holidays.    
• Remember that many children and adults experience a sense of loss, sadness or isolation during the holidays.  It is important to be sensitive to these feelings and ask for help for you, your children, family members or friends if needed.   Try to keep household routines the same. Stick to your child's usual sleep and mealtime schedules when you can, which may reduce stress and help your family enjoy the holidays.   
• Kids (and adults) still need to brush their teeth twice a day!    
• Don't feel pressured to "over-spend on gifts."  Consider making one or two gifts. Help your child make a gift for his or her other parent, grandparents, or other important adults and friends. Chances are, those gifts will be the most treasured ones and will teach your child many important lessons.      
• Most important of all, enjoy the holidays for what they are -- time to enjoy with your family. So, be a family, do things together like sledding or playing board games, and spend time visiting with relatives, neighbors and friends.   
• See more tips at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/holiday-safety-tips.aspx

Technology Tip of the Week

Data Sent Through Email May Be Accessible to Others. You Can Protect Your Data By Using a Password-Protected, Encrypted ZIP File.
If you send files through an email, others may be able to access and read the data. Rather than sending an unencrypted file, you can add it to a ZIP file archive, which can password protect and encrypt the data. After sending your file, you should call the recipient and give them the password over the phone. Never transmit the password electronically, as an electronic communication may be intercepted along with the file.

Tweet of the Week

Enjoy the Holidays - time spent with family and friends!