Hello,
With the weather warming so will the desire to open our doors to enjoy all that fresh air after a long cold winter. We need to keep safety at the forefront of everything we do.
To that end, I ask that we all whenever leaving a shop or classroom that the door is locked. No matter if we are going to the library, lunch, the lecture hall or another class we need to lock our rooms. More and more we are bringing in or already have technology that is easily transportable.
We also need to continue our cultural change for our visitors to the building. Visitors who show up in your shop looking to get work done, or simply visit need to check-in the main office first. Please have them drive around to the front of the building and check-in with Marie. They will then be escorted or told to then drive around to your shop.
The escort raises another concern. We have students escorting adults, sometime multiple adults, to your shop. The administrative team is looking for ways to escort these important people to you in the safest manner possible. If you have any suggestions please let us.
Why is this important? Besides the obvious attempt to limit intruder access to the building, we need to have an accurate listing of everyone in the building at a given time for lockdown security reasons.
Thank you for your continued do-diligence and if you have any security please let a member of the administration team aware.
Mark
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Safety and Security
Good Morning,
I just wanted to address a couple of quick security issues.
1. If you are taking a class to the library, the gym or another class please make sure you shut your classroom door especially if materials including backpacks and pocketbooks are being left behind.
2. Sign In/Out Sheets - please fill out the top portion of these sheets completely each day including the date and classroom. Reiterate to students that they need to fill out their entire name, "Johnny" just isn't going to cut it.
I hope everyone has an opportunity to recharge their batteries over vacation and they find what they need to make it through the rest of the winter with a laugh and a smile. Me, I am just in search of my voice. I hope to have found it when we return in a week.
Enjoy!
Mark
I just wanted to address a couple of quick security issues.
1. If you are taking a class to the library, the gym or another class please make sure you shut your classroom door especially if materials including backpacks and pocketbooks are being left behind.
2. Sign In/Out Sheets - please fill out the top portion of these sheets completely each day including the date and classroom. Reiterate to students that they need to fill out their entire name, "Johnny" just isn't going to cut it.
I hope everyone has an opportunity to recharge their batteries over vacation and they find what they need to make it through the rest of the winter with a laugh and a smile. Me, I am just in search of my voice. I hope to have found it when we return in a week.
Enjoy!
Mark
Friday, February 1, 2013
Student Driven Initiatives
Welcome to a Fabulous and Fantastic February!
The students have been busy once again with programs and ideas they feel will better their high school experience and their lives in general. Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events.
Up first on the docket, the Business Professionals of America (BPA) will be sponsoring an American Red Cross Blood Drive here at the school on Friday, February 15th from 8 to 1 pm. These have been a major success at SSVT in the past and we hope to kick start this annual event once more with a strong turnout. If you would like to give blood and have not signed up as of yet, please do so by contacting SJ Zavatsky in CIT. We will manipulate the Red Cross's schedule to make sure you can give during your prep period on this day. Hope to see many of you sporting those "I gave blood today!" stickers.
In March, we are putting together a week of activities from a number of different student organizations. During the week of ELA MCAS, March 18th - 22nd, we will be combining the efforts of our BPA, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), and Student Council representatives to present a week of activities to inform, educate and inspire our students to be the best citizens they can be.
1. We will be having events recognizing our diversity and centering on acceptance of all individuals culminating a dance sponsored jointly by BPA and GSA on Friday, March 22nd, from 7 to 11 pm. (Yes, we will be looking for chaperons!)
2. On Friday, March 22nd, during the school day the Student Council will be sponsoring presentations of "The Yellow Dress." For those staff who were not here a decade ago when we last brought in this production on dating violence or have never seen it, this can be emotional experience for anyone who sees it. There will be two performances with breakout sessions afterwards with smaller groups of students. We will be bringing you further details and schedules as this date approaches, but do expect a disruption to the normal day.
In May, the National Honor Society (NHS), is bringing in a driving simulator. This simulator allows the students to experience effects of alcohol on your reflexes. We hope it will be a eye-opening and decision-altering experience for all.
Finally, I'd like to thank all of you, our staff advisors, for your continued leadership and guidance of our student population. Events like these would not be possible without your time, efforts and interest in our student's lives outside the classroom and shop.
Enjoy your weekend!
Mark
The students have been busy once again with programs and ideas they feel will better their high school experience and their lives in general. Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events.
Up first on the docket, the Business Professionals of America (BPA) will be sponsoring an American Red Cross Blood Drive here at the school on Friday, February 15th from 8 to 1 pm. These have been a major success at SSVT in the past and we hope to kick start this annual event once more with a strong turnout. If you would like to give blood and have not signed up as of yet, please do so by contacting SJ Zavatsky in CIT. We will manipulate the Red Cross's schedule to make sure you can give during your prep period on this day. Hope to see many of you sporting those "I gave blood today!" stickers.
In March, we are putting together a week of activities from a number of different student organizations. During the week of ELA MCAS, March 18th - 22nd, we will be combining the efforts of our BPA, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), and Student Council representatives to present a week of activities to inform, educate and inspire our students to be the best citizens they can be.
1. We will be having events recognizing our diversity and centering on acceptance of all individuals culminating a dance sponsored jointly by BPA and GSA on Friday, March 22nd, from 7 to 11 pm. (Yes, we will be looking for chaperons!)
2. On Friday, March 22nd, during the school day the Student Council will be sponsoring presentations of "The Yellow Dress." For those staff who were not here a decade ago when we last brought in this production on dating violence or have never seen it, this can be emotional experience for anyone who sees it. There will be two performances with breakout sessions afterwards with smaller groups of students. We will be bringing you further details and schedules as this date approaches, but do expect a disruption to the normal day.
In May, the National Honor Society (NHS), is bringing in a driving simulator. This simulator allows the students to experience effects of alcohol on your reflexes. We hope it will be a eye-opening and decision-altering experience for all.
Finally, I'd like to thank all of you, our staff advisors, for your continued leadership and guidance of our student population. Events like these would not be possible without your time, efforts and interest in our student's lives outside the classroom and shop.
Enjoy your weekend!
Mark
Thursday, January 24, 2013
A New Day Dawns
Good Afternoon,
I gentle tap on the shoulder as a reminder that beginning Monday morning we will be implementing are new bathroom procedures for students.
1. All students, except students in shops with restrooms, will be utilizing the restrooms across the hall from the Main Office. (If instructors wish to allow students in related to use the shop restroom that is your decision.)
2. They should still sign out of your class upon leaving being sure to put their destination.
3, They will sign in and out at the receptionist's desk.
4. They should sign back in to your class.
5. The old student restrooms are currently being addressed by the custodial staff and will and should remain locked at all times. Teachers in need of keys should let Marie know.
The goal is to be able to better monitor the students and prevent the types of vandalism and defacing to the restroom we have seen in recent months.
As always, we will assess this model after a proper implementation window and make any changes that are warranted.
Mark
I gentle tap on the shoulder as a reminder that beginning Monday morning we will be implementing are new bathroom procedures for students.
1. All students, except students in shops with restrooms, will be utilizing the restrooms across the hall from the Main Office. (If instructors wish to allow students in related to use the shop restroom that is your decision.)
2. They should still sign out of your class upon leaving being sure to put their destination.
3, They will sign in and out at the receptionist's desk.
4. They should sign back in to your class.
5. The old student restrooms are currently being addressed by the custodial staff and will and should remain locked at all times. Teachers in need of keys should let Marie know.
The goal is to be able to better monitor the students and prevent the types of vandalism and defacing to the restroom we have seen in recent months.
As always, we will assess this model after a proper implementation window and make any changes that are warranted.
Mark
Thursday, January 3, 2013
To The Nines
Welcome back and happy 2013 to all!
I would like to discuss 9th period. First and foremost, I want to commend everyone for their use of 9th period for the benefit of our students who may need extra-help or make-up an assessment. Academic and vocational instructor alike are making great use of this opportunity to the benefit of all.
With the start of a new calendar year, this is a great opportunity to reiterate and retighten our processes on the use of the "purple pass" and traveling during 9th period.
Groups and activities are making excellent use of the 9th period as well to hold meetings, which increases student ability to participate in these endeavours. With the number of groups meeting, it has become difficult to always find teacher coverage for staff members who need to attend a club or activity meeting. I CAN NOT always guarantee that I will be able to find coverage for multiple staff members to attend 9th period meetings. These will be done on a first come, first serve basis.
With all this fabulous use however, we have gotten away from the needed learning community discussions that were taking place in the building. From now on priority will be given to curriculum based meetings that will be taking place--be it academic or vocational department head meetings to data team and e-class instructor meetings.
I can tell you that the academic department meetings will be taking place during the 9th period of the first B2 day in the month. Therefore, without any further school days being missed that would mean...
Friday, January 11, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013 (B2 day is an in-service day)
If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me at any time.
Mark
.
I would like to discuss 9th period. First and foremost, I want to commend everyone for their use of 9th period for the benefit of our students who may need extra-help or make-up an assessment. Academic and vocational instructor alike are making great use of this opportunity to the benefit of all.
With the start of a new calendar year, this is a great opportunity to reiterate and retighten our processes on the use of the "purple pass" and traveling during 9th period.
1. ALL STUDENTS must get a signed purple pass prior to the beginning of the 9th period.
2. Students will report to their scheduled 9th period location in order to get the signature of their 9th period instructor and to utilize the 'sign-out' sheet in that classroom.
3. Students will then report to the location of the 9th period instructor requesting them, turn in the signed purple pass and utilize the 'sign-out' sheet to sign into that classroom.
Groups and activities are making excellent use of the 9th period as well to hold meetings, which increases student ability to participate in these endeavours. With the number of groups meeting, it has become difficult to always find teacher coverage for staff members who need to attend a club or activity meeting. I CAN NOT always guarantee that I will be able to find coverage for multiple staff members to attend 9th period meetings. These will be done on a first come, first serve basis.
With all this fabulous use however, we have gotten away from the needed learning community discussions that were taking place in the building. From now on priority will be given to curriculum based meetings that will be taking place--be it academic or vocational department head meetings to data team and e-class instructor meetings.
I can tell you that the academic department meetings will be taking place during the 9th period of the first B2 day in the month. Therefore, without any further school days being missed that would mean...
Friday, January 11, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013 (B2 day is an in-service day)
If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me at any time.
Mark
.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Yours, Mine and Ours
School Security is everyone's concern.
In light of the events of the past week everyone's awareness is heightened. Just in the past week we have had a number of incidents involving individuals who have been found on school campus. All these people turned out to have legitimate business with school, but had failed to check in at the main office. The administrative team truly appreciates the staff who phoned the main office with their concerns and their location.
Obviously, I want everyone to continue to cry wolf every time. Every false alarm is worth the wear and tear on the soles of my shoes on the chance it saves one individual soul.
Thank you to everyone for their excellent job during our recent Lockdown Drill. We were able to identify some areas we need to rethink and rework. An example for me was how do substitutes relay information without computer access. We have already put a new plan in place for this type of situation. Please make sure your room is equipped with both red and green papers in case we lose computer access in an emergency. If you do not have these sheets please let me know and I will get them to you bright and early in the new year. We have also received input from staff, students and parents with thoughts about our policies and procedures.
The administration team continues to evaluate and make changes to our safety procedures on an ongoing basis and to that end we will be having a lockdown drills about once a month. The goal is to have the lockdown drill procedures become second nature to our staff and students without their importance being dulled.
Please continue to do all those little things we already do as second nature like...
1. Making sure all students have passes when traveling in the building,
2. Having all visitors sign-in at the main office before being dealt with in our shops not open to the public. We will gladly call for a student escort for these individuals, call and tell you they are coming and direct them around the back of the building to your shop door or take a message for you if you so wish.
3. Staying hyper-vigilant. A heighten awareness is the unfortunate way of the world in which we live today. If you find someone on the campus you are unfamiliar with please ask who they are or call a member of the administrative team so that we can identify them.
School security is your business, my business and above all our business.
Please enjoy your vacation and your time with friends and family. They are reason for everything else we do in this world.
Mark
In light of the events of the past week everyone's awareness is heightened. Just in the past week we have had a number of incidents involving individuals who have been found on school campus. All these people turned out to have legitimate business with school, but had failed to check in at the main office. The administrative team truly appreciates the staff who phoned the main office with their concerns and their location.
Obviously, I want everyone to continue to cry wolf every time. Every false alarm is worth the wear and tear on the soles of my shoes on the chance it saves one individual soul.
Thank you to everyone for their excellent job during our recent Lockdown Drill. We were able to identify some areas we need to rethink and rework. An example for me was how do substitutes relay information without computer access. We have already put a new plan in place for this type of situation. Please make sure your room is equipped with both red and green papers in case we lose computer access in an emergency. If you do not have these sheets please let me know and I will get them to you bright and early in the new year. We have also received input from staff, students and parents with thoughts about our policies and procedures.
The administration team continues to evaluate and make changes to our safety procedures on an ongoing basis and to that end we will be having a lockdown drills about once a month. The goal is to have the lockdown drill procedures become second nature to our staff and students without their importance being dulled.
Please continue to do all those little things we already do as second nature like...
1. Making sure all students have passes when traveling in the building,
2. Having all visitors sign-in at the main office before being dealt with in our shops not open to the public. We will gladly call for a student escort for these individuals, call and tell you they are coming and direct them around the back of the building to your shop door or take a message for you if you so wish.
3. Staying hyper-vigilant. A heighten awareness is the unfortunate way of the world in which we live today. If you find someone on the campus you are unfamiliar with please ask who they are or call a member of the administrative team so that we can identify them.
School security is your business, my business and above all our business.
Please enjoy your vacation and your time with friends and family. They are reason for everything else we do in this world.
Mark
Friday, December 7, 2012
Student Happenings
Hello,
As we enter the busy holiday season, I am pleased to let you know about a few student led activities that will be happening in the coming weeks and months.
Eric Norlin, Class of 2005 from Automotive, is leading an effort to collect unwrapped toys for children that were effected by Hurricane Sandy. The BPA (Business Professionals of America) group in the school will be responsible from gathering the toys from the box daily. The box will be placed in the foyer outside the restaurant and salon. We invite one and all to participate in this worthwhile cause.
Meghan Connors, a senior in Allied Health, is spearheading an effort to show a little school spirit and holiday cheer. On Friday, December 21st, we invite everyone to wear a holiday sweater. Look for the posters going up soon.
In January, Friday the 11th, the BPA group will be hosting a movie night as a fundraiser. They will be viewing Marvel's The Avengers in the Lecture Hall. A donation of $3.00 is required for a ticket and tickets will be on sale in lunches beginning next week. Once again, look for the posters going up soon.
Finally, the Business Professional of America students as a community service project will be working with the American Red Cross on a school-wide blood drive. This blood drive is set for Friday, February 15th, 2013, and will run from 8 am to 1 pm. In the past, South Shore has partnered with the Red Cross to run a very successful drive. The drive will be open to all staff and students, over the age of 16, who meet the Red Cross's criteria. As in the past, students will have scheduled appointments and teachers may make use of prep time to facilitate a better experience for all.
Please keep and eye out for these events and participate whenever and wherever you can.
Mark
As we enter the busy holiday season, I am pleased to let you know about a few student led activities that will be happening in the coming weeks and months.
Eric Norlin, Class of 2005 from Automotive, is leading an effort to collect unwrapped toys for children that were effected by Hurricane Sandy. The BPA (Business Professionals of America) group in the school will be responsible from gathering the toys from the box daily. The box will be placed in the foyer outside the restaurant and salon. We invite one and all to participate in this worthwhile cause.
Meghan Connors, a senior in Allied Health, is spearheading an effort to show a little school spirit and holiday cheer. On Friday, December 21st, we invite everyone to wear a holiday sweater. Look for the posters going up soon.
In January, Friday the 11th, the BPA group will be hosting a movie night as a fundraiser. They will be viewing Marvel's The Avengers in the Lecture Hall. A donation of $3.00 is required for a ticket and tickets will be on sale in lunches beginning next week. Once again, look for the posters going up soon.
Finally, the Business Professional of America students as a community service project will be working with the American Red Cross on a school-wide blood drive. This blood drive is set for Friday, February 15th, 2013, and will run from 8 am to 1 pm. In the past, South Shore has partnered with the Red Cross to run a very successful drive. The drive will be open to all staff and students, over the age of 16, who meet the Red Cross's criteria. As in the past, students will have scheduled appointments and teachers may make use of prep time to facilitate a better experience for all.
Please keep and eye out for these events and participate whenever and wherever you can.
Mark
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