NEW TEACHER TRAINING
AND PRE-SERVICE WEEK AT CHEC
WEEK OF AUGUST 29, 2022
MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2022
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2022
PRE-NO SLC MEETING
ALT TEAM MEETING 3:30PM HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022
SLC MEETING – 8:00 – 8:30 AM
DEPARTMENTAL PLANNING PERIOD MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
DEPARTMENTAL PLANNING PERIOD MEETING
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2022
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
SEPTEMBER 14 - 10AM & 5:30PM
Principal: Maria Tukeva
AUGUST 29, 2022: WELCOME HOME TO CHEC!
This week’s focus is on the phrase from the Mission,
“Socio-emotional learning, empathy and restorative practices are the foundations of our school climate and culture. We foster a growth mindset and find joy and purpose in learning and collaborating. We value student choice and voice..” .”
As we begin a new school year, our focus on the Whole Child approach, has led to a shift from looking at academics in isolation from socio emotional learning, to a wholistic and integrated approach. The first days and weeks of school are so important to what follows and how the year will develop. It is in the first weeks that we lay the foundation for the relationships that will sustain us throughout the year. The big shift for us this year, is to be even more intentional in being united with our students to create a learning environment where we all flourish. The norms of We Own Our Learning, We Demonstrate Respect and Empathy, We are Dependable, and We are Digital Citizens, apply equally to students and adults. Starting tomorrow, we will engage in the discussions and conversations that will allow us to find “joy and purpose in learning and collaborating.” The conversations we start this week, will continue throughout the year.
Thank you to all for the energy, caring and creativity you have poured into our lesson design for starting the school year. Welcome Home to CHEC for School Year 22-23!
XQ REDESIGN UPDATE
We will find out the status of our XQ proposal around September 27!! Whether or not we are selected for Cohort 1, as a school CHEC has always been committed to the process of change in response to student and community needs, and will continue to do so. The process of redesign is a constant one, and we are using the XQ Design Principles of Mission and Culture, Youth Voice and Choice, Meaningful Engaged Learning Experiences, Caring Trusting Relationships, Community Partnerships, and Flexible Use of Time, Space and Technology as lenses to guide our decisions and programming this year. If you would like to joint the XQ Redesign Team, our next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 31st at 3:30 pm in the High School Library. Please become a part of the Redesign Team! Our Redesign is centered on two transformative and connected Big Ideas – “Our students are designers of their learning and destinies”, and “Our School is designed as an economic enterprise that provides a pathway to financial sustainability and generational wealth for our students and their communities.”
In our September Faculty Meeting, we will focus on the “why” for this Redesign, by reading a portion of our application and engaging in a text protocol.
If you are implementing something in your practice or curriculum this year, that you think reflects these two big ideas, please contact me, Ms. Krishunda Penn Pearson, Redesign Director, or any member of the XQ Redesign Team.
SHOUT OUTS
- Shout out to all members of the CHEC team for full engagement in Pre-Service Week, with collaboration, positivity and support!
- Shout out to the Counselors for their amazing work on student schedules!
- Shout out to the Ops Team for getting our building ready!
- Kudos to all teachers and administrators for decorating classes, hallways and common spaces!
- Shout out to all teachers, department chairs and others who are covering classes while we wait for all staff to be onboarded!
- Shout out to Dr. Jackson and Ms. Pettiford for decorating our Main Floor hallways for the first day!
- Kudos to our Instructional Coaching Team – Ms. Vialpando, Ms. Warren, Dr. Emilius and Mr. Diaz, for providing support in our Norms Roll Out process! Please reach out if you need help!
INSTRUCTION
CHEC WELCOMES NEW TEACHERS
AND STAFF FOR SY 2022-23!
Week 1 of Advisory 1
The first week of the school year is the time to create relationships, memories, and jointly agree upon norms and ways of working with our students. We have all worked hard on the Norms lessons, let’s try them out, reflect and circle back to them periodically. Even though our major focus is on the conversations needed to establish norms in the classroom, there is still opportunity to make connections to our content. For example, Dual Language Social Studies and Science are focusing on Dependability, and one of their discussion questions is, “What does it mean to be dependable when I am in a bilingual classroom where everyone is learning a second language?
The first day of classes, we are distributing the Agenda books, and letting students know how they are used as passes, and also what important information they have in them. Course syllabi should also be distributed the first week.
Professional Development
We have some great Professional Development coming up, and you also have an opportunity to have input into our professional development for the year. These are all upcoming in September, with dates to be confirmed:
Training in Co-teaching Models and Best Practices – PD Provider – Blue Engine - 20 co-teaching pairs (SPED-Gen Ed, ELA-SLA, SPED-DL, ESL-Gen Ed) will have the opportunity to participate in a Community of Practice and practice high leverage co-teaching strategies that result in effective differentiation. If you are interested, please see Ms. Ameyaw
Principles of Effective Dual Language Programs, Literacy Strategies for Language Learners in Bilingual Programs – PD Provider -Center for Applied Linguistics 16 leaders and up to 50 teachers will have the opportunity to receive this professional development. If you are interested, please see M. Tukeva
Transformational Coaching – PD Provider – Bright Morning (Elena Aguilar) – 14 LEAP Leaders, Admin, Department Chairs and Coaches will have the opportunity to receive professional development in coaching strategies in a community of practice. If you are interested, please see M. Tukeva
Our Shared Leadership Subcommittee on the ALT Team will be surveying staff and helping to develop a PD plan for the year.
Instructional Calendar
The Instructional Calendar is a living document that houses all the major curricular requirements, assessments, and schoolwide events. The Instructional Calendar is complete for the moment, however changes may be made and will be noted. If you have any requests for additions to the Instructional Calendar, please contact Mr. Magee,peter.magee@k12.dc.gov, maria.tukeva@k12.dc.gov or your SLC Administrator.
Please view the 22-23 CHEC Instructional Calendar here.
OPPORTUNITIES
MENTORS NEEDED FOR CHEC STUDENTS
click on image to play video
VIRTUAL STEM EXCHANGE & GLOBAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
FOR 9-12TH GRADE STUDENTS DUE OCTOBER 1ST
The World Smarts STEM Challenge is a virtual exchange program that supports STEM education in the United States and Ghana in collaboration with the DCPS Global Education programs. High school students from the Washington, D.C. metro area and secondary school students from across Ghana come together virtually to solve global issues in their communities with STEM solutions. The program improves STEM/ICT skills, strengthens cross-cultural communication, and develops global competence while enhancing students’ enthusiasm and commitment to STEM learning and careers. Last cohort, Columbia Heights Educational Campus students, led by Ms. Angenette Planter, collaborated with Nkoranza Technical Institute students in Ghana to create prototype of a water powered vehicle to reduce emissions of carbon monoxides and carbon dioxides in the environment.
The next cohort is in the Spring of 2023 and applications are due October 1st. Click here to apply:
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PROJECTS FUNDED
MR. LOPEZ’S NEW CLASSROOM FUNDED PROJECT IS: “BASIC CLASSROOM SUPPLIES FOR AMAZING STUDENTS”
My Project
Interculturality is one of the goals of our school. That is why we receive students from different countries who belong to very different cultures every year. Most of the teenagers who take my class are students who have just arrived in the country from Central America (El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala). Students who are beginning to get in touch with the standards of our school district, with English, and with a new society. The majority of our students come from low-income households, and have difficulty obtaining the necessary materials to follow my classes. With the help of the supplies included in this project, I will be able to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to be successful in their education.
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MR. COHEN’S NEW CLASSROOM FUNDED PROJECT IS: “BORN A CRIME: LEARNING THROUGH LAUGHTER AND CULTURE!”
My Project
Interculturality is one of the goals of our school. That is why we receive students from different countries who belong to very different cultures every year. Most of the teenagers who take my class are students who have just arrived in the country from Central America (El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala). Students who are beginning to get in touch with the standards of our school district, with English, and with a new society. The majority of our students come from low-income households, and have difficulty obtaining the necessary materials to follow my classes. With the help of the supplies included in this project, I will be able to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to be successful in their education.
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MS. FALKENBERG’S NEW CLASSROOM FUNDED PROJECT IS: “INSPIRING STUDENT CREATIVITY: MAKERSPACE STATION IN THE LIBRARY”
My Project
Interculturality is one of the goals of our school. That is why we receive students from different countries who belong to very different cultures every year. Most of the teenagers who take my class are students who have just arrived in the country from Central America (El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala). Students who are beginning to get in touch with the standards of our school district, with English, and with a new society. The majority of our students come from low-income households, and have difficulty obtaining the necessary materials to follow my classes. With the help of the supplies included in this project, I will be able to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to be successful in their education.
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NEW PROJECTS CREATED
MS. ROWELL’S NEW CLASSROOM PROJECT IS: “A ZEN CORNER: PROCESSING, ACCEPTING & LEARNING ABOUT EMOTIONS”
My Project
My 8th grade students are in a critical stage of development, wherein they are experiencing a diverse (and often overwhelming), plethora of emotions. In addition to experiencing significant instability at home- many are experiencing their first heartbreak, their first "F" at school, and even the loss of friends. I want to design a space in my classroom that is not only physically aesthetic- but, more importantly, warm. This space should be comfortable, safe and accessible to all of my students. I imagine this space being filled with pillows, bean bags, blankets, snacks, journals, affirmations, and information about self-regulation and coping. I hope that this space becomes regularly used, and that students know where they can go whenever they become overwhelmed, stressed, or simply need a "minute."
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MS. ALVARADO’S NEW CLASSROOM PROJECT IS: “LEARNING THROUGH WITH SMART BOARD”
My Project
This year, our district has provided every single teacher with a new Smart Board. Smart boards are a great interactive way to get students engaged with mathematics. Because of this new technology, I will be updating my lessons to be more compatible with the SmartBoard. However, this will take time. Luckily, many amazing math teachers have created resources to share. I will use these gift cards to purchase fun math activities that can be used interactively with our new smart board and engage students in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
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MS. HANLON’S NEW CLASSROOM PROJECT IS: “GETTING THE JOB DONE”
My Project
My students are 6 – 8th graders in an urban DC Public School in Washington, DC. I love the fact that no matter what obstacles they face , they keep coming to school wanting to better themselves. I believe that all students are prepared to succeed in life as leaders in their community. As a Social worker, I focus on the social-emotional learning, as a key part to my therapeutic programing for students and staff. This up to date computer will allow me and my students to complete therapeutic assessments on time and the touch screen will allow the students to easily fill out the lengthy intake questionnaires. Restorative practices are the foundation of our school climate, as we enhance relationships and build community. We foster a growth mindset through which all stakeholders collaborate to achieve goals and overcome obstacles.
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THE DEAN TEAM
WELCOME HOME CHEC FAMILY!
SY 2022-23 is here and we are excited to welcome new students and staff to the Columbia Heights Educational Campus. See if you can spot any new faces to the culture team.
Please take a moment to welcome the following new members of the culture team, when you see them!
- Beatriz Iglesias – Dean of Students
- Monica Henderson – Dean of Students
- Student Resource Coordinator: Karen Carino, Aaron Harris
- Behavior Techs: Jarmar Layne, Helena Burnett, Jorge Escobar, Mark King
- Student Activities Coordinator: Devin Whitney
CHEC HAPPENINGS
Weekly our goal is to share important news updates on CHEC ‘Happenings’: Norms Updates, Health (E.g. Covid) updates, PBIS (E.g. Kickboard) updates, and Celebrations (E.g. Awareness Months, Student(s) of the Week/Month, etc..).
*If you would like to contribute to our weekly bulletin, send information to cultureteam2021-22@DCk12.onmicrosoft.com.
Norms Temperature: Weekly we will highlight how we are ‘warming’ towards our school norms. During Week #1 each grade level will receive presentations on Norms in Common Areas, in addition to norms being taught during each period.*Please take a moment to memorize and post norms in your classroom/office.
COVID- 19: Please visit https://dcpsstrong.com/testing/ for all matters pertaining to DCPS Test to return policy.
PBIS: A Kickboard rollout, training and sign-ups will begin this week for staff and stuffs. More info to come….
Incentive Calendar (Fall Semester)
August
2nd – Ice Cream Social
16th – Candy
30th – Culture Food Option
September
14th – Extra Recess
28th – Cell Phones
November
10th - Staff vs. Student (Sprit Week)
30th – Skating
December
2nd - Cell Phone and Games
16th – Field Trip
KICKBOARD NORMS
- 15 interactions per class and 45 interactions per day
- DO NOT deduct student dollars
- Do not attempt to inflate the day of the incentive
- Use the first 15 and last 15 of class to give dollars
- Create in-class incentives (Do not deduct dollars)
STAFF RESOURCES
Here is where you will find weekly on-site and off-site trainings/PDs in Restorative Justice and Classroom Culture related offerings.
We are an RJ School! Look out for weekly trainings from https://restorativedc.org/events/.
Here are a few reminders of Rituals and Routines to being Week#1:
STUDENT OF THE WEEK & MONTH
Weekly teachers should nominate students who have excelled in their class during that week. These nomination includes academic and/or behavioral acceleration. In addition, these nominees upheld CHEC's PRIDE: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence! Please be sure to complete by 5pm every Thursday.
Use the following forms:
Student Support Forms:
Reminder: Please bookmark this link for future reference:https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7kagKk6zM0qSt5md8rwKMlnJSbOnQ0xKsY-f39IrJ4ZUNTBDOE9aUDVXRkNNSUJLUjVUVTVSN09DWS4u
Again, welcome to SY 2022-23!
Peace and Love,
The Dean Team
WEEKLY SPORTS UPDATE
Athletics are an integral part of the educational program and a means to accomplish the goals of education. Our athletic program exists for the welfare of students and the contributions it makes to their educational experience. Athletic participation builds self-esteem and confidence and provides the necessary tools for success. The interaction between individuals on the fields of sport teaches students the value of teamwork, while developing the proper competitive spirit, combined with a sense of fairness.
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
The HS FB defeated Richard Wright PCS via forfeit. Tryouts and/or practice will take place this week for all fall sports.
LINCOLN
BSOC: 0 - 0
GSOC: 0 - 0
VB: 0 - 0
BELL
BSOC: 0-0
FB: 1 - 0
GSOC: 0 - 0
VB: 0 - 0
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
MONDAY:
No Games
TUESDAY
No Games
WEDNESDAY
No Games
THURSDAY:
No Games
FRIDAY:
FB vs. Eastern at Eastern @ 6pm
SATURDAY
No Games
To participate in sports, including tryouts, students must complete participation paperwork and upload their physical via https://www.thedciaa.com/participation-forms. Anyone with questions, should contact the CHEC athletic director, Coach A in room D236, or via email at desmond.alexander@k12.dc.gov.
Fall sports include:
Middle School
Boys Cross Country: Coach Lionel Edmonds (lionel.edmonds@k12.dc.gov)
Girls Cross Country: Helena Burnett (helena.burnett@k12.dc.gov)
Boys Soccer: Coach Jarmar Layne (jarmarlayen123@gmail.com)
Girls Soccer: TBD
Volleyball: Coach Constance Hanlon (constance.hanlon@k12.dc.gov)
High School
Cheerleading: Coach Dionne Wright (dionnewright02@gmail.com)
Cross Country: Miguel Pinto (miguel.pinto@k12.dc.gov)
Boys Soccer: Coach Victor Molina (victor.molina@k12.dc.gov)
Girls Soccer: Coach Rhina Merino (rnmerino123@gmail.com)
Football: Coach Daniel Tyson (dnltysn@gmail.com)
Volleyball: Coach Mafope Alao (mafope.alao@k12.dc.gov)
Desmond Alexander, CAA
Athletic Directo.
Columbia Heights Educational Campus
Bell/Lincoln Multicultural Schools
(202)939-7700 Ext: 5207 (office)
(202)576-9147 (fax)