New Newsletter
With the new newsletter will come some adjustments.
Some sections will be MONTHLY.
Some sections will be WEEKLY.
Some links will be the SAME.
We will do our best to put a reminder at the top of each newsletter for you to know when there is updated information, and I have added notations to the side of the labels, to denote when to look.
Westport Mission & Vision
Mission: Leverage the strengths of the Westport community to ensure academic growth for ALL!
Vision: Westport will be a venue for academic success!
Westport’s Collective Commitments: Our Team will:
Make decisions which are student-centered and aligned to our WHY!
Be present to model consistent processes and expectations!
Leverage learning opportunities to increase instructional minutes!
Presume positive intent in order to maintain positive mindsets!
Staff #Read2Succeed Support
ACTION REQUIRED: Lots of staff read alouds are still needed! Here is the LINK for your read aloud video submission. #Read2Succeed
Also, please text your AP a picture of you holding your favorite book!
November Toolkits - Word Meaning and Context Clues
Second Quarter Title I Schools Book Drive
October 28 - December 2
Promotional materials to garner donations
Book distribution prior to winter break
10 highest needs schools: Weaver, Bowerman, York, McGregor, Weller, Williams, Westport Elementary and Middle School, Bisset and Pipkin
Guiding Coalition Update
The guiding coalition met at the end of October to share building feedback on ideas around planning for Instruction. Specifically, members shared their thoughts around instructional planning and the use of Focus Boards & Lesson Planning. This information was then shared with Dr. Lathan and was used to establish the essential expectations for what should be visible for students in the classroom. The feedback provided from across the building helped to frame expectations we will maintain for the school year.
Between now and Thanksgiving Break, the guiding coalition will share with you. This will be done either briefly in PLTs or at an upcoming staff meeting. Provided in this information will be examples and a brief Q & A if necessary.
District Announcements
Thanksgiving Break
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I want to share with you plans for employee work schedules that week. SPS students are scheduled to be out of school the entire week of Thanksgiving, Nov. 25-29. District offices will be closed Nov. 27-29.
To allow employees some flexibility, work schedules will be modified the week of Thanksgiving. As duties allow, employees who are scheduled to work Monday, Nov. 25, and Tuesday, Nov. 26, may work remotely. Some employees (i.e. custodial, maintenance, school police, technology) will be required to report to work on Monday for necessary onsite responsibilities, but they will have the day off on Tuesday. These individuals will receive details about their work schedule from their supervisors.
District offices will remain open and office staff will work remotely Nov. 25-26. SPS will post the holiday schedule with district contact information through Let’s Talk at all SPS buildings. Administrative office buildings will also remain open to employees who may need to access the buildings on these days.
Please note: If you are already scheduled to be absent (PTO, Illness, Vacation, FMLA, etc.) your absence will be processed accordingly. If you do not want to be available for remote work Nov. 25-26, you must enter an absence into Frontline per board policy. Please refer any questions to your direct supervisor or Human Resources.
Approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) uses & products
Google’s Gemini generative AI platform has been made available to staff.
All staff should review the AI Use administrative procedure prior to use.
You can view approved AI uses and products in ServiceNow.
You can also request additional uses and products in ServiceNow.
The Missouri School Board Association (MSBA) has a good resource on getting started in understanding AI in K-12 education.
If you have any questions on using AI or other AI products please contact Bruce Douglas.
Be on the lookout for a new End of Year building cleanout process.
Changes will be made with the way surplus items are picked up. We hope to have these plans finalized sometime in January 2025.
District Employees are not authorized to submit verbal orders to suppliers
Orders should always be placed by p-card or with a PO
Verbal orders puts the District at risk and delays payment to the vendor
Custodial/Grounds
In an effort to reduce and remedy pest control issues in our buildings, please ensure that work orders are submitted for any issues expressed. For Pest Control Issues/Requests please submit a work order in School Dude with Pest control selected as the Purpose for the work order.
EXPLORE 2025
Hiring Timeline: Winter 2025
Explore (seated) positions to be posted - November 11
February 1: Intent form sent to all SPS staff eligible for certified positions (Virtual and Seated)
Teachers will complete the intent form to state their interest in teaching Explore. Teachers will provide building preference, years of experience in Explore, and other relevant information to assist with placement in accordance with Explore Side Letter. February 14: Intent form closes
February 15: Internal posting will go live and remain open for those who missed the intent process. Employees who apply via the internal posting will be placed after the intent form applicants have been exhausted.
March 1: External posting goes live
Explore Schedule
SEATED JUNE (4 WEEKS)
Training Days
Curriculum training virtually on Tuesday, May 27,
Site orientation and classroom prep on Friday, May 30
Student Contact Days: Monday, June 2 - Friday, June 27 (20 days)
Instructional Hours: 7 hour instructional day + 30 minute lunch + 30 minutes supervision
Elementary Schools: 7:30-2:30
Middle School & K-8: 8:30-3:30
Mallory: 8:30-11:30
Note:
Artworks, Choice Programs (AgAcademy, AOE & MSFAA), Phelps and Mallory EC will run normal June schedule
GCYA and JDC will run all of June and July
Sites still to be determined
VIRTUAL JUNE & JULY (8 WEEKS)
Training: Monday, May 27 and Friday, May 30
June Session: Monday, June 2 - Friday, June 27
Virtual ONLY
July Session: Monday, June 30 - Friday, July 25 (Off July 4th)
Explore Graduation: July 28th - Kickapoo
