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June 2, 2022

Issue #21

Message from Deputy Superintendent of Academics

Dr. Marion Smith Jr

Hello, Colleagues!

This has been an exciting, challenging and transformative academic school year! It’s difficult for me to believe that school year 21-22 is now part of history. As I reflect, I remain excited and energized because I work alongside each of you: Dedicated educators who continue, in the midst of all challenges, to place scholar learning, growth and achievement first. With every ending, there is always a beginning. With this understanding, we are engaging in final professional learning sessions and preparation for our summer learning opportunities for scholars that begin next week. (See information below in the Curriculum & Instruction Department Spotlight for updates on Camp SLPS which begins Monday, June 6, 2022).

Awareness

Starting this month, we bring awareness and celebrate LGBTQIA Pride Month and African-American Music Appreciation Month.

Pride Month | In honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan - considered the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States - each June people throughout the United States come together to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. Click HERE to read a Proclamation from The White House. More information may be found HERE from the Library of Congress.

African-American Music Appreciation Month | June is African American Music Appreciation Month. Created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates the African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage. Click HERE to learn more from the National Museum of African-American History & Culture.

“Key 3”: Strengthening the Instructional Core

REMINDER: As a result of Academic Office Focus on Scholar Learning (FOSL) Learning Walks, both formal and informal, and a review of multiple sources of data, three (3) key learning and teaching strategies were identified that serve as our collective academic focus and priority as a school district for the remainder of SY 21-22. These strategies will anchor our summer professional development/professional learning (PD/PL) and launch our Fall 2022 PD/PL. These strategies, when effectively implemented in 100% of our classrooms, will create the conditions for us as a school district to continue to close opportunity and achievement gaps.

The Key 3:

Check for Understanding
Data-Driven / Data-Informed Lesson Planning (PBTE #9)
DOK Questioning (PBTE #22)

Additional supports, resources, and professional learning is forthcoming that will assist 100% of our classroom educators to develop and/or deepen their practices in the “Key 3.” For now and for direct support with engaging these strategies in your daily instructional practice, please review the implementation strategies list linked HERE and/or contact a Curriculum and Instruction Team Member for additional support. More to come in Fall 2022!

3 R’s of Summer Break

As educators your resilience (and tolerance for turbulence and change) was put to the test, yet again, this academic school year. Thank you for everything you did (and continue to do) on behalf of our scholars!

During the Summer Break, I do hope each of you take time for wellness and reflection. I invite you to engage in what I call the “3 R’s” during the break:

RETREAT: Physically and Mentally from your work site and your work.
REFLECT: After a few weeks, reflect on the school year. A few prompts that may be useful:
1. What did I learn about myself or my role this school year? How will I use this knowledge or experience for next school year?
2. What is one (1) shift in my professional practice I will make for next school year? Why? What data supports this?
3. What is one thing I must STOP / START / CHANGE doing to push my professional practice to the next level?
REJUVENATE: Do things that bring you joy and passion outside of your role as an SLPS educator. Reconnect with this part of you and with those who know and love you.

FINAL THOUGHT TO PONDER

"Life is very short. What we have to do must be done in the now.” – Audre Lorde

I wish each of you a very enjoyable, restful and safe summer break!

Your partner in education,

Marion Smith Jr, EdD

Deputy Superintendent of Academics

Summer Learning – Camp SLPS 2022

Professional Development for Camp SLPS is in full swing!

Educators have been engaged with professional development and professional learning opportunities for Camp SLPS since May with after school sessions held on May 5th, 12th, and 19th. June 1st marked the first day of our three-day professional development event designed to ensure all Camp SLPS educators have the tools and resources they need to support the over 6,500 scholars currently enrolled. You may access the Camp SLPS Professional Development Schedule HERE for more information and details about our professional learning experiences.

Learning is always our focus! In addition to learning, we are preparing to engage scholars in daily activities that are exciting, joyful, and just plain fun. Scholars enrolled in Camp SLPS will have opportunities to explore their interests with project-based learning activities, engage in social emotional learning via a dynamic multi-media platform, and broaden their horizons with field experiences, the creative arts, and outdoor play. Additionally, secondary scholars enrolled in our innovative credit recovery program will have the opportunity to recover credit for unfinished learning during the school year.

We are very excited about Camp SLPS and we appreciate all the educators who have signed on to help our scholars continue to learn and grow this summer.

Camp SLPS starts Monday June 6th and ends Thursday, June 30th. For more information and details, please access the Camp SLPS web page HERE.

Curriculum Specialists: