2025, here we go!

 Happy New Year, team!  I hope you are having an intentional, productive, goal-oriented January.  

As I've shared in years past, I try not to make "resolutions" but instead set quarterly goals - it really works!  I have some new enduring habits I'm cultivating and I've made a ton of progress on things that are urgent and important (e.g. the results chapter of my dissertation!).  I used to think of January as the Monday of the year; now I think of January as the Sunday of the year - setting the table (figuratively) for the months ahead, clearing the deck, centering myself and walking clear-eyed into what's ahead.  Clearly, I'm vibing right now - hope you are too.

A few updates for this week:

1. NST Alignment: thank you for joining Monday's meeting to share more about the Teaching and Learning next steps.  I know it can be anxiety-producing to contemplate the idea of a new Chief Academic Officer, but please rest assured you have my commitment that we will support a thoughtful, comprehensive, phased transition plan to align everything well.  And as I mentioned on Monday, I'm very hopefully we will have a remarkable internal candidate - but more, to come.  Reminder the CAO posting is available here. 

Meanwhile, I am working on three things related to NST redesign:  a) engaging with RSOs on how to prioritize instructional leadership with our principals (first working session today - so, so great!), b) crafting a scope of work for the NJ "desk" / Camden strategy, and c) distilling and proposing our NST services from Teaching & Learning from next year.  In order to move the later forward, I would love to get your input:  what should we be prioritizing / what is essential from the NST in terms of school support to hit Plan 2029 goals?  Next Tuesday, I will be circulating a short survey for you to complete so I can review your input - be on the look-out, and thanks in advance! 

2. RP2 Data Day:  I hope PD and data day went well today!  Can't wait to hear about Thinking Routines, central PD and the oodles of school support you led today. Next week, teams will be engaging in RP2 benchmark data review so we can prepare for our RSO collaboration on 1/24.  Please keep the Data Wise Framework on hand as you dig in, do root cause analysis and align on your team's RP3 plan to reach your annual goals.

Additionally, we saw some great feedback from last Friday's PD:

1.10 Central PD

Total Number of Respondents

414

This session met the targeted PD objectives.

93%

I had the opportunity to reflect and collaborate with my peers.

91%

The sessions had effective models and opportunities to practice.

87%

The logistics of the day were well-communicated and smooth.

91%


Highlights:

  • “Mastery is trying to be proactive with our ML families and keep us educators informed of their rights as well. “
  • “I can better understand type 2 and 3 OER's to better prepare my students for success.”
  • “We now have online resources to supplement our curriculum to increase student performance on standardized tests.”
  • “I’ve worked here for 10 years and this was one of the best informative PDs. I liked the charts and information and was super helpful!”
3. Team Retreat:  We will do three things at the team retreat on February 6:  1) we will have some time to do a goals-progress/data review session with sub-teams, 2) we will get a chance to go through a draft prototype of T&L services (informed by your feedback - take that survey above!!) and 3) afternoon professional development.


I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful, MLK weekend, enjoys the Eagles game, and celebrates a bit more snow.  I get the rare opportunity to have 18 hours in NYC with my husband on Saturday and plan to go to the Whitney and Pastis for dinner. 


Go Birds!!!

JV


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