Hawk Highlights

Dear Hawk Family,

I sincerely hope that you had a safe summer and had the opportunity to disconnect from the news, turn off the screens, and spend quality time with family and friends. Although it was a unique summer vacation, I was able to recharge and I am ready for the awesome challenges and growth opportunities awaiting our team. I hope you are too. I sense our students' enthusiasm for their return to learning and trust that we will rise to the challenge and meet their expectations.

Our professional learning over the next two weeks is extremely important since we are starting remotely. Please take a moment to review the information in this edition of the Hawk Highlights.The contents include professional learning videos and agenda, learning playbooks, and news that you will need to start the school year. Please pay particular attention to the Overview of the SG PD Plan, How to Access the SG PD Session, and the Remote Learning Organizer videos along with the SG Staff Agenda. These communications will focus your minds on the activities and professional learning that will take place over the next two weeks. You will receive two emails, one in regards to being added to a group, and the other about being added to a Microsoft Team. You do not need to respond to either email. Please understand that Google Chrome is the web browser that should be utilized when working in Microsoft Teams.

I also want to thank members of our Hawk family that worked hard throughout the summer ensuring that we have a great start to the school year. To name only several:

• The assistant principals led by Adrianne Quarles completed the master schedule.
• Teacher leaders, such as Nick Schaefer, Ry Culver, and Christa Davis planned professional learning.
• Our facilities team, led by Tom Brooks, thoroughly cleaned and sanitized our building and prepared it for the upcoming school year.
• Our Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Powerful Development Team reviewed survey data and provided valuable input to a successful Teen Summit that allowed our students to discuss racial equity issues. They also played a role in planning and implementing the upcoming professional learning.

Once again, welcome back! I look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Sincerely,

Shanta Reynolds, Ed.D.

"Hello Hawks! I graduated from Newark High School and earned a degree from the University of Georgia. I am fifteen years into my teaching career: two years at Christiana, twelve years at Delcastle, and one at Instructional Services. Each of these experiences provided growth and I look forward to growing even more at St. Georges. When I coached soccer at Delcastle, I enjoyed the collaboration between the Hawks and the Cougars. Attending games of any sport is something that I enjoy. Collaborating with Hawks has always been positive, and I am now proud to be one! My hobbies are experiencing other cultures, nature, wellness, and spending quality time with my family."

New Student Orientation: SG administration and several teacher-leaders will host a virtual new student orientation via Microsoft Teams on September 2nd at 6:00 p.m.

Webmaster Wanted: The District is working with a vendor and finalizing a new website for each school. Each school is responsible for designating a webmaster that will be responsible for creating and posting content on a regular basis. Training will be provided and a stipend given for services. If you are interested in the position, please email Dr. Reynolds/Dr. Harrison.

9th Grade Advisors Wanted: The Freshmen Class of 2024 is in need of caring advisors that are able to guide the class through their many experiences that they will have as Hawks. Class advisors have a key role in planning events and activities that support personal and social growth. Support and training are provided. If you are interested, please email Dr. Connor.

Course Syllabi: Having up-to-date pertinent course syllabi are key to starting the school year remotely. Please share your course syllabi with your direct supervisor by Wednesday, September 2nd.

Building Access and Protocol: Faculty and staff may personally decide to be on campus during remote learning. However, there are protocols that must be followed before coming to campus. If you are staying on campus, you are required to get a Covid-19 test and send your negative results or notifications to your immediate supervisor before coming the first time. Also, before leaving home each day staff members must conduct a self assessment/health screening. Please see details in the attachment below. When entering the building, staff members must sign-in and sign-out in the main office. The sign-in/sign-out process is used to determine areas needing cleaning and disinfecting. A Covid-19 test is strongly recommended, although not required, for staff members simply picking up and/or dropping off resources during the instructional day. However, if you are staying in the building you are required to get a test before coming to campus. Send your Covid-19 notification/test results to your immediate supervisor.

Covid-19 Testing Protocol: As K-12 schools begin the process of re-opening, the State of Delaware is committed to providing testing services to all school staff members to support a safe educational environment. The State is working with Vault Medical to provide an easy, at-home testing option. The Division of Public Health (DPH) strongly recommends staff are tested 7-10 days prior to entering a school. See details in the attachment below. Details will be communicated as they become available.

SG Gear: All SG staff members will receive two SG masks (black and blue) and a NCCVT roll’em tech case from District to start the school year. They will be ready for pick up on Wednesday. Please see Tiffany Crowther, Mary Palmer, or Lindsay Gliniak for details.

August 24th- Welcome and Professional Learning District-Based

August 25th-September 3rd-Professional Learning School-Based (see agenda above)

August 25th-August 27th- Freshmen Chromebook Distribution

September 2nd- New Student Virtual Orientation via Microsoft Teams at 6 pm

September 8th- Remote Instruction Begins