High School Learning Line

Planning and teaching MCPSonline sections can feel isolating but you are certainly not alone. Make sure you take care of yourself in this overwhelming time. Try one of the suggestions below:

1. Make a list of the things you like to do that feed your heart, your body, your mind, and your soul.
2. Get out your calendar and make time for yourself EVERY day.
3. Give up all guilt about taking time for yourself, or for taking time to be with people who boost your energy and your joy.
4. Keep a gratitude journal.
5. Ask for help when you need it. After all, you aren’t asking for anything you would not be happy to give. Allow others the blessing of giving to you.
6. Laugh and learn from your mistakes— another great gift to yourself and others.

As teachers are learning how to navigate Microsoft Teams, they are able to share their expertise with others. Click on this link to access tools and tips to help you with Microsoft tools. If you have tricks or advice to share, submit your ideas here.

The Secondary Curriculum and Instruction program specialists also provided sample resources to assist you in lesson planning for MCPSonline.

Please feel free to reach out for assistance.

Language Arts and World Languages - Mark Ingram

Reading - Casey Busha

Social Studies - Lindsey Barber

Science - Tia Brown

Math - Christine Strickler

Take advantage of what Skyward has to offer when it comes to online assignments and communication tools that can help you interact with your students. See below.

Since its beginning in 1987, the Public Education Foundation’s Grants for Great Ideas program has awarded more than 745 grants to teachers and principals in support of teaching innovation – impacting more than 100,000 students.

These grants serve not only as funds for school and classroom projects, but as incentives for educators to get further involved in writing grant proposals to other groups to strengthen public education in Florida.

The Grants for Great Ideas program has enabled us – teacher-by-teacher – to build a community of learners capable of making real improvements in classrooms and schools. In the 2017-2018 school year, more than $190,000 was awarded in teacher and principal grants.

Information sheets and application forms for Grants for Great Ideas for educators and principals in Marion County Public Schools are available.

Student essay contest winners will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the theme for Hispanic Heritage Month will be “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida” and released information regarding the student art and essay contests and Excellence in Education awards. Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15.

“For generations, Hispanic Americans have influenced and shaped our state with their vibrant culture, rich history and remarkable innovations,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Governor and I look forward to celebrating and recognizing these individuals who have made our state, nation and world a better place including those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme encourages students to take a deeper look into the local leaders, innovators and community members who have contributed to Florida’s successful history and bright future.”

First Lady DeSantis invited students to participate in academic and creative contests based on this year’s theme. Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.

About the Student Art Contest
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest is open to all K-3 students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Two winners will be selected.

About the Student Essay Contest
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest is open to all 4-12 students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school student (grades 4-5), one middle school student (grades 6-8) and one high school student (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

About the Excellence in Education Award
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8) and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian or student.

Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

Volunteer Florida
Hispanic Heritage Month Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, Florida 32308

All entries must be received by 5 pm (ET) on September 25, 2020.

For more information about the contests please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

Section (s.) 683.1455, Florida Statutes (F.S.), designates the month of September as American Founders’ Month and s. 1003.421, F.S., recognizes the last full week of classes in September in public schools as Celebrate Freedom Week.

During American Founders’ Month various groups, including public and private educational institutions, are urged to recognize and observe this occasion through appropriate programs, meetings, services or celebrations in which state, county and local governmental officials are invited to participate. Public schools are encouraged to coordinate instruction at all grade levels related to the nation’s founding fathers.

Celebrate Freedom Week must include at least three hours of appropriate instruction in each social studies class, as determined by each school district. This instruction shall include an in-depth study of the intent, meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence.

American Founders’ Month and Celebrate Freedom Week 2020 Memo.

• Congress.gov This web-friendly presentation of the original text of the Federalist Papers.
• National Archives Founders Online Correspondence and Other Writings of Six Major Shapers of the United States.
• The Library of Congress The American Founders Online: An Annotated Guide to Their Papers and Publications.

Learn more about the life and legacy of the following Founding Fathers.

• George Washington
• Thomas Jefferson
• John Adams
• Benjamin Franklin
• James Madison
• John Jay
• Alexander Hamilton

To all MCPS personnel, please note that our Professional Learning Management System, TNL is undergoing modifications to support Florida Statute 6A-4.0051 Renewal and Reinstatement of a Professional Certificate, effective July 1, 2020. Information regarding this statute can be found in True North Logic on the homepage or within the TNL Infrastructure Participant Communication document.

Do you need to brush up on your skills prior to taking a required certification exam(s)?

MCPS offers FREE test preparation session available to all employees.

These LIVE virtual courses are facilitated by our very own teachers with expertise in the specific subject areas.

The facilitators are well prepared to provide instruction on the competencies and skills needed to successfully pass Florida Teacher Certification Examinations.

See the attached flyers for our Fall 2020 offerings with TNL registration information and additional independent resources.

Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Lake Weir High School

Secondary Coordinator of Curriculum

Scheduling Program Specialist

High School Testing Coordinator

Reading & HOPE Teacher

Athletic Coach & Graduation Coordinator

Email: Diana.Grantham@marion.k12.fl.us
Website: https://www.marionschools.net/
Location: Marion Technical Institute, East Fort King Street, Ocala, FL, USA
Phone: 352-236-0509
Twitter: @DGranthamMCPS