We have a few updates from UHS this week.
District Strategic Plan and School Goals
We shared as part of our October newsletter some of the details regarding the District Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan that form the basis of not only the School Improvement Plan, but also our administrative and teacher goals for the year surrounding our own practices and student learning. To that end, many students will see teachers piloting and experimenting different strategies in class, from different forms of text, to real-life application of skills and content, to different ways of assessing student learning. In particular, we are trying to use assessment for learning, not necessarily to just assessment of learning. In that way, teachers are working with students on gauging specific places to grow, and then working with them on showing progress and actual learning relative to those self-driven standards.
We are also working closely on the balance between skills and content in many areas. One of the terms we hear from all our post-secondary partners is "soft skills." We have recently learned that our school does a more thorough job of addressing soft skills than most, particularly as we challenge students to think about better ways to solve problems, communicate, and collaborate. Again, these are skills that we see as critical to student development and thus are assessed across the curriculum, not just in certain classes.
Our schoolwide learning expectations can be viewed on the school website. The October newsletter is also on the website.
Clarification on Concussion Procedures
Just to ensure that all student-athletes and families are clear on our concussion protocols: we have been using the same academic procedures for several years, which are coordinated through the school nurse. When we receive a confirmed diagnosis of a concussion, all documentation works through the school nurse, who will initiate the academic protocol in consultation with counselors, administration, teachers, and parents. As students gradually return to full academic schedules, the protocol is adjusted.
Once a student-athlete is cleared for participation for athletics by a physician, there is a graduated return to play process that takes, typically, at least five days. The only way that process can be bypassed is if we receive documentation from a physician that there was no head injury at all. We follow this same procedure for all students when a head injury is suspected or diagnosed.
Part of our coaches' certifications and training regarding concussions and head injuries involves immediately sitting out any student-athlete suspected of injury. We do utilize a testing method for clearance and diagnostic purposes with our athletic trainer, and we require these different steps in order to protect students' safety. For additional information for parents, consult this handout from the CDC.
October 16
On October 16, we offer the PSAT to all sophomores and juniors, while our 8th and 9th graders will be involved with programming sponsored by guidance. For seniors, we hold the day as an opportunity for students to visit schools or job sites in preparation for applications or next year. If students are not here but on a visit, they are still permitted to participate in athletics and activities. Reach out to counselors for any other information.
We use PSAT data to help students with college applications, course selection, and other planning at UHS, which is why we provide the opportunity for all students to sit for the test.
Week That Was Video
Our Weekly Video can be viewed below.
Have a great weekend!
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