Week of December 6

By Diane

Stay At 17 Inches

We choose to work at Venture, all of us. Students choose to come to school at Venture, all of them. This is their reprieve. This is where they seek solace, guidance, and safety in a learner-centered environment. This is where we build community through mentorships, relationships, and leadership. 

With that said, I truly believe, we must continue to hold them accountable for their work and their behavior. This has been a challenging teaching year with many months ahead of us.

On Friday, I left work feeling absolutely spent. I had had an amazing day until my last period when the battle lines were drawn...not by me, but by a 'favorite' student. He was challenging, used vulgar language, and was absolutely disrespectful...and was escorted out of class. He was angry and I was...distressed...and it followed me home.

After some reflection (and a glass of wine), I felt better and began working on a plan to repair the relationship so I could get some sleep. 

The next morning, I checked my email and found a heartfelt apology from  this student. He had sent it at 8:14 P.M. the night before explaining the difficulties he has been experiencing at home and I remembered the article about Coach Scolinos, Stay At 17 Inches. I had not failed him, I had held him to a "higher standard, a standard of what we know to be right." And he did not fail me.

Student Exhibit Night                                                                                                                     Another successful Student Exhibit Night is in the books!  It was absolutely delightful to hear students and parents talking about the projects.  The beautiful display of refreshments was much appreciated by everyone in attendance.  A special thanks to everyone who made this evening possible for students and families. 

Thank you!

As we begin this new trimester, I want to emphasize how much I appreciate the tremendous thought and effort you give to teaching our students. Everyone at Venture is a teacher.  Everyone here plays their part in helping our students along their journey to becoming successful adults. The work is rewarding and also requires that we dig deeply into our own personal reserves to meet the many challenges.  As we've become better at building relationships with our students, they become more trusting of us and share both their triumphs and their pain.  

As we go into the weekend, think about how you are finding balance in your own life.  Are you consciously setting aside worries over which you have no influence?  Or, are you letting them circulate in your brain?  Are you taking time for recreation?  Are you taking time to focus on the things that matter to you outside of work?  The greatest gift you can give your families and Venture students is to keep yourself happy and healthy.  Take care of yourself - you are worth it!

Bus/Parking lot duty: Eastman and Mahoney

Monday 12/6:  Agenda

Tuesday  12/7: First Day of Trimester 2

Wednesday 12/8: Kaiser out@am

Thursday 12/9:

Friday 12/10: Kaiser out@am

Bus/Parking lot duty: Hook and Fehling

Monday 12/13:  Certified Staff PD Day

Tuesday  12/14: 

Wednesday 12/15:

Thursday 12/16:

Friday 12/17:

December 20 - December 31 - Winter Holiday!