Thanks to each of you for the very generous gifts last week.  The flowers are absolutely stunning, the Godiva is a delightful treat and I can't think of anything I could enjoy more than a spa treatment.  The real gift; however, is the privilege of working with each of you.  Together we have built something very special at Venture and I am honored to be part of it.  Thank you.

Shout out to Christy and Leadership!  Venture Academy is looking especially spooky and autumn-festive.  And... the Halloween spirit week plans sound like a good time for all of us.  Thank you for the work you do to build and nurture a supportive culture for students and adults!

• Something to think about... We have a bit planned for this coming Friday.  It would be good for us to spend some time to give language to the most important aspects of Venture and identify the significant aspects of our work.  And then, we can talk about how to maintain this culture through the various changes in staffing and circumstances that happen with all schools.  
• Also  we will revisit the conversation about how to use our family engagement night on November 20.  We can talk about it on Friday, but that conversation will be more productive if we've had some time to think and discuss prior.
• The math department has been working extensively in the area of proficiency scales and they will share some of that with the rest of us. The clarifications will make the process straightforward and, hopefully, minimize wheel recreation.

IPLP... Please have these submitted by 3:00 pm on Friday 10/25.  That will give me time to review them prior to the 10/31 deadline.  These can be exactly the same for every member of your department.  They don't have to be, but since we are all working on the same things, it might be more efficient.

Protocols...  are structured routines or steps that guide how students interact and learn. They provide clear guidelines for discussions, group work, and reflection activities, making classroom interactions more organized and productive. Using protocols helps students build essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication. They encourage equal participation, ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, and create a sense of accountability. Additionally, protocols can help students focus on specific learning goals and facilitate deeper understanding of the content.

Why Use Protocols?

1. Structure and Consistency: Protocols provide a consistent routine that helps students know what to expect. This can be especially useful for creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas.

2. Equitable Participation: By design, protocols give every student a chance to contribute. This can help quieter students find their voice and more active students learn to listen.

3. Focused Discussions: Protocols help keep conversations on track and aligned with learning objectives. Students are less likely to veer off topic, and teachers can ensure that important concepts are thoroughly explored.

4. Skill Building: Protocols foster essential skills like listening, giving constructive feedback, and developing arguments based on evidence.

Tips for Implementation

• Start Small: Begin with simpler protocols, like Think-Pair-Share, and gradually introduce more complex ones.  Note:  Think-pair-share isn't really the same thing as "talk to your partner about this"  Rather, it is a three-step process where students first think about a question individually, then discuss their thoughts with a partner, and finally share their ideas with the larger group.
• Set Clear Expectations: Before starting, explain the purpose and steps of the protocol so students understand what is expected.
• Reflect Afterwards: After using a protocol, take a few minutes for the class to reflect on what went well and how the process could be improved.
• Be Flexible: Adjust protocols to fit your classroom needs. They should serve as a guide rather than a strict rule.

Here are some alternative protocols that are appropriate for high school classrooms:

1. Jigsaw: This protocol divides a larger topic into smaller parts, with students becoming "experts" on one part and then teaching their peers.  
• How to Implement: Divide the class into small groups, assigning each group a different aspect of the topic. Students first meet with others assigned the same sub-topic to discuss it (expert groups), then regroup with the original group and teach what they learned. This way, each student contributes to understanding the whole topic.
2. Chalk Talk: A silent way to reflect on and share ideas about a topic. Students write their thoughts on a shared board or paper without speaking. 
• How to Implement: Write a question or prompt on large paper. Students respond by writing their thoughts, comments, or questions. They can also draw lines connecting to others' comments to show agreement or add more ideas. This encourages students who might not speak up during verbal discussions to participate
3. Affinity Mapping: This protocol involves sorting and grouping ideas into categories to find common themes.
• How to Implement: Give students sticky notes to write down ideas or answers related to a prompt. Once everyone has added their ideas, work together to sort them into groups or themes on a board. Discuss why certain ideas were grouped together and what can be learned from the commonalities.
4. Save the Last Word for Me: This discussion protocol ensures that all voices are heard, especially those who may be quieter. 
• How to Implement: Choose a text or prompt. Students read or listen, then each writes down a quote or idea they found important. In small groups, one student shares their quote without any explanation, and each other group member comments on the quote before the original student "saves the last word" by explaining their thoughts.

Tips for Implementing These Protocols

• Set Up Guidelines: Make sure students understand the rules for each protocol and emphasize active listening and respect. Creating a set of norms on chart paper that you can reference is ideal.
• Rotate Roles: Allow students to experience different roles (facilitator, presenter, observer) to build a variety of skills.
• Provide Reflection Time: After using a protocol, ask students to reflect on how the process helped their learning and what could be improved.
• Encourage Student Ownership: Gradually give students more responsibility in facilitating protocols, fostering independence.
• Gentle pressure, relentlessly applied.  If students knew how to be students, they likely wouldn't have chosen Venture.  They are learning new skills and it is a slow process.  Don't give up, start small, work on it daily and celebrate the gradual wins.

For the Week of October 21
Bus Duty: Penski
Monday: 
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Trent visiting Venture
Friday: Certified collaboration

For the Week of October 28
Bus Duty: Gonzalez
Monday: 
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  Kennedy out @am
Thursday: Trent visiting Venture
Friday: Non Work Day

For the Week of  November 4
Bus Duty: Njoku
Monday: 
Tuesday: Certified workday - no students
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Trent visiting Venture
Friday: Certified collaboration

For the Week of  November 11
Bus Duty: Mahoney
Monday: Veterans' Day:  Mr. Vaughan, thank you for your service!  Do we have any other Veterans at Venture?
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Trent visiting Venture
Friday: Non Work Day

A Heartfelt Thank You for an Incredible First Week

Now that we've wrapped up the first week of the school year, I want to express my gratitude to each of you. Starting a new school year is always a mix of excitement and stress - sometimes a bit overwhelming, but because of your hard work and commitment to student success, we are off to a great start!

From setting up classrooms to creating welcoming environments for students, your effort and preparation were evident as I visited classrooms. It’s no small feat to get everything ready for a new group of learners, and the energy, creativity, and care you put into it made all the difference for students. The enthusiasm and support you’ve shown for each other and for kids have set the tone for what promises to be a year filled with positive learning experiences and growth.

Building Relationships

This first week has been all about establishing connections. Thank you for being intentional in creating a classroom environment where every student feels valued, heard, and seen. The relationships we foster provide a framework of trust that allows students to take academic risks to learn the skills and content for future success.

Looking Forward

I’m excited about what we will accomplish together this year. Thank you for bringing your passion, expertise, and positivity to each new day in the classroom. You are making a lasting difference, not just in the lives of students, but in the fabric of our school community.

Let's keep this positive momentum going as we move forward knowing that we’ve already built a strong foundation. I’m incredibly proud of the work you’ve done and am grateful to be part of such an amazing team.

Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!

For the Week of September 9
Bus Duty: Wilson
Monday: 

Tuesday: Kaiser out @am
Wednesday:  
Thursday: 
Friday: Non Work Day

For the Week of September 16
Bus Duty: Cysewski
Monday: 

Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  Kaiser out @am; First Extended Learning
Thursday: 
Friday: Certified Staff PD

For the Week of September 23
Bus Duty: Vaughan
Monday: 

Tuesday: Kaiser out @am
Wednesday:  Extended Learning
Thursday: Picture Day
Friday: Certified Staff PD

As we kick off a brand-new school year, I want to extend the warmest welcome to each of you. Whether you are returning to our Venture family or joining us for the first time, you are an important part of the work we do, and we are all thrilled to have you here! We have important work to do this year with students, and I cannot wait to see all the incredible things we will accomplish together.

Working at an alternative high school like Venture Academy is something truly special. You are not just teachers—you are mentors, cheerleaders, and sometimes the steadying influence that guides our students through tough times. Please know that your work can profoundly impact the lives of the young people with whom we work, whether you see it right away or not. You can be proud of the work you do to shape lives.

Our mission at Venture Academy is simple but powerful: We are here to help our students reach their highest potential through personalized, flexible, and structured educational experiences that enhance their academic growth and set them up for lifelong success. Each student who walks through our doors is on a unique journey, and we have the privilege of being their guide, pushing them to grow and celebrating their wins—big and small.

As we dive into this new year, let's remember just how important our work is. Many students have faced challenges that might have left them feeling like success is out of reach. But here, we see their potential. We are here to help them grow beyond what they or others might think is possible. Together, we are helping them become confident, capable citizens who can think critically, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively—skills that will serve them well in both their local and global communities.

Our vision at Venture Academy is that every student who graduates leaves with these abilities, ready to take on whatever comes next with confidence. This vision is not just something we talk about; it is a promise we make to every student. We are not just helping them earn a diploma—we are preparing them for life.

So as we gear up for the year ahead, let's keep our mission and vision at the forefront of our thinking, planning, and communicating. Remember, you are a vital part of this community, and the work you do every day makes a difference. Your dedication, creativity, and support are what make Venture Academy such a special place for our students.

Thank you for everything you do. I am excited to see how we will grow and succeed together this year!

Here is to a fantastic school year ahead! 

Some journeys are direct, and some are circuitous; some are heroic, and some are fearful and muddled. But every journey, honestly undertaken, stands a chance of taking us toward the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.    Parker J. Palmer

For the Week of September 2
Bus Duty: Cooley
Monday:  Labor Day: No School

Tuesday: 1st Day of School
Wednesday:  
Thursday: 
Friday: Certified Staff PD

For the Week of September 9
Bus Duty: Wilson
Monday: 

Tuesday: Kaiser out @am
Wednesday:  
Thursday: 
Friday: Non Work Day

For the Week of September 16
Bus Duty: Cysewski
Monday: 

Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  Kaiser out @am; First Extended Learning
Thursday: 
Friday: Certified Staff PD

For the Week of September 23
Bus Duty: Vaughan
Monday: 

Tuesday: Kaiser out @am
Wednesday:  Extended Learning
Thursday: Picture Day
Friday: Certified Staff PD

 

And, with that, another year is in the books!

Thank you all for pulling off this year's graduation ceremony.  All day long I've heard from community members about how moved they were by the students speeches and the heartfelt testimony to the amazing Venture teachers and staff.  It truly is a privilege to work with each of you.   I hesitate to mention people by name in case I leave someone out, so let me start by saying that the entire staff really pulled together for graduation just as you all did throughout the year.  

Val and Marybeth- thank you for refreshments, having the dinner set out and for making everything so festive.  You do that for the staff throughout the year and it is so appreciated!

Rachelle and Max- thank you for organizing EVERYTHING from steaming the gowns, to the credits to the diplomas, to the ten thousand little details that add up to a ceremony the kids are proud of.

Lena - Thank you for the graduation programs, yearbook, and for undoing  my mistake with the stickers!  You were simultaneously working with your own students, helping with exhibit night, creating materials for graduation and putting some creative technical touches on the HRS materials.  You are appreciated! 

Caryn, your morning "announcements" graduation were PERFECT!  So, of course, you will be on the agenda for graduation ceremony from now on!

Hook - thanks for the music, helping arrange the gym, and being the all around go to fix it guy who knows how to get things done.  Thanks for being someone we can all count on - and for alleviating my panic over the mic.

Mantz - thank you for rounding up, redirecting, and regulating what felt like 4 or 5 hundred boundary-pushing teens over the past few days (well, all year).  I think you saved all of our sanity this week and all year.

Lex - thank you for organizing the senior speeches and for your own, very moving, introduction to the speakers.  Like Caryn, you will be agenda for all Venture graduations until the end of time.

To the people who were mentioned by name and to everyone else who quietly helped out - THANK YOU!  I hope you all have a wonderful and well deserved summer!

 

Thank you Venture Academy teachers and staff members. Each and every one of you goes above and beyond to serve as role models, mentors and inspirations to our students. You've created a safe place where students can grow beyond challenging circumstances by helping them feel seen, heard, and valued. You continue to make a difference that matters for kids and I count it as a great privilege to work alongside you.

As a token of the community's appreciation for all that you do, a local church has offered to provide breakfast goodies on Monday, a taco bar on Tuesday, and Donuts on Thursday.  And, on Friday, we will have Caruso sandwiches and salads.

The End is Near:  Student Exhibits are on June 5, Graduation is on June 6, the last day of school is June 7th - a half day.  Please plan on giving a final on the last day.  

Last day of schedule draft - pending approval from Val and transportation

1. 7:50-8:40

2. 8:45-9:35

3. 9:40-10:30

4. 10:35-11:25

5. 11:30 - 12: 20

Grab and Go lunch

Buses come at 12:35

Final Observations and Evaluation: Please remember that each student in each class must complete the survey where they give feedback on their experience as learners in that class.  You will type a reflection (up to one paragraph) of the student results for your final evaluation that you send me as a word or pdf doc attached in email.  On the document, please include your name, the school year and the summary reflection paragraph.  The paragraph should summarize the student results and what you will do with them.  For example:  "Students said they felt they were encouraged to give their best thinking, but that time was often wasted in class.  Because of this, next year I will continue to use thinking protocols, and I will structure my lessons to include exit tasks so that there isn't any time lost at the end of the period." etc.

Also, you will need to send me a word or PDF doc attached to an email that shows your student academic achievement summary paragraph.  For example, "90% of students earned a 70% or better on the performance-based assessment designed to show their proficiency in writing an argumentative essay."

For the Week of May 6
Bus Duty: Higgs and Levy
Monday:  PD Day:  Agenda  Thank you: Breakfast Goodies

Tuesday: Kaiser out @am Taco Bar lunch
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Extended Learning, Doughnuts
Friday: Wellness, Caruso's salad and sandwiches

For the Week of May 13
Bus Duty: Eastman and Mahoney
Monday:  Non Work Day

Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Extended Learning, 
Friday: Wellness, 

For the Week of May 20
Bus Duty: Doering and Cooley
Monday:  PD Day (ISAT Testing for online students)

Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Extended Learning, 
Friday: Wellness, 

For the Week of May 27
Bus Duty: Smith and Hook
Monday:  Memorial Day

Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Extended Learning, 
Friday: 

For the Week of June 3
Bus Duty: All Hands on Deck
Monday:  PD Monday

Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  Student Exhibits
Thursday: Graduation!!!!! 6:00 pm
Friday: Last Day of School  Half day

For the Week of June 10
Bus Duty: 
Monday:  PD Day

Tuesday: PD Flex day in exchange for graduation
Wednesday:  
Thursday: 
Friday: 

 

This video gave me some things to think about regarding flipped classrooms.  It's worth the five minutes.

Tech Tip from Lena... It is time to give your Chrome Books a refresh.  Within the next week, please completely shut down all of your Chromebooks and restart them to UPDATE.  Note, that the new update does take a bit longer, so please plan accordingly.  If you need help, your Tech Assistant Lena is happy to assist. 

For the Week of April 8
Bus Duty: Smith and Hook
Monday:  PD Day:  Agenda

Tuesday:
Wednesday:  SAT DAY
Thursday: Extended Learning
Friday: Wellness,   Caryn is out

For the Week of April 15
Bus Duty: Vaughan 
Monday:  Cross District Collaboration 7:00 am

Tuesday:
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Extended Learning
Friday: Wellness 

For the Week of April 22
Bus Duty: Wilson and Penske
Monday:  Non Work Day

Tuesday:
Wednesday:  Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day
Thursday: Extended Learning,  Caryn is out
Friday: Wellness,  Caryn out, Kaiser out

For the Week of April 29
Bus Duty: Gonzalez and Mazhan
Monday:  Non Work Day

Tuesday:
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Extended Learning, 
Friday: Wellness, 

 

Hello Spring!  And, not a minute too soon.  Third term began smoothly, which is never an accident.  Your work to welcome students and implement processes that support a quality learning environment is greatly appreciated.  

Shout out to the online team:  Jessica, Adam, Emma, Rachelle and Karen have done an amazing job growing and supporting the online wing of Venture Academy.  They have created systems from scratch and then monitored and adjusted those systems along the way to meet a growing need in our community for flexible learning environments.  Thank you for taking on this complex and frustrating task.  

This is another time of year when students often struggle to focus and stay in class. The answer to this dilemma is more structure not less.  A couple of things to keep in mind:  By far, most of our students are behind academically.  And they're only in school four days a week.  And they don't have homework.  Students must be focused on doing academic work every moment in class.  This includes the  first five minutes of class, the last five minutes of class, Fridays, the day before a holiday, the day after a holiday, the last day of the term, and all of those other days.  The last day of a term can be especially challenging.  For this reason, we have a school-wide expectation of a final in every class taken on the last day of the term.  You may have noticed the picture of the student in the CDA Press who said he finished his work so he took the rest of the day off to go to the skate park.  

Here's another way to think about it:  Five minutes of downtime in each class, five times per day over a 140 day school year, equals 58 hours of lost instructional minutes.  This equals nearly 10 school days.  If we add the final day of each trimester, that's 13 lost days.  

What to do about students who have lots of time left over?  One thing that can help is to plan for more than you think they can finish.  This strategy makes it possible to cut some things out rather than try to fill time at the end of the day or term.

Advisory... Maybe our best tool for nurturing a thinking and learning community.  On Monday, we will brainstorm ways to use this opportunity to its full advantage.  Here is an article that might spark thinking.  And another one:  Fostering Relationships Through Advisories.

Phones... Please, do not let phones become a reward for finishing work early.  It undermines our school stance of phones being put away during the class day.

Celebration Assembly on Friday, followed by field games (Thank you Tony!)   We will recognize students with high GPA;s and perfect attendance. 

Here is the proposed schedule:

1st period: 7:50 - 8:35

2nd period: 8:40 - 9:25

3rd period: 9:30 - 10:15

4th period: 10:20 - 11:05

5th period: 11:10 to 11:50

Lunch: 11:50 - 12:20

Advisory 12:25 - 12:40

Assembly followed by games 

Tech Tip of the Week:   REMEMBER 2 Step Verification Required as of April 2nd

The District has turned on a requirement for 2 Step Verification, with a deadline of April 2nd, for anyone to continue to access our network. Please go to your account on Google to get it set up. If you have questions or concerns about setting this up, please complete this form.

Proficiency Scales:  Here is a folder of Sample Proficiency Scales.  We will use this on Monday to help create some for a unit.  If you or your department has been working on this, please bring your drafts on Monday.  

For the Week of March 18
Bus Duty: Eastman and Mahoney
Monday:  Certified PD and Collaboration: 8:00 am:  Agenda

Tuesday:
Wednesday:  
Thursday: 
Friday: Celebration Assembly and Field day

For the Week of March 25
Spring Break!

For the Week of April 1
Bus Duty: Doering and Cooley
Monday:  Non Work Day

Tuesday:
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Extended Learning
Friday: 

For the Week of April 8
Bus Duty: Smith and Hook
Monday:  

Tuesday:
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Extended Learning
Friday: Wellness