Quick Look

Educational Opportunities

Common Core State Standards Course. All educators are invited to attend a Common Core State Standards seminar scheduled for June 13-14 at Sonoma Heights Elementary School. The instruction is sponsored by the Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program. Breakout sessions will include content-specific information for K-5 and 6-12 grade bands in the Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts and Mathematics. Registration fee is $25. One SUU credit is available for $15; Nevada inservice credit also is available. For questions or registration information, please email Christine Back cback@elko.k12.nv.us or call (775) 753-3879.

Great Basin Teachers Workshop. The Great Basin Teachers Workshop, “Project Energy,” has been scheduled for July 17-22 at Camp Success in Ely, Nevada. Study with educators, teachers and resource specialists in a pristine, outdoor environment. Learn lessons on energy that you can use and adapt for all grade levels, including hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and biomass-biofuels. Tour local energy sites and earn Nevada in-service credits from Utah State University. Fee is $200 and includes all education materials, all meals and accommodations. Please register by Tuesday, June 1. Refunds are not available after deadline. To learn more or to register, please call or email Martha Braddock, workshop coordinator, at (775) 289-1802 or martha_braddock@nv.blm.gov.

"Pipeline" Bulletin

The “Pipeline” is a Humboldt County School District staff bulletin that is published online every Monday of the school year. To submit items for the bulletin, please email nmaher@humboldt.k12.nv.us. For the latest issue, please click here.

Important Dates

Thursday, May 19 - HCSD Transition Day. Minimum Day for all district students.
Monday, May 31 - Memorial Day. No school.
Thursday, June 2 - End of Semester
Friday, June 3 - Teacher Work Day

Parent Involment

Parent Center. Many teachers want parental help, but can’t find the time to stop and explain to a newly arrived parent what needs to be done. The solution? How about creating a Parent Center, based on a learning center. It's a place in the classroom where parentvolunteers are directed to go when they arrive. Have a notebook handy for signing in and keeping track of the days they volunteer. You also may add several pockets with cards in them. The pockets may be labeled with the types of activities the teacher needs completed, such as making copies, assembling homework packets, taking inventory, tutoring students one-on-one, leading group activities, doing prep for crafts, etc. In the pocket, you could place a card or cards that describe what needs to be done and how to do it. Keep all the materials parent-volunteers will need in the Parent Center and they can simply get to work without the teacher’s help. Parents will feel more compelled to come in and help if they know they have a direction to go when the teacher cannot get to them right away.

The Four P's. There are four essential ingredients to building healthy, open communication between schools and families. These ingredients are the Four P’s:

Positive. Too often students and parents are wary of a note or call from the teacher. Sending home words of praise and encouragement can change this perception and improve communication with the family. Remember that parents need a pat on the back too!

Personalized. Parents can be overwhelmed by impersonal xeroxed memos, which seem less relevant to their child. To avoid the “junk mail syndrome,” jot a quick personal note on letters home or have students decorate to draw parental attention.

Proactive. Keep parents informed of your class rules, expectations, and current activities. Provide plenty of notice for special events. Let parents know immediately if you have a concern and work together to prevent problems from developing

Partnership. When well informed, parents can work as partners in their children’s education. Encourage parents to respond to your notes by leaving space for comments or including a few quick questions for return—this practice keeps you informed of parents’ ideas and concerns.