Dear High School ELA Teachers,

Welcome Back! I’m looking forward to seeing you at District Day and spending some time together learning!

We’re excited to kick off the school year with our District Day on Tuesday, August 12th at 8:00 AM, held at Brighton High School in the Twin Peaks Room. The room is on the 3rd floor on the East side of the building. Brighton does have an elevator – see the main office if you would like access to it. I will also be sending a calendar invite.

This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Rebekah O’Dell, who will be presenting virtually on how to use mentor texts to elevate student writing. You’ll also receive a copy of her new book, Mini-Moves for Every Writer, to support your instruction throughout the year.

We’re looking forward to a morning of learning, collaboration, and inspiration as we continue building strong, connected literacy instruction across our middle and high schools.

Here is our “rough” agenda for the day –

Welcome / 6 Word Memoir (8:00-8:20)
Review District Updates (8:20-8:40)
Break to set up Zoom (8:45-8:55)
Rebekah O’Dell (9:00–10:00)
Site-Based Debrief (10:05-10:30)
Vertical Discussions (10:30-11:25)
AI Resources (11:30-11:50)
Feedback (11:50-12:00)

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions –

Lesli

And of course – a poem:

August Sun
By Robert Duncan

God of the idle heat, in this glaring road
     you dominate all.
And over the green fields wilted down
     under your blaze,      these
thirsty unruly plants grow a jungle domesticity
     to protect their fruit.
Of all hidden things, I sing,      waiting
     for evening’s grace.