March 10, 2014
We are gearing up for some warmer weather. It’s taking a little while to get here but when it does it will certainly be worth it and well deserved! Most grade levels are now finished or close to finishing their research reports. The teachers have put a lot of time into making this an invaluable learning experience for your children. The students worked very hard on these and should be proud of their efforts. We look forward to continuing this endeavor in the years to come.
The committee for our Council of Instruction has been formed, and we will meet for the third time toward the end of the month. So far, through the Council, we updated our World Language curriculum, formed a report card ad-hoc committee, and formed a technology sub-committee. We are in the process of redesigning our report cards, and we look forward to the online component through Genesis Educational Services, Inc. next year. We will be updating our technology plan over the next few months, which will include the direction we are headed for Califon School over the next few years. We are hoping to purchase more technology based items so that technology infusion occurs for your child on an ongoing basis.
I will be joining the “Guys Read” club for our first meeting on March 18th. Mrs. Weiss, some 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys, and I will meet periodically during lunch to discuss the book Wonder by Palacio. It is about a 5th grade student who attends school with a facial deformity. It was a NY Times Bestseller, and it received a number of votes from our students as the book to read for our club. I just began to read it and so far it’s very interesting to see and understand the world from Auggie’s point of view. I’m predicting that it will be a good lesson in tolerance for our students.
In order to be fiscally responsible, we are searching for other means of funding for Califon initiatives. Our recently formed Grant Writing Committee will be looking to secure grants for various programs and initiatives, with one area being technology. Along these lines, a huge thank you goes out to Gloria Winter again for her generosity in providing us with the WinterFall grant. Over the past year, Gloria and her committee have funded middle school science labs, school software licenses, and our soon to be Junior Great Books enrichment program! More information on Junior Great Books will be forthcoming.
As part of our STEM push, we will be hosting our first annual Siemens Science Day! Representatives from the Siemens foundation will be here to lead the students in a hands-on science activity during two separate times. PreK through 4th grade students will participate in an earth science activity called “Shaky Ground” and our 5th through 8th grade students will participate in a physical science activity called “Hole-in-One.” The website for this foundation was just recently listed on our website under “Highlights.” We are hoping to continue working with Siemens as a partner in education.
We are also going to expand our partnership with Hart Commuter Information Services. As you may be aware, our Walking School Bus is through Hart. As a matter of fact, we are now labeled as a “model school” for this program! We are now pursuing their environmental education program. Our 8th grade students will be taking part in a “STEM Fair”, which is actually their Science Fair. They will be constructing solar cars and participating in an upcoming race in May. In addition, we hope to invite HART representatives here to engage the students with environmental lessons at every grade level.
Please put the evening of Friday, March 21st on your calendar as we will have a number of young entrepreneurs here selling items created by their very own business. Over the past several weeks, participating students have learned a number of important facts about how to establish and run a business. Please check out our website under the “Spotlight” section for more information on this authentic learning experience.
There are many great things going on here at Califon School! I have been quite impressed at the hard work put forth by all of the teachers here on a daily basis. Your children also continue to impress me with their effort, perseverance, and their desire to do the right thing. Your support has been truly remarkable and with the three ingredients just mentioned, it can only mean an awesome future!
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