October 12, 2016
I will start by updating everybody on where we are at with our technology endeavors. In addition to our new server capabilities and latest wireless system, we currently have a plethora of software applications that teachers have been using with their students on an ongoing basis. I think the most exciting aspect of Califon’s technology direction is our 1:1 device initiative. Currently, each kindergarten student and first grade student has access to a laptop, and every second grade student through eighth grade student has been issued a Chromebook.
As a result, teachers in grades 4 through 8 have been integrating Google Applications into classroom learning, while teachers at the lower grades are integrating EdModo and Seesaw Applications into their classroom activities. The overall result is that collaboration can now occur on an ongoing basis among students, teachers, and parents! As students continue to utilize these applications in class, the results will become apparent. The ultimate goal is to create digital portfolios that will travel with students from one year to the next. These portfolios will create talking points among all stakeholders moving forward.
Through the generous support of Gloria Winter and her committee, we continue to take advantage of the WinterFall Grant. In addition to a number of items, programs, etc. we have been able to acquire through these grants, we have added additional technology software and hardware such as iPads, a 3D printer, and the latest model Interactive Flat Panel Smartboard for our library! We want to thank Gloria and her committee for their support over the past four years, as the total amount donated towards various endeavors has topped $21,000.00!
We have initiated a stronger push for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education by way of Ms. DeAngelo, our middle school science teacher. She currently has been planning and working with other teachers at various grade levels to integrate STEAM activities and lessons into our students’ school day. Here are a few examples: second grade students explored the engineering aspects of building structures, kindergarten students explored the five senses using five different types of apples, and third grade students participated in a math challenge where they worked with estimation. Our goal is to continue to expand our students’ knowledge in the fields of of science, engineering, and the arts while making it engaging for them at the same time.
Teachers are currently working on developing their Student Growth Objectives (SGOs). The SGOs are objectives the teachers set each year as a way of measuring the positive growth of their students based on what they learn throughout the school year. Teachers are also now mapping out their curriculum in “real” time so that instruction can be as effective and efficient as possible in preparing students for their next grade level.
Students recently completed benchmarks last month. The benchmarks are used by teachers as one tool for developing individualized instruction and activities for your children, as they are very diagnostic in nature. They break questions down for our teachers into the necessary skills, topics, and standards that students need to master in order to be successful in the 21st Century. They also are used as a predictive tool for achievement on the PARCC assessment. Click the link below for more information.
LinkIt! Benchmarks
Our middle school students have been participating in a community service class with the goal of teaching them to value the importance of civic duty and social responsibility in making the community in which they live a better place. Our 6th grade students are also learning study skills through a special class that meets twice per week. The integration of this class throughout their other subjects is priceless. Employers look for employees with the necessary “soft skills” of problem solving, critical thinking, communication, organization, etc. This is a large part of what our 6th grade students will learn through this class.
In collaboration with our PTA for the second year in a row, we will be extending our students’ learning beyond the school day to include a science after school program made possible by Science Explorers®. By way of a fee, partially funded by the PTA, this particular program will be geared towards our kindergarten through 5th grade students on Wednesdays until mid-December. The two programs are called Wacky World of Science and Rock Docs. In addition, look for a Family Science Night to be held after the holidays.
To finish, I would like to thank a few parents for their time and efforts: Mr. Medea and Mrs. Gill for taking care of the plants and flowers around the school grounds, Mrs. Kibler for her donation of books for our school, Mrs. Stoter for her years of keeping our outside sign up to date, and a number of parents through the PTA for making our yo-yo sale a success! I know I am at risk of forgetting someone and for that I apologize but we truly appreciate all of the community’s efforts in making Califon Public School a great place to be!
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