Curriculum Tips
The Week of October 7th
What's Happening in Science Class with Mr. D
Kindergarten: The students will be comparing the different breeds of chickens.
First Grade: The students have been studying the life cycle of the mealworm. They set the "beetles" free, and now will create their own insect and record how their insect will satisfy his basic needs in their journals.
Second Grade: The students will continue to study how birds are unique. They will experiment with making nests.
Third Grade: The students are "harvesting" seeds out of the gourds that are growing outside of the cafeteria. The students will look at the roots of the plants and discuss the functions of the plant system.
Fourth Grade: The students have been participating in an activity called "Nature Squares" where the students are assigned a "square" of natural wildlife and they are asked to 1. draw the area, 2. record their observations, and 3. record changes they observe in the natural habitat.
Fifth Grade: The students are learning about the concepts of air pressure and water and how these influence the weather. They will be reading "weather maps" during this rotation.
What's Happening in the World of Testing.....?
The Smarter Balanced Assessment will consist of two components which are performance tasks and an end-of-year summative assessment. The performance tasks will be administered during the final 12 weeks of school. The tasks will be organized around real-world scenarios. For example, a high school student may be asked to review a financial document. A combination of teacher and machine scoring will be used. The questions on the summative assessment will include selected-response, constructed-response, and technology-enhanced items. Most of these items will be immediately scored, although some human-scored elements may be included.
To see sample test items, go to www.smarterbalanced.org/sample-items-and-performance-tasks
CogAT testing for second graders will be Oct. 21st-23rd. The testing each day is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and will begin by 8:15.
Upcoming Staff Development Opportunities.....
Oct. 10th: Healthful Living for PE teachers..... 3:45-5:15 at Caleb's Creek ES
Oct. 14th: Progress Monitoring DIBELS Next and TRC for Curriculum Coordinators 2:00-3:30 EB: 219
Oct. 14th: Progress Monitoring DIBELS Next and TRC: K-3 Classroom Teachers: 3:45-5:15 EB: 219
Oct. 15th: Social Studies Lesson and Assessment Planning for 4th and 5th Grade Teachers: 3:30-4:30 at Whitaker ES
Oct. 16th: Reflections-Importance of Creativity, Departmental Support and Self Assessment in Teaching" for Visual Art Teachers from 4:00-5:00 at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Oct. 22nd: Destiny Reports for Media Coordinators and Media Assistants: 8:00-10:00 at the Ed Bldg Computer Lab or on Oct. 23rd at 1:30-3:30 or at 4:00-6:00
Oct. 30: Elementary Media PLC at the IRC lab for Media Coordinators from 4:00-5:00
What are your Students Writing About?
As your grade level thinks of a narrative prompt for this quarter, please keep in mind that you want your children to go through the steps of the writing process with this prompt. The students should be:
1. prewriting
2. drafting
3. conferencing with a peer or teacher
4. editing
5. publishing
6. sharing and celebrating.
Even though you do not have to document this writing score on the K-5 literacy folders, I would still like you to put this writing paper in the folders for each of your students. I will be handing out labels for you to "stick" on your K-5 literacy folders that will show you the data I want you to record on the outside of the folder. The narrative rubric that I handed out to you holds "end-of-year" expectations. Please keep this in mind, as you mark the work your students produce. As a grade level, please discuss your expectations for a narrative piece of writing right now. So you are on the "same page" when evaluating the narrative piece. Also, ask each other how much "guidance" are you giving or allowing during the conferencing piece of the writing process.
Please, grade level chairs, let me know when you will be having this discussion, so I can take part. Thanks!
Science Fair Info....
To the Fourth and Fifth Grade Teachers, I will be sending home letters about individual projects in next Tuesday's packet. I will have you proofread the letter of expectations prior to copying it and sending it home.
Right now, I have secured student and teacher judges from Reagan High School's National Science Honor Society. At this point 10 people will be participating in the judging. If you know of any other people who have a background in science and would like to judge, please let me know.
Have a good week!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Friday, October 4, 2013
October 7- October 13
MRS. STEWART AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PTA, PARENTS, TEACHERS & STUDENTS FOR HELPING MAKE LEWISVILLE THE BEST SCHOOL IN WSFCS!!!!!!!!!
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 7- DAY 6
3rd Grade to the fair. Mrs. Choplin will accompany the 3rd graders.
2:45- IEP (Choplin, Mayer)
Unite Way Kick-Off
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8-DAY 1
7:20 IEP (Choplin, Vidal)
6:30- Skate night (light homework load would be appreciated by PTA)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9-DAY 2
UNITY DAY FOR BULLY PREVENTION: EVERYONE WEAR ORANGE!
Career Day: 8:15-12:00 in the gym.
1:00- PTA Board in Lego Mobile
Career Day: 8:15-12:00 in the gym.
1:00- PTA Board in Lego Mobile
2:45- IEP (Choplin/Mayer)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10- DAY 3
2:30- IEP (Choplin/Mayer)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11- DAY 4
SCHOOL PICTURES
DUTY FREE LUNCH
9:45- 3rd Junior League Puppet Show- Mrs. Mathews has sent out information.
9:45- 3rd Junior League Puppet Show- Mrs. Mathews has sent out information.
12:30- end of day: PTA will be using conference room.
1:00 IEP (Choplin/Vidal)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
8:30- Gather for Bully Walk at BB& T Stadium. Come out and support this worthy cause.
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LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Oct. 7th 2013 through Oct. 18th 2013:
United Way
kick off campaign begins at Lewisville. This year’s goal is to have 100%
participation from our LES staff! Grade level chairs will be given on-line
e-pledge directions as well as literature about the United Way of Forsyth
County. Thank you for your support with this worthy cause!
Incentives:
*Pledges
made Oct 7th through Oct 12th- You will be able to wear
jeans for that whole week!
*Highest
Pledge- Wins a $25.00 Target gift card!
*Drawings at
end of Campaign- All those who made a pledge will be eligible! A variety of
items have been donated for the drawing.
-Gift cards and coupons from local
businesses such as Starbucks,
McDonalds,
Alexes etc.
-Coffee and biscuit breakfast delivered to your classroom!
-Duty Free Lunch!
-One Day Jean Pass!
-Hanes T-Shirt !
-Starbucks Pumpkin Spice coffee package!
Any questions please contact the LES United Way Committee:
Grace Ward,
Maria Hendrix & Vivian Wrights
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MRS. BURCHETTE- OCTOBER 9
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PLEASE CHECK FOR VISITOR PASSES
ALL VISITORS MUST HAVE PASSES WHEN IN THE SCHOOL BUILDING. IF A SOMEONE COMES TO YOUR ROOM OR IS IN THE CAFETERIA WITHOUT A PASS PLEASE SEND THEM TO THE OFFICE TO SIGN IN!
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Teachers please remember to check cumulative folders to determine which children can have their photos taken or published. The forms are in your cumulative folders.
***TECHNOLOGY TRENDSETTERS***
Each month I hope to spotlight "Technology Trendsetters" at Lewisville. For the month of October, it is Cristen Letourneau and Lori Norman. This months prize is a $20.00 gift certificate to Alex's grill. Here is what they are up to:
Using QR codes in the classroom
Printable instructions are located on the staff shared drive. If you have something you'd like to share, please let me know so I can stop by. Thanks!!!
-Stephanie Mac
Using QR codes in the classroom
Printable instructions are located on the staff shared drive. If you have something you'd like to share, please let me know so I can stop by. Thanks!!!
-Stephanie Mac
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Curriculum Tips
TRC Update and Reminders: Please make sure you mark the MSV's for your students who score in the yellow or red range on the TRC. Children in green are optional.
*I will be making a copy of the Home Connect Letter for each student once our BOY is complete. Each grade level needs to choose a day to send them home. The Home Connect Letter will explain the assessments and provide targeted activities for the children to do at home.
*When you conference with a parent about TRC, focus on comprehension abilities, not just the reading level. Remind parents that DIBELS Next and the TRC are "teacher tools" for informing and changing instruction to meet the child's needs. These assessments are also administered on an ongoing basis. They are not "static" or "summative" information on the child.
*Remember, students perform differently on DIBELS and TRC. These assessments are different lenses through which we learn about a student's literacy. For instance, a student proficient on TRC and intensive on DIBELS reads connected text with comprehension but may have issues with fluency or a prerequisite skill assessed by DIBELS. These weaknesses may not effect his or her performance until he or she is in an upper grade and has to read "academic" words.
*High performing students also have room for growth. Literacy skills such as character analysis and writing can be focused on through TRC. Progress monitoring these children may also help you analyze error patterns and ensure that these students are maintaining performance at or above grade level.
*Choosing a TRC level at MOY and EOY should be easier because we will have information based on small group instruction and progress monitoring.
*Proper nouns on the TRC are only counted once as an error if a child misreads the word.
*Please do not rephrase directions or give any prompting when assessing a child in written or oral questions or on a retell. We want valid, reliable data.
*Graphic organizers do not have to be used to answer the written questions. They were intended to serve as examples. Students should use their own paper to write their answers.
*You may scribe for a child if he or she is in Kindergarten or in First Grade at the BOY and MOY.
*When grading written comprehension answers, document the lowest score. Please do not take an average of the two scores. I know I suggested this, but the information I read in the document sent to me this weekend "spells" this practice out.
"A New Generation of Assessments"
* The assessments will feature complex, multipart tasks. In language arts, this may include executing electronic searches, selecting credible sources, and developing written arguments that are supported by evidence from the sources.
*I will be making a copy of the Home Connect Letter for each student once our BOY is complete. Each grade level needs to choose a day to send them home. The Home Connect Letter will explain the assessments and provide targeted activities for the children to do at home.
*When you conference with a parent about TRC, focus on comprehension abilities, not just the reading level. Remind parents that DIBELS Next and the TRC are "teacher tools" for informing and changing instruction to meet the child's needs. These assessments are also administered on an ongoing basis. They are not "static" or "summative" information on the child.
*Remember, students perform differently on DIBELS and TRC. These assessments are different lenses through which we learn about a student's literacy. For instance, a student proficient on TRC and intensive on DIBELS reads connected text with comprehension but may have issues with fluency or a prerequisite skill assessed by DIBELS. These weaknesses may not effect his or her performance until he or she is in an upper grade and has to read "academic" words.
*High performing students also have room for growth. Literacy skills such as character analysis and writing can be focused on through TRC. Progress monitoring these children may also help you analyze error patterns and ensure that these students are maintaining performance at or above grade level.
*Choosing a TRC level at MOY and EOY should be easier because we will have information based on small group instruction and progress monitoring.
*Proper nouns on the TRC are only counted once as an error if a child misreads the word.
*Please do not rephrase directions or give any prompting when assessing a child in written or oral questions or on a retell. We want valid, reliable data.
*Graphic organizers do not have to be used to answer the written questions. They were intended to serve as examples. Students should use their own paper to write their answers.
*You may scribe for a child if he or she is in Kindergarten or in First Grade at the BOY and MOY.
*When grading written comprehension answers, document the lowest score. Please do not take an average of the two scores. I know I suggested this, but the information I read in the document sent to me this weekend "spells" this practice out.
"A New Generation of Assessments"
* The assessments will feature complex, multipart tasks. In language arts, this may include executing electronic searches, selecting credible sources, and developing written arguments that are supported by evidence from the sources.
Friday, September 27, 2013
September 30- October 4
MOVING, GROOVING TEACHERS!
Boosterthon Kick-Off 2013
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30- DAY 1
Happy Pay Day!
1:00- Choplin meeting on campus.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1- DAY 2
7:30- Choplin at principal's meeting
2:45- IEP (Choplin/Mayer)
Mid-terms Go Home!
October newsletter goes home.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2- DAY 3
10:00- Choplin meeting at CO
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3- DAY 4
2:45- PBIS team meeting in Mrs. Lea's classroom.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4- DAY 5
FUN RUN DAY!!!!!
8:15- K-1
9:25: Grades 2-4
10:35- Grades 4-5
(Teachers you may want to suggest student bring an extra pair of shoes)
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Monday, September 30- Mr. B.
Wednesday, October 2- Mrs. J.
Saturday, October 5- Ms. Z.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
October 8- Skate Night (you may give homework but a lighter load if possible)
October 9- PTA Board Meeting (1:00)
October 9- Career Day- Mrs. Mathews will provide details
October 11- School Pictures and Duty Free Lunch
October 12- Bully Walk
October 16- Sweet Frog Night
October 17- K-2 Field Day
October 18- 3-5 Field Day
Friday, September 20, 2013
September 23- September 27
There is a LOT of Learning Going on Here at L.E.S!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23- DAY 2
1:00- Choplin @ CO
2:45 SIT in Ms. Palmer's Room.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24- DAY 3
7:30- IEP (Choplin/Mayer)
8:30- Choplin/Scott meeting on campus
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25- DAY 4
Boosterthon Kick-Off
3-5 PEP Rally in Gym @ 12:45
K-2 PEP Rally in Gym @ 1:25
Boosterthon Teacher Party in Media Center @ 2:45
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26- DAY 5
2:45- Hospitality Team meeting in Media Center
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27- DAY 6
Have a wonderful weekend!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
9:00-1:00 CPR Training -- Mrs. Sams has listing of all those that signed up for this event.
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HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
Wednesday, September 25- Ms. Wilson
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HEARD AROUND SCHOOL!
- " I really enjoyed LTM's this week. I thought it was very beneficial!"
- "What a wonderful year so far. I have truly been happy every morning coming to work! I have a wonderful feeling this is going to be an AWESOME school year!"
- " So glad we were able to have a shower for the Skinner family!"
- " I can hardly get out of my car fast enough to get to school. I love school!"
- " I love my students!"
- " It's HUMP Day!"
- " I love my co-workers!"
- " Love this school, we are so glad to be here!"
- " I love how much the teachers and staff truly care for the children here!"
- LTM- left with fun, useful, tech sites to use.
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Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Curriculum Tips....
Thank you for taking the time to learn with your students this week....
You have participated in LTM's,
You have looked at data and identified specific student needs,
You have "Dibeled" your students with a "smile" on your face, and most importantly,
You are building positive relationships with your students daily.
Several websites you may want to use in your class are:
ABCYa.com
Storybird.com
screencastomatic.com
extranormalmoviemaker.com
These websites offer a variety of digital tools to produce and publish students' writing.
IE time will begin on Monday, Sept. 23rd.
A schedule will be put in your box so you will know who is working with your students and when.
If you are a third through fifth grade teacher, please give a list of important vocabulary words-across content areas to the specialists when they work with your students next week. Also, until we get some current data, we have given the specialists several strategies to use with the students that work on fluency. Please provide the specialist with reading material you are using with your students when they work with your class.
Several teachers asked me what to fill out on the K-5 literacy cards since we are using Dibels and TRC rather than the K-5 assessments. At the end of the year, you will be asked again to print out the DIBELS data and the TRC data to place in the K-5 literacy folders. This will take the place of documentation on the outside of the literacy card.
Have a good "rest" of the week.....
Thank you for taking the time to learn with your students this week....
You have participated in LTM's,
You have looked at data and identified specific student needs,
You have "Dibeled" your students with a "smile" on your face, and most importantly,
You are building positive relationships with your students daily.
Several websites you may want to use in your class are:
ABCYa.com
Storybird.com
screencastomatic.com
extranormalmoviemaker.com
These websites offer a variety of digital tools to produce and publish students' writing.
IE time will begin on Monday, Sept. 23rd.
A schedule will be put in your box so you will know who is working with your students and when.
If you are a third through fifth grade teacher, please give a list of important vocabulary words-across content areas to the specialists when they work with your students next week. Also, until we get some current data, we have given the specialists several strategies to use with the students that work on fluency. Please provide the specialist with reading material you are using with your students when they work with your class.
Several teachers asked me what to fill out on the K-5 literacy cards since we are using Dibels and TRC rather than the K-5 assessments. At the end of the year, you will be asked again to print out the DIBELS data and the TRC data to place in the K-5 literacy folders. This will take the place of documentation on the outside of the literacy card.
Have a good "rest" of the week.....
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