New Beginnings

Welcome to a new school year full of promises and potential.  It is exciting and rewarding to be a part of a profession that has opportunities for 'new beginnings' each and every year.  We hope you had a relaxing summer with some adventures to share as your students return.

By the way, below is a picture of what beach sand looks like when it is magnified 250 times!

We had a productive and reflective summer of curriculum work, professional learning, and opportunities to extend learning for our students.  We are looking forward to sharing and implementing the results of your hard work.

Productive Group Work--The First 20 Days

With continued efforts on implementing the Gradual Release of Responsibility model, many buildings are working on implementing collaboration routines for the "First 20 Days".  This document is available for you in the 'Gradual Release Resources' folder on the Professional Development site, but we will also be placing orders through print shop for those who would like a hard copy.  If you would like to order a copy, please complete this form by August 23.

RESOURCES
There's an App for That
Many of you have downloaded and use the MasteryConnect app for the Math and ELA Standards. They now have a new app for the Next Generation Science Standards.

You may download this FREE app by searching for "Next Generation Science Standards" or "Mastery Connect" in your favorite app store.

40 Maps that Make Sense of Our World

In the past, working with maps typically meant labeling countries, states, capitals, landforms, etc. Today, technology can provide us amazing views and infographics.

Below is a map that illustrates world population. I was particularly struck by the inset circle which illustrates that there are more people living in that circle than outside. What are the implications for trade, education, etc. based on the information from this map?

For more maps that make sense of our world, visit the website below:

40 Maps that Help You Make Sense of the World

Technology Integration--iPad Apps
As we continue to increase access to technology and devices across the district, we have great classroom models of implementing technology as a tool to enhance learning.  When thinking about ways to use technology, it helps to consider it in the context of what we want students to know and do. The link below organizes iPad apps based on desired student outcomes.

For example...

I WANT MY STUDENTS TO.....

Create written content

OR

I WANT MY STUDENTS TO...

Collaborate

OR

I WANT MY STUDENTS TO....

Use iPads in math class

For more ideas on using technology by leading with learning, visit the site below:

I Want My Students To.....

Close Reading-Building the Foundations
During our Close Reading training last spring, we had excellent examples at the K-1 level.  But how do we build the foundations for making inferences and close, analytical reading?  This week's "Hello Literacy Blog" has some good ideas for using pictures to support this, particularly with our emergent readers.  It also has some nice web links for pictures that could connect to science and social studies.

What do you observe in this picture? What details do you notice? What do see when observing it "closely"?

 What inferences can you make based on what you see in this picture? 

As the school year gets up and running, we will continue to add close reading lessons to our Googledocs folder.  

Our scholars will be here Monday--we are looking forward to a great year.

LEAVE YOUR MARK!