Monday, November 30, 2015

Hour of Code 2015

Next week, December 7-13 is the 3rd annual Hour of Code week!

What is the Hour of Code?
The Hour of Code is movement to demystify coding and expose all students to computer programming.  We live in a world surrounded by technology. And we know that whatever field our students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly hinge on understanding how technology works. But only a tiny fraction of us are learning computer science, and less students are studying it than a decade ago.  Did you know that the number of computer science jobs is rising three times faster than the number of computer science graduates (code.org)?

Learn more about the 2015 Hour of Code


To participate in Hour of Code 2015, visit hourofcode.org for over 20 self paced tasks related to computer programming.  You could also download the apps Kodable, Hopscotch or CargoBot, Tynker or Daisy the Dinosaur.  Want even more resources?  Check here for a breakdown on recommended apps for grades K-8.  You can also email your teacher librarian, Jamie Fath or Jim Pifer for more support or resources related to coding and Hour of Code.

If you participate, don't forget to register at hourofcode.com/us and let us know.  We’d love to showcase what you’re doing in your classroom

Monday, November 2, 2015

November 11--Veteran's Day Resources and Elementary Grade Level Collaboration



Veteran's Day Resources

Veteran’s Day is November 11th.  See below for resources related to teaching about Veteran’s Day.

History of Veteran’s Day

Take a Vet to School Day

Classroom Resources
·         Teaching History http://teachinghistory.org/spotlight/veterans-day 
·         Veteran’s History Project http://www.loc.gov/vets/ 
·         Iowa Gold Star Museum  http://www.iowanationalguardcom/History/Museum/Pages/home.aspx 


November 11th  Elementary Grade Level Collaboration

Time: 2:30*-4:00

Most teachers will either attend learning support for the new math materialstraining on our new reading intervention (Lexia Core), or STEM.


Grade K-2 teachers: Altoona, Centennial, Delaware, Mitchellville, Willowbrook--Lexia Core training (includes Title I reading teachers, reading specialists, and ELL teachers)
Location: Altoona Elementary Cafeteria

*Those attending the Lexia Core training--please arrive at Altoona Elementary by 2:20.  There is a critical technology component for this training that will start promptly at 2:30.

Grade K-2 teachersClay, Four Mile, Runnells--STEM training (includes reading specialists)
Location: Four Mile Elementary Media Center


Grade 3-5 teachers: Including Title I math teachers and special education teachers--GoMath! support (Personal Math trainer, access to reports, adapted learning) 
Location: Centennial Elementary Gymnasium


Job-Alike Sessions

PK Teachers--IQPPS Portfolio
Location: Clay Elementary

TAG Teachers--Attend either Math or STEM 

Art Teachers-Willowbrook Elementary

PE Teachers-Willowbrook Elementary

Music Teachers-Willowbrook Elementary

Teacher Librarians-TLRC Conference Room

Counselors-Centennial Elementary

Nurses-High School