#WhatTeachersDointheSummer

The month of June is beginning and we can reflect back on another successful school year at Southeast Polk. The year was not without its challenges, but the dedication and teamwork on the part of staff continue to support all students in learning and growing. 

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, we know there are some legislative changes that will impact teaching and learning.  These include curriculum transparency and book selection for libraries, (both building and classroom) and units of study.  Our supporting agencies have shared a timeline for guidance, and we will use this guidance to move forward and support teachers and students. 

We wish you all a restful, relaxing, exciting, and well-deserved summer break.  We also know that teachers continue to work, learn, reflect and grow.  Below are just a few of the things happening at Southeast Polk this summer.

So what do teachers do in the summer??  They rest, learn, play, work, repeat. Feel free to use the hashtags below on social media to share your adventures.  Enjoy every minute! 

#whatteachersdointhesummer

(along with #1SEP and #SEPolk)

                                                      

                                                    

Elementary Math Professional Learning

We are excited to be moving forward with our board-approved elementary math adoption--iReady from Curriculum Associates.  We have trainers from iReady joining us tomorrow, Math 31st from 8:30-11:30 to provide an overview and get us started with the new materials.  Please bring your laptop and something to write with to your assigned grade level building listed below. Everyone should have online access to the materials and Core Math teachers K-5 will each receive one hard copy teacher edition at the training.

Kindergarten: Delaware

1st Grade: Altoona

2nd Grade: Clay

3rd Grade: Mitchellville

4th Grade: Centennial

5th Grade: Willowbrook

Who should attend?

Classroom teachers, instructional coaches, principals, curriculum coordinators, TAG teachers, EL teachers, Title I Math teachers, Special Education teachers who support Math, etc. 

Core Plus teachers will meet at Four Mile Elementary.   We look forward to learning together tomorrow! 

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month) is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The month of May was chosen to mark the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the United States on May 7, 1843, as well as the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869.  This is a time to honor the many achievements and contributions that Asian and Pacific Islanders have made to our communities.  Below are some sites that offer a collection of lessons and resources for K-12 social studies, literature, and arts classrooms that center around the experiences, achievements, and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across U.S. history.  

• Teacher's Guide: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and History in the U.S. 

Iowa Department of Human Rights

• Office of Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs 

Commission of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs 

• Public Meeting & Film Screening Island Soldier

• Iowa Asian Alliance - CelebrAsian

Library of Congress 

• AAPI Heritage

• Monsoon's Pacific Islanders in Iowa: the PI in API/AAPI          

• Siouxland's 11th Annual Asian Festival 

   

With Gratitude and Appreciation

As we close out another week of school with great things happening for students across the district, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for all that you do.  I have spent my entire career in education watching teachers step up in a multitude of situations without hesitation.  Through the celebrations and the challenges, you remain the constant anchor in so many students' lives.  You have touched so many, and you continue to bring your gifts for the benefit of students and their families.  While words alone do not do justice to your work, I want to thank you all for what you do each and every day. 

Resources to Celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day is celebrated during the month of April.  Today's blog shares resources from Jim Pifer, SEP Science Coordinator. 

Code a Tree Planting Project for Earth Day

Elementary Earth Day Resources:

• Water Rocks! - Pollinators activities

• Water Rocks! - Prairie

• Water Rocks! - Wetlands

• Discovery Ed Videos - Natural Resources (k-8) 

• Discovery Ed videos - Sustainability (k-8)

• Discover Ed video - Renewable and Non-renewable (3-8)

• Teach TCI Earth Day (k-8)

Secondary Earth Day Resources:

• Water Rocks!  Climate Change 

• Discovery Ed video - Skyscrapers of the Future Will Be Engineered to Copy Nature

• Social Studies Reading: National Geographic Earth Day and Activism

• NSTA “Earth Day” lessons & video

More from Common Sense Media

• Free Activities for Earth Day and Learning About the Environment

• Climate Change Resources for Students and Teachers

• Ecology and Environmental Science Tools

• Movies That Teach Kids About Climate Change

• Environmental Books for Kids

Secondary Collaboration: April 12th

We are looking forward to our secondary collaboration tomorrow, April 12th, from 7:30 AM-9:00 AM. The focus of our work will be:

• Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence: How can we use this rapidly growing technology to support teaching and learning?
• Standards-Based Learning: Next steps for teams with standards-based learning and vertical alignment of practices.

Below are the locations for each team. We look forward to our collaboration!

Instrumental/Vocal Music/General Music/Guitar 6-12	TBD
Art 6-12	SC Art Room
PE/Health 6-12	JH room 180
CTE (PLTW)	HS N169
World Language, 8th World Language	HS N148
ELA 6-12, ESOL 6-12, TAG 6, Teacher Librarians	JH Media Center
Math: 6-12	SC Science Room
Science- 6-12	SC Science Room 203
Social Studies 6-12	SC Coaches Office
Counselors	Carpenter's Union (Altoona) Tour and Entrance Requirements
Special Ed Teachers	HS Multi-purpose room

State Assessments: FAQ's

As we move into giving our state assessments, (ISASP, Conditions for Learning, ELPA 21, FAST, etc.), today's blog shares some frequently asked questions related to test administration.  Please share any additional questions, and we will get them added to the blog. 

ISASP

1. Are students allowed to use graphic organizers for the writing portion of ISASP?

1. No, this is not an allowable accommodation.

2. If a student has a paper pencil for testing through their accommodations, are they allowed to have a human reader for the passages? 

1. If this is an accommodation that is a part of their plan and has been provided throughout the school year, then yes, they may have a human  reader. 

3. May students write on the formula sheet or use it for scratch paper for grades 6-11? 

1. No, scratch paper is considered a testing material and must be turned in after the test.

4. May students taking the writing test online have a paper copy of the writing checklist.

1. No

The writing checklist is made available on the first page of the paper/pencil test (as a part of the directions) and is available on a tab above the writing prompt on the online test (and is also part of the directions).  Both paper/pencil test takers and online test takers need to refer back to the checklist as needed. (Paper/pencil...to the first page, online...to the tab).

The difference with the math formula sheet is that this is a perforated page in the paper/pencil booklet, and test-takers may tear it out and have it beside the test booklet.  This is why the formula sheets may be copied for students taking it online.

5. May students do school work once they finish the assessment?

1. No.  They may have an independent reading book on their desk if they choose.  They may not do school work or be on their chromebook during the session once they have finished the assessment.

6. May students take the assessment on their personal computers?

1. No. Students must take the assessment on a school chromebook that has downloaded the secure test browser.

Conditions for Learning

1. Do students read the Conditions for Learning test or is it read aloud?

1. Survey is required to be read aloud in Grades 3-5

2. Survey may be read aloud in grades 6-12

2. May accommodations be provided for the CfL survey?

1. Accommodations provided typically may also be provided for the survey

3. What if a student moves into the district during the month of April?

1. Students registering within 2 weeks of the survey date will not take the survey

2. It is recommended that only students who have been at Southeast Polk 6 or more weeks take the survey

4. How long does it take to administer the survey, and should it be given in one sitting?

1. The survey should be administered in one sitting

2. Grades 3-5: approximately 20-30 minutes

3. Grades 6-12: approximately 15-20 minutes

5. Should students on alternate assessment take the CfL survey?

1. If a student has significant disabilities, their participation is left to the discretion of teachers and parents.