We are looking forward to our Elementary Collaboration this Wednesday, November 13th from 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM. The focus of our work will be Tier 1-Strong First Instruction. Please bring a charged laptop, something to write with, and report to the locations listed below. We are looking forward to our afternoon of learning.
Southeast Polk Community Schools
Updates and resources related to teaching and learning.
Monday, November 11, 2024
Friday, November 8, 2024
Southeast Polk Literacy Night: Sparking a Passion for Literacy as a Community
We are excited to share details about all the fantastic activities and events planned for our SEP Literacy Night: Sparking a Passion for Literacy as a Community. This is shaping up to be an engaging and memorable evening for our students and families, and we hope you’ll encourage your students and families to attend. We hope that you will attend and enjoy the event as well.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 5:30-7:30
Student Activities
While parents participate in literacy sessions led by our amazing Southeast Polk teachers, students will enjoy a range of fun and educational activities, including:
Literacy Games: Interactive and engaging games designed to reinforce literacy skills.
Star Lab: A captivating experience where students can explore the wonders of storytelling and the stars.
Student Authors: Our very own student authors will share their books, writing process, and love for writing.
Read Alouds: Students can unwind with a snack and enjoy listening to wonderful read-aloud stories.
Goodies for Students
Every student who attends will receive a backpack filled with literacy-themed items, including:
A brand-new book
Bookmark
Notebook
Pencil
Finger flashlight
Bracelet
Special Guests
We’re thrilled to announce that some beloved book characters will be making appearances throughout the night! Students will have the chance to meet Elmo, Bluey, Kermit the Frog, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and our own mascot, Rammie.
Friendly Competition
The building with the highest percentage of participation will receive a book vending machine for the school! Let’s rally together to spread the word and encourage our families to join us for this wonderful celebration of literacy.
Thank you for continuing to share this event with your students and families. Together, we’re creating a community where a love for reading can grow!
SEP Literacy Night Presenter Schedule
SEP Literacy Night - Volunteer Sign Up
SEP Literacy Event - Student Activities and Rotations
Friday, October 18, 2024
Writing Prompts to Support Thinking and Learning
This year, one of our focus areas in the goal area of Academic Core is to increase the amount of reading and writing in all subject areas.
These prompts have been curated from the following sources:
Todd Finley, We Are Teachers, TeachThought, Scholastic, Birmingham City Schools, College Transitions, The New York Times, Monte Syrie, Texthelp, and PBS Above the Noise
Friday, October 11, 2024
Teaching and Learning: October Newsletter
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Election Teaching and Learning Guidelines
We all recognize the importance of teaching about the elections as it meets an aspect of our district vision--Success for college, career, and civic life. We also understand that navigating teaching during an election season can be challenging as we strive to address political differences within an inclusive learning environment. We value the thought teachers engage in as they prepare to teach this important topic. Below are some additional guidelines to support your work in designing respectful and educational discussions.
One way to create a balanced school environment is by not expressing personal political opinions or biases.
Instead, focus on teaching students how to critically analyze information and form their own opinions.
Offer a range of perspectives on political issues and avoid endorsing any particular stance.
Reinforce the importance of respectful communication, particularly when discussing contentious issues. Establish ground rules for discussions, such as listening actively, not interrupting, and being open to differing viewpoints.
Engage in political discussions authentically within the standards and subject areas where the content is addressed.
Use this election season as an authentic example to teach about the democratic process, the importance of voting, and the role of different branches of government.
Create opportunities for integration of lessons on critical thinking as well as standards that support the difference between fact and opinion and supporting claims with evidence
For younger students, focus on general concepts of government and citizenship without delving into divisive issues. Use stories and age-appropriate activities that encourage participation and understanding of basic democratic principles.
For older students, provide more detailed explorations of issues and encourage critical thinking without pushing them toward any particular political stance.
Design instructional tasks where students can explore diverse perspectives. This can include role-playing, debates, or research assignments where students examine the viewpoints of others with differing opinions.
Focus on building empathy and understanding, even in cases of strong disagreement.
As staff members, be mindful of board policies regarding political engagement and align with established guidelines.
We appreciate your commitment to thoughtful teaching and the development of the skills necessary to live a civic life.
Monday, September 30, 2024
Southeast Polk University: Fall Courses
All SEP University content and information is housed on the Southeast Polk Professional Development site. The link to the SEP University Course Catalog may be found at the top of the SEP University page.
Once you click on the link, you will see the courses that are currently available for the fall/winter session. These courses are self-paced, online learning opportunities.
Each module* in a course is designed to take 1 hour to complete with an additional hour for planning and implementation. (*Please note that the course catalog refers to modules as 'points') SEP University courses may consist of 1-4 modules. Participants may earn 1 credit if they take a combination of 6 modules.
These modules may be taken beyond the contract day and are eligible for TQ funding*.
These modules may be used as a part of building professional development.
These modules may be used as a part of learning for collaboration teams.
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 (Independence Day in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) and continues until October 15. The month also includes Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16) and Chile’s Independence Day (September 18).
This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”, highlights the trailblazers who have led the way for future generations through their innovation, leadership, and unwavering dedication to progress in various fields,
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Americans who have ancestry in countries that speak Spanish, including Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain. It was started as a way to celebrate the contributions of Americans who have come to the United States from Spanish-speaking countries. Today's blog has ideas and resources from the Smithsonian Institute to help educate and celebrate Hispanic Heritage in our schools.
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?