Bloomin' Apps ...

As you know, each KES teacher has an iPad for use in the classroom.  We also have a mini lab of iPads for use in the media center or classroom sign out.  I have spoken with many parents and teachers about using technology to enhance and extend learning - and in turn - apps that can be used as tools to help kids.

One recent conversation with Mrs. Beckman led me to this site: Bloomin' Apps

Kathy Schrock is an educational tech leader.  She uses Bloom's levels of thinking to categorize some great apps.  A great approach that I am sure will help many educators.  I have provided her page link to share this great resource with our parents and community.  As you scroll down her page, you will find specific examples and some links to great articles.

Enjoy, and please let me know what you find of interest.

PTO and Mickey D's

Genoa McDonalds McCare Night

Wednesday, November 14^th

5PM to 8PM

Drive-thru included

15% net sales go to our 4 elementary schools

Report Cards

By the end of this week, report cards will go home.  A reminder to parents that the report cards show your student's development at this point in time in each standards area.  This is not indicative of a finishing point, but rather a snapshot of the first quarter.  Please contact your child's teacher or me with any questions.

Also included in the envelop is each student's MAP data along with an introductory letter.  Once again, please contact me with any questions. 

We Remember...

We all remember.  I do.  The first collision.  Was it a tragic accident?  Then the second.  There was no longer any doubt.  We were under attack.  My first year as principal of GKMS.  Trying to balance parent concerns with student needs.  Getting flashes and bits and pieces of news.  Staff playing a solid, calming role on that day and the days that followed.

We remember.  Our students do not.  Our role now is to teach appropriately for student age levels be it 2nd or 8th grade.  To share the sadness and pride and unity we felt as a nation.   That period in time when we all shared the true feeling of patriotism.  No dogmatic slogans, no esoteric political bickering, no "my flag is bigger than yours."

For that period of time, we truly were united as patriots.  Patriot Day is a responsibility to remember. To teach. To share.  To honor.  To ensure our kids learn.  To ensure that we never forget.

Our students singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" also known as "America" in the front foyer:

Open House

We look forward to meeting all our KES families at Open House on Thursday, September 6th from 6:30 - 7:45.

It is a great opportunity to meet teachers, tour the school, and learn about core curriculum.  Students will have a chance to run the obstacle course (tickets will be handed out in school that day), pick out their favorites at the Book Fair, and enjoy complimentary cookies!

Open House is a great opportunity for kids, parents, and teachers to build and strengthen relationships and communication.

MAP Testing

MAP testing will take place at KES between August 27th and September 7th.  During this testing window, each student will participate in one Math and one Reading assessment.

The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test is taken on a computer.  Students answer questions and show mastery.  The program continues to raise the expectations until students reach their highest current level.

Teachers receive almost instant feedback on student scores and use that data to target specific growth goals for individual kids.  MAP has proven to be an excellent assessment that allows teachers and kids to better focus on specific learning needs.

Welcome... and Welcome Back

We have been meeting many new families and seeing some old friends the past two weeks. We appreciate so many families coming in to register. It has been great seeing you all. We invite any families that have not yet registered to come in Friday, Monday and Tuesday. Everyone is excited for our first half day on Wednesday! We are looking forward to another great year at KES!