Just Batty

Yes, Spring is here and a guest decided to hang out at the entrance of our playground door.  All the students got a good look.  Something tells me he will find a quieter place to sleep tomorrow.

No time for counting down...

I don't usually do countdowns.  Life is too short to be wishing away today waiting for tomorrow.  However, it is human nature to look forward to certain events, opportunities, or times of the year.

Recently, I have begun hearing whispers on the breeze.  Perhaps a student smiling and telling me only this many days to go.  A parent casually stating x number weeks left.  A teacher commenting on how quickly the year is flying by.  My son at home making plans for a sports camp the first week off of school.  Countdown time?  No way!

We are fortunate at GK schools to have been working diligently and continuously on mapping effective, standards base curriculum for all classes; for the entire year.  Skills taught and refined in the latter months of the school year are vital for student learning and preparation for what lies ahead this year and next.

When the time comes, we will wish all our families a happy and safe summer.  But, not now.  Too much important learning to do and great experiences for kids to have here at KES! 

Spring has Sprung?

Well, it's supposed to be Spring, anyway.  We hope all our KES families have an enjoyable Spring Break.  We look forward to all students coming back recharged and ready for learning.

As part of a grant proposal to the GK Ed Foundation, I have created a page to display some student iPad projects and activities.  Feel free to click the "iPads in Action" link at the top left of this page.  Also, please check out the GK Ed Foundation page.  The foundation is an invaluable asset to all our GK schools and is always looking for support and input.  GK Ed Foundation

ISAT Season!

This is a reminder to all 3^rd grade parents that your student will be participating in the Illinois State Achievement Test for the first time.  ISAT testing is THE measure for No Child Left Behind and school ranking within the state.  Students participate in ISAT from grades 3 to 8. 

The testing window is March 4^th to March 15^th.  Students perform best following a good night sleep and a healthy breakfast.  As testing occurs primarily in the morning, please help ensure students are present by scheduling all appointments in the afternoon or after school hours.  We thank you for doing all you can to help ensure your student’s success.

Shift Happens and Sock Puppets

"Shift Happens" is a video that first came out in the mid 2000's.  It brought to light how the present world reflects a very different picture than what we may have seen growing up in the United States.  Attached below is the 2012 updated version.  Even in those past 6 years, many things have changed - a lot.

As parents and educators, it is important for us to keep in mind that our kids face change at an ever increasing rate.  While we learned that change is the only constant, the pace is absolutely quickening.  Along with the core educational needs, higher level thinking, creativity, and flexibility are more essential than ever.  Technology is a vital tool in developing these skills.   

Below is a video from students in Mrs. Beckman's class.  After reading biographies on important people in history, students worked in pairs using the Sock Puppet app on our iPads.  The puppet shows were created, written, and recorded in one class period - on an app they had never used before.  How smoothly do you think this would go the second and third times they use the app?

Of course, the product's final appearance is secondary.  What I find very exciting about this product is that kids used technology in a collaborative setting to apply and synthesize information - and they were fully engaged throughout the process.

Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3...

Too much testing in schools today?  I think everyone has heard something to that effect said over the past 10 years.  There is no doubt that balance is key.  I also have no doubt that any testing is too much if nothing is done with the data!

January is the time for mid year assessments.  Students at KES participate in MAP testing for Math and Reading.  We also conduct AIMSWeb benchmarking and our Common Formative Assessments. 

All this - but is it worth it?  Yes, because we use the data. 

AIMSWeb benchmarking only takes a few minutes.  It is a screener - like vision or hearing.  A quick checkup to show that reading fluency is on track.  Should a student exhibit lower reading levels, interventions are put in place to specifically help that student improve.

MAP testing measures student growth from first grade through eighth.  The Winter assessment shows exactly where a student has grown this year compared to Fall and where, if any, areas show a lack of growth.  Each classroom teacher can tailor instruction to meet each student's needs.

Common Formative Assessments measure our programs and classrooms.  The results help teachers make sure they are teaching the specific skills prescribed by state standards.  A check in of sorts.

Our staff has always cared about students and learning.  The data we obtain from these assessments allows all of us to better meet individual student needs - better than any time in the past. 

Our kids ...

I had a parent contact me regarding the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.  She asked, "what am I supposed to tell my son?"  Great question with no simple answer.  Below are some suggestions from the IASA to help parents help their kids.  One size does not fit all, but perhaps you will find something that will resonate with you and your family.

Our hearts go out the families touched by this tragedy....

From the IASA:

The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut this morning has evoked sadness, grief, anxiety, and anger.  Children who are struggling with their thoughts and feelings of the shooting may turn to trusted adults for help and guidance.  We offer these suggestions as you talk to your child:

• Limit media exposure. Limit your child's exposure to media images and sounds of the shooting, and do not allow your very young children to see or hear any TV/radio shooting-related messages. Even if they appear to be engrossed in play, children often are aware of what you are watching on TV or listening to on the radio. What may not be upsetting to an adult may be very upsetting and confusing for a child. Limit your own exposure as well.  Adults may become more distressed with nonstop exposure to media coverage of this shooting. 
• What does your child already know? Start by asking what your child/teen already has heard about the event from the media and from friends. Listen carefully; try to figure out what he or she knows or believes. As your child explains, listen for misinformation, misconceptions, and underlying fears or concerns. Understand that this information will change as more facts about the event are known.
• Gently correct inaccurate information. If your child/teen has inaccurate information or misconceptions, take time to provide the correct information in simple, clear, age-appropriate language.
• Encourage your child to ask questions, and answer those questions directly. Your child/teen may have some difficult questions about the incident. For example, he/she may ask if it is possible that it could happen at their school; he/she is probably really asking whether it is "likely." The concern about re-occurrence will be an issue for caregivers and children/teens alike. While it is important to discuss the likelihood of this risk, he/she is also asking if he/she is safe.
• Be patient. In times of stress, children/teens may have trouble with their behavior, concentration, and attention. While they may not openly ask for your guidance or support, they will want it. Adolescents who are seeking increased independence may have difficulty expressing their needs. Both children and teens will need a little extra patience, care, and love. (Be patient with yourself, too!)

Providing a safe learning environment for our students and safe working environment for our staff is something we take seriously and is our first priority.  Additional information and resources are available online from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, www.nctsn.org.  If you or your child needs additional support, please contact your school principal.

I hope at least some of this helps.  Please feel free to contact me.