Thursday, October 30, 2014

Week of October 30

Thursday Thoughts October 30



I have finally started making my way into classrooms to conduct walkthroughs.  I know that this is not the most enjoyable time for you as a teacher, however it is one of the highlights of my day as an administrator.  I am in awe of the teaching and learning that is taking place in the Medlock Bridge classrooms.  Our students are happy and seem to be having fun while they learn.  Yes it is an understatement to say that you are working hard, but I'll say it anyway.....YOU ARE WORKING HARD!  Keeping students challenged and engaged takes endless hours of planning and I know that it takes away from your personal time.  I get it.  But please hear me when I say that your hard work is paying off.  It may take years for you to reap the reward of the work that you are doing now but I can tell you that your reward is surely coming (it just won't be in monetary form....lol).





Staff Spotlight
 
This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Tanis Ockwell.  We all know that Tanis is quite creative and is the go to person for technology; however her ability to pitch in wherever she needed is truly appreciated.  As one of our School Governance Council members, Tanis volunteered her time this summer to attend SGC planning meetings with me.  In addition, Tanis has a heart for teaching and she seeks new ways to provide instruction to students. Parents have made me aware of the math tutorial videos that Tanis has made for her students this year (one is currently on the homework section of her website).  They have indicated how helpful these videos have been as they attempt to help their students with the "new math" at home.  I know that like most of you, Tanis goes above and beyond for her students with no expectation of recognition.   Tanis, thank you for what you do for students and the passion that you bring to the profession.

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

The Difference Between Technology Use And Technology Integration

,   10/23/2014,

difference-using-technology-integrating-technology

The Difference Between Technology Use And Technology Integration
by TeachThought Staff
Using technology for learning makes sense. Technology creates access, transparency, and opportunity. Any smartphone or tablet is media incarnate–video, animation, eBooks, essays, blog posts, messages, music, games. The modalities of light, color, and sound all arranged just so to communicate a message or create an experience.

But there is a difference, claims this graphic from teachbytes, between using technology and integrating it deeply into the learning experiences of students. This is, of course, what models like the SAMR model are based on–that idea of mere use to automate, to redefining what’s possible.
This is not a new idea, but what makes this graphic useful is the indicators offered that clarify Dos and Don’ts–kind of like an educator’s Goofus and Gallant.
Goofus gives iPad to students so that they can Google topics for a “research paper.”
Gallant helps students design their own open-ended and collaborative learning experiences, and uses apps like Behance or Storehouse to share them with the world.
The chart continues this pattern, but misses the opportunity to make Highlights allusion for nuance:
Technology usage is random, arbitrary, and often an afterthought.
Technology usage is planned and purposeful.
In all seriousness, it’s easy to say to “be purposeful.” It’s another to know what that looks like–which is where all of the indicators as a whole can be useful to you as an educator.

 

 

 Technology Tidbits

http://www.mathgametime.com/ Check this out for interactive math games as well as video tutorials for specific math concepts.  A good resource to add to your website.
https://sites.google.com/a/norman.k12.ok.us/mr-wolfe-s-math-interactive-whiteboard/home- An amazing math resource that is sure to spark your interest.
 
 

News & Notes

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, December 4th.  This is the date that has been selected for the Blue Ribbon Ceremony here at Medlock Bridge.  Right now we know that Dr. John Barge, State Superintendent, will be making a presentation.  Since we finally have a date, we will begin to make preparations for the event.  If you have ideas or suggestions, please share them with Paula. 
 
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Thursday, October 23, 2014

Week of October 23

Thursday Thoughts October 23

 





 
One of our biggest struggles as educators is figuring out how to motivate students.  This is also a struggle that I have experienced as a parent.  Investing time in learning our students' interests is one of the most valuable things we can do.   We have some truly gifted students who aren't always in the spotlight as our smartest, but they are gifted none the less.  I encourage you to spend a couple of minutes a day engaging in a non academic conversation with one or two students in your class. You will be amazed at the ways in which you will be able to use the information to make a connection and then use the information later to help with motivation.  

 


Staff Spotlight
This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Chris Woodall.  We all know that Chris is a character and loves to poke fun and make light of things.  But I must truly say that Chris is instrumental in getting things taken care of as it relates to working with the FCS maintenance department.  He is serious when it comes to staying on top of work orders.  Last week, we were scheduled to have the trees removed on the workday and as you know, it rained.  That meant that they didn't start the work until Wednesday.  Friday was the carnival, so needless to say,there were a few PTA parents that went into a panic on Wednesday afternoon.  Because of the professional relationship that Chris has with maintenance, they worked double time to ensure that our grounds were ready for the carnival.  I will be the first to admit that I am constantly complaining to Chris about what should be done better but I have to tell everyone that I appreciate what Chris does and I am thankful that he cares about the kids and the staff at Medlock Bridge.  Thank you Chris!

 

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

 

9 Characteristics Of 21st Century Learning

 by Terry Heick   www.Teachthought.com
 
 
 
The label of “21st Century learning” is vague, and is an idea that we here at TeachThought like to take a swing at as often as possible, including:
–weighing the magic of technology with its incredible cost and complexity
–underscoring the potential for well thought-out instructional design
–considering the considerable potential of social media platforms against its apparent divergence from academic learning
Some educators seek out the ideal of a 21st century learning environment constantly, while others prefer that we lose the phrase altogether, insisting that learning hasn’t changed, and good learning looks the same whether it’s the 12th or 21st century.
At TeachThought, we tend towards the tech-infused model, but do spend time exploring the limits and challenges of technology, the impact of rapid technology change, and carefully considering important questions before diving in head-first.
The following take on 21st century learning developed by TeachThought is notable here because of the absence of technology. There is very little about iPads, social media, 1:10 laptops, or other tech-implementation. In that way, it is closer to the “classic” approach to “good learning” than it is the full-on digital fare we often explore.
The size of the circles on the map are intended to convey priority.

9 Characteristics Of 21st Century Learning

1. Learner-centered
2. Media-driven (this doesn’t have to mean digital media)
3. Personalized
4. Transfer-by-Design
5. Visibly Relevant
6. Data-Rich
7. Adaptable
8. Interdependent
9. Diverse
 

Technology Tidbits

 Try these blogs for math ideas and resources
 
 

News & Notes

The School Governance Council will be proposing that our school implement two full day release days next year (meaning no school for students).  The process is that our parent community will have an opportunity to comment or express their opinions on this proposal.  Please note that the days will be used for structured professional development and all staff will come to work on these two days.  One of the implications being considered is how this will affect our cafeteria employees (what professional development will they receive those days).  We will also be working with our feeder schools, Johns Creek HS and Autrey Mill MS to see if they are proposing release days as well.  If so, we hope to align the days so that all three schools are out on the same days.  Stay tuned and feel free to email me with questions regarding this proposal.
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Thursday, October 16, 2014

Week of October 16

Thursday Thoughts October 16






As you know, the community has been all a buzz about our Blue Ribbon status.  I must admit that it is pretty exciting and definitely well deserved.  But we have to be careful not to get too caught up in the hype.  The reality is that Medlock has been consistently performing and outperforming schools for years.  The work of Professional Learning Communities was in place here long before it was the educational catch phrase.  The recognition that we are receiving now is a result of years of consistent practice.   Whether you have been a part of the Medlock Family for many years or you have just joined, you are a part of a school where excellence is the standard.  We will continue to provide the highest quality instruction and nurture our students long after the royal blue ribbon fades. 


Staff Spotlight
This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Stephanie Woods.  Since the beginning of the year, Stephanie has taken great care in leading the grade level.   She has worked closely with administration to ensure that the student transitions into the new classroom have gone smoothly.  Stephanie was instrumental in helping Ms. Connelly prepare to receive new students.  Even when there was standing room only in her classroom due to 33 adult-sized students, Stephanie still found a way to smile.  When the NELC Team came to do the rigor walks, they were highly impressed with the rigorous activities that students were doing in her classroom and the way that she made it work with so many students in the room.  Stephanie, thank you for your dedication and the way that you are working with teachers and students everyday.
 

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

20 Things Every Teacher Should Do

published by David Wees
 
 
 

Technology Tidbits

Try these blogs for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Ideas

 
 
 

News & Notes

Check out Mountain Park Elementary's PBL video.  We have to start capturing the great things we are doing at Medlock.  We are doing the RIGHT work guys!
 
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