The Bear Necessities
February 20, 2019
We are talking Learning Environments, but it is so much more
You know projects are good, you know loose parts are good, you know STEAM is good, but do you fundamentally believe in the benefits so deeply that you are willing to CHANGE your way? This requires us to look deeply at our school schedule/lesson plans and see what we fill their day with....are our lesson plans and schedules full of "fine motor/follow directions" activities that are pretty straight forward or are we creating ways for them to develop/practice fine motor and following directions in a more open ended, child directed setting?
Again, we will talk more about this when we learn about the "Portrait of a Graduate" work (linked below). "Graduate" seems like maybe it doesn't apply to us....oh but it does. I would even be willing to say that when we teach kids "how" to approach challenges, "how" to interact with their world, we actually set them on the learning journey!
https://www3.lsr7.org/portrait-of-a-graduate/
PAT, we already previewed Portrait of a Graduate, your take away is to really help those families understand that while those traditional skills are necessary, there is SO much more!! You have the opportunity to show them by what you bring into their home. Do you bring crafts with one right way of doing it? OR do you bring open ended activities that promote exploration? There is a place for both, we just need to make sure our lessons are well balanced.
March 1 PD Day
We will begin our day at LSNHS (Paraprofessionals will remain in the building if on contract). More information to come on Paraprofessional plans. (PAT does not take part).
AM Session
8:00 - 8:15 Welcome / Introductory Video
8:15 - 9:45 Documentary - Most Likely to Succeed (ALL PreK-6 Staff)
9:45 - 10:00 break
10:00 - 11:30 Feb. 15 Future-Ready/Portrait of a Graduate catch-up building Level Activities at LSHS, LSN, LSW - Room Assignments
11:30 - 12:45 LUNCH Off-site
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PM Session
1:30-2:30 Teachers and Paraprofessionals, GBEEC MPR, Conscious Discipline
SLP/OT/PT click on link at bottom to see schedule
PM Session Attendees
All K-6 Certified Staff
The following exceptions are noted below:
Engaged in team designed collaboration or facilitated professional learning:
LMS Mrs. Maxwell - will attend with teachers
Running short on time for IEP Meetings?
Innovation Grant opportunity
$2000 Innovation Grant: The Kansas City Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments is proud to support efforts in education innovation by funding the work of teachers, administrators and schools to bring new ideas and opportunities to learners in our area. Four $2,000 Innovation in Learning Environments Grants will be awarded annually. Innovation In Learning Environments Grant Information; Grant Application
PEAK Grants
Please put this in your classroom newsletters, and let them know to bring in their younger siblings
Early Head Start, Families with children Prenatal - 3 year old
People to consider:
Families who are pregnant or have a child under 3 years of age
Families who you suspect may live in a low income situation
Families who are receiving back snack program
**Also, if there is a child on your caseload who could really benefit from meals while at school, make sure to talk to Trula about getting them an appointment to fill out a Head Start application.
A hard copy of the this flyer is in your mailbox. If you feel there is a family who would really benefit, write a personal note on the hard copy and send it home. Feel free to make more or grab extras in the lobby display.
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