William Paca Weekly PD Newsletter
Issue #7 December 21, 2015
Dates to Remember
- December 18-21, 2015 Hearing and Vision Test
- December 1-23, 2015 i-Ready MOY administration window
- December 22-23, 2015 Holiday Concert
- December 24, 2015-January 3, 2014 Winter Break
- January 4, 2015 School Reopens
- January 4, 2015 Start the window for WIDA testing
- January 4, 2015 Amplify MOY Window Opens
- January 6, 2015 Staff Meeting
Literacy and Math Updates
Progress Monitoring Updates
Grades 1-2 should be finishing their TRC progress monitoring. Click Here to find the progress monitoring/growth monitoring calendar for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2.
i-Ready Lessons are Available for Teacher Use
Click Here to see more information about i-Ready updates and lesson plans.
RAZ Kids Subscriptions Activated
I will send out a survey monkey to see what days and times you would like made available for a RAX Kids PLAYDATE. This is a great program that allows you to add students and have them read at their guided reading level. Students can record themselves reading, answer quizzes and all progress is reported to teachers. Click here to learn more about RAZ Kids.
Reading A to Z Accounts Renewed
Your Reading A to Z account has been renewed for this year. Please let me know if you need assistance with login or need additional support using the site. Click here to login to Reading A to Z.
Reflex Math Subscriptions Activated
Stay tuned for more details from Mr. Woodland!
Upcoming PD Opportunities
Free Professional Development
Maryland State-Wide Book Study
Registration is now open for a book study featuring, "Personalized PD: Flipping Your Professional Development". A book study is about a conversation intended to stretch thinking and influence practice. Book studies can be an effective form of professional learning and can be used by educators at all levels for their personal and professional growth.
The book study will begin January 11th. You will need to purchase your own copy of the book.
The book study will be offered on three platforms (Facebook, Twitter, or Edmodo).
Each month will include a discussion around book related topic:
January - Teacher's Perspective
February - Flipped PD
March - Empowered Learner
April - Celebrations and Next Steps
Monthly topics will include an overall idea, questions for discussion, activities for the individual teacher, and a challenge activity involving other educators from your school/district.
CPD/MSDE credits will NOT be awarded for completion of the book study. However, at the end of the study there will be an opportunity to learn about earning "points" toward CPD/MSDE credits.
Register for Book Study: Click Here
Spring 2016 Online Courses
Registration for spring 2016 online courses has started and will run through February 3rd. All courses count for CPD credits and can be used toward re-certification. These asynchronous classes provide a flexible way for teachers to learn and earn credits. For more information and to see the spring catalog, go to https://msde.blackboard.com.
ELA & Technology Tuesday Webinar Series
The MSDE English Language Arts Office is hosting a series of webinars focusing on using technology in the classroom. Attached you will find the series schedule along with registration information. Register at: http://bit.ly/ELATechTuesdaysRegistration.
Maker Mondays Webinar Series
The Maker movement is continuing to grow, especially in Maryland. Makerspaces can be used at all instructional levels. This webinar series will provide information on how to implement Makerspace into the school day to align with the standards, how to start a Makerspace, and how to manage a Makerspace. Attached you will find the listing of all the webinars in the series along with registration information. Register here: www.bit.ly/MakerMondaysWebinars
Virtual EdCamp MD
We are so excited to provide a free way for educators to receive professional learning without travel! The first ever Virtual EdCamp MD is being held on January 9th from 9-11:30 am. Virtual EdCamp MD will allow participants to create sessions on the day of event and move (virtually) to different breakout rooms. Session topics and themes develop from organic discussions from educators.
Registration is now open! Please go to sites.google.com/site/virtualedcampmd to register and get more information. We will be in need of volunteers to help on the day of the event as virtual room attendants. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact Casey Kirk atcasey.kirk@maryland.gov.
EdCamp MD
Registration for Edcamp Maryland is now open! On February 15th, we are hosting four locations across the state to support teachers in discussion, collaboration, and networking! You are cordially invited to attend an Edcamp at a location of your choice.
If you are interested, please register: edcampmaryland2016.eventbrite.com
William Paca Elementary School
Email: ngavin@bcps.k12.md.us
Website: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/83
Location: 200 North Lakewood Avenue, Baltimore, MD, United States
Phone: (410) 396-9148
Facebook: facebook.com/WilliamPacaElementary#83BaltimoreCity
Twitter: @williampaca83