the RAH
October 1-5, 2018
from Blended Learning
BrightBytes Survey
The fall BrightBytes survey will be available to staff and students October 1-19. The Blended Learning department will provide a hot breakfast catered for the staff on the date of your choice for the first three elementary schools, first two middle schools and the first high school to have 100% participation by staff and reach statistical significance for students. If you have questions, please reach out to Nichole Lemmon
CertifySPS Expansion
During the 2017-2018 school year, CertifySPS was offered to 200 Blended Learning Mentors who completed online modules to receive certification in Google, Canvas, Tech Tools Guru, and Digital Citizenship. During the 2018-2019 school year, an additional strand is being offered to mentors in collaboration with the Learning Development Department: Enhancing the 4Cs. Due to the new strand we are now able to expand Digital Citizenship to all SPS teachers. Below is information that will be shared with your teachers by your Blended Learning Specialist:
Digital natives enter our classrooms every day. While they know how to use various types of technology and social media, they often lack the understanding of why being a responsible and safe digital citizen is a must and how to achieve that goal. Educators are best positioned to prepare students to thrive in the digital world. Because of this pressing need for our students, the Blended Learning Department is excited to offer a #CertifySPS strand to teachers within our district. The flipped learning of #CertifySPS allows teachers to prioritize their learning based upon their needs regarding time, pace, and location. The Digital Citizenship #CertifySPS strand focuses on three ideas--understanding what DC is and the resources currently available within Canvas, implementing device management strategies and tools into teacher’s classrooms, and growing personally as an educator and leader in the building for digital citizenship. 40 spots are available to teachers to join. Sign-up
Make an Impact: Create Community Connections
October 2018 For the Record
October 2018 For the Record contains important information about Transitional Transfers for 2019-2020, and the Khebrat Program.
IC Suggested Timeline
Reading IC: BOY - between October - January
Writing IC: BOY - between October - January
Math IC: EOY - during 4th quarter
from Mike-
Reflections Art Contest
In the coming weeks, you will be hearing more about this year’s edition of the annual PTA Reflections contest featuring the creative and artistic talents of our amazing elementary students. Our district has had some amazing entries in years past, with local winners advancing to state and even national recognition. This is a great opportunity to not only showcase our kiddos and the great things taking place in our buildings, but also continue to cultivate the valuable partnership we share with our local PTA. For an update on the latest happenings with the Springfield Council of PTA organization be sure to check out their September 2018 Newsletter.
from J-
Rather, the purpose is to share your status and trend points. Each building is unique, as well as the make-up of each staff and each of the individual students coming together as a collective whole. No two schools are alike; each is unique and the best in each way. The purpose of the scorecards, in that way, is intended for you to know exactly where you are, how your climate and culture are, and how you might capitalize on strengths and grow in opportunities to drive teaching and learning. The status of others around you give you the chance to collaborate with others - to learn what is being done that is successful and replicate as appropriate while driving a sense of urgency into our why.
This is what I mean by insistence: driving urgency into our collective why. We simply cannot be okay any single student to not become an "educated" person - a kind, collaborative, knowledgable tiny human who can get along with others, read, write, apply mathematical reasoning, and work well with others. Be insistent.
Thank you for all you do! Happy Principals Month! I appreciate you, and the learning and leadership connection your provide across you community. Make it a great week!