The Communicator
PYP and MYP Update
The Current State of IB at Peirce
Primary Years Programme (PYP) - Candidate School - Authorization Visit Spring 2017
**The Application for Authorization has been ACCEPTED!
**The Verification Visit is going to be May 25-26, 2017.
Middle Years Programme (MYP) - IB World School - Evaluation Fall 2017
The Learner Profile
MAY
BALANCED
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives - intellectual, physical, and emotional - to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
PYP VERIFICATION SITE VISIT - MAY 25-26, 2017
What should we expect?
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
Aims of the Visit
1. Gather evidence showing that the school has met all the requirements for authorization.
2. Identify practices that are beyond the requirements and those whose further development will contribute to the effective implementation of the programme.
During the Visit
The IB is sending 3 global site visitors to conduct our visit. During the visit they will:
**Visit the school
**Observe classrooms
**Talk with teachers
**Talk with the coordinator
**Talk with the administration
**Talk with district officials
**Talk with parents
**Talk with students
Conclusion of the Visit
Once the visit has concluded, the visiting team will compile a report that will be sent to the IB for review.
Once the IB has reviewed this report, they will send us their final determination, as an IB World School of course, but we will no for sure once we receive confirmation from them.
If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Lebovitz, PYP Coordinator.
Learning Spanish through Song
Preschool - How the World Works
Central Idea: Relationships within the environment impacts change.
Key Concepts: change, function, form
Related Concepts: Impact, Growth; Adaptation; Plants, Habitat and Animals
Lines of Inquiry:
1. What an insect is
2. A plants impact on the environment.
3. The characteristics of animals
Kindergarten - Who We Are
Central Idea: The human body is comprised of complex interdependent systems that perform specific functions and influence both physical and emotional health
Key Concepts: Function, connection, causation
Related Concepts: consequence, interdependence physiology, human body
Lines of Inquiry:
1. Body systems, their needs and functions
2. Interdependancy of systems in the human body
3. Social and emotional health
1st Grade - How the World Works
Central Idea: Our perspectives on patterns in the sky shape our understanding of Earth's cycles.
Key Concepts: form, connection,
Related Concepts: pattern, systems, seasons, space, evidence
Lines of Inquiry:
1. celestial bodies in the sky
2. develop observational skills using selected observational tools
3.patterns of movement in the sky
2nd Grade - Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: Living things interact within habitats
Key Concepts: causation, connection
Related Concepts: impact, sequences, relationships, interdependence
Lines of Inquiry:
1. Functions of animals in a habitat
2. Diversity of life within a habitat
3. Interdependency of living things
3rd Grade - Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: Changes in the natural world create a domino effect.
Key Concepts: Connection, Change, and function.
Related Concepts: Adaptation, Systems, Interdependence
Lines of Inquiry:
1. The interdependence of habitats, plants, and animals
2. Effects of environmental change on plants/animals
3. Interactions between environments and society
4th - Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: Renewable resources can create and/or reduce conflict
Key Concepts: responsibility, causation, connection
Related Concepts: peace, conflict, resolution, power-balance, equality, cooperation, dependence, geography, impact, consumption, distribution, energy, pollution, sustainability
Lines of Inquiry:
1. Causes and resolutions of conflict
2. Renewable energy resources
3. Natural Earth processes and the impact on humans
5th Grade - Who We Are
Central Idea: Certain characteristics help define our species today
Key Concepts: perspective, connection, change
Related Concepts: relationships, adaptation, philosophy, identity
Lines of Inquiry:
1. How do humans compare to other species
2. Human Evolution
3. Personal Identity
Supporting Language at Peirce
While there, check out the Peirce PYP Language Policy.
Have you looked at the Peirce PYP Documents lately?
You will find:
PYP Assessment Policy
PYP Language Policy
Peirce PYP Programme of Inquiry
Peirce Specialists Programmes of Inquiry
...And Much More!
The MYP at Peirce
Learner Profile Focus: BALANCED
Katherine Canjura, MYP Year 2
Jaylen Rogers, MYP Year 2
Nicole Woolf , MYP Year 1
Jose Javellana. MYP Year 3
Alan Huerta, MYP Year 3
Steve Hernandez, MYP Year 3
MYP Teachers HONOR Asian-Pacific American Heritage month by sharing their inspirations...
Amy Tan
Amy Tan is an inspiration because her book, “The Joy Luck Club” reinforces the idea of tradition and family. It helps me appreciate my own family history and traditions. I hope to leave a legacy for my own children one day.
Amy Tan because of her books The Joy Luck Club and The Kitchen God’s Wife.
-Bibiana Andrade
Yo Yo Ma
-Brooke Thompson
Kenzaburō Ōe
-Dave Roche
Linda Sue Park
-Jinny Gerhardt
Bruce Lee
-Nancy Zawayta
Thanhha Lai
-Mel Ferrand
Maya Lin
-Amy Kerkstra
Jeremy Lin
-Tiffany Brugman
Kimora Lee Simmons (Leissner)
-Talyia Eve Riemer
Bruno Mars
-Jasmyn Hernandez
George Takei
-Adrienne Keiner
Connie Chung
-Shannon Mangas
Tammy Duckworth
-Ruth Jetton
Douglas Susu-Mago
-Gabrielle Muschong
A Former Colleague
-Irma Puente
Former Peirce Math Teacher
-Donna Lawrenz
A Very Good Friend
-Ryan Skvarenina
What will we Master this May, MYP?
Ms. Zawayta- MYP Year 2 DIverse Learners
In 7th grade math we will continue exploring multi-step linear equations. Students will solve for variables and be able to articulate the steps they took to solve.
Students explore fundamental principles of Mendelian genetics in pea plants and humans. Students will study asexual and sexual reproduction, the process of cell division, and the role of nature and nurture in determining traits. Near the end, students model the use of DNA technologies to solve real problems.
In 8th grade science we will begin exploring force and motion. Students will engineer and test egg car racers or egg balloon drops.
Ms. Puente- MYP Year 1, Language and Literature
Ms. Brugman- MYP Year 3 Language and Literature
As 8th graders conclude their study of the Holocaust and WWII this spring, we will end with a culminating trip to the Holocaust Museum. Additionally, students will research different genocides and present to the class.
Mr. Roche- MYP Years 1-3, Diverse Learners
After reviewing slope and intercept, 8th graders will being solving word problems with graphing and work towards solving systems of equations - finding where two lines intersect. Seventh graders will continue solving one-step equations and work up to two-step equations and beyond. Simplifiying expressions is in the future as well.
Ms. Thompson- MYP Years 1-3 Music
I am excited to finally be working with middle school students during this last quarter of the year.
6th grade students will be following the historic Silk Road trade routes from China and Japan in the east through India and Turkey and finally ending in southern Spain. Students will be examining similarities and differences in the music of each of these unique cultures and learn about the instruments of these countries. They will be engaged in a project in which students will work in small groups to develop their own country, examine this fictional country’s resources for trade and develop their own musical instruments and compose a piece of music to play on the instruments.
7th grade students will start their quarter developing a community within each of their classes through West African Traditional Drumming. We will then “cross the ocean” to learn about the music that was created when West Africans were brought to the Caribbean islands and Brazil as slaves.
8th graders are looking forward to their graduation and will be composing their own song to present at the ceremony this year. Their unit revolved around vocal music and developing their own voice, both physically and through written words and composed music.Ms. Hernandez- Science
I signed up for my first marathon back in high school. It was the scariest and best decision of my life! I will be running my 5th marathon this year!
Next on the agenda for April: In Science, MYP year 2 and 3 students will begin with our unit on Sexual Health. Topics will range from safe sex practices to decision making strategies. Students will create educational brochures on sex education and resources available to the community.
Mr. Greenwell- MYP Years 1-3 Spanish
6th grade- Students will be learning about food and Puerto Rico!
7th grade- Students will learn about sports and leisure activities in the Dominican Republic.
8th grade- Students will learn about handicrafts and Costa Rica.
Ms. Jetton- Year 1 & Year 3 Science
In May, 6th graders will continue their unit called Heat Wave, a study of Weather and Climate. They will have a project component based on interest towards the end of the month.
In May, 8th graders will continue their unit on Force & Motion, looking at the relationships between speed, distance and time, as well as examining Newton’s Law of Motion.
Ms. Muschong- Year 1 Diverse Learners
Ms. Keiner: MYP Year 2 Math & Year 3 Science
Mr. Skvarenina- Physical and Health Education
The students will be entering the baseball/softball/kickball unit. The unit focus will be on learning the rules of the game and teaching students proper technique and strategy for all the games. The students will learn fundamentals and rules allowing for a more free flowing game.
Ms. Kerkstra- Year 1 Mathematics
6th grade math will be completing our unit on rational numbers with a fun summative assessment. Students will be creating a kids’ activity book using the skills and concepts learned in this unit. In the middle of May, we’ll begin a unit on expressions and equations.
Ms. Ferrand- Library
Ms. Lawrenz, MYP Year 2 Language and Literature
Talyia Eve Riemer- Assistant Principal & MYP Coordinator
In May, 7th and 8th graders will be participating in the long awaited trip to Washington, Dc. While in Washington D.C., from May 10-12, students will study American Culture and Heritage by visiting numerous historical sites, including the Holocaust Museum, The Museum of African American History and Culture, Arlington National Cemetery, and MORE! Please wish us safe travels...
Field Trip Forecast
- The eighth grade class will be visiting Robert Morris College on May 26th for a day of Junior Achievement, visiting the Holocaust Museum on May 31, and taking a cruise on-board the Odyssey on June 7, 2017.
- On Friday, June 9th,201, the 7th graders will also be visiting our Springfield during the third quarter to learn more about the history and government of the state of Illinois.
T-Shirts for Sale
We have new PEIRCE SWAG for sale. Brand new T-shirts in all sizes are available for $10!
Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies
773-534-2841
Dr. Talyia Eve Riemer - MYP Coordinator
773-534-2440
Website: peirce.cps.k12.il.us
Location: 1423 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States
Phone: 773-534-2440
PYP Disclaimer for Being A Candidate School in the International Baccalaureate
Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies is a candidate school* for the Primary Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Peirce Elementary School believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.
For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit http://www.ibo.org