The purpose of this newsletter is to provide professional development,

support, resources, information, connections and best practices to foster adult

learning and student achievement. You will find offerings from

Instructional Support Services, Distance Learning and Model Schools Teams.
***These offerings are available to all educators in NYS.***

Welcome Heather Witter as new Director of ISS!

Heather Witter is the new Director of Instructional Support Services. She is replacing Kristen Foland who has taken a position as Assistant Superintendent for Personnel at CiTi. Best wishes to Kristen!

Heather has been in education for over twenty years. Her experience has been as a teacher, elementary principal, and director of literacy for the Fulton City School District.

She is working hard to provide a smooth transition of leadership and is looking forward to supporting your needs.

As we consider our educational spaces, let's consider how the design of our spaces are conducive for social and emotional learning. Together we will explore the latest research on grouping, mindfulness corners/spaces, and even plants. Yes, plants. Research from Australia, the UK, and the Netherlands found that there are positive long-term effects of office plants. More specifically the study "found greenery significantly increases workplace satisfaction in employees (and students), heightens self-reported concentration levels, and improves perceived air quality.” Indoor plants can increase happiness, productivity, and even relieve stress which can have positive health benefits. Let's get excited about creating a welcoming educational environment. Are you out of New York State and interested in attending? Please reach out to Kate directly: kginney@citiboces.org

November 30th, 2021 Registration Link HERE.

February 8th, 2022 Registration Link HERE.

TRL Reading Buddies is a fun, foundational reading TV series for students PreK-3. The show instructs three important underlying components of skillful word reading: phonological awareness, letter names/sounds, and blending sounds to decode words accurately.

See link below to website.

Click here to subscribe to the YouTube channel to stream anytime after the show is launched Sept 13th!

The beginning of the 2021-2022 school year marks the 20th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11. With this anniversary comes the enormous task of accurately teaching the events of the past, while simultaneously commemorating those whose lives were lost. To assist in this endeavor, NYS Council for Social Studies (NYSCSS) has provided a vetted list of resources below:

20th Anniversary Commemoration

9/11 Stories to be Told: 20 Years Later

Remembering 9/11 — FBI

9/11 20th anniversary remembrance events to come