MCSD Learning News & Updates
July 2019
Summer Learning
Our summer learning programs have come to an end, but our hope is that they made a lasting impact for our students in developing positive relationships and in their academic growth. We will be comparing our students spring FAST (fluency and phonics screener) with their fall results to see how summer school impacted their growth. Our students, staff and families shared their input about the program by completing surveys that will help us continue to improve (see student surveys below). Some of the parent statements include: "My child has been excited about everything they've done." "She has gotten up happy and excited to go to school everyday." "She really loved the fire station visit." "The small class sizes make my child feel more comfortable." "I'm very appreciative of the bussing. It has been such a blessing to have help with transportation." The most common piece of feedback is that we continue to be able to offer a variety of enriching activities that are engaging and fun for students. This can be challenging at times due to the number of providers we having in our community as well as the cost for off site field trips. We will be asking students for their input about activities and ideas for next year. Thank you to all of our staff and community enrichment providers who shared their time, strengths and talents with our students this summer.
Student Summer Learning Feedback
Student Summer Learning Feedback
Student Summer Learning Feedback
21st Century Grant Update
We will begin planning for our Before and After school program very soon. Currently, we are searching for a Before/After School program coordinator and then we will post positions for teachers and para support as well as reach out to community support for enrichment activity support. We will have sites at Cardinal and Briggs and there will be 30 slots for students at each site. Please watch for more information to come regarding this program or email me if you have any questions or would like to become involved with the program.
Rubik's Cubes Teach Math
Some of our own Maquoketa Middle School students have participated in Rubik's Cube competitions and have excelled in their specific categories. Students love solving their cubes and decreasing the amount of time it takes them to solve the cube with each try. In addition, while students are having fun, they are also engaging in many mathematical practices according to a recent Edutopia article. Please take a look at this article to see how you can incorporate rubik's cubes into your math instruction to provide students with a new and engaging way to learn mathematical practices.
Homelessness
Although the topic of homelessness can be a difficult discussion to talk about with students and families we want all families to know that if they are homeless we are here to support them with services and supports. Please review the attached flyer to determine if you are homeless and what services your child is eligible for at school. If you feel you are homeless and would qualify for these services please indicate this on the registration forms when you complete them during the registration process in August. In addition, please view the video below to see how homelessness impacts students and families their relationships and growth at school. Many times we don't fully know our students' stories and challenges and we don't always need to. It's our job to be there for all of our students and be a consistent, caring and safe place that they can come to and learn each day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuW53rTsvvE&feature=player_embedded_uturn
Maquoketa Communicty School District
Tara Notz
Director of Professional Development & Student LearningEmail: tnotz@maquoketaschools.org
Website: https://www.maquoketaschools.org/
Location: 612 South Vermont Street, Maquoketa, IA, USA
Phone: 563-652-4984