Inspire Family Newsletter
News and updates for families of Inspire students
August 28, 2020
Dear Inspire Families:
For many of us, the words "distance learning" conjure up images of bored students locked in front of screens all day, and frustrated teachers struggling to translate their classroom content for the virtual world. While I know Inspire students and teachers are still struggling to adjust to the new school structure and model, I have also begun to see a return to learning as a joyful experience.
Our school is really centered around the idea that educators should start by drawing on student interests and passions, and using those as a jumping-off place to engage their learning in other areas. For instance, our math department has been working with Jo Boaler's "Limitless Mind" concepts, understanding that students often come to math class with trauma from past experiences, and an ingrained idea that they aren't "a math person." Boaler's work suggests that teachers can help kids move out of negative mindsets around math, understand that failure is an important part of learning, and take joy in tackling mathematical challenges.
Math and Engineering teacher Danielle Reynolds described an interaction with her own daughter this week. Opal got frustrated because she used the "wrong" Lego in her building project. When Danielle coached her to remember that getting something wrong helps us learn, Opal tackled the project again, discovering that she forgot to count a row, which led her to the "right" answer.
That is joyful learning, and that is what Inspire is finding our way back to, one Zoom at a time.
With gratitude and hope,
Becky Brown
Principal/Superintendent
Inspire School of Arts & Sciences
(530) 230-7758
What's Happening in Math Class...
Then, students responded via Peardeck to the prompt: "Show how you would multiply 25 X 14 without a calculator." The teachers then showed student responses. Students were surprised to see how many ways--visual and textual--you could represent the answers. I shared with students that responding to the prompt was really hard for me! I've never seen myself as a "math person," so I froze up a bit in responding. They were so encouraging, and immediately noted that what I was feeling was brain growth. This introduction led to amazing lesson on distributive properties. You can see a snapshot of the class interaction below...
Kids and Screen Time: Tips for Parents
Getting Too Many Schoology Notifications?
For general needs, call our office at (530) 891-3090
For technology help, email Ken Hardy at khardy@inspirechico.org
For enrollment questions, contact Dinah Weller at dweller@inspirechico.org
To contact the Inspire principal, email bbrown@inspirechico.org
FAQ and further resources, visit the "Students/Parents" page at inspirechico.org
Attendance During Distance Learning
If your child cannot attend school, or is having technology issues that prevent them from attending on time, you will need to call the office at (530) 891-3090 to excuse the absence.
DON'T FORGET: Advisory is held on Fridays at 1:00. Attendance is mandatory for Advisory.