The Instructional Edge
W-SR TLC Program Updates
SERG PD
Project Based Learning PD
Differentiation PD
Elementary PD
Mentoring and Induction
NEXUS Program Piloted at W-SR
As the 2nd Semester started at W-SR High School, Mrs. Egan’s Contemporary Issues students were given the opportunity to be part of a pilot program called NEXUS. This program is initiative-based, project-based and experience-based all rolled into one. NEXUS students were charged with seeking out school and community partners in an effort to identify interest-based projects that can be addressed while applying the content themes of Contemporary Issues (geography, politics, economics, culture, technology). 16 W-SR senior students embarked on this journey, and are involved in guided, independent inquiry that will allows them to produce a meaningful outcome or product for their school or community partner. These outcomes will be up for public display and analysis during a community showcase event in May. Spring 2016 NEXUS initiatives include the following:
the construction of school and community Hydroponics gardens that provide organic produce for local food initiatives
creation and implementation of a community blogging initiative to create global connectedness through conversations of relevant global issues
a feasibility study of, and recommendations for, alternative energy sources for the W-SR School District (solar power and/or wind energy)
a community education initiative to provide information about the design and purpose of the Nexus program, in an effort to create more community partnerships for the future of the program.
a study and recommendations surrounding 4th Avenue traffic safety concerns
education and development of community youth opportunities within the dairy industry
research and development of a prototype for a trash wheel that could be utilized locally and/or globally
Ash tree replacement initiative: grant writing and receipt, organization of school planting event, sustainable plan for the future
develop and implement educational programming for HS aged kids about the topics of physical, mental and sexual abuse awareness
research, planning and organization of a future Science Club student trip involving the topic of marine biology
research and development of Mental Health awareness: website, hotline, community awareness fundraiser
creation of a school based Food Empowerment Education and Sustainability Team
For more information about the W-SR NEXUS Program, contact Instructional Coach Chuck Buseman
Mission Impossible
A Case for Mindfulness in Schools
As a district professional development focus group, we are continuing work that emphasizes SERG(Student Engagement, Resilience and Grit). Throughout our journey as a district, one of the concepts that evolved is mindfulness and the intentional time to create space for mental focus. In the beginning, some teachers and administrators were not easily convinced that the practice of mindfulness was going to do a whole lot for the demographics of our community. However, as our study and practice began, their position shifted when they saw the difference a moment of calm could make. We soon found our students not only needed a moment of calm, but also welcomed and valued it.
AMLE 2016
On March 10th and 11th, a group of WSR Instructional coaches attended the AMLE conference in Iowa City. AMLE is the Association for Middle Level Education. Breakout sessions included the topics of scheduling, mental health, student engagement, project based learning, and many more. Part of the program included selected participants presenting to the group. There were a total of nine people chosen to present, which included two from the WSR team. Attendees came from a variety of states including Louisiana, Nevada, Minnesota, Illinois, and Nebraska. It was a great learning experience for all of our coaches.
Parent Tech Night
During Parent-Teacher conferences, MS parents had the opportunity to meet with law enforcement and Sarah Lalk to hear tips for staying safe online. This event was organized by Mary Foy, Matt Seward, and Barbie Bass.
6 Tips for Staying Safe Online:
1. Be present while your child is online
2. Create a space to "park" devices at night
3. Check the iPad search history
4. Friend/follow your child on social media
5. Limit screen time
6. Model mindfulness
Historical Implications Through World Languages
Go-HAWK Pack Program Engages School, Community, World
For more information about Project-Based Learning experiences at W-SR, contact Instructional Coach Chuck Buseman
"Fraction Alchemy" - Game-based Learning in 5th Grade Math
"Students, you have just entered the Alchemy Lab! Your challenge is to earn the most elements and beat the other Research Teams!" 5th Grade math teachers utilize gaming components to teach fractions. Visit their game website: http://5thfractiongame.weebly.com/
Southeast Elementary Kindergarten "Pushes and Pulls" Through Motion PBL
For more information about Project-Based Learning experiences at W-SR, contact Instructional Coach Chuck Buseman
Creating a Culture of Readers
"Civil War Challenge" - Game-based Learning in 5th Grade Social Studies
5th Grade social studies teachers design a board game to engage students in gameplay while meeting these standards: identify the components of geography; understand the function of common financial instruments; distinguish the role of culture; connect the past, present and future to interpret history.