Regional School Success Digest
'All things RSS' in a 'digestible' format: 09.18.2020
The purpose of our TST BOCES Regional School Success newsletter is to highlight upcoming opportunities and keep your informed with resources our department is both creating and promoting. Each newsletter will feature a variety of materials depending on what is on our calendar. We hope you will take advantage of any Professional Learning, Cooperative Enrichment, School Library System, or Instructional Technology opportunities that you believe will enhance your district & students' learning environment.
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Parent Pointers Website
Digital and Blended Learning Website
However, if you prefer a more self-paced version of these professional learning opportunities, we've designed modules for educators to build their own capacity to support students and families during this challenging time. See our Distance & Blended Learning Modules here.
Our specialists have setup modules within a Google Classroom. Click here to view the offerings and get the classroom codes.
Regional Professional Networks at TST BOCES
The intention of educator networks is to:
Build our knowledge base and skill levels
Engage in best practices and current research
Facilitate support for educators in the area
Collaborate across the region
TST BOCES is committed to ongoing professional learning opportunities in collaboration with the educators in the region. In order to successfully support one another, we need to provide a fluid process of turnkeying information back to our component districts. Participation of our members along with their intentional practices for support across our districts is a key factor in the improved success of our region.
Please read through the descriptions to consider who is a great fit from your district that should serve on these networks. The representation that serves on these networks can become a transparent outlet for receiving timely updates, current pedagogical shifts and practices, collaborative support and development of regional leaders. Meeting frequency will be determined by members of the network.
This group is designed for elementary educators and professionals who have a desire to contribute to the success of literacy instruction in our region. The purpose of the P-5 Elementary Literacy Network is to support, discuss, and lead literacy instruction based on the science of reading. We will participate in conversations that dig deeper into curriculum, instruction, and assessment that supports the success of all students. This network’s framework will pose and answer questions that investigate the use of instruction based on reading research and the reading gap that exists in the United States.
First meeting: 10/6/20 at 3:00pm -4:30pm - REGISTER HERE
This group is designed for secondary educators and professionals who are interested in supporting reading and writing across content areas. The purpose of the 6-12 Secondary ELA Network is to continue strengthening the knowledge base of students as readers and writers to incorporate skills and strategies that support the needs of our intermediate students. Application of English Language Arts skills includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing, which are necessary for success in all subject areas. The network’s framework will support ELA across content areas, research best practices for secondary students, and connect an understanding of ELA skills to promote college and career ready students.
First meeting: 10/8/20 at 3:00pm -4:30pm - REGISTER HERE
This group is designed for educators in the region who have a strong interest in math in their buildings and/or districts. The purpose of the Math Leadership Network is to promote communication and collaboration between districts, inform mathematical practices, stay current with NYSED information, and enhance math education in our region by engaging and participating in professional work groups. This network’s framework will include areas regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
First meeting: 10/14/20 at 3:00pm -4:30pm - REGISTER HERE
This group is designed for people who have a strong interest in taking a leadership role in science. It is recommended that the Science Network group includes teacher leaders (elementary, middle and high school teachers) as well as building and district leaders. This group serves to support the development of district and regional capacity related to the transition to the Next Generation Science Standards. This includes sharing and discussing up-to-date information related to the standards implementation from the State Education Department. The network’s framework is to position the region to successfully implement the new science standards and build a strong knowledge of the science curriculum.
First meeting: 10/15/20 at 3:00pm -4:30pm - REGISTER HERE
This group is designed to support leaders of learning who strive to make change to improve student learning. The purpose of the Regional Coaches Network is to provide leaders with tools that encompass mentoring, leading professional development, researching and sharing the science of teaching, and being a positive advocate for changing practice for the success of all students. Regional coaches will create opportunities to build relationships with educators across the region but also cultivate strong support systems among the network.
First meeting: 10/20/20 at 3:00pm -4:30pm - REGISTER HERE
This group is designed for educators in the region who have a strong interest in social studies in their buildings and/or districts. The purpose of the Social Studies Leadership Network is to promote communication and collaboration between districts, inform practices, stay current with NYSED information, and enhance social studies education in our region, both elementary and secondary, by engaging and participating in professional work groups. This network’s framework will include areas regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
First meeting: 10/21/20 at 3:00pm -4:30pm - REGISTER HERE
TST BOCES Collaborative Forums
Regional Co-Teaching Task Force:
Provide a forum to increase awareness and understanding of what co-teaching is, while also providing support to help take our professional practice to the next level. Participants will be provided tips and strategies for building a successful co-teaching environment both on campus, and in virtual classrooms.
First meeting: 10/6/20 at 8:30am-10:30am - REGISTER HERE
Regional Computer Science Advisory Group:
The Regional Computer Science advisory committee will help develop an ecosystem to support equitable, sustainable, rigorous computer science education for every student at all levels. This group will work on changing & enhancing systems to support computer science (using the power of computing to solve problems and express ourselves) , computational thinking (purposeful problem solving strategies), and digital fluency (using digital tools to enhance workflow).
First meeting: 10/26/20 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm - REGISTER HERE
Utica National Risk Management Webinar Workshop
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to present great uncertainties for schools around the country and there are many more challenges to come. One of the areas in which many schools need extra focus is the mental health and social-emotional wellbeing of their students. It’s crucial that schools gain an understanding of this topic to be able to guide their children and support school staff members.
Please join the member companies of Utica National for a two-part series along with our partners from Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN), who provide individualized and non-traditional service and care to the highest risk individuals and families with social-emotional, mental health, and behavior challenges.
Part 1 – Tuesday, September 22, 2020 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Understanding Trauma: Supporting Students and Staff Through a Collective Trauma
This session will focus on helping participants to better understand the dynamics of trauma and how trauma impacts adults and children. They will discuss how the current collective trauma many are experiencing as a result of this pandemic might manifest itself in new and challenging behaviors in children, their families, and even school staff. Participants will learn about the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) study and how ACES contribute to long-term negative outcomes for individuals. REGISTER FOR PART 1 HERE.
Enrichment Knows No Boundaries
Click the image below to view a presentation on Cooperative Enrichment!
Academic Entertainment's Virtual Showcase
The presentation will take place from 1:00 - 3:30 PM. For more information and to take a look at the lineup of presenters, please visit Academic Entertainment's website.
Regional Professional Development and Learning Opportunities from TST BOCES
Redefine Blended Learning with Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Pedagogy
Infuse your synchronous and asynchronous remote teaching game with culturally and linguistically responsive practices to leverage the strengths students bring to the virtual classroom.
Learn how to validate and affirm sociocentric, kinesthetic, communal, and spontaneous learners by participating in remote Think-Pair-Share, Thinking on your Feet, and Give One Get One protocols using tools including, but not limited to, Google Jamboard, Google Chat and Flipgrid.
Tuesday, Sep 22, 2020, 04:30 PM
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Content Creation During Distance Learning
WHEN
Thursday, Sep. 24, 2:30-4:00pm
WHERE
This is an online event.
MORE INFORMATION
During distance learning, teachers have had to shift to creating engaging online digital content. Participants will have the choice to explore several digital tools for teachers to create & curate engaging and accessible content for their students. Teachers will also develop an understanding for key instructional considerations of how and what digital media teachers create and share with students and families. Virtual Google Meet Link will be available.To register in Frontline click here.
Co-Teaching for New Teams: Three Day Mini Series - Day 1
WHEN
Day 1: Thursday, Sep. 24, 3:00-4:00pm
WHERE
This is an online event.
MORE INFORMATION
In this 3 part virtual mini-series, general and special education teachers will work together to create the foundation for an integrated classroom. Using the work of Marilyn Friend, participants will develop a common vocabulary and understanding centered around key elements of a successful co-teaching relationship. Topics include the roles and responsibilities of each educator, co-teaching structures, communication, collaborative planning, and high leverage instructional practices, and tips for including students with a variety of needs in a virtual classroom.This three-day mini series will take place on:
- September 24, 2020
- October 27, 2020
- January 12, 2021 (Elementary Teachers)
- January 14, 2021 (Secondary Teachers)
To register in Frontline click here.
Reminder: The Library of Things is Ready for Lending!
To check out what we have to offer, including the items below, browse our equipment catalog and reservation system at LibCal. For more information, visit our website:
You can also contact us at libraryofthings@tstboces.org
Open a World of Reading with Sora
The SLS offers many digital resources that support online instruction, but by far our most popular is the Sora Ebook and Audiobook platform! We have an ever expanding regional collection of titles that directly support the Pre K-12 curriculum, as well as hundreds of popular titles for pleasure reading too.
Sora also offers an easy to use class set rental option for teachers who would like to assign an Ebook to a whole class at a significantly discounted price. To access Sora, go to soraapp.com, visit the SLS webpage, or visit your school library website.
If you are a first time user, search for “Tompkins Seneca Tioga BOCES” when prompted for your school name, and follow the instructions to set up your account.
Questions? Feel free to email Mary Kay Welgoss or visit her during Office Hours. Happy reading!
Executive Director of RSS
607-257-1551, ext. 1004
neschler@tstboces.org
Coordinator of School Library System
Mary Kay Welgoss
607-257-1555, ext. 1033
mwelgoss@tstboces.org
Coordinator of Cooperative Enrichment
607-257-1555, ext. 7205
Coordinator of Professional Learning
Kira Carinci
607-257-1551, ext. 7202
kcarinci@tstboces.org
Instructional Specialist for Inclusive Learning
Teresa Heatherman
607-257-1551, ext. 7204
theatherman@tstboces.org
Instructional Specialist for Shared Technology Integration
TST BOCES Regional School Success
Email: rss@tstboces.org
Website: tstboces.org/rss
Location: 555 Warren Rd, Ithaca, NY, USA
Phone: 607-257-1551
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tstboces/
Twitter: @rsststboces