Panther Press
October 13, 2017
KHS Construction Trades
Conference Choral Festival
KHS Dance Team Apparel
6th grade social studies
In Social Studies, the 6th graders are learning how the first civilizations formed and became successful. Students learned that the idea of money was not invented yet and that the first civilizations had to trade and barter. To understand the concept of trading and bartering we played a game simulating life as a common worker in the city. Students had to trade and barter supplies in order to survive in the first civilizations. Here are a few pictures from Monday.
Marshmallow Molecules: 6th grade science
Our most recent activity was called Marshmallow Molecules. The difficult parts of this activity were 1) reading and interpreting the directions and 2) working with a partner. All of the students - read the instructions too quickly & missed many details - important for the project.
Many Science experts have been recommending that Science teachers have the FUN activity first so that all students have a similar set of connections with the content. Then, the rest of learning follows.
We still have lots of work to do, but the students have had a great attitude and are beginning to NOT SAY, "I can't do this. This is TOO hard. I don't get the directions."
Ask your child why I have said "ROADBLOCK" to them. Basically, the students are SO used to the teachers giving the answers instead of doing it themselves - therefore, they have hit a "ROADBLOCK. THEY have to find a way around the challenge.
Northstar Guidance
We've been learning all about Growth Mindset in guidance this month. Growth mindset is a term coined by Carol Dweck that refers to science showing that the brain can grow and get stronger with effort and continued learning rather than intelligence and talent being a fixed trait.
Kids learned about how to use their "bubble gum brain" to stretch their brains with challenging activities and learning. We also practiced using growth mindset language (I will keep trying) and the power of yet (I can't do this yet). You can help encourage your child by praising them for trying new and challenging things, not giving up, and for learning from their mistakes (or yours :)).
healthy 3rd graders
Third Graders enjoyed taking part in the Healthiest State Initiative by walking at the Randy Wilson Track last week. Students were bussed from Northstar to the track in the morning and spent about 40 minutes walking with not only students from Northstar, but kids from Stepping Stones and KHS. It was a great way to spend a beautiful morning! #GetYourWalkOn!
2nd grade counts to 1000 using pumpkin seeds!
Our website (www.knoxville.k12.ia.us) is a great source of endless information for parents, students and community members. If it's happening, it is most likely to be found within the many pages and links on our website. Whether on a calendar entry, listed on a page within our site, or in the announcements section, we want you to be in the know. From nutrition menus to student handbooks to 1:1 Computer handbooks to high school course offerings to class schedules to student assignments in Canvas and grades in JMC to city bus stops, they are all linked from our website. We have it all accessible for you 24/7! If you can't find what you are looking for, please call or email for assistance in locating it: Lisa.Willis@KCSD.k12.ia.us or 641-842-6551 option 1.
High School: Website, Facebook and Twitter
Middle School: Website, Facebook and Twitter
Knoxville community school district
LEAD ~ COMMIT ~ ACHIEVE
Email: lisa.willis@kcsd.k12.ia.us
Website: www.knoxville.k12.ia.us
KCSD Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Knoxville Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Equity Coordinator Jill Van Woerkom, Director of Human Resources at 309 W Main, Knoxville, IA 50138, 641/842-6551 or jill.vanwoerkom@kcsd.k12.ia.us. The grievance will then be directed to the appropriate administrator charged with managing the program or department specified in the grievance.
The Board requires all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the District to subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract compliance and equal opportunity.