February 2022
Blended Learning Bulletin
Short, but Sweet
Even though February was a short month, but it didn't stop our educators from creating engaging lessons. Students weren't the only ones who learned this month! We had 10 staff members attend TCEA to continue their professional learning! We have already noticed things they are implementing in their classroom, just from early February!
Teachers of the Year were also awarded for each campus and we are so thrilled with all the honorees! We are proud to be a piece of the district and support any chance we get.
As a reminder, the graphic below shows the rollout plan for the TEA Blended Learning Grant Program for your reference. However, it is important to note that all grade levels and classes will benefit from the best practices embedded within blended learning this year. PK-12th grade teachers at Uvalde CISD have gained knowledge and training to support a variety of blended learning implementation strategies to ensure we are using technology with intention in our classrooms.
If you are here and wondering what Blended Learning is and why we are implementing it at Uvalde CISD, please check out our website at www.ucisd.net/blendedlearning and explore some of our resources.
Mrs. Hale Modeling TFAR
Mrs. Hale at Robb Elementary used her View Sonic board to model the different tools inside TFAR, our new testing platform. We applaud all of Robb staff taking the time to ensure that students feel comfortable testing!
Mrs. Mata's IXL Soultion
Mrs. Mata shared an IXL strategy in PLC. Using the "cheat codes" has been a game changer for her students! This also allows students to take ownership in what skills need to be accomplished! If you need an easy way to get students on certain skills, use this idea! Do you have a system that works? Email us with more real classroom examples!
US History Comic Strip Activity
US History teachers at Uvalde High School taught a lesson on the Cold War last week and had students complete a comic strip to demonstrate their understanding of topics on the subject. Many students chose to use Canva to create innovative designs to connect their learning!
Adding a Link to Classlink
Have you wanted an easier way to give all your students a website link? Follow the steps in the video or the graphic!
Apple Teacher Recognition
As of February 21, 2022, 175 teachers at Uvalde CISD are Apple Teachers! Apple Teacher recognition is awarded by Apple for Education through the Apple Teacher Learning Center. The program focuses on helping teacher learn how to use Apple tools on the iPad and Mac to encourage creativity and innovation in their classrooms with these tools.
Blended Learning Specialists continue working on handing out the window clings for our Apple Teachers to show off their recognition and hard work. For more photos of recognitions and celebrations, please visit our website or Facebook page!
Teachers, for more on how to become an Apple Teacher click here.
IXL is designed to support students toward authentic skill mastery, and research shows this approach works. When students consistently reach proficiency and mastery of IXL skills, schools see as much as a 16-point bump on state assessments. Research shows that schools, where students answer at least 15 questions per week, outperform all the others (IXL.com). This month, we would like to celebrate district and campus achievement on IXL. Every student in the district in grades PK-12th grade has access to IXL for Math and Reading, and 2nd - 8th grade students also have access to IXL for Social Studies and Science.
Robb currently has the highest Mastery count across the district with 35,967 skills mastered! Way to go teachers and students!
📱 Got an iPad Issue?
Is your student's iPad broken? Lost? Damaged? Let us know! The iPad is a necessary educational tool your child needs in order to be successful. Follow the steps outlined in our plan below to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.
📧 Start by emailing ipad@uvaldecisd.net now!
Please be sure to follow up with your child's teacher for an update within 24-48 hours of the sent email!
💻 Schoology for Parents
Did you know you can see and do all of the following with a Schoology Parent Account?
- Assignment grades
- Assignment details
- A calendar of your child's events and due dates
- Communication from teacher to class
- Send and receive messages from your child's teacher
- School updates
- Group information for your student
- District updates
- So much more!
❓Schoology FAQ
Why can't I see anything in Schoology for my child?
It is likely that you are viewing from the parent view on your Schoology account. Just use the drop down menu on the top right or the three dots to navigate to "impersonate" your child. If you still can't see anything, please reach out to your child's teacher for help.
How can I get a daily summary of what is going on in Schoology for my child(ren)?
From your child's name, go to your settings and set your parent summary to daily or weekly. This will give you a summary of all of their activity and communication from courses and groups on Schoology. (image below)
From your parent tab, go to your settings and be sure you have the notifications you want to receive toggled "on." (image below)
I still need help creating a Schoology Parent Account, where do I start?
To create an account, you will need your child's Parent Access Code. Your child's teacher or your campus Parent Liaison has access to this information and can share it with you. Use the video below to create your account, or contact your campus' Parent Liaison for help.
For additional Schoology Resources, visit the district website and click on the Schoology icon on the homepage.