PreK-2 Priority School Newsletter
April 2016
Seen And Heard
We are excited to announce that all 15 elementary priority schools have confirmed their participation in the Summer Book Give Away! Thanks to Dr. Gay Su Pinnell, who donated funds to Columbus CIty Schools to purchase books for Summer reading. Students in Kindergarten through Third Grade will each receive 12 books in addition to 4 Keep books if they participate in two "Guest Reader" evening events hosted by their school. We are so excited for this great opportunity to help fill home libraries with authentic literature!
3GRG Announcement to Third Grade Teachers:
If you are a third grade teacher and you do not already have a Reading Endorsement or a Masters in Reading, you will need to take the Praxis 5203. The test is 2.5 hours long and you must register four days prior to the day of the test. You must obtain a score of 162 or higher to meet state requirements. Principals will submit your names to the district and the good news is...it will be paid for! Free study materials with practice questions are available at www.ets.org/praxis.
Latest News – Standards Revision
This year, educators statewide will assist the Ohio Department of Education in updating Ohio’s Learning Standards, beginning with those in English language arts and mathematics. This feedback will be essential as we begin this periodic review to ensure the standards reflect the most recent research and the experience of educators as Ohio continues preparing students for college and careers. The revision of Ohio’s Learning Standards in science, social studies and financial literacy will begin in late fall 2016.
TEACHER Q & A: Roma Habtemariam, Columbus Africentric
Question: Can you share one success from your beginning of the year?
With the help of Rebecca Daniels, we were able to get reading books for our guided reading groups! We were using outdated materials for our small groups. We now have material that will ensure success in reading. I can't wait to use them.
Question: What’s something that you are struggling with?
I struggle with committing to too many tasks. I'm learning to prioritize better.
Question: What’s your favorite “go to” classroom management strategy?
I love using Class Dojo. It's an application that rewards students for positive behaviors as well as negative behaviors. I like it because parents are connected to the classroom without being there! Students enjoy receiving points! It's an effective way to communicate with parents.
Question: What’s your favorite “read aloud”?
I love the book, "No Mirrors in My Nana's House". It is a book about loving what's on the inside and not your outer appearance. I read this book at the beginning of the year, for our monthly theme, "Who am I?"
Question: Who was your favorite teacher in school and why?
Mr.Poff, my 5th grade teacher at Hudson Elementary. He showed us a magic trick before each lesson!!! I loved coming to school to see him. He made learning fun and he always had a positive attitude. I would visit him after school when I was in middle school.
Question: What is a memorable moment in teaching for you?
In Kindergarten there are so many moments. If I had to pick one, it would be the time Reverend Jesse Jackson came to visit my students. He read them a story and the students shared stories as well. We were so excited to see him!