Elementary E-News
Issue 27/ October 2015
Growth Mindset Strong
The following article highlights the importance of keeping a growth mindset.
Instructional Coaches
All day meetings - 8:30-3:30 at various locations (be sure to check Eduphoria)
- *November 12 - afternoon ONLY
- *December 8 - virtual
- January 7
- February 4
- March 3
- May 17
Math - Kerise Ridinger
@KERISE_RIDINGER
Math Mindsets & NEW Winter Point People Dates
Creating a Mathematical Mindset
Stanford professor, Dr. Jo Bohler’s brain research shows that our brain grows new connections/synapses when we make mistakes. While getting the right answer demonstrates understanding, it does not have the same growth impact on the brain.Let’s embrace mistakes! Read more here and celebrate mistakes and the new synapses that form as a result. Dr.Bohler also created Youcubed.org in order share research and strategies to support teachers in helping all students learn meaningful mathematics.
New Winter Point People Dates for Math
Winter Meeting Dates: McGowen Elementary Library 3:30 – 5:00
Please note we are combining grade levels. This change will also be communicated to the Point People.
January 28th – 2nd/3rd Math
February 4th – 4th/5th Math
February 11th – K/1st Math
Science - Marie Hayes
@SCIENCEHAYES
Science Fair - District Assessments - OI Trainings - New Winter Point People Dates
Science Fair 2015-2016
The Science Fair season is upon us. If your campus is participating the Science Fair please send Marie Hayes the commitment form as soon as possible. Also, please be aware that McKinney ISD holds high safety expectations for all participants. It is important that your students are aware of the Elementary Regional Science Fair (ERSF) Safety Rules as addressed in the Science Fair Student and Sponsor Handbooks. Digital copies of all science fair documents can be found in Forethought 5th Grade Science Resources. Please contact Marie Hayes with any questions or concerns along the way. We look forward to the scientific discoveries that our students will be making!
District Assessments
The first round of district assessments have arrived. There are multiple resources within the curriculum found in Forethought that will provide reflection, reteach, and enrichment opportunities for the students. The learning does not end after the test; it is only a point of reflection.
3rd - DA #2 Jan. 11-29
4th - DA #1 Oct. 26 - Nov. 13 / DA #2 Dec. 14 - Jan. 15
5th - DA # 2 Nov. 16 - Dec. 11
OI Trainings
Get a sneak peak of the upcoming content and collaborate with other grade level specific teachers. Teachers can sign up in Eduphoria.
K – December 1
1st – December 1st
2nd – December 3rd
3rd – December 1st
4th Science – November 17th Social Studies – December 8th
5th Science – November 5th / December 10th Social Studies – December 1st
(Kinder – 3rd grade will be combined Science and Social Studies while 4th and 5th are content specific.)
Winter Science Point People Meeting Dates:
Minshew Elementary Library 3:30 – 5:00
January 28th – 4th/5th Science
February 4th – 2nd/3rd Sci/SS
February 9th – K/1st Sci SS
Social Studies - Stacie Nickols
@SNNICKOLS
Purpose of Social Studies - Point People - Frameworks
What is Social Studies?
The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world. (NCSS Task Force on Standards for Teaching and Learning in the Social Studies, 1993, p. 213) The eight strands of social studies are: history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture, science/technology/society, and social studies skills.
Point People:
All K-5 Science and Social Studies Point People shared ideas, had conversations, and designed pre-assessments in the Fall meetings. We discussed the need for an implications of pre-assessing students before a unit or lesson and ways the results might alter instruction based on student needs. How are our teachers using various forms of pre-assessment to help make instructional decisions?
New Winter point people dates for Social Studies and Science
Winter Meeting Dates: Minshew Elementary Library 3:30 – 5:00
Please note we are combining grade levels to facilitate vertical conversations. This change will also be communicated to the Point People.
January 26th – 4th/5th Social Studies
February 4th – 2nd/3rd Sci/SS
February 9th – K/1st Sci SS
Instructional Framework minutes:
As a reminder from Ad Council on Wednesday, a portion of the ELAR time in 4th and 5th grade can be utilized to increase the 30 minute Social Studies time from 30 minutes to 45 minutes.
ELAR - Mona Savage
@MONA_RSAVAGE
Celebrations - Point People - PD - District Assessments - Writing Samples - Spelling Bee - Time Frames
Literacy Celebrations:
Campus Learning Walks and District Learning Walks were amazing. Thanks again to McNeil and Webb Elementary for hosting! The Balanced Literacy Model is growing by leaps and bounds in MISD...structures, structures, structures!
Instructional Coaches have scheduled content learning walks to discuss the Balanced Literacy Model Look For Tool. It has proven to be beneficial as it supports the dialogue with teachers. Thanks!
POINT PEOPLE UPDATE - NEW WINTER DATES
MCNEIL Library @ 3:30 – 5:00
January 26th – 4th/5th ELAR
February 4th – K/1st ELAR
February 11th – 2nd/3rd ELAR
Upcoming PD:
After school training 3:30-5:00pm
Nov. 10 - Words Their Way Basics - An Introduction to Classroom Practice
Coming Soon......
- Literacy Stations: K-2
- LIteracy Stations: 3-5
District Assessment #2
3rd grade - Unit 5 NonFiction @ Dec. 4-Dec. 18
4th grade - Unit 4 Expository @ Dec. 4 - Dec. 18
5th grade - Unit 4 Expository @ Oct. 30 - Nov. 13
Writing Samples from TEA
MISD received STAAR writing samples.These were sent out by Leighann Johnson and are all within a Google folder by campus.
Note: It is required to have all student identification removed from paper prior to using in any public forum for instruction or training.
Spelling Bee 2016
Registration is now open. Timelines have been sent out via email to all campuses. Thank you for sending me your campus spelling bee contact person. This year, McKinney ISD will be hosting the Collin County Spelling Bee. Campuses will be responsible for providing MISD with their campus winners!
Instructional Time Frame Update:
4th grade - 90 minutes for ELAR to remain in the Balanced Literacy Model
5th grade - 90 minutes for ELAR to remain in the Balanced LIteracy Model
Translation for real time instruction in ELAR:
- 45 minutes in Reading Workshop
- 45 minutes in Writing Workshop