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11/24/14
Plainfield Community School Corporation
IN THIS ISSUE
- OCTOBER VALUE WINNERS
- WORLD LANGUAGE THROUGH BLENDED LEARNING
- ACCESSING INFORMATION ON PCSC WEBSITE
- UPCOMING EVENTS
- INSIGHTS FOR PARENTS
- AROUND THE DISTRICT
BLENDED LEARNING EXPERIENCE
“Hola!”, “Bonjour!” and “Hallo!” are just a few expressions which can be heard when you walk down the 900 hallway at Plainfield Community Middle School.
This year is the first year the district has offered an Exploratory World Languages (EWL) class at the middle school. Currently, there are approximately 120 students taking advantage of the opportunity to learn each of three languages over a single semester. The languages – Spanish, French and German – are the same languages offered at Plainfield High School.
Using an online school called Middlebury Interactive Languages, students explore each individual language for about six weeks, learning things such as greetings, colors, numbers, and school supplies. Students work each day in collaboration with classmates on ways to converse with others. Although much class time is spent online, each Friday the EWL teacher gathers students to discuss and refine what they have learned.
The Middlebury website has a variety of highly engaging activities to complete while learning. The program incorporates all areas of language acquisition including writing, speaking, spelling, reading, and listening exercises.
Middlebury features true-to-life photographs and videos which expose the class to cultural similarities and differences. Students get a glimpse into other countries while learning cultural tidbits from people who speak the languages.
Among the advantages of exposing students to a language during middle school years is building basic skills that serve as a foundation for further language study. After completing the class, students are more prepared to make the most informed decision in regards to which language they would like to experience in high school.
Julie Thacker, PCMS assistant principal, says, "The ultimate benefit from this program is the opportunity for students to more readily choose to continue learning in a language that best fits their style, personality, and interest level."
At the end of each six weeks, a PHS world language teacher visits the middle school students and describes the high school program corresponding to the most recently studied language.
EXPLORATORY WORLD LANGUAGE STUDENTS WITH MRS. WALTERS
ACCESSING SCHOOL INFORMATION EFFICIENTLY
In today's world of information overload, PCSC recognizes the importance of making information easily accessible. The PCSC website has areas specifically designed to help users easily navigate to areas they frequently visit.
1) SITE SPECIFIC ICONS
Five icons at the top of every PCSC web page provide quick access to site-specific content: MENUS, STAFF DIRECTORY, CALENDAR, POWERSCHOOL and NEWSLETTERS.
For example, if you click on the CALENDAR icon while anywhere within the Brentwood website, the page links directly to the Brentwood school calendar. Similarly, clicking the NEWSLETTERS icon while anywhere within the Central Elementary website will take you directly to Central’s latest school newsletter.
2) MENU FOR PARENTS
Parents can also quickly access information by going to the FOR PARENTS drop-down menu located in the red channel bar (also just below the ICONS discussed above). This menu provides access to information parents frequently refer to throughout the school year (see image to the left).
PCMS CLUBS TEAM UP TO COLLECT CANS FOR LOCAL PANTRY
FREE HOLIDAY MINI-GOLFING EVENT
FREE GIFT WRAPPING IN DECEMBER
BOY SCOUTS REGISTRATION NIGHT
TRI-STAR BASKETBALL COMPETITION
COMMUNITY DAY
Angels & Doves (DATE CHANGE)
Angels and Doves, a nationwide anti-bullying program, will host a workshop at the Plainfield Public Library on FEBRUARY 21st - (not December 6th).
Insights for Parents
The NEA, a national organization representing 3 million professional teachers, has a number of tips for how parents and teachers can partner throughout the school year to support each individual learner. In addition to sharing resources about changes coming to the classroom, the NEA also has great tips for spotting and preventing bullying and a list of 11 tips from parenting bloggers for better communication with parents.
Share My Lesson, a website created by teachers for teachers, recognizes that a strong partnership between schools and parents is pivotal to a child’s academic success. That’s why they put together this collection of resources for parents, which includes their most popular lesson plans, handouts, and classroom resources that will help empower parents to support and engage in their children’s learning success at home.
Explore Academic Milestones with GreatSchools.org
One of the things parents bring up constantly is the desire to know how their child is doing is school. Are they on the right track? Are they ahead of the curve? Are they falling behind? It’s tough to know the answer to these questions without a point of comparison. Luckily, GreatSchools.org put together a fantastic website that highlights what essential skills in reading, writing, and math look like.
Take a look at their quick, informative videos (BELOW) that break down information by grade and by subject area.
Around the District - Parent Newsletters
Annual tribute honoring veterans
Putting the spotlight on our volunteers
Student life in 1883
Teaming up with Barnes & Noble
Find out how your COKE PRODUCTS can benefit Van Buren Elementary School!
What's happening at PHS
Thank you for your support!
Scott Olinger, Superintendent
Mary Giesting, Assistant Superintendent
Jud Wolfe, Assistant Superintendent
Email: pcscmessenger@plainfield.k12.in.us
Website: www.plainfield.k12.in.us
Location: 985 Longfellow Lane, Plainfield, IN, United States
Phone: (317) 839-2578
Facebook: facebook.com/PCSCQuakers
Twitter: @pcscquakers