TC Update
February 2017
In This Issue:
- Workshops
- Tips for Teachers
- Opportunities
- PBS Learning Media
- Kopernik Korner
- Teacher Center Information
Link to workshops
Tips for Teachers
Staying Organized: Tips for Naming Your Google Drive Files
You probably don’t give much thought to how you name your Drive files, but given how many documents we use every day, your files can quickly get messy and lost if you don’t have a good naming convention in place. Here are some tips for creating your own naming conventions so that your Drive files stay neat, organized, and easily searchable.
How to Find the Readability Score for Your Word Document
When you’re writing a document, knowing how “readable” it is can be quite useful. There are two common tests that score readability (aka how difficult it is to understand your writing). Microsoft Word can calculate your readability scores right within the program, and it’s super easy to set up.
How to Organize Pages in the New Google Sites
New to the new Google Sites? Don’t worry. Let’s go over some of the basics. We’ll cover adding, deleting, hiding, nesting, and reordering pages.
Opportunities
Good Geographic Practices Workshop
You Be the Chemist Challenge
Dear Educator,
I’d like to invite you and your students to participate in the You Be The Chemist Challenge® (YBTC), an interactive academic contest that encourages grade 5–8 students to explore chemistry concepts and their real-world applications. The Challenge tests students’ knowledge of a variety of topics including the scientific method, properties of matter, chemical formulas & equations, and chemistry in the human body.
Participating schools and students have an opportunity to receive national recognition, scholarships, and prizes. There is no cost to participate, and participation requires a minimal time commitment on your part. Study materials are provided free online to help students prepare for the competition. For a complete listing of school and student participation requirements and to download the study materials, please visit www.chemed.org.
All educators and schools need to do to participate in the Challenge is:
1. Register school online for free by February 3rd: http://challenge.chemed.org/school/create
2. Direct students to the free study materials on Chemical Educational Foundation’s ® (CEF) website: http://www.chemed.org/programs/challenge/study-materials/
3. Administer the CEF provided 25 question multiple-choice test, the Challenge Qualifier to grades 5-8 students to determine the top scoring students who will advance to the Binghamton Local Challenge on March 18th. This will take just 20 minutes to administer!
4. Scan and email challenge qualifier answer sheets to challenge organizer by February 24th: acsbing@binghamton.edu Students advancing to the Local Challenge will be notified by March 1st.
Once you register, the challenge organizer will be in contact to provide you with additional information and challenge qualifier materials.
Sincerely,
Megan Fegley & Yan Sun
Binghamton YBTC Challenge Organizers
WSKG Youth Writers Contest
This contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces. The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too! This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6.
PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest Entry Form & Rules
Submissions must be postmarked by April 28, 2017 and mailed to:
PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850
Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org
Southern Tier Math Conference 2017
NYSAFLT Regional Conference 2017
The NYSAFLT Regional Conference will be held at Binghamton University on Friday, March 3. The theme is Unplugged and Wired: Language Engagement For All. If anyone is interested in presenting on some of the awesome things you do in your classroom, you can contact Marisol Marcin, the NYSAFLT Regional Director at mmarcin2@binghamton.edu
Southern Tier Scholastic Science Fair-Save the Date!!!
March 18, 2017
All students grades 5-12
Stay tuned for more information
PBS
DASA Training
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Dignity for All Students Act requires that all students applying for certification after Dec. 31, 2013, complete six hours of training regarding the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination. Binghamton's DASA training will consist of six hours of face-to face instruction.
Under DASA, this training is required so professionals meet the Commissioner's Regulations for anyone applying for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or license on or after Jan. 1, 2014. Successful completion of this course will meet the certification requirements in §14(5) of Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012. More information about the Dignity for All Students Legislation may be found at: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/.
DASA Training will take place on a regular basis over the course of the year. The cost is $65 (cash, check, or money order are acceptable forms of payment).
Spring 2017 DASA Training Sessions (ALL spring sessions are 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., and will be held in FA-258)
Saturday, Feb. 25
Saturday, March 25
Saturday, April 29
Saturday, May 13
Saturday, June 17
Kopernik Korner
Kopernik
Teacher Center Info
Teacher Center and Safety
Teacher Center Hours
Teacher Center of Broome County
Email: bctc@btboces.org
Website: bit.ly/broometc
Location: 601 Gates Road, Vestal, NY, United States
Phone: 607-763-3282
Twitter: @broometc