Social Studies Insider
September 2019
Sailing to Success!
Updated Social Studies Curriculum Website
Utilize Our Network of Social Studies Professionals
Gallopade Clickbook (Grades 3-8)
Gallopade Toolbox: Reading and Writing Activities
Active Classroom: Potential High School Digital Resource
Are you looking for predeveloped resources, activities, and assessments? If so, consider signing up for Active Classroom's FREE 30-day trial. The platform will give all social studies content areas access to predeveloped powerpoints, primary resources, images, maps, activities, and assessments that can be used to supplement your classroom instruction. If you sign up for the FREE trial, please contact me and let me know your thoughts. I am actively looking for a digital resource that can be acquired by the district to support the needs of all high school teachers and students. If interested in registering for a FREE 30-day trial, click the image logo below.
Social Studies Digital Resource Tools:
ClassKick allows you to create an online learning space that promotes the creation of interactive, manipulative, and engaging presentations. Both students and teachers can utilize this resource to present information. Teachers can use the system to manage student work, provide immediate feedback, and monitor student screens in realtime.
Preparing for Constitution Day?
Remembering Sept. 11, 2001: A Student Friendly Resource
Spotlighting Excellence
Ms. Flanagan has been serving as an EIP teacher at Welch Elementary School for the last few years. This year, she has moved back into the 3rd-grade classroom as well as serving as the grade level chair for 3rd grade. In her role as EIP lead teacher, she played a large part in helping all grade levels disaggregate the data from both the STAR Reading and STAR Math tests. With data and data analysis playing a larger role in education, her efforts have helped Welch become a school that drives instruction to maximize student learning based on data reports.
Also in her role as Lead EIP teacher, she has helped each grade level set up their skills group classes so that each teacher understands the weaknesses and strengths of each student group. This has significantly helped teachers better educate the students within their classrooms resulting in increased levels of student achievement.
Since moving back to third grade she has been instrumental in helping with curriculum maps, grade level data, and helping new teachers feel welcome at our school. Additionally, Ms. Flanagan is helping to create supplemental resources for all district teachers in an attempt to make the adoption of Clickbook easier and more effective for all. Additionally, she has been phenomenal in working with parents and students and is a true asset to our school and community.
Ms. Davis is an incredible educator who impacts the future on a daily basis, not only within her classroom, but also as a cheer coach and as a mentor to many high-risk students. She has consistently been a team player and willing to take on various new challenges by frequently changing both grade level and subject area. She has played an instrumental role in the social studies curriculum roll-out this year by creating various print resources aligned to Gallopade’s online curriculum to be shared county-wide. As an educational innovator, she frequently demonstrates unique, collaborative ways to incorporate technology into her classroom. Her students are able to demonstrate their learning in a variety of methods to help them not only master the standards, but also “take ownership” over their learning, display creativity, and enjoy a classroom that exudes a sound learning experience, as well as the opportunity to take academic risks within a safe, cooperative environment.
East Coweta High School has a true gem among its proud faculty in Ms. Elizabeth Thompson. Elizabeth brings infectious energy every day to her US. History classes where she engages her students to learn and think outside the box. Her motivation is centered around student growth, and to provide her entire social studies department with the necessary tools to help them become the best teachers that they can be. As department chair, Elizabeth has been instrumental in spearheading a new curriculum to all Coweta County high schools that strategically align with state standards to enhance the "total student experience" for Social Studies. Her hard work and dedication is seen daily and was recognized last year by the Bright Ideas Grant committee when she was awarded with the funding of her Social Studies Escape Room kit. Additionally, she developed a student-sized Trivial Pursuit board that has helped increase student participation and engagement during review sessions. Simply put, Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson is the epitome of what an excellent teacher is all about; you can always count on seeing her radiant smile every day at the intersection of Brantley and Longstreet. As students transition from class to class, she remains ready to attack the day and make all those who pass by her proud to be an EC Indian.
Attention Elementary Social Studies Teachers:
Grade Level/Course Specific Professional Learning with Virtual Specialists
Introducing a new FREE online professional learning community exclusively for Georgia educators. The Georgia DOE has created course and grade level specific Professional Learning Communities, led by Virtual Specialists, where educators from across the State can connect with each other to share experiences, resources, lesson plans, and instructional activities.
Schedule for Monthly Webinars
Integrating Social Studies into your ELA/Reading Lessons Made Easy
Located within the GA DOE Teacher Notes, teachers can find a list of standards connected books that can easily be integrated into your ELA/Reading lessons.
For Kindergarten access, Click Here.
For 1st Grade access, Click Here.
For 2nd Grade access, Click Here.
For 3rd Grade access, Click Here.
For 4th Grade access, Click Here.
For 5th Grade access, Click Here.
FieldTrip Zoom
FieldTrip Zoom provides you with an online catalog that allows you to search, order, schedule, and connect to hundreds of live interactive programs from around the world. These STEAM focused programs provide your students with unique and engaging learning experiences that can be customized to supplement your in-class curriculum. To view available programs, Click Here. Contact our representative for more information: Click Here. Yearly subscription cost per year, per teacher- $50.
Georgia Public Broadcasting
Click Here to access various social studies resources provided by Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Additional professional development opportunities are located within the section titled Professional Development for All.
Attention Middle School Social Studies:
Grade Level/Course Specific Professional Learning with Virtual Specialists
Introducing a new FREE online professional learning community exclusively for Georgia educators. The Georgia DOE has created course and grade level specific Professional Learning Communities, led by Virtual Specialists, where educators from across the State can connect with each other to share experiences, resources, lesson plans, and instructional activities.
Schedule for Monthly Webinars
Please look at your calendars and plan to join fellow district middle school social studies teachers each month for "middle grades tailored" professional learning. This is a great opportunity to communicate, collaborate, and create consistency across the district. Meeting locations will be held at WERZ, Central Office and begin around 4 pm. Our first meeting will be held September 25th, see you then!
Attention High School Social Studies Teachers:
Regular meetings are in the works for High School Social Studies Departments. More information will be posted in the High School Google Classroom. Please be on the lookout for that information.
Additional professional development opportunities are located within the section titled Professional Development for All.
United States Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. The 58th annual program will be held in Washington, D.C., from March 7 – 14, 2020.
Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. To apply, please contact your state selection contact. Application Due Date: October 4, 2019.
Grade Level/Course Specific Professional Learning with Virtual Specialists
Introducing a new FREE online professional learning community exclusively for Georgia educators. The Georgia DOE has created course and grade level specific Professional Learning Communities, led by Virtual Specialists, where educators from across the State can connect with each other to share experiences, resources, lesson plans, and instructional activities.
Schedule for Monthly Webinars
Civic Engagement Diploma Seal Program
Please begin advertising this program to students. Last year, East Coweta High School honored several seniors who accomplished the criteria required in order to gain diploma endorsement. I would love to see more Coweta students gain this recognition.
Network Connectors
Connect with Georgia's virtual learning community for Social Studies
Georgia Council for the Social Studies
Georgia Council on Economic Education
Professional Learning for All
GCEE High School 2020 Workshop (Grades 9-12)
FYI: Substitute Costs will be reimbursed and lunch will be provided.
Want to register? Click Here
Friday, Sep 13, 2019, 08:30 AM
Werz Industrial Boulevard Newnan, GA
Gallopade Question & Answer Session
Want to Register? Click Here
Thursday, Sep 12, 2019, 04:00 PM
Werz Industrial Boulevard, Newnan, GA, USA
S3Strategies Presents: Revving Review - U.S. History EOCT Prep
Want to Register? Click Here
Wednesday, Oct 2, 2019, 08:30 AM
Werz Industrial Boulevard, Newnan, GA, USA
Georgia Council for the Social Studies Conference
You may register online by visiting www.gcss.net.
Thursday, Oct 10, 2019, 08:00 AM
300 North Thomas Street, Athens, GA, USA
Historical Thinking + Literacy = K-5 Social Studies Labs
Want to register? Click Here
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2019, 09:00 AM
99 Brown School Drive, Grantville, GA, USA
Bringing Excitement Back to Your Middle and High School Social Studies Classes (Grades 6-12)
Join teachers from our region at West Georgia RESA for an exciting workshop that will leave you energized and ready to teach social studies. In this interactive session, teachers will work with Joy Hatcher, GaDOE Social Studies Program Manager, to meet your daily required dose of inquiry and keep students on their mental toes. Ideas and resources for infusing inquiry and banishing apathy in grades 6-12 will be shared; bring your own and take home some new ones.
Want to Register? Click Here
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2019, 09:00 AM
99 Brown School Drive, Grantville, GA, USA
GCEE Financial Literacy for Middle Grades
FYI: Substitute Costs will be reimbursed and lunch will be provided.
Want to register? Click Here
Thursday, Nov 7, 2019, 08:30 AM
Werz Industrial Boulevard, Newnan, GA, USA
GCEE Decostar Factory Tour and Workshop (Grades 6-12)
FYI: Substitute Costs will be reimbursed and lunch will be provided.
Want to register? Click Here
Monday, Nov 18, 2019, 08:30 AM
Carrollton, GA, USA
Comments, Concerns, Questions?
Email: phillip.sykes@cowetaschools.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/cowetaschools.net/cowetasocialstudies/home
Location: 167 Werz Industrial Boulevard, Newnan, GA, USA
Phone: 770-254-2800
Twitter: @Syked4SS