Pam's Pages
Week of December 5
Computer Updates (info from SBISD)
Key Information:
· 3rd – 12th grade classrooms may receive up to 8 devices through a trade-in program
· The program will begin Spring 2017
· Vanguard teachers and their PLCs will be refreshed first
· Project cost for the district: $5M (Bond and Clear funds)
Background:
Every classroom across the district benefited from the 2007 bond with new technology. Classrooms received a combination of iPods, Netbooks and iPads in 2010. These devices are now 6 years old and well past their useful life. They are old, obsolete and broken, and are hampering instruction and student learning. Teachers across the district are ready for working computers in their classrooms.
Support Content:
The objective of the project is to remove old, outdated devices from the campus and to improve digital access for students in classrooms where teachers are effectively using digital learning resources. Any device may be traded-in, regardless of how it was originally purchased, and will be replaced with a new touch screen Chromebook. In order to participate, teachers will need to complete the brief self-paced Blended Basecamp Course in itslearning. The final assessment is a self-assessment of their current level of technology integration using the Technology Integration Matrix.
More detailed information about the process will be announced in early January.
From:
- Tyler Ream, Ed.D., Associate Superintendent of Academic Performance & Support Venu Rao, Chief Information Officer
- Stephen Shorter, Executive Director for Connective Academics Karen Justl, Director for Educational Technology
- Stephen Johnston, Manager, Technology Bond Projects
Accessing the SBISD VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Using the VPN, you will be able to have access to all of your folders and drives from home. The instructions are as follows:
1. Go to http://springbranchisd.com/vpn/VPNClientInstall.exe to download the FortiClient VPN installer.
2. The VPNClientInstall.exe will begin to download.
3. Once it finishes downloading, click on it to run. While it is running, please do not click anything until it finishes installing.
4. When it finishes installing, the “Restart” window will pop up. Click Yes.
5. After restarting, you will see the FortiClient VPN on your desktop.
6. Double-Click the FortiClient VPN icon.
7. Click the link titled Configure VPN.
8. You will now see your connection settings. Enter the following information:
• Connection Name: sbvpn
• Description Name: sbvpn
• Remote Gateway: fortivpn.springbranchisd.com
• You don’t need to change anything else on this screen.
9. Click the Apply button.
10. Click the Close button.
11. Enter your SBISD Network Login and Password.
12. Click the Connect button to log into the district network.
(VPN is for home use only and will work only when you are off campus.)
13. If you see a “Security Alert” window, click Yes.
14. You are now logged into the district network.
15. When you are ready to disconnect from the district network, right-click the green icon with the lock at the bottom of your screen in your taskbar and choose “Disconnect sbvpn.”
Application for Vanguard Cohort II
As stated in Blended by Heather Staker and Michael Horn, teachers are critical to the success of blended and personalized learning and it is important to design their role well so that teachers benefit from the shift in practice as much as students do.
We also know that providing teachers with professional development that models effective digital learning environments and coaching them on the design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences will impact teacher practice and student achievement.
Through the development of the Vanguard Fellowship Spring Branch ISD is creating job-embedded professional development model that provides teachers opportunities to grow, assume new responsibilities and leeway to innovate, and receive recognition for their efforts. To keep the program innovative, teachers will apply for a 3-year term moving into emeritus status in years 4+.
The application process involves completion of a Google Form with questions about instructional practice and submission of a video demonstrating instructional practice.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please see Shirley for the flyer. The application deadline is January 3rd at 8:00 p.m.
Agenda for Staff Meeting on Wednesday, December 7
* Review norms
* Get to know you activity (Milling Around) (10 minutes)
* Intro to Instructional Rounds/Problem of Practice (5 minutes)
* Staff member presentations (30-45 minutes)
Holiday Party for Staff - Wednesday, December 14
The staff holiday party will be on Wednesday, December 14th. CiCi Barone will be hosting the party at her home. You will be receiving an invitation that will have more details, including the location and what you will need to bring.
Schedule for Friday, December 16th
DECEMBER MENTEE/MENTOR WEBSITES
For Mentees
The Mentee Support website features:
• Skill challenges based from the book “Teach Like a Champion”
• Skill page for BloomBoard “Teach Like a Champion” pilot teachers
• Resources
o Approaching deadlines (Grades, Flex Day, GT Hours)
o Planning
o Staying focused on Learning
o Professional learning
o Reflect and adjust
o Preparing for January
For Mentors
The Mentor Support website features:
Identifying the emotional phase of a new teacher
• Skill challenge for new teacher
• Skill page for BloomBoard “Teach Like a Champion” pilot teachers
• Coaching tips
• New teacher discussion topics (all resources from the new teacher website)