Curriculum and Assessment Updates
November 2021
Virtual Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment meetings
Thank you for sharing a lesson you have taught which has inspired your students in some way - to think deeply about the topic or context, to learn new skills, to explore further. I appreciated hearing about the ways in which you are making real-world connections, providing hands-on practice, allowing students to have voice and choice in their learning, as well as engaging them in creative lessons where they can show what they know.
We will use Google. Meets for December curriculum meetings; be on the lookout for a calendar invite.
Changing Educational Paradigms
Book groups will begin in December with The Innovator's Mindset:
Complete the form to sign up for a book group (if you already emailed, no need to complete the form). A confirmation email and options for dates will be sent this month.
Handwriting and Typing Without Tears
Thank you to Rita Boyce for her invaluable insights and guidance in the process.
MVRHS Office of School Counseling
Preparing Mascoma Seniors to build their path towards success in secondary education and beyond, the high school Office of School Counseling presents a variety of activities including partnering with the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF)
October 19th - College Admissions Panel. Representatives from Plymouth State, UNH, Colby-Sawyer, River Valley Community College, and Keene State will be in attendance.
November 5th - I Applied Day. This is a day where students can receive help for their college applications from admissions counselors as well as get fee waivers for any NH college.
November 16th - Financial Aid Night. In collaboration with the NH Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NHASFAA) Speaker's Bureau, this evening presentation helps families navigate through the financial aid process. Emphasis is placed on how to apply for aid and the types of aid available. Funding options, scholarship searches and the importance of deadlines are also discussed.
Simon Pierpont from Plymouth State University joined us for the day in English 12 classes to talk all things College Essay. A great number of students made connections with him that are interested in attending PSU as well.
Using Data to Inform Instruction
CES and EVS will also begin to work with Demonstrated Success on instructional strategies this winter - stay tuned for more information.
Learning Through Teaching - UNH Professional Development
UNH Learning Through Teaching courses began in October and will run throughout the year. Participants began by brainstorming to develop the structure and focus for the course related to the focus of literacy in the elementary and secondary groups.
Educator Spotlight - Grade 6 with Mrs. Follansbee
"My students will be 'exploring caves' to study prehistoric cave art. In the days BEFORE Covid-19, we'd set up mini caves for students to crawl into with their research group. I have had to modify that plan, but I think we still capture the spirit & excitement of cave exploration--darkness, sound effects, bats, even dripping ceilings...." Follensbee explained.
Allowing students to experience some of the circumstances encountered in caves where eerie hand-prints, running bison, and hunting scenes allow them to more deeply understand the pictorial record of storytelling and the earliest figurative artwork.
Mrs. Follensbee has been a 6th grade teacher for 35 years, yup, you read that correctly! Including 32 of those years at IRS. She LOVES middle school because the age level is fun, funny, and students are willing to ride the learning train IF you make the effort to connect with them. That's her first goal at the start of the year-establish a strong, positive connection with each student. Everything else runs smoothly thereafter.....hopefully!
Ms. Dunkerton and Ms. Hazelton's classes were also able to create cave art during the Day of Experiential Learning.
IRS Day of Experiential Learning
On the October early release day, IRS students had the opportunity for hands-on learning supported by curricular connections in each subject. Students participated in bird-watching, pioneering activities, New Hampshire Agriculture in the classroom, Cave Art was created, there were kits from Vermont Institute of natural science and materials from NH Fish and Game.
In 5th grade students learned about shadow measuring where they applied what they were studying in the classroom by measuring the length of a shadow based on the placement of the sun.
Teacher feedback indicated that students were engaged and enjoyed the unique experiences. a student stated that they loved the opportunity for hands-on learning - "It was the best day of school!" Check out the Highlights from the day.
Frontline for Professional Growth
Educators were introduced to the platform at the October 8th early release day, where they worked in building-level team to learn the system and enter their IPDPs.
Additional trainings will be provided via video or after school. Follow the link to access current help and support documents, or see your PD Committee representative with questions.
If you are having problems with your account, please complete the Frontline for Professional Growth Help Form.
2021-2022 Faculty In-Service Calendar
November 10 (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
January 14 - K-12 Scope and Sequence
April 20 (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
May 4
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
“Be the change you wish to see in the world” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Email: aburke@mvrsd.org
Website: https://www.mascomaschools.org/
Location: 547 U.S. 4, Enfield, NH, USA
Phone: 603-632-5563