End of Year Special Purchases-draft
May 2016
Beautification of Kinder Garden ($1,350-$1,600)
hands-on science kits and replenishment supplies ($100 per grade)
In the event that the pre-made kits are not available or etc, I offered to Mr. Hatfield to customize hands-on class sets for common science TEKS with input from a sampling of science teachers. The goal would be to prepare a kit for at least one science obj. per grade. These would be stored either in the workroom or Mr. Hatfield explained that some items could be barcoded and stored in the library as is done with sets of tech. Teachers would be informed of the availability of these items annually by the teacher mentoring program among staff.
Buddy Bench/Table in existing shade ($500-$1400)
A parent had seen the Buddy Bench in use and suggested that we have it here.
Here is a youtube video that explains the buddy bench: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFqxqzI71Ic
Mr. Hatfield suggests that a pre-made Buddy Bench that will last for multiple decades would be great, but will entertain proposals for kid-painted buddy bench ideas that will last for a decade and would like to see an example. The pre-made versions are not as visually appealing to children and if involving the students in its creation will inspire more use and make more of an impact in educating about bullying. Ms. Brewer would opt for a kid-painted buddy bench and would be happy to team up with Ms. Harris on the implementation. I have not discussed it with Ms. Harris though. The pre-made buddy bench option should be budgeted as $700 each. The art project option should be less.
Ms. Brewer recommends two as the playground is large and suggests that the bench have a seat that would drain water rather than collect it.
playground lockable storage ($300-$750)
The first three possibilities I found:
I have a pic of the storage cage that Head start uses. This makes content visible which may be a downside. I also don't believe that it will be cheaper. I haven't seen one for less than $1,000 yet, but I also really haven't looked in a playground supply catalog yet.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_274588-25-LW108FB___?productId=3125499&pl=1&Ntt=storage+shed
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/7-x-4-cascade-shed-suncast/prod20131934.ip
http://www.lowes.com/pd_551125-1217-1887153___?productId=50125589&pl=1&Ntt=storage+shed
Restock of small playground equipment ($500)
Creativity on the Playground ($200)
Mr. Hatfield signed off on purchasing a large supply of oversized sidewalk chalk in dollar store bins marked for each grade even as it would be a short term consumable.
http://www6.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=02044&Category=1158
Weather Wall ($200-$300)
This project could be installed on the playground where it would be available for free exploration of students. It would be in a shaded area where instruments would not have sun exposure to affect readings. Many instruments would be installed purposefully out of reach such as the rain gauge which would be negated if students could reach it. However, some would be installed lower to allow students to learn up close.
This project has been drafted with Karin Romero and has a green light from Mr. Hatfield.
repaint CHE sign ($?)
Anything for field day? or other annual traditions? ($?)
Shelf for PPF closet ($60-150)
Something like this one? One or two?
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/5-shelf-storage-rack-boltless/prod19280016.ip
Book Donation Bin for Office ($25)
Fall Lending library event - $150
Week 1: Students are asked to bring a book to swap. Books are collected, evaluated and sorted. Families are invited to donate additional books for the event.
($150) stickers labeling the books as part of the event as well as replacement and supplemental books to be purchased, ideally at a discount, from a used dealer in order to be sure that more receive a book that they will be proud to call their own.
Week 2: As classes have their library day, they browse a table top collection of books sorted for their class/grade.
Remaining books will be available for teachers to add to their classroom libraries, the lending library shelf or Books and a Blanket
-items postponed for discussion this fall-
Restock of Classroom Reimbursement budget ($3,500-$5,750)
If this is a considered a priority but is outside our EoY purchases budget, it can alternatively be extended to teachers from the $5,000 that is in the budget for teacher grants. It would be possibly for half of that budget in order to give all teachers a $50 increase in the classroom budget for a total of $125 in each classroom.
additional iPads ($3,600)
iClassroom will allow for controlling of device by the teacher. They will be able to take control of devices in order to show students individually during group instruction, utilize the white board more effectively, prevent only the app that is being used together to be used and etc.
Each child and staff member will have their own account. This will allow children to be assessed in their progress and education to be more individualized. If preferred, the assessments will be available in the teacher's gradebook.
At this time, Mr. Hatfield would like to use the $1,000 fully first before asking for more, but he is optimistic that this change will be effective and may lead to some additional spending in the future.
Teachers currently have 4 iPads in a classroom. It would be advantageous for them to have up to 6 more in order to have approx. 2 students to a tablet. To be cost effective, this could be done, depending on the new logistics still unknown of the iClassroom change, by purchasing sets of 6 for check out by teachers on an occassional basis.
iClassroom is not able to accomodate Bring-Your-Own-Device days. Consequently, involved devices will need to be owned by the school.
It would be suggested to purchase 2 sets of 6 iPads for this purpose. This purchase would be delayed until after the change to the iClassroom this summer. iPads are typically approx. $300 each.