October 3-5 Newsletter
Curricular Overviews & Schoology Reminders
Schoology Reminders
- We are working to build students' ability to communicate academically in digital environments. That said, please continue to model for students appropriate commenting and discussion posts through proper academic language. Emojis are not an appropriate use of academic language and not recommended.
- Parent access will be enabled after parent conferences in November. Communication will be provided to support families through this transition.
3-5 Curricular Overviews
Over the past few weeks, the district has compiled documents for 3rd-5th Grade Curricular Overviews. The documents (linked in the icons below) provide an overview of the Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies skills and standards addressed per trimester. You are welcome to share these resources with families via your classroom communication. Please also add them to your Schoology homeroom course--you can copy the links from within the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment group resources on Schoology.
First 20 Days of School Feedback
The first 20 days of school are now in the rear view mirror, so it is time to collect your feedback! We are hoping that the 3-5 First 20 Days of School document served as a useful reference to you as you planned instruction. We will be working to revise the documents for the next school year and your constructive feedback is appreciated. Please click the button below to take the brief survey.
If you are interested in working on revising the documents over the summer, please email Jenni Southmayd (jsouthmayd@wcasd.net).
First 20 Days of School Survey
With the first 20 days of school are behind us, we are seeking your feedback. We hope the resource was helpful as you planned instruction for the first few weeks, and we would like your ideas to improve it for future years.
Teacher iPad Expectations
All K-3 general education teachers, ELL, GRT, SPED, and Reading Specialists either have, or will receive a teacher iPad by mid-October. Due to enrollment in summer courses and other opportunities, some 4th and 5th grade teachers also have teacher iPads. The purpose of these devices is to support the enhancement and transformation of instruction. Throughout the remainder of the school year, the Technology Department will be working to deploy teacher iPads to all remaining 4th and 5th grade teachers.
APPLE TEACHER PROGRAM:
If you currently have a teacher iPad or are receiving one in October, you are expected to complete the Apple Teacher Program by March 6 (end of the 2nd trimester).
- The Apple Teacher Program provides teachers with professional development in navigating and using the device instructionally. Teachers may submit their hours for flex time.
When you complete the program:
- Fill out this District Apple Teacher Form to show your completion
- Complete the flex time form for
WCASD Teacher iPad Expectations
Please click here for more information regarding the district expectations.
Need Support Completing the Apple Teacher Program?
Anyone interested in working through the Apple Teacher Program is welcome to come to the Spellman Education Center on any of the dates/times below.
- These are drop-in sessions--feel free to come and work as long as you need!
- The elementary instructional technology coordinator will provide support and model any tools utilized in the program as needed.
- There will be snacks!
- Reminder: Time spent completing the Apple Teacher Program can be used for flex time.
WHERE: Spellman Technology Training Room (upstairs--Rm. 251)
WHEN: 3:30-5:00 -- drop-in sessions!
Dates:
- November 1
- November 15
- December 4
- December 12
- January 10
- January 22
Proactive Press!
Joe Sanfelippo, author of Hacking Leadership, has published a quickstart guide to becoming your Community Social Media Superhero.
For more information about Proactive Press specifically with Twitter, check out the district's guide: Tweet All About It!
Coming up in November...
- Parent Access to Schoology for 3-5 families
- Instructional Technology Family Nights to share the instructional technology being infused in our elementary classrooms. The nights will be split between K-2 and 3-5 and focus on the tools utilized within each grade level band. Dates coming soon!
- ELA School-Wide Trimester Assessments on Schoology to be added to your course
West Chester Area School District
Instructional Technology
Email: jsouthmayd@wcasd.net
Website: https://www.wcasd.net/Page/10071
Phone: 484-266-1097
Twitter: @JenniSouthmayd