Learning Together
Office of Instruction Newsletter - Template
New year, new possibilities
Message from Troy D. Olin, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Happy 2023! The start of each new year is a time filled with hope as we look toward the future. Even though this new beginning comes in the middle of our school year, it still brings with it endless possibilities for new and exciting ways to support learners and finish our school year strong.
The new year also means another superintendent's conference day is on the horizon. Be on the lookout for an email from Superintendent Dailey next week, in which he will share details about the day, including the schedule and the big reveal of our keynote presenter.
I am particularly proud that this districtwide day of learning will also feature 20+ impressive breakout sessions facilitated by experts in a variety of fields. As I'm sure you will see, this spring's assortment of learning opportunities will allow us to continue the important work of understanding others' experiences, removing barriers, and fostering relationships with each other, our students, and the entire Gates Chili school community.
I feel truly fortunate to work in a district that invests in its staff and prioritizes our personal and professional growth, but even more fortunate to work alongside colleagues who are committed to that growth. Let's continue to unite to make positive changes that will have a lasting effect on our Spartan community.
Rigor in Action!
High school teachers started the new year engaged in collaborative conversations about what rigorous instruction looks like in their classrooms. We used a discussion technique called Inside/Outside Circles to share and discuss the artifacts that they brought to the Office of Instruction faculty meeting.
Click here to learn more about how you can use this technique with your students!
We're looking forward to visiting each building over the next several weeks. The high school really set the bar high with their examples and conversations!
Books, Bits and Bytes!
Curated by the Coaches
Click on the image in each section to learn more!
Instructional Strategies
Whatever the grade or subject area, every teacher can effectively incorporate movement in the classroom throughout the school day.
Professional Learning
This podcast delivers the latest insights from researchers and practitioners in early reading. Each episode takes a conversational approach and explores a timely topic related to the Science of Reading.
Instructional Technology
Found in ClassLink for students and staff, Canva is a powerful, yet easy content creator which allows you to develop infographics, presentations, screen recordings and more! Future professional learning opportunities are coming soon!
Classroom Literature
In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon.
For more information on any of the books, bits or bytes above, please reach out to our coaches!
Jen Christensen, K-5 Literacy Coach | @GCReadWriteGrow
Matt Harvey, K-12 Library Media Coach | @GatesChiliLibs
Mike Munski, K-12 Innovation Coach @MikeMunski
Wendy Taylor, K-12 Innovation Coach | @GC_WendyTaylor
Professional Learning Updates
District Catalog Spotlight!
The district catalog currently has several fantastic learning opportunities starting soon! A few are spotlighted below, so click on their links if you're interested in learning more or enrolling.
Enhancing Cultural Understanding- Abrahamic Religions
This course will provide participants with an overview of the three major Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). Participants will leave with a general understanding of each religion and its cultural implications. The course is designed to provide information and knowledge with the hope of promoting a greater understanding of the backgrounds of our students and their families, as well as the community at large. The class includes required field trips as well as in-person sessions. CLICK HERE TO ENROLL
Rigorous Classroom Activities/Strategies to Reinvigorate your Instruction
By the end of the course, participants will understand that rigorous instruction does not have to be boring and difficult. Engaging, rigorous instruction aligned to state standards can help students comprehend, connect, and communicate. In this course, you will discover strategies and activities that provide students opportunities to: 1.) move 2.) talk and collaborate 3.) become active learners and 4.) analyze their mistakes on assessments. Connect 4, Ball Toss Boogie, Stop Plop and Roll, and Bumper Cars are just a few of the new strategies you will learn. CLICK HERE TO ENROLL
Part II: Onward Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators (Book Study)
Whether you're in your first, fifteenth or thirtieth year of teaching, this book is for you. Onward is a guide to cultivating educator resilience, with the aim to empower educators and help manage stress. The author provides a comprehensive framework that accounts for the politics, economics, policies, and how a school's distinctive culture, impacts teachers and education. This book has a teacher-friendly structure, where each chapter fits into the rhythm and flow of an annual school calendar, and it also explores one of 12 resilience habits. These habits link to our dispositions, which are vital to who we are and how we act. CLICK HERE TO ENROLL
Also available to view through your Frontline account are several BOCES catalogs, so don't forget to sign into Frontline then click Activity Catalogs and check them out!
Riddle Me This...
If you know the answer to this month's riddle below, click the puzzle piece to the right to submit your answer. The first three (3) people who answer the riddle correctly will receive a special prize in their mailbox next week!
January Riddle: What has holes but can still hold water?
Look out for future issues of the "Learning Together" newsletter on the first Friday of each month this school year!
The Gates Chili Central School District is dedicated to fostering curiosity, growth, and diversity within our school community. The district celebrates and embraces differences and strives to dismantle exclusion, bias, racism, and prejudice of all forms.