The Explorer
October 14, 2016
Upcoming Dates
- October 19: Parent Association Meeting 8:15am
- October 24 through 27: Halloween Carnival Ticket Pre-Sale
A Note from Brian's Desk
How do we learn to engage in learning? How do we learn to learn?
The KCDS faculty has been learning the Workshop Approach, which is a method of instruction where teachers model how to learn during a mini-lesson. Teachers facilitate and guide students (with a gradual release of responsibility) to work independently. The students begin to self-direct learning as the teacher 'coaches' students one-on-one or in small groups.
Individualized, differentiated instruction is paramount, and it is driven by formative assessments in order to challenge students at 'just the right level' to grow academic achievement.
This method of instruction focuses on the goal of fostering passionate, lifelong learners.
It is based upon fundamental principles:
- Students have choice and ownership of learning
- Students know, understand, and apply standard routines and protocol
- Students are engaged in the authentic art of reading, writing, conversation, and presentation
- Students become self-directed learners through a gradual release of responsibility
The Workshop Approach is designed for use in all grade levels and any subject area. It is a daily standard routine that includes:
1. Mini Lesson [5 to 15 minutes]
- Present learning point by linking preceding learning points to build a background knowledge (1 to 3 minutes)
- Model cognitive processes (critical thinking), meta-cognition, and the authentic act of doing
- Have students turn and talk to each other periodically to build and shape understanding
2. Independent Practice with Conferencing & Coaching [20 to 40 minutes]
- Engaged learning and integrating past learning points
- Independent learning, paired learning, and small group learning
- Conference and coaching with differentiated instruction
3. Sharing [5 to 10 minutes]
- Self-evaluate, share learning, affirm efforts, and celebrate accomplishments
Research supports that we 'learn to learn' through the Workshop Approach and engaged learning!
Our students will benefit from this and many other approaches to learning this year.
- Brian Kissman
3rd & 4th Grade Reading and Writing Workshop!
Did you Know...
- Dave Mattison
Safety First
During lockdown drills, all doors are locked and no one is allowed to enter the building. A sign is posted on the front doors stating the drill is in progress. They last no more than 10 minutes.
For the next few drills, no notice will be given, so we can practice where to go and what to do when classes are in transition between rooms.
If you have any questions or would like to review our safety plan, please stop in the front office!
Parent Association News
Sponsorship forms for the Halloween Carnival games can be purchased by contacting Beth Meyer at bethmeyer1973@yahoo.com. This is a great way to support the Parent Association! It is volunteers and sponsors who make this event, not only possible, but a success!
Pre-sale tickets will go on sale October 24 through October 27. They will be available at drop-off and at pick-up. If you purchase your tickets in advance, you will save money at admission and avoid lines! Come and get yours early!
Thank you to everyone who volunteered to enter the chili cook-off! We cannot wait to taste your fantastic family recipes. The winner receives a chili cook-off medal, certificate, and blue ribbon!
Our next PA meeting will be held on October 19, after drop-off in the library. Hope to see you all there!
- Beth Meyer
5th & 6th Graders
Art Class
Zentangles
Nature Outreach Program
There is one $10 fee that covers both fall and spring programs for Preschool though 4th Grade. The form is online or there are copies in the front office.
Their Outreach Programs include:
Preschool/Jr. Kindergarten/Senior Kindergarten
Fall- Beetles, Bugs, and Butterflies
Spring- Green Plants Grow
1st & 2nd
Fall- A Sense of Nature
Spring- Plant Toss Up
3rd & 4th
Fall- Michigan Natural Resources
Spring- Beetles, Bugs, and Butterflies
Box Tops Announcement
Speaking of November 1, the fall submission deadline is almost upon us. Please have all Box Tops submitted to the main office by Wednesday, October 26 to allow sufficient time for counting and bundling. A big thank you to everyone who has already turned theirs in-- keep up the good work!
- Kristi Durbin
*Please drive slowly*
Kalamazoo Country Day School
Email: ckreutzberger@mykcds.org
Website: http://www.kalamazoocountryday.org
Location: 4221 East Milham Avenue, Portage, MI, United States
Phone: 269-326-0116
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kalamazoocountryday
Twitter: @kcdseagles