Trailblazer Tribune
BRIDGE VALLEY'S NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 30, 2015
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT . . .
As the second marking period has now come to a close, it is important to realize that we have assessed your child on several standards within each content area. This is a good time to refocus on the fact that the use of the indicators (Exceeding, Meeting, Approaching, and Limited Progress) in reporting student progress is a monumental shift in thinking.
Please keep in the forefront of your mind that indicators and letter grades report learning differently. Letter grades give global information while indicators give more specific information regarding student achievement. For example an M does not at all indicate “average” or equate to a letter “C”. Meeting means that the learning goal was met. Central Bucks sets incredibly high goals and expectations for students. Meeting these goals takes hard work and is an accomplishment! At the same time, please keep in mind that an Approaching or Limited Progress means that a student has YET to meet the established goal. Students all learn at different rates. We will continue to provide the very best instruction and support in the classroom so that each student can reach his/her highest potential.
IPADS ARE HELPING BV STUDENTS TO "THINK DIFFERENT"
Since the day iPads arrived in our first and second grade classrooms, teachers and students have embraced the new technology. The overwhelming success has prompted the district to add iPads to our kindergarten classrooms as well. These are expected to arrive at BV in the next month or two with teacher training scheduled for February. It is amazing how quickly students have mastered the use of the iPads. The tablets are designed to be intuitive and many of our students have had experience with tablets and touch screen devices outside of school. These factors have combined to reduce the learning curve for students allowing for immediate reinforcement and learning. Each classroom has five student iPads and one teacher iPad. The teacher uses her iPad to demonstrate apps and functions by projecting the iPad image onto the Smart Board using AirServer. iPads are being used during whole group, small group, and individual instruction. Below are three examples of how teachers are using iPads in the classroom. A complete list of apps can be found here: htttp://www.cbsd.org/ipadapps.
1. Bitsboard: Vocabulary review & practices- allows for audio, text, and picture of term to be pre-populated into 12+ different interactive games
2. Tiny Tap: Review and practice using interactive worksheet format. Q & A practice related to content that is not just term/definition (ex. Find Midwest region on map.)
3. Claro PDF: Built in text-to-speech feature. Allows PDFs to be read, annotated, and re-saved &/or emailed.
CAFETERIA CONTEST WINNERS FOR JANUARY
Classes earn a point by following one of our three cafeteria rules; eat quietly, keep a clean space, and listen to directions. Each time a class is caught exhibiting one of these behaviors, they earn a point. Points are displayed on a screen in the cafeteria, and students watch as their class collects points. The class with the most points at the end of each month earns the “Golden Spoon” award. January's golden spoon award winning classes were…
First Grade - Mrs. Ledwith, Second Grade - Mrs. Smith, Third Grade - Mrs. McLaughlin, Fourth Grade - Mrs. Anderson, Fifth Grade - Mrs. Jaeger, Sixth Grade - Miss Moyer.
BVE WELLNESS
Wellness Tips for the Winter
From bodyandsoul.com
Winter can be a trying time both mentally and physically. The days are darker, colder and shorter and our bodies become more susceptible to all kinds of winter colds and flu. While it sounds tempting just to stay inside and hide from it all, being proactive about your health and well-being will help ensure that you make it through the cooler months cold and flu-free, and in tip-top shape to enjoy the summer. Here are tips for supercharging your winter wellness.
1. Wash hands. Sounds simple but it’s the number one way to stop the spread of germs.
2. Keep exercising. It’s hard to get motivated when it’s cold and dark, but your body has to work overtime to get warm, so you can burn more calories on that early morning walk or run.
3. Eat well. Keep your immune system in shape by making sure you’re eating a healthy diet. For your body to be able to respond to infection, it needs to have enough protein; so enjoy lean meat, fish and poultry.
4. Stay hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
5. Rest up. Regular sleep is vital to staying healthy. Don’t let yourself get run down. Those who aren’t well rested are more likely to get sick.
TRAILBLAZER TASTY TREAT
Pork, White Bean & Kale Soup
From Eating Well Magazine
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika, preferably smoked
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste (optional)
- 1 cup white wine
- 4 plum tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bunch kale, ribs removed, chopped (about 8 cups lightly packed)
- 1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed
Preparation
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add pork, sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring once or twice, until no longer pink on the outside, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate with tongs, leaving juices in the pot.
- Add onion to the pot and cook, stirring often, until just beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic, paprika and crushed red pepper (if using) and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add wine and tomatoes, increase heat to high and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Add broth and bring to a boil.
- Add kale and stir just until it wilts. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale is just tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in beans, the reserved pork and any accumulated juices; simmer until the beans and pork are heated through, about 2 minutes.
Happy Winter from the Wellness Team
NOVA CYBERBULLYING PROGRAM
Due to inclement weather the NOVA parent forum on cyberbullying and social media presentation has been rescheduled to February 4th at 7pm and will be held at Lenape Middle School.
For more information about the program Click Here.
COACH BAG BINGO ~ LADIES NIGHT OUT
Friday, February 6, 2015 at Bridge Valley Elementary School
Doors open 6:00pm, Bingo begins 7:00pm
Come early to SHOP our 25+ VENDORS!
Advance Tickets $30….Night of Event $35
To volunteer at this event please click here.
JUST RUNNING
FUNDRAISING (PASSIVE)
- Please go onto the Giant Website and register your bonus card so that Bridge Valley can receive money when you shop.
- Show your school spirit and purchase a magnet to place on your car. We may just catch you around town with one and have a special surprise for you!!!
- Thank you to everyone that turned in Box Tops. Please keep saving them and get them in before our February cut off.
Box Top$ For Education
Please collect Box Top$ for Education! This is a huge potential for free money for our school. We will have two big drives this year. One ended on October 20th and the second ending on February 20th. Ask your family and neighbors to save too! Look for your information letter and Box Top$ sheet