Baxter Buzz
A family Newsletter: Week of September 4th
I think we are back in our groove!!
A big thank you to our Midlothian Fire Department for coming to help and support our annual 4th grade egg drop! It was so much fun and we had so many eggs survive!! You can see a few pics below!
Have a wonderful, LONG weekend! See everyone on Tuesday!
Ipads are here!!
5 Advantages of a 1:1 Teaching Environment
There’s no denying that technology is being used with increased frequency in classrooms across the country—a fact that has created quite a debate in the world of educators. Today, technology-heavy classes where every student has access to a personal electronic device (tablet, netbook, or laptop) are known as 1:1 classrooms. Keep reading and see how a 1:1 teaching environment could positively impact your students.
How Does 1:1 Benefit the Classroom?
Interestingly enough, a recent study of nearly 1,000 schools found that 1:1 schools out-perform traditional schools in a number of academic and even financial aspects. Check out the other benefits below:
Greater Student Engagement
Another common concern schools have over implementing 1:1 classrooms is that these devices will create a distraction for students. In reality, however, most teachers report that these devices actually increase student engagement, keeping them more interested in the subject matter than they would be if they were simply listening to a teacher give a lecture at the front of the classroom.
More Creative Learning Outlets
No matter what subject you may be teaching, electronic devices provide your students with unique opportunities to learn. Rather than composing “traditional” written essays in class, these devices allow students to get creative in demonstrating their learning. In fact, they’re able to do anything from create a video presentation to recording a Podcast and everything in between.
Tailored Learning Experiences
It’s no secret that not all students learn in the same manner. Some are visual learners, whereas others are better off learning through hands-on activities. When every student has access to their own device, they’re able to learn in the way that’s best for them. Based on each student’s learning style, teachers can provide different versions of the same lesson. This can be especially useful for math lessons, but come in handy across all subject matters.
Improved Student/Teacher Communication
Finally, many teachers have found that they’re able to spend less time grading while still providing specific feedback to each student thanks to 1:1 teaching. For example, it’s easy for teachers to leave verbal feedback in the form of an .mp3 file, rather than taking the time to print out an assignment and leave physical comments on it.
https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/5-advantages-11-teaching-environment/
Porch Pick-Up
Breakfast and Morning Drop Off
Safety and Security
Campus Character Rings!
OH MY GOODNESS WE HAD SUCH A BALL AT OUR RING CEREMONY LAST FRIDAY!!
I hope your kids came home very excited and committed to be their very best!
A little about our campus Character Rings: Each ring has its own philosophy and meaning shown in the graphic above. The rings work in synergy and with healthy competition. During the course of the school year, students earn points for their ring for citizenship, behavior, academics, and getting caught doing anything well. A running total is maintained and a weekly champion is announced. The ring totals will continue throughout the year until the winning ring is selected for the year.
We are very excited about this positive behavior reinforcement and look forward to the fun that is to come!! Your child received a t-shirt in their ring color! We encourage everyone to wear their ring shirt on FRIDAYS!!
Parent Volunteers
Each week you will see links to sign up sheets for particular activities!
Also, PLEASE SEE THE BACKGROUND FORM BELOW! It must be completed before you can volunteer! PLEASE PRINT AND RETURN TO THE FRONT OFFICE!
Golden Nuggets
We are so exited to be bringing the NED show back this year!! The NED Show is a character education program that centers around three important messages that have lifelong relevance: Never give up, Encourage others and Do your best. During the assembly, students will learn about the importance of these three life skills while also enjoying storytelling, magic, humor and yo-yo tricks.
Notes from Nurse Martin
My goal is to promote a safe and healthy environment in which our students will be encouraged to become life-long learners, self-managers and self-advocates for health and education.
If your child will need medication anytime during the school year it is required that medication forms are completed.
It is preferred that medication is not sent to school with your child, but is brought to the clinic by an adult.
If medication is sent, the medication form must be with the medication. This includes all over the counter medications such as cough drops, anti-itch cream for rash/bug bites etc...
Students with food allergies must also complete the Allergy/Special Meal Request form. This form is required for the cafeteria.
If your child has asthma and they are unable to participate in outdoor activities on Orange Ozone Action Days, please contact me as soon as possible.
If your child has any medical need or concerns you may reach me during school hours at 972-775-8281. You may also e-mail me anytime at Jessica_Martin@misd.gs
All medication forms can be found on our website: http://www.misd.gs/domain/78 or in my office.
Destination Imagination
Have you heard? There is an amazing program offered by Midlothian ISD called Destination Imagination. If you’re interested in signing your student up to be on a Rising Stars (K-2) non-competitive team or a competitive team (3-12), please fill out the Google form through the link at the bottom. For more information, check out their YouTube site.
https://www.youtube.com/user/DIGlobalFinals
https://www.destinationimagination.org/challenge-program/2018-19-challenge-previews/
Please keep in mind that in order for us to have teams, there must be at least 1 team manager volunteer for each team and an appraiser for the tournament. Please consider volunteering! Below is the link/QR code to the Google form that we would like you to fill out if you and/or your student is interested in this program. Remember, you must type in the link exactly as it appears. The deadline for filling out this form is September 8, 2016. https://goo.gl/forms/oVvKSL36Ld49JWJU2
We will be having a parent informational meeting at Baxter Elementary cafeteria on September 4, 2018, at 6:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact the MISD District Coordinators: casey_nelson@misd.gs or kim_moss@misd.gs for more information.Parent Academies
Please mark you calendar for the following fall dates:
Monday, September 24th at 6:30pm:
- Welcome to Baxter! Who are we and what do we stand for?
We will discuss the key tenets that Baxter is known for
Invite parents to serve on one of the tenet sub-committees to help provide input
Tour the campus and all of the new collaborative spaces with
Monday, October 29th at 6:30pm:
- Students and Schools in a Digital World
Monday, November 26th at 6:30pm:
- Restorative Practices with Region 10
Upcoming Events at Baxter
Monday, September 3rd: NO SCHOOL
Thursday, September 6th: Grandparent's Lunch
Friday, September 7th: Grandparent's Lunch
Monday, September 10th: NED Character Show; PTO Spirit Night
Monday, September 17th: Student Holiday; NO SCHOOL; MHS Homecoming Parade
PTO Newsletter
2018-2019 School Calendar
Baxter Elementary
Email: amanda_rodgers@misd.gs
Website: misd.gs
Location: 1050 Park Place Boulevard, Midlothian, TX, USA
Phone: 972-775-8281
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TEBaxterES/Domain/11
Twitter: @TEBaxter_Elem