PLE Zen Den
Your Guide Toward Becoming a PLE Master
June Zenspiration
As we near the last day of school, I want to take a moment and say thank you for all the wonderful things you do for the students. Those things--seen and unseen--are making a difference. As this school year comes to a close, I'd also like to thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things related to personalized learning and tablet integration. I know it wasn't always easy, but you know more than you did this time last year and that's always the goal...to learn!
In the spirit of learning and growing, please take a few moments to complete this year's PACE survey to provide your feedback. Your participation is greatly appreciated.
Finally, please let me know if you are moving to another GCS school. I am happy to help you save the files on your tablet to OneDrive as a new one will be issued once you transfer. Please turn in your tablet, case and charger to Aislynn or Jillian by June 10.
PACE Participation Opportunities (Volunteer)
Looking for ways to be involved in content planning for upcoming school year or serving on a teacher advisory council? PACE has two invitations for you. If you are interested in either, please volunteer using the form linked here.
Plan-A-Thons. In the 2015 Summer, middle school teachers are invited to join together in same-content, same-grade-level groups to collaboratively plan for 2015/16 instruction. C&I specialists and PL Coordinators will be available to support these groups. This is a great way to get an excellent head start on preparing for 2015/16. When groups meet and what they do while they’re together will be determined by the teachers who express interest in participating.
2015/16 Teacher Advisory Council for PACE. PACE is looking for middle school teachers who are willing to provide feedback and guidance to the initiative next year. This would involve periodic meetings after school at Washington St. as well as some degree of virtual collaboration.
Thriving in the Home Stretch
Nicholas Provenzano, blogger for Edutopia.com and high school English teacher, offers a few suggestions for "Thriving in the Home Stretch":
Here are a few things that you can do to help yourself and your students make it through the homestretch in one piece.
1. Get Outside
One of the best things that you can do is take your class outside whenever possible. There are sure to be days of beautiful weather ahead, and you know that students will be thinking about being outside anyway...
2. "Treat Yo Self!"
I had to take this quote from the TV show Parks and Rec, because the end of the year can be a time when teachers forget to take care of themselves. We tend to be worried about everyone else, which means that we forget to do the little things that make us happy...
3. Reflect
The end of the year is a great time to start thinking about the year overall. Take some time to reflect on what has worked well and what could use a tweak over the summer if it's something you plan to do again next year...
4. Project Time
For me, the end of the year has always been a great time for projects. Kids are itching to get out of their seats and move around. Instead of trying to stifle those feelings, redirect them into fun projects...
5. Connect
The end of the year can be stressful. Grades are due, parents need feedback, evaluations are being completed, and with all of these and so many other things going on, it's important to not face this time alone. Connect with other teachers in your building or from your PLN...
Read the full article here.
Looking for something new? Give #edchat a try!
This is where I get a lot of cool ideas and strategies from. The best part? You can tweet from the couch, by the pool, or wherever you are!
"Education Twitter chats take place when a group of educators "meet" on Twitter at an agreed upon time, using an agreed upon hashtag, to discuss topics of interest in education. Twitter chats range from small discussions with only a few participants to huge conversations with dozens or even hundreds of educators taking part! They provide a unique opportunity for educators to discuss specific topics of interest and connect with colleagues around the world.
The word from educators in the trenches is that these chats are making a profound difference in how educators are improving their professional practice, providing ideas, resources and inspiration in ways never thought possible..."
Read the rest of the article here for the most popular hashtags and get your Tweet on!
Follow me @zenPLEF!
Fun EOY activities for students
Save the Date
- The PLC: County wide PLE training. click the links below to sign up:
The PLC -- Day 1 (Monday, July 20)
The PLC -- Day 2 (Tuesday, July 21)
The PLC -- Day 3 (Wednesday, July 22)- Allen Summer PACE Training: July 27-30, August 3
- Guilford Summer PACE Training: August 17-18
Tamika M. Davis, PLEF
Email: davist@gcsnc.com
Website: http://ple.gcsnc.com
Location: Serving Allen MS & Guilford MS
Phone: (336) 370-3287
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pace.plefs
Twitter: @zenPLEF