The Keys To Learning
Monday, February 1, 2016
Cyber Day Practice
Remember the first 3 days are already built in to the school calendar. So, cyber days will not take effect until the 4 days missed.
Monday, February 15 - Snow Make Up Day #1
Friday, March 11 - Snow Make Up Day #2
Friday, April 1 - Snow Make Up Day #3
GA Milestones Parent Meeting
You will learn about promotion requirements, testing schedule, resources to support test taking skill development, and online tools.
Arcado School Counseling Program Receives National Award & Recognition
Formal Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, VA. – Arcado Elementary School will receive the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation during a special ceremony at the American School Counselor Association’s annual conference in New Orleans, La. The schools will be honored on July 11 for making an exemplary commitment to comprehensive school counseling programs.
The RAMP designation, awarded to schools that align with the criteria set in the ASCA National Model, recognizes schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment. More than 600 schools have been designated as RAMP since the program’s inception.
Jill Cook, ASCA assistant director and RAMP coordinator, said this year’s recipients are to be commended for their dedication to serving all students and demonstrating how effective school counseling programs can make a difference in students’ lives.
“This year’s RAMP honorees have shown their commitment to students and the school counseling profession,” Cook said. “This designation distinguishes these schools and encourages school counselors nationwide to continue to strive for excellence.”
"Ms. Alina Ruiz and Mrs. Ginny Wages are exemplary school counselors committed to continuous quality improvement within the school counseling program here at Arcado Elementary School. Both women are professionals in their field, always keeping the best interest of students at the forefront of all decision making", shares Ms. Penny Palmer Young, Principal.
RAMP applications are reviewed once a year by a panel of school counseling professionals who assess a school counseling program in 12 different areas of program expertise.
About ASCA
The American School Counselor Association (www.schoolcounselor.org) is a worldwide nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Va. Founded in 1952, ASCA supports school counselors’ efforts to help students focus on academic, career and social/emotional development so they not only achieve success in school but are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. The association provides professional development, publications and other resources, research and advocacy to school counselors around the globe.
No Place for Hate Week February 8-12
"No Place for Hate" Week is coming up at Arcado!
Fernando's Chair
Meaningful, real-world problems are the foundation of a strong Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) program. When students are able to identify problems and work together to determine solutions for those problems, learning soars. We witnessed this first hand recently with Mrs. Laura Davis's 3rd grade. One of their students, Fernando, had a problem keeping his backpack secure on his wheelchair. His classmates, along with his teachers (Mrs. Holland, Mrs. L Davis, and Dr. Avant), recognized this problem and proposed to Ms. Curtis the students use the Engineering and Design Process (EDP) to develop a modification for Fernando's wheelchair.
Over two STEM special class periods students worked in engineer and design teams to investigate, plan, design, create, and evaluate device prototypes for Fernando's chair. The students used math as each team worked within a given budget for building supplies. Science learning was put into practice as they applied simple machine knowledge. Engineering skills were practiced as they built the prototypes. Technology was integrated by using the program Animoto as students documented their learning. 21st century skills, such as communication, collaboration, and team work, were put into practice.
In the end, Fernando had 5 prototypes from which to choose. He decided on the one that works best for him and Dr. Avant will have the device attached to his chair. The students were so very happy to help Fernando in such a meaningful way.