Wildcat Weekly
February 25, 2019
Mid-Year Assessment, Part 3
Making Learning and Thinking Visible
This past week it was great to get away for a few days of learning. Along with a few of our teachers, I attended IntegratEd, an edtech conference. There we got to meet and listen to teachers from around the country who are finding ways to incorporate technology as a tool to deepen learning and to help kids communicate their thinking and learning in different ways. We have been a leader in our district in this regard, we have worked together to find ways to better incorporate tools that engage, but also help our kids practice real-world skills, skills they will need in their futures. This work continues and though we have work still to do, as I listened to session presenters, I realized just how far our staff has come in the last couple of years, we should probably have our staff presenting what we are learning at these conferences:)
To end our time on Friday, we were able to listen to Doug Rushkoff a digital theorist who spoke to us from the heart. In his book Team Human, he outlines the dangers of darker marketing forces mining data from us all as we use more and more technology. His message was sobering, I believe I am still digesting the concepts and realize his message is really something for us all to think about. His message beyond a punch in the nose was asking ourselves why and how our kids are using technology. As we have talked about, more and more our kids are lacking in the skills of humanity as we are seeing more reliance on gadgets, making the case for extended efforts toward human connections. He did not deny that technology has its place and that was pretty well spelled out: 1) when learning about technology, and 2) to aid in the creation of things that did not exist before, one of the most important aspects of being Human!
I have been thinking more about our use of technology, talked to staff at our school and heard from those that watch our work from afar and have come to this conclusion. Though I believe we need to continue to evaluate how to best protect our kids, I am very proud of our staff's efforts in finding ways to foster our students' creativity! As I walk around and see students creating, I see them using digital tools, scissors, glue, paper, fabric, tape, and cardboard all to enhance their projects. I also see creativity through movement, play and working in groups slightly different technology. Regardless, the skills kids use every day further their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and that is just from asking them to do things they typically like.
The work that you all do is amazing, so either through tech tool or other, we are working to add a human element to our students' experience. Students are making their learning visible in many ways. Their exhibitions bring our school to life making it evident that our students are taking pride in their learning. So, all this to say thank you and I encourage us all to continue to find ways to help our kids get their creative on!
Go Team Human!
Glad you’re here!
Have You Checked Out Our Digital Arts' Classroom Website Lately? This Is Great!
Coming Up On Our Calendar
This Week
2/26 - Spring Pictures
2/26 - 8th Grade Panoramic
2/28 - Extended Advisory, Morning Assembly Schedule
3/1 - Budget Reduction: 1/2 day
Next Week
3/5 - SEL Meeting in the library, 8:00 AM
3/8 - Wildcat Pride Activity, Afternoon Assembly Schedule
3/8 - Into the Woods, 7 PM
3/9 - Into the Woods, 2 PM & 7 PM
Coming Up In PLC
February PLC Schedule
2/25 - Staff SEL Focus