Woodland Meadows Math Night
I stopped in at Woodland Meadows Math Night tonight. Families were having a blast and enjoying the activities.
I thought Ms. Killips was tall? Mr. Perry proves me wrong.
Technology Literacy
We have all heard the need for schools to focus on literacy skills, but how many of us have heard the call for “technology literacy” skills? The U.S. Department of Education (1996) defines technology literacy as “computer skills and the ability to use computers and other technology to improve learning, productivity, and performance.”
We have a President that refuses to give up his Blackberry. You have a Superintendent that uses his iPhone constantly. Many of our students use cell phones and laptops most of their waking hours. The 21st Century is here and we are starting to react to the pace of innovation and the ubiquitous nature of technology.
What is the role of schools in teaching these new “literacy” skills? Joe Harrison, the Superintendent of the Baltimore County Public Schools states, “Today in education, we must teach children where they are and not where we were… We should work to support students in responsibly using technology to access, manage, and evaluate information, solve problems, and build and share knowledge”.
At a recent lunch with Tom Covert, a 1990 Saline High School graduate, he joked about “Goggling” the term pinewood derby and finding out that he could buy a pre-cut guaranteed winner for $150. Times have changed…. Access to information is everywhere and the world is truly flat.
As a district we are working to develop the skills needed for the 21st Century in each student, while at the same time focusing on the high achievement standards that our staff and community expect. If you are able, come to our next Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, February 10th at 6:30pm at Union School to hear about some of unique ways in which we are incorporating technology skills into our curriculum from Kindergarten through High School.
Board of Education Visits
Wrapping up School Board Appreciation Month, many of our School Board members made time to visit our schools this week and see first hand the daily activities. Based on their responses – they were very impressed. I’d like to thank them for taking the time to visit and see the learning that is occurring everyday.
Below, Trustees Mr. David Freise and Ms. Bari Livsey visit a Middle School class. Adults also pictured are Ms. Michelle Szczechowicz, assistant principal and Ms. Jacque Easton, teacher.
Board of Education Meeting at Pleasant Ridge
The Board of Education took the show on the road last night. The meeting was held at Pleasant Ridge and included a tour of the building. It was great to see the wonderful learning opportunities available for our students.
Music teacher Ms. Coleen Walker shared how she is using her recently installed Smartboard. The new technology was purchased and installed with a grant she received from a local community foundation.
We had the privilege of being led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Ms. Jeanie Lambros’s 2nd grade class. They followed it up with a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem.
Photo Credit: Sue Collins
In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, board members were presented with books from the Saline Education Association. The books that will be donated to our elementary school media centers.
The Board of Education will be back at Union School for the February 10th meeting, but then it is back on the road again to the High School for the February 24th meeting.
Good Luck to the Middle School Swim Team!
Our 57 member Middle School Swim Team has enjoyed a very successful season. They finished 1st in the Erie-Mason Invitational last weekend and are on to the State Meet in Holt this weekend. They are led by Coach Maggie Stevens and Coach Nick Munsell.
Community Conversation, Round 2
Last night I was at the Saline District Library for my second “Community Conversation” event of January. Nine community members shared their thoughts, concerns, and asked questions. As with the other sessions I have hosted, I feel that I learn a great deal about the issues facing families related to raising children in Saline.
The issues discussed at this session included:
• Encouraging girls in the areas of math & science
• Considering the development of boys and how they learn
• The curriculum review process
• Indoor recess issues
• Cursive vs. keyboarding
• Testing – how much is too much?
We spent additional time considering a few other issues:
Homework
There was an expressed concern that there is “too much” homework being assigned. Those of you who read this blog regularly know that is an issue that I have touched on in the past. I plan to gather additional information about this issue.
Class Size
We discussed the size of our classes, particularly at the K-2 level. I was able to clarify the process we use to add sections and committed to look at other possible supports for large classrooms. As we begin the process to build sections for 2009-2010, this will be valuable feedback for me to share with the administrative team.
Technology
We shared thoughts related to the use of technology by our students. It was an interesting discussion that was highlighted by the promise of what technology holds related to accessing information and learning opportunities – but also the dilemma parents (and educators) face as students become tech savvy and are able to access inappropriate content or face cyber-bullying, etc. One request was to hold an informational session on strategies that parents can use to manage this issue. I will be reviewing options and scheduling a session in the next several months.
I would like to thank those who attended for their willingness to praise the district where they think we are excelling and to asking questions where they have concerns. I plan to schedule future dates later this spring for additional dialogue.
Creative Students!
I was fortunate to be able to start my day with Ms. Koppelman’s first hour Sculpture I class. Listed are a few things that impressed me.
1. The students entered class and quickly were engaged in their projects. They are working on “box art” projects and are having their own unique take on the assignment.
4. Finally, after a long weekend – only one student was tardy!
Professional Development Day
It was cold, but we were able to get important work accomplished related to many different topics. Below is a podcast highlighting some of the areas we focused on today.
Professional Development Day in Saline
Homework….
Within Saline Area Schools we often discuss the “homework” issue. Last year, I wrote a blog post about it as I tried to share my thoughts on the issue. Almost a year later, my feelings remain largely the same. I am however pleased to see that Ms. McKie and Mr. Stimac are trying to address the issue at the 5th and 6th grade level where it seems to become an issue.
On Monday, January 26th at 7:00pm in the Heritage Media Center there will be a special presentation for parents called, “Homework without Tears”. The program is intended to share strategies to reduce the stress and anxiety of homework for both parents and students.
Please contact Ms. McKie at mckiej@saline.k12.mi.us for more information.
Well, we do have enough snow…
Several years ago, Saline Community Education sponsored a High School and Middle School Ski Club. The program was recreational and involved weekly after-school trips to Mt. Brighton in late December and January. The program ended for logistical reasons – including the frequent lack of snow.
Now, parents and students in the greater Ann Arbor area have developed a high school alpine racing team. In this first season (2009), the team is organized as a club sport that participates in the same competitive series that includes 12 local varsity and junior varsity teams that compete at Mt. Brighton. There are currently racers from seven local high schools, including our own Saline High School.
Starting January 5, the program is four days per week. Training is from 4-6 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Races run from 4:15pm to 6:30pm with Slalom on Tuesdays and Giant Slalom on Thursdays. The program runs until early February. Racers travel to Mt. Brighton via car pooling.
If you are interested, contact Steve Godell 429-9155 or click here for more information.
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