March 2023

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Coming soon to Arno…

March 2

PTA Meeting 6:00

Cougar Cash Lunch

Report Card window

March 3

2nd grade to DNR

March 4

PTA Spring Fever

March 7 

Steve Conf.

March 8

PBIS 8:00

Huntington Obs. 1:00

March 9

Staff Meeting 7:45

Spring Picture Day

Super Cougar Lunch

Bingo for Books 6:00

March 10

End of Second Trimester

March 14

Ad Council 9:30

March 15

SIP 8:00

March 16

Reading/Math/SEL 8:00

Report Card window closes

Safety Committee 9:30

PBIS Assembly 9:45

March 17

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No School- Teacher PD

Report Cards Released

March 21

Teacher Data Day

March 22

Severe Weather Drill (Statewide) 1:00

March 23

PBIS Rewards

March 24

Cougar Cash lunch

March 25-April 2

Text Spring Break In A Chalkboard On The Beach Stock Photo - Download Image Now - Spring Break, Chalkboard - Visual Aid, Sand - iStock

SPRING BREAK

 

Welcome March Snoopy Images #marchimages #marchquotes #march2019 | Snoopy images, Snoopy love, Snoopy

Arno Mission

Arno Elementary…inspiring students toward academic excellence.

 

Leprechaun cracks down on speeders | Snoopy, Snoopy and woodstock, Charlie brown and snoopy

ARNO VISION

Arno Elementary provides a supportive high quality academic experience to inspire all learners to achieve their personal best.

Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, influenced nearly every living American who ever learned to read – The Denver Post

March is Reading Month

Get ready for Battle of the Authors!!

March is Reading month MIRM Calendar 2023

March is Reading Month MIRM 2023 Teachers

 

 

Interview Query | 40 Hilarious Data Science Memes

Data Meetings

Thank you to everyone for a successful round of data meetings again in February.  Our building data is overall looking like we are making great progress, and I cannot wait to see our M-SEP results this year!  Dr. Tafelski presented every buildings data at the Feb. Board meeting, this is a snapshot of Arno’s.  The black line on each color graph represents last year’s winter data on where the green proficient color was- so if your grade’s “green” color extends to the left of that mark, you have achieved higher than last year’s winter overall.  Arno’s data is looking great!

Winter-23–98b-Presentation-5525-1676396815-3903

Key elements that I feel are continuing us on that path include:

  • Small group reading- really getting down to the heart of what every student needs

  • Brain friendly- when needed based on each student individually

  • High expectations in the classroom for academics and behavior

  • Excellent overall teaching

Be sure to meet with Beth and Erin as or coaches have a lot to provide to move forward in reading and math!

 

From the PTA

Hello Cougar Families!

The PTA would like to thank all of our volunteers for your help at Glow Dance! We would also like to thank all those who donated to the event as well! Please know that all of your support does not go unnoticed and is an important factor in sponsoring our events. A special thanks to Little Caesar’s and Bella’s Pizza! We would also like to send a shout out to Amy Muse for graciously taking the extra pizza to both the AP Fire Department and AP Police Department!

Please remember that your input/suggestions/concerns are both encouraged and appreciated so that we know how to better our events. So please reach out via email (arnopta@gmail.com) or attend our meetings!  Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday March 2 at 6:00pm in Arno’s Media Center.

PTA Board nominations for the 2023/2024 school year are due by April 6. Voting will take place at May’s meeting. So please submit nominations ASAP. Thank you!

Our Spring SPIRIT WEAR sale will run from February 27 to March 10. The link is below:

https://brandstand.shop/

March 4 is the annual PTA/PTSA Spring Fever at the AP High School.  Arno is running the Bake Sale this year. We’re looking for bakers and volunteers:

Bakers – here’s your link to donate something yummy!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B094FABA723ABF85-20231

If you would like to volunteer to help sell baked goods with us, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B094FABA723ABF85-2023

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE TEACHERS/STUDENTS/FAMILIES WHO DONATED TO AND/OR MADE BASKETS FOR THE 2023 SPRING FEVER SILENT AUCTION!

March 16 we are sponsoring a Super U Assembly! This will take place in school for all grades!

Please note that game night scheduled for March 16 has been cancelled.

Our Rev’d Up all school event is scheduled for April 12!  Details to come in March.

*Reminder Daddy/Daughter Dance has been changed to May 5*

Stay tuned for more exciting news/events/reminders from your PTA, and remember to check your emails and our Facebook page for information as well!

Thank you for your support! 🐾

15 Committee Memes ideas | memes, funny, humor

Committee Updates

SIP

  1. New Statements: 
    1. Mission: Arno Elementary.. inspiring students toward academic excellence.
    2. Arno’s Vision: Arno Elementary provides a supportive high quality academic experience to inspire all learners to achieve their personal best.
  2. Promote our new vision and mission statements- fridge magnets, arno business cards, feather flags for out front that have our mission on it, etc
    1. https://www.vistaprint.com/
    2. https://www.buildasign.com/feather-flags
    3. Advertising attendance- Attendance Counts!
    4. Feather flag- Welcome to Arno… inspiring students towards academic excellence.
      1. Used for start of school year, Kindergarten roundup, can stand in lobby 
      2. $58 for 1- double sided
        1. Need 4 sets for all doors?
  3. Attendance Reward for next year?
    1. https://www.attendanceworks.org/
    2. Trimester Reward (extra recess) & end of the year reward (game truck)
      1. Ideas- Rewarding 5 or less absences & rewarding the absentees who have decreased their absences (Tier 2)
  4. Check on surveys if time- did not have time
    1. All surveys complete
      1. 30 staff, 101 parents

 

PBIS

January PBIS Data

  1. Data
  2. February Reward
    1. Reward: School Wide Bingo (via Zoom with Steve)
    2. Organizer: Emilie
    3. Date: Friday, February 24, 2023
    4. Flips: 5
    5. Reminders: 
  1. March Reward
    1. Reward: March Madness
    2. Organizer: Lisa
    3. Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023
    4. Flips: 4
  1. Budget
    1. PD deducted from grant 
    2. About $2,000 balance in Smencils account
      1. More robust monthly rewards 
      2. Clubs supplies
  1. Flip Charts 
    1. Steve is seeing Tier 2/3 students are sometimes being triggered by flips/clips
    2. 1st grade piloting private clips/flips
      1. Pause before addressing behavior
      2. Sign-ins after private conference with teachers
        1. X amount of sign-ins = loss of rewards
    3. 2023/2024 school year
      1. options available
        1. flip/clip chart
        2. Private conferences
        3. Sign-ins
    4. LP
      1. student advocates 
        1. Meet with high flyers
        2. Check in with students
        3. Handle behavior/mental health

Reading:

Did not meet- next meeting will focus on M-STEP and new NWEA reward criteria

 

Math:

Committee continues to search for staff who would like to tutor math kids that fall in the bubble range

SEL:

Distributed the Black History Month information for staff

 

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Spring Fever

 

 

M-Step is coming…

Please mark your calendars, the M-Step window opens up for 5th grade immediately following Spring Break, then runs through early May.  The schedules is as follows:

April 11- 5th grade Social Studies test (2 parts)

April 13- 5th grade Science

April 18/19- 5th grade ELA

April 25/26- 4th and 5th grade Math

April 25/26- 3rd grade ELA

May 2/3- 4th grade ELA

May 2/3- 3rd grade Math

Please make every effort to be sure your child is here on the testing dates. An informational letter will be coming home as well with additional details.

 

Tech Time 

25 YouTube Tips for Teachers

A couple of weeks ago I shared directions on how to start a YouTube channel. Yesterday, I published directions on how to add end screens to your videos. Those are just two of twenty-five YouTube tutorial videos that I’ve published over the last few years. All of my YouTube tips for teachers are now arranged in one convenient playlist. You can find the whole playlist of 25 YouTube tips for teachers right here on my YouTube channel. Some highlights from the playlist are embedded below.

 

Three Things You Should Know How to Do With TinyURL

I’m not 100% certain of this, but I’d make a substantial wager that TinyURL was the first URL shortener I ever used. I know I was using it before I started this blog and that’s going on 16 years this year. The point being that TinyURL has been around a long time. It’s that longevity that contributes to it often being the first tool people think of when they need to shorten URLs.

Like all web tools that have been around for a long time, there are features of TinyURL that people overlook or simply forget about. Two of those features are the ability to create custom URLs that people can actually spell and the ability to generate QR codes for your URLs. Both of those things are demonstrated in the short video that is embedded below.

Video – How to Use TinyURL

Whether you use TinyURL to shorten links or you’re just clicking a TinyURL link, you should know how to preview where it’s directing you to without actually clicking on the link. Here’s a video overview of how to see what’s behind a TinyURL without actually clicking on the link.

 

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Feb 2023

 

May be an image of 5 people and people standing

Coming soon to Arno…

Feb. 1

Kinder JR

Golden Tray Award Recess 1:20

Parent Survey Opens

Feb. 2

Baby Garza shower 8:00

1st Grade JR

Garza Obs. 1:20

NWEA Rewards Assembly

PTA Meeting 6:00

Feb. 3

Safety Committee 9:30

Feb. 6

NWEA Goal Meetings per schedule below

Feb. 7

Teacher Data Day

Feb. 8

PBIS 8:00

NWEA Reward Recess

Feb. 9

Super Cougar Lunch 11:00

NWEA Reward Movie- Top 10

Feb. 13

District MTSS Meeting

Feb. 14

Happy Valentines Day

Valentines Day Animated Images Free GIFs | Tenor

Ad Council 9:30

Parent/Staff Survey closes

Feb. 15

SIP meeting 8:00

Founders Day Dinner 6:00

Feb. 16

SEL, Reading, Math committee meetings 8:00

PTA Glow Dance at Arno

Feb. 17

NO School- Teacher PD

Feb. 20 and 21

No School- Winter Break

Feb. 23 

Report Card Committee

Feb. 24

Kinder to Ann Arbor Museum

PBIS Rewards

Feb. 27

5th grade departs for camp

Feb. 28

Kalis to U of M Dearborn

March 1

5th grade returns from camp

1st Grade to Henry Ford

 

New Mission/Vision

The Arno staff has created a new Mission (Why we are here) and Vision (where we want to be in 3 years) to set forth our path towards further academic excellence.  The Mission/Vision will be shared with all stakeholders in various ways so that everyone has a shared understanding of Arno’s future.

 

The Heart of the Matter: A Survey About Valentine's Day and Social Connections

Arno Mission

Arno Elementary…inspiring students toward academic excellence.

LINE Official Stickers - Animated SNOOPY☆FUNNY FACES Example with GIF Animation | Snoopy valentine, Snoopy pictures, Snoopy cartoon

ARNO VISION

Arno Elementary provides a supportive high quality academic experience to inspire all learners to achieve their personal best.

 

Home - Morrow Elementary School

STAFF SURVEY

It is that time again, our annual staff survey will be active from Feb. 1-Feb 14 for staff, students, and parents.  We primarily use our survey results to inform the school improvement plan and take a careful look at things we may need to change.

We will once again only survey students in grades 3-5, and Carrie will help us out with that during their tech time.   Please see your staff link below, I would love to see lots of staff completing it, it should not take you long.

https://bit.ly/Arnostaffsurvey

Book Drive

Olympic Games - Wikipedia

The Olympics were awesome!

Thank you to Nicole Amonette and all of our volunteers-Sarah Kalis, Rachel Warneck, Ciera Zuke, Lindsay Garza, and Emilie Talamonti for organizing another awesome Olympics, back after the pandemic years.  Lots of family fun, ribbons and medals!

 

From the PTA

🐾 Hello Cougar Families! Below are some upcoming events/reminders/news from your PTA:

February 2 is our next PTA meeting held in the Arno Media Center at 6pm.

February 15 is our Founder’s Day Awards Ceremony at Arnaldo’s in Riverview.

February 16 is our first ever GLOW DANCE! Flyer attached.

 

We are having another SPIRIT WEAR sale at the end of February! Keep your eyes out for the dates and link!

March 4 is the annual PTA/PTSA Spring Fever at the AP High School.

We are hosting a Game Night on March 16 and a Super U Assembly for all grades! Details to follow.

We had such awesome feedback regarding mother/son night that we are planning another night out at Rev’d Up Fun in Woodhaven in April! This time for the whole family! Details to follow.

REMINDER:  Daddy Daughter Dance has been scheduled for May 5 at the Grecian Center in Southgate. Details will be announced beginning of April.

Stay tuned for more exciting news/events/reminders from your PTA, and remember to check your emails and our Facebook page for information as well!

Thank you for your support! 🐾

Image result for feedback

STUDENT GOALS

3-5- please remember to review and revise student goals with them to set their path for the next next trimester.  Ongoing feedback,in addition to a high effect size, is a critical part of maintaining and reaching their goal.  I will be once again sitting down with all partially proficient students, as well as those who were ID as rushing,  and checking in throughout as part of the process.

The dates are below, please send any student with their goals who landed in the partially proficient zone (NWEA predictor), and/or rushed through their test as indicated by NWEA.  Please start the time frame with sending 2 students down- then as one comes back, send the next.  The goal is to have another sit down, other than their teacher, to help them focus more on the importance of making their goals and how they can attain them.  

3rd grade- Feb. 1  9:-10:00

4th Grade- Feb. 1 10:15-11:15

5th Grade- Feb. 1  1:00-2:00

 

NWEA ASSEMBLY INFO

Thursday, February 2nd, 2023

  • NWEA Goal Assembly

  • 1 grade level at a time in the gym.

  • Location: Gym

  • Time:

    • 3rd Grade: 9:30-10:00 pm

    • 4th Grade: 10:00-10:30pm

    • 5th Grade: 10:30-11:00pm

  • Reward is given to students who reach their individual growth goal or the 50th percentile rit score for the Winter using the NWEA 2020 Norms. The reward is a certificate, charm, and an extra recess with Mr. Zielinski.

    • 3rd graders who met their individual growth goal OR scored a 194 or higher on the Reading NWEA. (Winter Score of 200 or higher projects a passing MSTEP score)

    • 4th graders who met their individual growth goal OR scored a 203 or higher on the Reading NWEA. (Winter Score of 207 or higher projects a passing MSTEP score)

    • 5th graders who met their individual growth goal OR scored a 209 or higher on the Reading NWEA. (Winter Score of 212 or higher projects a passing MSTEP score)

    • Top Ten in each grade level. The ten highest scoring students in each grade level will earn the Top Ten reward. The reward is a movie with Mr. Zielinski.

  • Teachers-Don’t forget to bring your certificates (Steve will give them to us to fill out) and charms.

  • Students should wear their M-STEP necklaces to the assembly.

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Founder’s Day Celebration

The annual Founder’s Day awards celebration takes place on Feb. 15 as our amazing winners get to shine!  Congratulations to all of our award winners this year- you represent the very best of our Arno Cougars!!

2022-23 PTA Founders Day Winners

May be an image of text that says 'ARNO FOUNDER'S DAY WINNERS!'
PTA/PTSA invites families, friends and staff to celebrate the great people and programs in APPS!  Join us for the Founders’ Day Awards Dinner on February 15th to honor those who have shown dedication and supported our schools and PTAs since last year’s awards.

Tickets for the awards dinner are now available for purchase online only for $25 each, or two for $45, at  https://apptacouncil.memberhub.com/store?category=Founders%27%20Day%202023  The last day to purchase tickets is February 6, 2023.  For more information, contact Sue Clark at apfoundersday@gmail.com

Allen Park PTA/PTSA Council

2022-2023 Founders’ Day Dinner & Award Ceremony

Wednesday, February 15

Arnaldo’s Banquet Center

18275 Quarry Rd, Riverview, MI 48193

Doors open at 6:00 pm ~ Dinner at 6:30 pm

Arno Elementary

Outstanding educator: Cassie Harrison and Nicole Amonette

Business partner: Culver’s of Allen Park – Jeff Holden

Distinguished service: Nicole Adkins

Support personnel: Steve Zielinski

Outstanding program:  Reading therapy Honey and Gunner-Cathy Bray

Bennie Elementary

Outstanding Educator: Mrs. Kristie Lauth

Distinguished Service: Amanda Botello

Support Personnel:  Erica Saville

Business Partner: Jet’s Pizza

Outstanding Program: Fun Run

Lindemann Elementary

Outstanding Educator: Stephanie Partin

Distinguished Service: Marlene Cottrell

Support Personnel: Benjamin Hughes

Business Partner: Papa’s Pizza

Outstanding Program: Fun Run

Allen Park Middle School

Outstanding Educator: Amy Oaks

Distinguished Service: Hillary Haney

Support Personnel: Emily Portalski

Business Partner: World Stride

Outstanding Program: PBIS

Outstanding Students: Eliana Aquino and Ryan Workman

Allen Park High School

Outstanding Educator: Brittney Hartley

Distinguished Service: Kelley Carey

Support Personnel: Denise Crank

Business Partner: Liberati’s

Outstanding Program: Unified Sports

Outstanding Student: Ellie Lauth

Michigan Honorary Life Membership

John Burgus

PEANUTS on Twitter: "Happiness is a campfire in autumn! What's your favorite camping activity? https://t.co/288h7Meuou" / Twitter

Camp

Our 5th graders get the awesome opportunity to head back to camp for the first time since the pandemic started!  WE are so excited that they will get this experience again and look forward to all of the memories.  Camp will run from Feb. 27- March 1

 

 

You Are Making A Difference Quote by Madison Kumpf | TpT

Committee Updates

PBIS

  1. Matrix
    1. Include digital citizenship?
  1. Tier 2 interventions
    1. Identifying students (30)
    2. Recommendations to staff (re-send email to staff)
  1. January Reward
  2. Reward: directed drawing
  3. Organizer: Emilie
  4. Date: Friday, January 27, 2023
  5. Flips: 6
  6. Reminders:
  7. February Reward
    1. Reward: School Wide Bingo (via Zoom with Steve)
    2. Organizer: Emilie
    3. Date: Friday, February 24, 2023
    4. Flips: 5
    5. Reminders: 
  1. March Reward
    1. Reward: March Madness
    2. Organizer: Lisa
    3. Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023
    4. Flips: 4

Smencil Update

    1. Sold $1300
    2. Thank you to Meaghan Bachman for selling on Wednesday afternoon!!
      1. Possibly ask Dena to take over selling
  1. Clip/Flip Chart Alternative
    1. 1st grade is going to pilot a “behavior sign-in system”. 
      1. Using a teacher planner to document
      2. Will update on how it’s going

SIP

  • Staff worked on Mission/Vision creation
  • Team discussed physical movements initiative Inpact

  • Team discussed attendance and ways we can reach families to raise our rate

Reading

-NWEA Slide to Megan

  • K-2: All students
  • 3-5: Students who reached their personal growth goal or the 50th percentile on the 2020 Norms for both Math and Reading.

-Cut Scores

  • Use the NWEA 2020 Norms (50th Percentile) per Steve

-Tutoring?

  • Yes. If possible, target third grade due to the Third Grade Reading Law.

-Review Monthly Edmentum Reading Challenge:

  • 3rd grade won the October Challenge
    • 3rd Grade Reward: PJ Day
  • 3rd grade won the November Challenge
    • 3rd Grade Reward: Extra Recess
  • We added a new reward in November… 500 trophies. 5th grade had more than 500 trophies and received a reward.
  • 5th grade won the December Challenge

-Study Island (continue?)

  • Yes. We plan on inviting students who scored in the Partially Proficient range on the Winter Reading NWEA.
  • Warneck-Third Graders

-MSTEP schedule came out

     Clap? Walk of Fame before the first day of ELA for 3rd, 4th, and 5th

     Shirts? Emailed Steve for a new possibility

     Snacks? Yes. If possible, all days of testing. 

MSTEP practice on .gov site:

https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/student-assessment/m-step/parentstudent-information/online-practice-for-m-step-ela-math-science-and-social-studies

-Kindergarten has begun the Reading Eggs program. Steve used school funds to purchase.

 

Math

  • The team discussed NWEA cut scores, math tutoring for bubble kiddos, and MStep prep
  • Discussed math tutoring
  • We also discussed Big Idea online platform and the musicals that go with some of the lessons
  • The NWEA event slideshow was also a topic

SEL

Black History Month
● Continue the pacing calendar
● Continue the newsletter
● Continue the books to read, if you need books, ask Katie, she has moved them.
● Bulletin board near the cafeteria to be updated for BHM
NEW this month!
● New Broadcast Videos
● School wide scavenger hunt
○ Every class will receive a list of the historical figures that will be posted around
the building.
○ The goal is to find all historical figures and continue to talk about them as you find
them throughout the day. This could be waiting in line for music, etc.

Data Day

On Feb. 7 we will have our next Data Day.  We will be discussing the universal assessment round that was just given and any specific students we are very concerned with.  Please be sure that you JR/BAS scores are entered into Educlimber before this day.

The district MTSS meeting will follow on Feb. 13.  I am unsure if the team will want to walk around and observe again.

Kindergarten / Home

KINDERGARTEN 2023-2024 INFORMATION

 

SEL FEBRUARY FOCUS:

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Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. It is also the best opportunity for Arno Elementary students to have a more diverse look at the world and the history of our country, and confront important issues.

How to complete your SEL responsibilities:

  • Review this month’s SEL newsletter on Black History.
  • Incorporate learning about 1 famous African American in history/important vocabulary word DAILY (see included slides – copy and paste into your own documents) by playing video
  • Looking for more information/details about historic African Americans? (Perhaps grades 3-5?) Check out the Slides Black History Person-a-Day – attached below!
  • Review the important vocabulary included in the BHM slides, be thoughtful about classroom discussion, see included resources for help
  • Choose books from the booklist to use in your daily or weekly instruction – check out the Black History Book Bin in the library!

Friendly Reminders:

  • It takes COURAGE to talk about things like racism, equity and justice, remind students that it is okay to feel uncomfortable or uncertain
  • Remember the four SEL themes as we transition back to in person learning: courage, gratitude, forgiveness and compassion
  • SEL can be integrated within your day. It does not have to be an additional activity.
  • Booklist and Books are available within the library for check out. Many of the books are also available on Youtube.

GREAT RESOURCES FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The following link will take you to a list of classroom and instructional resources relevant for MLK Jr and Black History Month.

https://www.resa.net/mlk

MLK Day and Black History Month

  • ReadWorks– The nonprofit ReadWorks creates free high-impact instructional materials and tools that are designed for immediate use within classrooms. ​Check out their Black History Month resources.
    Mr.Donn.Org-Resources for Martin Luther King Jr Day: Grades 3-High School – Includes resource links for background information, bulletin board ideas, worksheets and printables, a selection of lesson plans ranging from 3 grade through 12th, and mini units for 3 and 4th grade.
  • MLK Jr. Research & Education Institute at Standford – Speeches, sermons, letters, historic documents, and lesson plans focused on High School students.
  • Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility – Here’s a selection of relevant teachable moment lessons appropriate for high school students, and in some cases middle school students.
  • The Smithsonian: Black History Month – Each year, the Smithsonian honors Black History Month with a calendar full of events. Explore a selection of resources and activities relating to African Americans.
  • American History Explorer: Our Story – This site from the Smithsonian provides numerous activities and resources that can be searched by grade level or by historical ERA.
  • National Museum of African American History The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a place where all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience. It has numerous resources for use by teachers in the classroom.
  • The Library of Congress: African American History Month – This guide presents the Library’s resources, as well as links to external Web sites on African American History.
  • eThemes: Black History – These sites are about Black History Month. Learn about the contributions of African Americans in different fields. Includes quizzes, an interactive timeline, and other activities. There are links to eThemes Resources on the Negro baseball league, famous African Americans, the Emancipation Proclamation, the slave trade, and the Missouri Compromise. Some of these sites require a subscription.
  • The History Channel: Black History Month – Explore an interactive timeline of milestones throughout slavery and the civil rights movement. Try the History games too.
  • Teaching History.org – This comprehensive list of resources comes from the National Clearinghouse on History Education. The resources are organized by grade span.
  • The MLK Jr National Memorial – It has a great video of what the monument  looks like and a history of the man, memorial, and movement,.
  • The Biography Channel: Black History – Take a crash course in black history. Check out the interactive timeline and test your knowledge in the games.
  • Teaching for Change: Building Social Justice in the Classroom-  Covers the larger context of the Civil Rights Movement and the long struggle for human rights and full democracy in the United States.
  • Teaching Hard History: American Slavery – Not sure how to support students in learning about our painful past and how it affects our present? This new initiative from Teaching Tolerance offers guidance educators and provides some very important guiding principles for teaching about slavery.
  • Teaching Tolerance– This includes a great article with links to the best MLK resources/lessons from Teaching Tolerance. They emphasize wanting to help classroom teachers teach “beyond the simplified story and help your students learn about this civil rights leader’s life and legacy.”
  • The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History– This website provides an overview of the Museum’s education and public programs, information on how to plan a visit, online teaching and learning materials, virtual tours of traveling exhibitions, online catalogs of the library and historical collections, and a calendar of exhibition schedules and educational programs.
  • Zinn Education Project-  The empowering potential of studying history is often lost in a textbook-driven trivial pursuit of names and dates. We believe that through taking a more engaging and more honest look at the past, we can help equip students — and all of us — with the analytical tools to make sense of and improve the world. Their website offers free, downloadable lessons and articles organized by theme, time period, and grade level.
This lesson overall is most appropriate for middle/high school BUT there are some awesome activities under the “activities” and “extension” headings that can absolutely be used in elementary.
This article offers insight on how to have meaningful conversations about civil rights movements like Dr. King’s with first graders!
Not specific lessons, but some strategies for how to incorporate MLK-related learning across all grade levels
This post with videos included highlights some of MLK’s other speeches, including one he gave at Grosse Pointe High School in 1968

Tech Time

Physical Phonics Games

I have been a fan of the online learning game called Teach Your Monster to Read for many years. The game is designed to help students improve the speed and accuracy with which they recognize letters and sounds. The game gets its name from the friendly monster avatars that students use in the game. Teach Your Monster to Read also offers three fun phonics games to be played offline.

The Teach Your Monster to Read physical phonics games are designed to help students increase the speed with which they recognize sounds and letters while at the same time getting them moving about your classroom, gymnasium, or playground. Currently, three phonics games are available through the Teach Your Monster to Read website. In all three games students use large grapheme flashcards that students have to properly identify and place in proper sequences.

In Pirates and Sailors students have to match the grapheme cards to objects whose name begins with the grapheme on their cards. In the Pass the Sound game students participate in a relay race of sharing corresponding grapheme cards. And in the Find My Family Sound game students have to find classmates who have drawn the same grapheme card without showing anyone what is written on their cards.

Applications for Education
Playing the Teach Your Monster to Read phonics games could be a fun way to review what your students may have learned while playing the online version of Teach Your Monster to Read.

Create a Snowman Word Game

Earlier today when I picked up my daughter from preschool she proudly showed me the snowman artwork that she had made during art class. A picture of her artwork is the featured image of this blog post.

Seeing my daughter’s snowman art reminded me of the snowman word game template offered by Flippity. Flippity’s Snowman word game is a game in which students have to correctly guess the letters of a word in order to prevent their snowmen from melting. The template lets you make your own variation on the game with words and hints of your choosing. Your game can be shared with students via its assigned URL. Students don’t need accounts in order to play the games that you create. Here’s an overview of how to create your own online word games by using Flippity’s Snowman template.

 

ARNO FACEBOOK

“LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school!  Thank you for promoting this social media platform as a positive way to share the good news and great things happening at Arno!

HERE IS THE LINK!  

https://www.facebook.com/arnoelementary/

 

Mickey Mouse with big Valentine card embroidery design