March 2024

Clover on GIFs - 50 Animated GIF Images for Free | USAGIF.com

Coming soon to Arno…

March 2

Spring fever

March 4/5

Steve/reading coaches @Kalamazoo

March 5

PBIS District meeting 9:30

March 6

Teacher Data Day

March 7

Reminder Tomorrow is Spring Picture Day

Spring Picture Day

Super Cougar Lunch

PTA Meeting 6:30pm

March 8

End of 2nd Trimester

March 11

Magic of Stories Assembly

  • Y5-2 12:30-1:10

  • 3-5 & CI 1:30-2:10

March 12

Ad Council 9:30

March 13

PBIS 8:00

March 14

Bingo For Books! – Mrs. Stortini's Preschool Class News

Bingo for Books

Staff Meeting 7:45

Safety Committee 9:30

March 15

No School- Teacher PD

Report Cards Released

March 17

Happy St Patricks Day SVG, Lucky SVG, Shamrock SVG, Digital Download, Cut File, Sublimation, Clip Art includes Svg/png/dxf File Formats - Etsy

March 18

1st grade to Dearborn

March 19

Math meeting 8:00

Officer Knudsen Cougar Lunch 11:00

March 20

Reading meeting 8:00

SIP 8:00

Mr. Peace Assembly

  • K-2 9:00

  • 3-5, CI 10:00

Tornado/Severe Weather Drill 1:20

March 21

SEL 8:00

Fire Drill 2:40

March 23-March 31

No School – Spring Break – Silverton High School

Spring Break

March 31

Happy Easter with Clipart

Happy Easter!

April 1

Class resumes

The Pagan Origin Of Painted Easter Eggs

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

Peanuts Snoopy Easter Bunny Vinyl Decal

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

Think Spring | Snoopy, Snoopy love, Snoopy pictures

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

  • Academics are student-centered, which allow for various learning styles to showcase student achievement.

  • We will develop and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with each student by using flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs

  • We will foster safe learning environments that allow students the opportunity to establish a growth mindset

 

JOSH REEVES GLOBAL REALITY 11 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND OPERATING COSTS | GoGetFunding

Tutoring

Another call for anyone interested in doing tutoring before or after school.  Before school tutoring will be for whole group tech (like Edmentum) @$30 per hour.  After School tutoring can be either tech at $30 for one hour OR small group at $60 per session (includes planning period.  We have a number of 3rd grade students who would benefit and this is a great opportunity to help them increase their scores.

35+ Funny data science memes that will make you laugh - forms.app

Data Dive 

Our next Data Dive is coming up on March 6, the signup is below.  In the meantime, now is a great time to review your quadrant chart from the latest testing.  It will give you a great idea of where your growth is at, and who needs to accelerate to get into that high growth, high achievement grid area.  Below are some questions to ponder about your chart:

  1. In reviewing your Low Growth, Low Achievement Quadrant (Pink).  How many students are there and how will you adjust your instructional program to meet their needs (i.e. alter groups, use resources from Scholastic book room, new strategies, etc)

  2. In reviewing your Low Growth, High Achievement Quadrant (Yellow).  How many students are there and how will you adjust your instructional program to meet their needs (i.e. alter groups, use resources from Scholastic book room, new strategies, etc)

  3. In reviewing your High Growth, Low Achievement Quadrant (Peach).  How many students are there and how will you adjust your instructional program to meet their needs (i.e. alter groups, use resources from Scholastic book room, new strategies, etc)

  4. In reviewing your High Growth, High Achievement Quadrant.  How many students are there and how will you continue to support their growth? (i.e. increase text levels using the Scholastic Book Room)

March Sign-up

Unify All Communication Tools - ParentSquare

Parent Square

A reminder for goals to accomplish on Parent Square.  Remember, we want Parent Square to be that one stop communication tool moving forward in the future.   Please let me know if you have any questions on how to do something, and we do now have a number of staff who have explored the many facets of the platform that can help as well.  If you have an upcoming field trip, try using Parent Square to create and send the permission slip. 

Our monthly goals:
  • Make one Parent Square post about academic learning.
  • Create one upcoming calendar event (spelling test, testing, field trip, due date, etc.)

Kindergarten Registration – Independent School District 31

Kindergarten Registration Fall 2024

Kinder2024-25

 

March is Reading Month: Reading Tips - Mrs. Sorenson's Kindergarten

March is Reading Month!

Teacher information for this year’s MIRM plan:

Bingo for Books — Lake Oconee Life

Bingo for Books 

 

DRC eTesting

M-STEP 

The M-STEP is fast approaching again!  The state calendar is below, our school schedule can be viewed through the link

M-STEP SCHEDULE 2024

Congrats! [GIF] by Yondr Studio on Dribbble

Congratulations to all of our 2023-2024 Founder’s Day Winners at Arno!

May be an image of 8 people

May be an image of 5 people

PTSA Spring Fever Coming Up!

May be an image of text

YEARBOOK SALES
Yearbook sales are now ready and did not include a yearbook if you would like to send this link out

Yearbook sale information:

https://inter-state.com/YearbookEntry/83981H

Reminder Tomorrow is Spring Picture Day
Spring Picture Day

Spring picture day will be coming up on March 7.

This event’s Order Code is 85382PF.

https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry

 

Tech Time — OCRL.ORG

Tech Time

EduEase: A Free AI Quiz from Any PDF

Hey Educators, Check Out This Free AI Tool!

We’ve all been there – drowning in paperwork, lesson plans, and the never-ending quest to make our classes more engaging. Then comes another buzzword – AI in education. But before you roll your eyes about another technology you don’t have time to explore, hear me out. Because EduEase.ai is a real time-saver, and let’s face it, who among us isn’t looking for a shortcut now and then?

Generate a Quiz Off of Any PDF

EduEase is like that cool gadget you didn’t know you needed. You’ve got a PDF? Boom – it’s now a quiz. Sign up (for free, yay!), upload your PDF – and sit back. The AI does its thing and creates a multiple-choice quiz. No more late-night question framing!

Fast and Easy – Just How We Like It

This tool is speedy. In just a couple of minutes, you get an interactive quiz that you can give to your students online. This is great for those times when you need something quick for your class, like a low-stakes quiz to keep them on their toes.

A Pinch of Customization

Sure, the AI does most of the work, but you’re not totally hands-off. You can add your twist to the questions, tweak them a bit, or throw in a few of your own. And be sure to read over everything… because you never know when an hallucination might occur.

Share and Care

Once your quiz is ready, share the link with your students. Pop it into your LMS, send it via email, or however you like to communicate with your class. And there’s a preview option, so you can see what your students will experience beforehand.

The Real Talk – Pros and Cons

Okay, let’s break it down. EduEase isn’t perfect. The quizzes are multiple-choice only, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Also, the grades don’t come in a super convenient format, and let’s be real, students could find many ways to cheat.

But here’s the good stuff – it’s a massive time-saver, it’s super easy to use (no need to become an AI expert), and it’s free – at least for now. It’s perfect for those quick, low-stakes quizzes you want to throw into your course without spending hours on them.

See It In Action

So, while it’s true that EduEase won’t revolutionize your teaching, it will give you a bit more time to breathe. And in your busy world, that’s a win. Watch Richard Byrne of Practical Ed Tech on his YouTube channel showing you how easy it is to get started.

Thumbnail of Youtube video for Eduease

Harnessing the Power: Creating Images with Canva’s AI

In the ever-evolving world of design, Canva stands out as a versatile tool, offering a plethora of options for creating stunning visuals. However, its capabilities extend beyond mere templates and elements, delving into the realm of AI-powered image creation. This feature is a game-changer for those struggling to find the perfect image. Here’s a guide on how to utilize Canva’s AI Image Creation tool to bring your visions to life.

Stepping into the World of AI Image Creation

When the extensive library of elements and pictures doesn’t meet your needs, Canva’s AI Image Creation tool comes to the rescue. Located in the apps setting on the left-hand side, the ‘Text to Image’ option allows you to create bespoke images. Simply type in a description of what you’re envisioning, such as ‘a happy person with a puppy,’ and let Canva generate unique images for you.

Exploring and Selecting Generated Images

Once you initiate a search, Canva presents multiple image options, crafted based on your description. If the initial options don’t resonate with you, regenerate until you find the one that aligns with your vision. Select your preferred image and integrate it seamlessly into your design.

Enhancing Accessibility: Adding Alt Text

Inclusivity is paramount in design. Canva enables you to add alternative text to any image, catering to individuals using screen readers. Right-click on your chosen image, select ‘Alternative Text,’ and type in a descriptive, concise representation of the image, such as ‘a woman holding a brown and white puppy.’ This step ensures your creations are accessible to all, fostering a more inclusive design environment.

Conclusion

Canva’s AI Image Creation tool is a revolutionary feature, allowing users to transcend the limitations of available pictures and elements. By generating images based on descriptive text, it empowers users to actualize their creative visions, while also promoting inclusivity through the addition of alternative text. Whether you’re designing a presentation, a social media post, or any other visual content, this tool enhances your creative process, ensuring your designs are not just ‘good enough,’ but precisely what you envisioned.

For a more in-depth look at using Canva’s AI Image Creation tool and other innovative features, consider spending a few minutes with Richard Byrne’s latest video:  

 

happy-easter-greetings-cute-bunnies-eggs-animated-gif-7.gif (500×273) | Happy easter banner, Happy easter sign, Happy easter gif

April 2024

Earth Day - Landcarer

Coming soon to Arno…

April 1

Class resumes

April 4

Cougar Cash Lunch

Fire Drill

PTA meeting 6:30pm

April 8

4th grade to metro parks

District MTSS meeting 8:45-12 (8 week update)

April 9

Communication/Attendance meeting 8:00

Ad Council 9:30

April 10

PBIS 8:00

Reading 8:00

April 11

Staff Meeting 7:45

Super Cougar Lunch

Knudsen Cougar Lunch

April 16

Spring 2016 Michigan M-STEP Guide to Reports

5th Grade M-STEP -science

April 17

SIP 8:00

April 18

Spring 2016 Michigan M-STEP Guide to Reports

5th Grade M-STEP S.S.

Safety Committee 9:30

Fire Drill 2:40 pm

April 22

File:Rotating earth animated transparent.gif - Wikimedia Commons

Earth day 

April 23

Spring 2016 Michigan M-STEP Guide to Reports

5th Grade M-STEP ELA

K-1 Spring Concert 6:30

April 24

Teacher Data Day

April 25

Math 8:00

SEL 8:00

April 26

Geneseo Park District | Daddy daughter dance

PTA Daddy/Daughter Dance

CI bowling 9:30

April 30

Spring 2016 Michigan M-STEP Guide to Reports

3,4,5 M-STEP Math

May Month Images – Browse 143,113 Stock Photos, Vectors, and Video | Adobe Stock

May 

May 2

Cougar Cash Lunch

6:30 grade counselors at Arno 10:30am

ALICE Drill- walkabout 1:30

PTA meeting 6:30

May 3

E.R. Teacher PD pm

 

Snoopy - Welcome, April! | Facebook

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

Snoopy Umbrella Digital Art by Lil Boy - Pixels

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

Happy Earth Day! | Snoopy, Snoopy love, Charlie brown and snoopy

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

  • Academics are student-centered, which allow for various learning styles to showcase student achievement.

  • We will develop and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with each student by using flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs

  • We will foster safe learning environments that allow students the opportunity to establish a growth mindset

 

DRC eTesting

M-STEP is on its way!

Please be sure to review the schedule for dates and prep switches.  I will be providing a snack once again for the first primary date of testing only for each subject area.  Please let me know upon delivery if you have any allergies in your classroom.

**We will be doing the ELA clap out for the first day of the ELA test for 3,4,5

Training Slides

M-STEP schedule

M-STEP State Website

Dates:

April 16- 5th grade Science

April 18- 5th grade Social Studies

April 23/24- 5th grade ELA-CLAP OUT

April 30/May 1- 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Math

May 7/8- 3rd and 4th grade ELA- CLAP OUT- we will clap 3rd grade first, then I will come back for fourth grade

You get data! And you get data! And you get data! EVERYBODY GETS DATA! - Oprah Winfrey - You Get a Car Meme Generator

Teacher Data Day

We will meet on April 24 for our next day.  We will look at ongoing progress monitoring as we prepare for universal screening in May.

April Signup

 

Save The Date Launch Sticker by Erstwilder

Save the Date

Please mark your calendars for the staff appreciation lunch on May 9.  We will host an hour special lunch that day with the normal hour long schedule from 11:00-12:00 for all grades/staff.  More details soon 

 

Spring 2024 Testing Dates to Remember! | Powdersville Middle

Assessments

Our Jan Richardson dates will be coming up soon in May.  Please continue to assess as needed so that your students are getting the proper small group lessons that they need for their current level.

5th Grade May 8

4th Grade May 21

3rd Grade May 13

2nd Grade May 15

1st Grade May 16

Kinder May 22

 

ALICE Training / ALICE Training

ALICE Drill 

Our next ALICE drill will be coming up on May 2, around 1:30pm.  This will be a full boot lockdown drill first, then all clear, then proceed for a walk by (not going inside) of our evacuation site.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Green Team Awesomeness

Congratulations to our entire Green Team, they have once again earned Arno Elementary an Evergreen Designated School, which is the highest honor among Michigan Green School recipients. Each year, we provide students with the knowledge necessary to become environmental experts. Continue to stay up to date as Earth Day is approaching.

Screenshot 2023-04-05 11.39.38 AM.png

Daddy Daughter Dance – Cordillera Ranch Living Magazine

Daddy/Daughter Dance

FYI- It is that magical time of year- the Daddy/Daughter Dance is fast approaching!  Please stay tuned for all of the magical information from the PTA on this special night, Friday, April 26. 

Kindergarten Round-Up 2020 - Eagle Country 99.3

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP

We are pleased to be having our kindergarten round up this spring for all incoming kindergarteners. This year’s event will be on May 13 starting at 6:30 p.m. Parents will attend in the gym, all future Cougars will attend within the 3 different classrooms.

 

Youth Choruses Spring Concert – Rogue Valley Chorale

Spring Concert

We are excited to invite you the upcoming concert for grades kindergarten-first grade!  The event will take place at the Allen Park Center for the Arts on April 23 @6:30pm.  Hope to see you there!

Coming Events for 5th graders | Windsor Elementary School

5th Grade End of Year

The 23-24 school year is flying by!  For planning purposes, here some important dates for 5th grade:

May 22/23        HIV/Maturation Video

June 4                5th Grade Graduation AP Center for the Arts 9:15am

June 6                5th Grade Picnic @Boccabella Park

 

Mr. Peace - YouTube

Mr. Peace

There was some great messaging that Mr. Peace delivered to our Cougars, please try to occasionally have your students reflect back on this day to really build this in to their mindset.  You will also have the doc from him to make this a more living message in our building.

National Youth Motivational & Bullying Speaker

 

A long time ago... | Funny quotes, Computer humor, Technology humor

Tech Time 

ActiveLearningLabs.com – Free Simulation Platform

ActiveLearningLabs.com logoThe era of passive learning is waning, slowly giving rise to a demand for something more engaging, more challenging. Today’s students seek not just information but experiences that spark curiosity and foster active participation.

In a world where attention spans have shrunk, the team at ActiveLearningLabs.com has a FREE interactive simulation platform for teachers who want to create interactives that engage students as they manipulate variables and watch the impacts in real time. It can be used in most subjects– science, math, personal finance… even history!

Dynamic Worksheets – A Game-Changer?

Unlike conventional digital or printables, ActiveLearningLabs’ dynamic worksheets go beyond mere input and scoring—they actively respond to user interactions by showing computed results, checking student entries as they work, or updating graphs in real-time.

Through a range of interactive controls such as sliders, spinners, drop-downs, and drag and-drop features, students can manipulate variables and witness immediate changes, from  calculated results to real-time graph updates.

Browse through ALL’s dynamic worksheet library here. 40 of the 99 activities are FREE.

Real-Time Teacher Console: 

The platform offers teachers the tools needed to enroll students and assign activities, track the student’s progress instantly,  provideTeacher Console screen in ActiveLearningLabs.com feedback, view score reports, time spent reports, evaluate any writing activities etc.

Don’t want to sign up for a totally free account?? Use the anonymous mode. 

Invitation to Content Creators: 

ActiveLearningLabs is also extending an invitation to educators with a zeal for creating dynamic and engaging content. After trying out the ALL platform, reach out upesh@activelearninglabs.com if you would like to be a content creator and get in on the ground floor of the future!

 

When AI Gold Rush Passes: Magic School AI Will Still Be Here

Magic School AI logo for AI Gold Rush article

Magic School AI is packed with over 40 nifty tools. Let’s peek at some that are total game-changers:

Rubric Generator

Wave goodbye to rubric woes! This tool is like your personal rubric wizard. Input your assignment, and voilà – a custom rubric pops out, ready to roll on your favorite platform like Word or Google Docs.

Science Assessment Generator

Science teachers, this one’s for you! Aligning with NGSS standards, it’s like having a mini Einstein to help craft those perfect assessments. Though Magic School AI sticks to the basic question types, like most generative AIs do, it’s still better than writing your own assessments from scratch, right?!

Academic Content Generator

Need content that ticks all the boxes for your curriculum? This tool is like having a mini-me to create engaging lessons in any subject you teach.

Student Support Tool

IEPs can be a handful, right? This tool helps you draft them up in no time, tailored just right for each student’s needs.

Many More Tools in Magic AI

There’s a whole world of additional AI tools in Magic School AI. From creating exotic science labs to crafting the perfect math spiral review, these tools are like having a whole team of collaborators at your fingertips.

Unlike most of the AI wrappers focused on educational content generation, Magic School has a huge diversity of offerings making it useful for most teachers, regardless of the courses you teach.

Email to Parents Made Easy

We all know communication is a key aspect of teaching– and also very time-consuming. Magic School AI gets it– and offers a unique solution:

The Email Responder Tool is your personal secretary, crafting responses to parents or colleagues. And it does it well, so you actually get back some time in your evenings.

And for some fun, the Colleague Song Generator lets you whip up a catchy tune to celebrate your awesome co-workers. Who says teachers can’t be songwriters?

Raina: Your Chatbot Pal

And then there’s Raina, which is Magic School’s chatbot. It’s been trained specifically on educational topics and data. It can have an intelligent conversation with you about lesson plans, teaching strategies, or just about anything school-related.When your spouse is weary of more school talk, turn to Raina as your personal sounding board.

Wrapping It Up

Magic School AI is more than just another entry in the AI Gold Rush; it has more gravitas because it has spent its investment dollars wisely. It has focused on truly assisting the education community, not just exploiting it for a quick profit. By using these AI-powered tools you can make many of your teaching tasks more efficient, create high-quality content, enhance communication, and provide meaningful support to your students.

The free account has limits, but they’re easy to understand and it’s a great way to dip your toes into the AI waters, like I’ve been urging you to do!

Magic School Free Version

The Magic School Free version offers:

  • Access to 60+ tools, Raina, and the Chrome extension.
  • The Raina chatbot is limited to the “translate” feature.
  • Output history is limited to the last 5 generations.
  • No integration with Microsoft/Google/LMS
  • No “Export” feature, only “Copy” option.
  • Support through the Facebook group.

Check it out today at: https://www.magicschool.ai/

 

April in Motivational Quotes - #AtoZChallenge - O - My Random Musings

February 2024

Snoopy Happy Valentine's Day Charlie Brown Iron On Transfer #22 - Divine Bovinity Design

Coming soon to Arno…

Feb. 1

Cougar Cash Lunch

NWEA Rewards Assembly

Middle School Band visit (5th grade)

PTA Meeting 6:30pm

Feb. 2

Cougar Cash Lunch w/Officer Knudsen

NWEA Student Goal Meetings

Feb. 6

Communication Committee 8:00

Feb. 7

District MTSS

NWEA recess- weather permitting

Feb. 8

Staff Meeting 7:45

American Heart Association Assembly

9:15 K-2

9:55 3-5

Super Cougar Lunch

NWEA reward movie 1:30

PTA Family Fun Night 6:30

Feb. 9

No School- Teacher PD

Feb. 12

Allen Park Schools Wellness Week

MEMSPA building tour (Steve)am

Board Strategic Plan Update

Feb. 13

Ad Council 9:30

Feb. 14

84,400+ Happy Valentines Day Text Stock Illustrations ...

Valentines Day

PBIS 8:00

Reading 8:00

Feb. 15

Crisis Team Meeting 8:00

Feb. 19 & 20

No School November 9-10 | Reynolds School District - Oregon

No School- President’s Day Break

Feb. 21-23

5th Grade Camp

Feb. 21 

SIP 8:00

Founder’s Day Dinner

Feb 23

Kindergarten to Ann Arbor

Feb 27

Math 8:00

1st Grade to Dearborn

Feb 28

Cardiac Drill 8:00

Feb. 29

Cougar Cash Lunch

SEL 8:00

Think Spring | Snoopy, Snoopy love, Snoopy pictures

March 2

PTSA Spring Fever

 

How to Write a Mission Statement (With 27 Examples) | Built In

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

Snoopy Valentine's Day Medium Die Cut Sticker

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

Second Life Marketplace - #008 GIF ANIMATED canvas Heart Sparkles Valentines Love Framed Picture Moving Greeting Card, copy/mod 1 prim

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

  • ACADEMICS ARE STUDENT-CENTERED, WHICH ALLOW FOR VARIOUS LEARNING STYLES TO SHOWCASE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.

  • WE WILL DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A POSITIVE, RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH STUDENT BY USING FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY TO MEET INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

  • WE WILL FOSTER SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS THAT ALLOW STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH A GROWTH MINDSET

 

FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION

The annual Founder’s Day awards celebration takes place on Feb. 21 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!!

Link for tickets: https://apptacouncil.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true&category=Founders%20Day%202024

2023-24 PTA Founders Day Winners

Organizing Student Data Using a Data Binder - Teaching With Heart

MTSS Update

The district will be coming out of Feb. 7 to conduct our MTSS meetings.  After that, we will ID any student that will be looked at closer and let staff know that information.

Keys to Understanding AEDs

Feb. Staff Meeting

This month’s staff meeting will feature Meaghan Rourke conducting a short training on our new AED units.  After that date, the crisis team will be meeting and planning our cardiac drill that will happen before school on Feb. 28 at 8:00.  This is all part of our application process for MI Heart Safe Schools.  We will also discuss the upcoming bond work slated to start on spring break.

Board-update - PuSh Festival

Strategic Plan

All three committees will be presenting the new strategic plan update to the Board on Feb. 12.  This would not be the adoption meeting, which would come at a later date.

DRC eTesting

M-STEP 

The M-STEP is fast approaching again!  The state calendar is below, our school schedule can be viewed through the link

M-STEP SCHEDULE 2024

Update GIFs | GIFDB.com

Committee Updates

PBIS

~planning date in February

Review reward dates and organizers

Officer/Principal Lunch

~more lunches offered each week?

~budget concern?

~staggering when to put out the certificates

~look at list to see who has received before

Cougar Store

~water bottles

~April bucks 

~dumdums

Club Ideas

~lower el

~Zumba?

~Kaleidoscope

Mentors

~May 31st appreciation

~ice cream and recess

~2 more meetings

~11 mentors currently; one-to-one ratio

Reading

Reading Goals Meeting with Dr.Chuby

  • Dr. Chuby will meet with students if 3-5 teachers would like assistance with goal meetings.

M-STEP Prep

  • Grades 3-5 should all be using ReadWorks story by now. 
  • M-STEP Quizzes and Homework packets are in full swing.
  • Charms have started.
  • SBA should start by 1/29/24 if they haven’t started yet.
  • Edmentum Challenges have been VERY productive! Lots of monthly rewards. “Most Trophy” winners really like the bracelet and smarties!

Concerns

Some teachers are struggling with doing the grammar workbook pages from the end of the Journeys series. 

Math

*Number Talks Website continued – fixing and creating links w/in Google Slides

*Discussion over being able to utilize premade slides from Soranno

SEL

Monthly Topics

September/October Courage/Bullying
November/December Gratitude
January Forgiveness
February Black History
March Women’s History/Neurodiversity, 3/13 Down Syndrome
April Emotion Management/Problem Solving/Communication
May Compassion in action/Empathy

Agenda for Meeting 11/7/23

  • Mindful Monday
  • Black History Month Pages – I will print new bios, will give each SEL member 5 to get filmed? Need 20 total
  • SEL Question of the Day TPT Purchase
  • Katie Jensen – check in about books for bhm and whm and neurodiversity
  • Make a SEL shared drive

School Improvement

  • Met and discussed the survey results from Parents and Staff
  • Student survey will be given at the end of January
  • Created some slides to share from the survey results at the next staff meeting

 

 

NWEA Privacy Policy - Assessment Products

NWEA Coming Soon

Reading NWEA Conferences with Steve on Feb. 2nd

  • Students who finished in under 40 minutes (The Reading NWEA has 40-43 questions, no one should have been done in less than 40 minutes).
  • Students who received the sloth.
  • Students who did not reach his/her personal growth goal.
  • Students who had 10% rapid guessing or higher.

*If a student has rapid guessing of 30% or higher, then NWEA recommends retesting the child due to misrepresentation of the score due to rapid guessing.

Assembly Guidelines 

Winter NWEA (Updated)

  • Winter Assembly on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.
  • 1 grade level at a time in the gym.
  • Students who reach their personal growth goal or the grade level proficiency rit score  earn a charm, certificate, and an extra recess with Mr. Zielinski.
  • If students don’t reach their Winter growth goal or the grade level proficiency rit score, tell students they could earn the rewards in the Spring.
  • Students with the top ten reading and math scores, in each grade level, will get a movie reward with Mr. Zielinski. 
  • If a student doesn’t reach their personal growth goal OR the grade level proficiency rit score, they DO NOT get anything.
  • Teachers-Students need to wear his/her necklaces to the assembly. Please hand out the charms in your own classroom after the assembly if they earned a charm.
  • 60th percentile on the MSTEP = proficiency on the MSTEP.
    • 3rd Grade Reading Proficiency Rit Score: 198
    • 3rd Grade Math Proficiency Rit Score: 200
    • 4th Grade Reading Proficiency Rit Score: 207
    • 4th Grade Math Proficiency Rit Score: 210
    • 5th Grade Reading Proficiency Rit Score: 213
    • 5th Grade Math Proficiency Rit Score: 219

NWEA-presentation-2024

 

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 again this year.   Camp will run from Feb. 21-23. Hoping for good weather!

Black History Month: A time to celebrate accomplishments past and present > Hill Air Force Base > Article Display

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: 10 WAYS YOUR STUDENT CAN LEARN ABOUT BLACK HISTORY AND CULTURE IN AMERICA

  • By Valerie Kirk

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the impact of African American heritage, culture, and achievement in our country. While most K–12 schools incorporate Black history activities into their curriculum, Black History Month offers a wonderful opportunity to extend your child’s learning at home or enhance your homeschool curriculum. Here are 10 ways your student can learn about Black history and culture. You don’t have to wait until February—these activities and resources can be used throughout the year!

1. Celebrate with Cross-Curricular Activities

Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books, has developed 13 cross-curricular activities for teachers to celebrate Black History Month, broken down by elementary, middle, and high school. While these ideas are intended to be done in a traditional classroom, they can all be adapted to online school or homeschool students. While you’re on the Scholastic website, check out their reading list of young adult books written by African American authors.

2. Read a Book About the African American Experience, History, and Culture

Educators recommend that students spend at least 20 minutes a day reading. Celebrate Black History Month by having your student read a book that features African American culture, shares the story of a great African American figure, or brings the African American experience to life. For inspiration, here are 10 terrific books for students in elementary school.

3. Watch a Documentary

Documentaries bring the past to life, connecting us to significant times in history. PBS offers this list of powerful documentaries exploring Black history and culture in America. Relive iconic moments, like the 1963 March on Washington, or join the Freedom Riders on their journey through the Jim Crow South. These documentaries are appropriate for middle or high school students.

4. Plan a Full Lesson on Historical Topics

PBS also offers their Learning Media series, with several lessons that honor Black History Month, including lessons on the Emancipation Proclamation, the Great Migration, and the civil rights movement. These lessons are designed to support teachers and homeschool families but are an excellent resource for parents looking to help their student have a deeper understanding of these important topics.

5. Virtually Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is part of the Smithsonian Institute and devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. They have a wealth of online learning resources to help you enrich your student’s learning experience, including recommended reading resources for elementary, middle, and high school students and Smithsonian Learning Labs, which are free, interactive lessons where students can explore both well-known and not so well-known moments in history.

6. Watch a Movie Showcasing African American History or Experiences

Celebrate Black History Month with family movie night, watching movies that celebrate the African American experience or that highlight historical events. Movie casts have become more diverse in recent years, so choosing films that feature actors of color is a way to celebrate achievements. Need inspiration? Check out this list of 50 African American children’s movies for a special family movie night.

7. Honor African American Veterans

Did you know that nearly 200,000 African Americans served in the US Army from 1863 to 1865, making up nearly 10 percent of the American soldiers who served in the US Army during the Civil War? It all started with the formation of the 54th Massachusetts regiment. From service in the Civil War to the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen, African American men and women have a long history of serving in the United States military. Your student can honor their contributions in both times of war and peace by learning more about their service.

8. Learn About African American Inventors

The first African American to be awarded a US patent was Thomas Jennings, who in 1821 invented a way to dry-clean clothes. The first African American woman to receive a patent was Judy Reed for her dough kneader and roller in 1884. Have your student research other African American inventors who made contributions to science, industry, business, agriculture, transportation, and communications.

9. Listen to a TED Talk

If your high school student walks around with earbuds in all day, have them spend some time listening to TED Talks that celebrate Black History Month. TED Talks are designed to share knowledge through short talks and presentations. Their Black History Month playlist includes talks about the migration of African Americans out of the Jim Crow South, an introduction of the woman Martin Luther King Jr. called “the architect of the civil rights movement,” and how speaking openly about race makes for better business and society.

10. Explore African American Musical Influencers

Celebrate Black History Month by listening to the great African American musicians. Have your student read about the 50 most important African American musical artists and learn more about their lives and music. Use this opportunity to introduce your student to musical genres that were heavily influenced by these talented artists, including jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, gospel, doo-wop, and hip-hop.

Activities and Resources for Preschool to Third Grade

Audio and Stories for Preschool to Third Grade

  • Listen along as James Earl Jones reads “To Be a Drum,” a story of rhythm, history, and freedom.
  • Enjoy the African Folktales With Miss Jo Jo podcast to hear stories that originated in Africa and were passed down through generations.

Videos for Preschool to Third Grade

Hands-On Activities for Preschool to Third Grade

Activities and Resources for Third to Fifth Grade

Audio and Stories for Third Grade to Fifth Grade

  • Listen to this episode from The Past and the Curious podcast about blues and folk musician Elizabeth Cotten, whose catchy songs traveled all over the world and even influenced the Beatles.
  • Journey into the world of Latin American music with this podcast episode (via YouTube) from Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and learn about the life of Celia Cruz, the Cuban Afro-Latina singer known as the Queen of Salsa.
  • Hey Black Child: The Podcast features lesser-known African American Heroes and is hosted by kids!

Videos for Third Grade to Fifth Grade

ChatGPT Glossary: 41 AI Terms that Everyone Should Know - CNET

Tech Time

EduEase: A Free AI Quiz from Any PDF

Hey Educators, Check Out This Free AI Tool!

We’ve all been there – drowning in paperwork, lesson plans, and the never-ending quest to make our classes more engaging. Then comes another buzzword – AI in education. But before you roll your eyes about another technology you don’t have time to explore, hear me out. Because EduEase.ai is a real time-saver, and let’s face it, who among us isn’t looking for a shortcut now and then?

Generate a Quiz Off of Any PDF

EduEase is like that cool gadget you didn’t know you needed. You’ve got a PDF? Boom – it’s now a quiz. Sign up (for free, yay!), upload your PDF – and sit back. The AI does its thing and creates a multiple-choice quiz. No more late-night question framing!

Fast and Easy – Just How We Like It

This tool is speedy. In just a couple of minutes, you get an interactive quiz that you can give to your students online. This is great for those times when you need something quick for your class, like a low-stakes quiz to keep them on their toes.

A Pinch of Customization

Sure, the AI does most of the work, but you’re not totally hands-off. You can add your twist to the questions, tweak them a bit, or throw in a few of your own. And be sure to read over everything… because you never know when an hallucination might occur.

Share and Care

Once your quiz is ready, share the link with your students. Pop it into your LMS, send it via email, or however you like to communicate with your class. And there’s a preview option, so you can see what your students will experience beforehand.

The Real Talk – Pros and Cons

Okay, let’s break it down. EduEase isn’t perfect. The quizzes are multiple-choice only, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Also, the grades don’t come in a super convenient format, and let’s be real, students could find many ways to cheat.

But here’s the good stuff – it’s a massive time-saver, it’s super easy to use (no need to become an AI expert), and it’s free – at least for now. It’s perfect for those quick, low-stakes quizzes you want to throw into your course without spending hours on them.

See It In Action

So, while it’s true that EduEase won’t revolutionize your teaching, it will give you a bit more time to breathe. And in your busy world, that’s a win. Watch Richard Byrne of Practical Ed Tech on his YouTube channel showing you how easy it is to get started.

Thumbnail of Youtube video for Eduease

Turning Text into Educational Videos with AI-Powered Tools

In this post, we’re looking at AI tools that let you turn text into videos. In some cases, it will even write the text for you! We all know that it’s challenging to keep students engaged in an increasingly digital world. Using videos more often is one way to capture their attention.

Exploring AI Video Creation Tools for Educators

AI-powered video creation platforms are a game-changer for teachers– and there are a lot of tools to choose from.

Each AI video creation platform offers unique features that can aid in different aspects of teaching. Here’s a rundown of some of the best tools out there.

  1. Simpleshow.com

Simpleshow makes video creation as simple as typing out a lesson plan. Its AI-driven interface helps educators create animated videos that explain complex concepts in simple terms. Whether it’s a tricky math problem or a historical event, simpleshow can help you break it down into easily digestible visuals.

thumbnail of a how-to video about simpleshow.com made by Richard ByrneRichard Byrne did a an in-depth video on how simpleshow.com works using the free version. Click to watch him in action.

  1. Animaker

Animaker is a user-friendly platform that empowers teachers to create animated videos effortlessly. Its robust library of animations, stock footage, and images means that creating a video is as easy as dragging and dropping elements into place. This tool is excellent for crafting animated timelines or science experiments, bringing them to life for students.

  1. Kapwing

Kapwing’s AI Video Generator specializes in converting text descriptions into draft videos. This feature is particularly useful for literature and social studies teachers who want to visualize storylines or historical accounts, providing a foundation for further class discussion and analysis.

  1. Invideo

Invideo’s full AI video generator is designed for ease from the get-go. Unique and tailored videos can be generated for any topic, making it perfect for bespoke educational content, like personalized story problems in math or hypothetical scientific scenarios that challenge students to think critically.

  1. Canva

Canva allows for high customization in video creation, enabling educators to create multilingual content using a vast selection of AI voices. This is a fantastic resource for language educators, allowing them to produce interactive scenarios in which AI avatars engage in dialogue in the target language, thus enriching language acquisition.

  1. Synthesia

Synthesia shines with its quick text-to-video conversion and a multitude of AI voices across different languages, ideal for diverse classrooms. This tool can help teachers create instructional videos in multiple languages or provide summaries of lessons for students who need them.

  1. Steve.AI

Steve.AI offers animated videos with lip-syncing avatars, excellent for visual storytelling or explaining abstract concepts in a more tangible way. English teachers, for instance, could animate a piece of literature, providing a visual and auditory representation that could lead to better retention and understanding.

Putting AI Video Tools to Work for You, the Teacher

Incorporating these AI tools into your educational toolkit is straightforward. Begin by pinpointing a lesson that could be enhanced by a visual element. Select a platform that aligns with your objectives and use the resources available to create content that will engage your students. The aim is to supplement—not replace—the invaluable human element of teaching. With these AI video tools, you can bring lessons to life– along with your students!

 

Funny February Memes to Make You Laugh - Lola Lambchops