Friday Q & A
November 22, 2019
How often does the school conduct active shooter drills? We practice the drills several times per year. We ask teachers to review procedures monthly.
How is showing a video on the Panama Canal as the primary lesson source permissible? Shouldn't video and other media just supplement the lecture? On one occasion my stepson was asked not to take notes during a different video presentation, how are students supposed to prepare for examinations without notes or tangible material? I sent this question to our 5thgrade teachers. Below are some of their responses:
- I’m not sure about the video usage in this situation either. When I use video clips I will pause, have class discussion and take notes. Other times I use video clips as a “hook” and no notes are taken.
- When I use videos in my class, I use them to supplement the lessons to bring the skills/concepts to life and to build background knowledge. I don’t allow my kids to take notes during videos because I want them to focus on the information that is being presented so that they don’t miss anything. Then, after the video, we summarize the key points and take notes that day or the next day as a review.
There's still another semester, can we reverse the no-homework policy in 2020? I don't mind coming up with decimal multiplication problems, but it would be great to come home and there already be a worksheet with problems similar to the ones reviewed in class. If physically printing is not an option, perhaps teachers can email worksheets that will not be graded. Otherwise, can the teachers just provide the parents with the entire year's daily lesson plan since I'm essentially home-schooling my stepson? No, As I have shared multiple times since August, there are fabulous resources on our school website and teachers are also posting information in their newsletters and blogs. Here’s some responses from 5th grade teachers about what they provide:
- In regards to homework, my classes are assigned Mobymax lesson specifically on the standards we are learning. They are also provided with an xtramath.org account to practice fact fluency. I list these in my weekly eNews, post them on my blog, and send in a text through classdojo to my home room as well as Mrs. Chamber’s class. In addition, I list websites along with Kahn academy video clip links to support as well as insure the parents also understand. I will send homework sheets from time to time but those are specific to the individual needs of the students.
- For math, my kids have a math notebook with guided practice problems, independent work, and T-P-S work . Everything is dated. It is a great resource for the parents to let them see exactly what we are working on daily. I also provide the parents with websites that they can use to practice the skills and concepts that I am teaching. In addition, the exact skills/concepts that I am teaching are listed on my newsletter. The parents can use that information to review, practice, and work ahead.
- With math I always show a hook video, then I teach the lesson, I do an anchor chart. I then provide strategy sheets or interactive notebook items that the students put in their composition books. Then I give them a short assignment. I have encouraged all students to take home composition books home to practice daily.. all parents know this as well, because I mentioned at conferences.
I'm concerned about the slope of the new grass hill along Reed Road. How will that grass be maintained? The architects designed every facet of the school and grounds following state guidelines. It will be maintained by the school district grounds crew. If it becomes an issue, I’m thinking goats.
Commentary:
In response to last's weeks comment about a specific grade level not being in sync with each other: It would've been great if you didn't use Q&A to tear down teachers/grade level. In the future, if you have a question or concern, please request a conference with the teacher and/or administration. Keep in mind our county's motto "One team. One goal. Student Success" and our school's motto, "We before Me". Pacing curriculum according to the students' needs is best practices in the teacher world. Making sure ALL students learn is just as important as student safety. Comparing students and classrooms is counterproductive. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Sending a big THANK YOU to everyone who helps out at morning carpool drop off. I don’t always get the chance to blurt out “thank you! Have a good day!” to them but our family is super thankful for their patience and smiling faces in the AM!! Is there a volunteer sign-up for parents to help out some mornings? Thanks again! KSE is an amazing school ☀️
Check out the new pictures on the Construction Blog!
Happy Thanksgiving!