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| January 27, 2022Issue #12
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Network Spotlight:
Network 3
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Peabody Elementary Soaring Eagles
Our Soaring Eagle Scholars are those scholars who go above and beyond in both citizenship and academics, and they set the example for our school motto of Soaring Towards Excellence. Each teacher selects one Soaring Eagle to be recognized and celebrated each month.
Soaring Eagle Criteria:
- Models the Core Eagle Values
- Follows the PBS Expectations
- Works hard to Achieve Academic Goals
- 90% Attendance for the Month
- No Office Referrals for the Month
Soaring Eagle Recognition:
- Soaring Eagle of the Month Certificate
- Photo on the Soaring Eagle of the Month Board
- Lunch with the Principal
- Special Treat
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MLK Day of Service at Jefferson Elementary
Attributed to the great Dr. King is the quote, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." On January 18th in honor of MLK day, Target brought twenty wonderful volunteers to Jefferson Elementary to give our building some love. Painting and other maintenance was done, bringing a shine to the scholars’ learning environment. Staff and scholars were treated to a pizza lunch to celebrate the day. But the volunteer service was not all that we had to celebrate…
On Tuesday, Jefferson Elementary also welcomed fifteen-year-old author, Tyrelle H.C. Tyrelle is a local high school scholar. He did a splendid read aloud from the poetry book, Color Vision, which was written, graphically designed, and published by him. Tyrelle graced the Jefferson community, showing us that young voices matter. He inspired career aspirations, ambitions, and hopes for the future.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to our Target volunteers and to Tyrelle H.C. for your contributions to our school.
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Walbridge Elementary Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM)
Scholars at Walbridge have been working hard in the Makerspace to learn about different STEAM concepts. They have explored topics covering coding, the design & creation process, and more.
During their time in the lab, scholars identified a problem and created a solution by designing and creating roll-down window shades for all the doors in the building to use during intruder drills. Scholars also had the opportunity to create a vision for their ideal school and build a model representation based on their design.
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Subject Area Spotlight:Math
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. noted “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Morehouse College, 1948. In the same speech, Dr. King stated, “Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence. To discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.”
Dr. Robert Berry, former president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics also notes “one of the civil rights issues of our day is mathematical literacy because it contributes to people’s ability to work and participate in a democratic society. One way to improve equity and equality is to support the development of critical thinking using mathematical literacy. We cannot settle for students learning enough mathematics to pass a test. We must commit to making mathematical literacy and critical thinking skill a reality for every citizen.” Dr. Berry, 2022.
Critical thinking and problem-solving activities are present throughout our mathematics resources. When implemented with fidelity, scholars are provided opportunities to engage in problem-solving tasks to think critically and express their understanding in a variety of ways. Using multiple representations and providing opportunities to engage in mathematical discourse helps build scholars’ mathematics confidence. Effective teaching of mathematics engages scholars in authentic learning experiences that brings math to life in and outside the classroom, thereby increasing scholars’ mathematics literacy.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support. We look forward to hearing from you.
For more guidance please contact:
Zehra Khan, Secondary Math Curriculum Specialist - Zehra.Khan@slps.org or Dr. Taresa Wright-Fraser, Elementary Math Curriculum Specialist - Taresa.Wright-Fraser@slps.org
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Department Spotlight: Gifted and Talented Education
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Gifted & Talented Education (GATE) Testing Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequently asked questions received Gifted and Talented (GATE) Department are “How do I get my child tested for Gifted?” and “How do I enroll my child in one of the Gifted schools?” The answers to both questions are more straightforward than you may think.
Scheduling an appointment for testing is as simple as calling the Gifted Department and requesting an appointment. Gifted testing appointments are scheduled within one to two weeks of the initial request. Testing takes place between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and we also test on Saturdays between 8:00 am and noon.
Three to five days after testing, families will receive a report documenting our findings. If there are questions concerning testing or next steps, we are more than happy to guide families toward the best options for their child.
For some families , this will mean participation in the Gifted lottery. Enrollment at Gifted Schools (CJA, Mallinckrodt and McKinley Middle) requires participation in a lottery that takes the list of submitted applications and organizes them randomly. Once randomized, the Gifted Department will reach out to the families of scholars who have not been tested and request they bring in their scholars for testing.
Once a scholar is determined to be eligible to receive gifted services, the Placement Office will offer enrollment to the family.
The Gifted lottery occurs within the larger lottery for Magnet Schools. Applications are available in mid-September and can be completed as soft or hard copies. Applications are located at www.slpsmagnetschools.org.
For more guidance, please contact Kipp Warr, Director of Gifted and Talented Education - Marc.Warr@slps.org
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Department Spotlight: Curriculum & Instruction
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Need Hard Copies Of Standards-Based Learning Materials?
Continuous Learning Kits (CLKs) are Standards-Based Enrichment Packets developed by Curriculum & Instruction (C & I) Department curriculum specialists and are available to access each month of the school year for scholars who need to quarantine or isolate and, due to unforeseen circumstances, may not have access to technology outside of the instructional day
- You must be logged on the SLPS Intranet to access CLK documents.
- Schools are responsible for printing, distributing, collecting, and grading all CLKs.
- CLK Answer keys are available in grade/content Microsoft Teams.
Do You Need More Virtual Lessons And Resources?
The Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) Team is finalizing virtual lessons, resources and activities in the form of a digital playlist for different content areas. These Digital Playlists are interactive PDF forms that will allow scholars access to Standards-Based digital instructional lessons and learning experiences. Each playlist is aligned to Priority Standards and will be available for all core content areas (ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies) by grade level. The Standards-Based Digital Playlist for Quarter 3 will be available Friday, January 28th. Quarter 4 Digital Playlists will be available on Friday, March 11th.
- You must be logged on the SLPS Intranet to access the Digital Playlists.
- Schools are responsible for distributing, monitoring scholar engagement and assessments.
- If you need further assistance with navigating the Digital Playlists, please contact the respective content area curriculum specialist.
For more guidance about Curriculum and Instruction, please contact Dr. Kimberly Moody, Director of Curriculum & Instruction - Kimberly.Moody@slps.org
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| | Department Spotlight: Professional Development
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Districtwide Professional Development 2022
We heard you, and we will continue to listen so we provide professional learning / professional development supports based on your needs. We understand from our survey feedback that there is more support sought in high-impact teaching practices (academic and trauma-informed) and implementing our new PK-8 reading curriculum resource through Savvas.
We would like to remind you that there are Tiered Professional Development available to continue to assist in navigating and efficiently implementing the Savaas resources, lessons, and assessment tools.
Please bookmark the Savvas Professional Learning Support Plan linked HERE and attend offerings that are available to best meet your specific learning and teaching needs. You may also be interested in 24 hour, on-demand, virtual training at My Savvas Training, linked HERE, which can be accessed and used by anyone with an SLPS email account, including substitute teachers and support staff. We are here to support all your teaching and learning expectations.
Upcoming Districtwide Professional Development Day:
February 18, 2022
Central Office-facilitated (8-11 AM)
Site-based facilitated (12:30-3:30 PM)
For more guidance please contact Dr. LaTisha A. Smith, Director of Professional Development - LaTisha.Smith@slps.org
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| Updates Around The District
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Princeton Summer Journalism Program
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program, a free program hosted at Princeton University for high school juniors interested in journalism, is currently accepting applications for the 2022 Summer session. Round 1 applications are due February 28. Click the flyer below or here for more information.
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| Celebrating Black History at SLPS
In 1926, Carter D. Woodson and the ASALH (Association for the Study of African American Life and History) launched “Negro History Week” to promote the studying of African American history as a discipline and to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans.
Today, we still see the absence of Black history and experience in our textbooks, required readings, STEM, and overall curriculum resources in our educational system. As we enter February, Border Crossers is providing resources to be used beyond the scope of this one month. Unless Black history is taught throughout the year, it perpetuates an “othering” of Black Lives and Black scholars and is also a manifestation of Anti-Blackness. Ensuring the ongoing integration of Black history and experiences throughout all curricula is imperative as educators continue to uplift every scholar and reinforce that Black Lives Matter every day!
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| Ham4Progress Award for Educational Advancement
Gilder Lehrman is proud to partner with Hamilton on the Ham4Progress Award for Educational Advancement. This award supports college-bound high school scholars from communities that directly experience the consequences of injustice and discrimination.
The award is open to scholars who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Member of a community that directly experiences the consequences of social injustice and/or discrimination.
- College-bound high school junior
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
- Enrolled in a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School
Recipients of the Ham4Progress award will receive $3,500 for educational purposes, such as
- Test preparation courses
- Tutoring
- College visits
- Technology (laptops, tablets, or other devices used for learning)
Applications are due June 15, 2022. Please click here to learn more and apply.
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Black Teacher Project Fellowship
BLACK TEACHER LEADERS WANTED!
Join the 3rd cohort of the Black Teacher Project Fellowship launching March 8th, 2022! Applications are due Monday, February 7th; submit yours today!
Click the picture to learn more about BTP Fellowship and to apply.
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| ITEF - Innovative Technology Grant Opportunity
ITEF funds projects that are innovative, and which elevate learning and exploration. Click on their logo, look around their website and read about past recipients. Be creative and think BIG.
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY GRANT
- Annual grant opportunity for educators who want to innovate their teaching and scholar learning. ITEF wants this grant opportunity to elevate projects through innovation. Engage scholars, push teachers, generate excitement and enthusiasm for learning.
- This is an opportunity to fund that project for which you have not had the funding before. This can include computers and iPads but envision beyond basic equipment. Consider STEM equipment, software for reading, history or math enhancements. The list of technology possibilities is long. Plus, the readers of your proposal will want to hear/feel your vision.
- Optional: The successful application can include professional development (PD) that relates to the implementation of new technology. The Professional Development line item should not exceed 25% of the total request.
ELIGIBILITY
- A desire to increase innovation, but have a need for the technology to bring your teaching and learning ideas into your school/classroom.
APPLICATION WINDOW
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| Employee Referral Program
If your referral is hired for one the following positions, you will receive a referral payment:
Instructional Care Aide, Teacher Assistant, Custodian, or Safety Officer - $100
Teacher - $250
The first 50 people to refer a candidate will get a free T-shirt, regardless of whether their referral is hired.
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Standards-Based Learning Corner
Click here to explore past topics related to Standards-Based Learning and Grading in SLPS.
For more guidance, please contact Dr. Kimberly Moody, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Kimberly.Moody@slps.org
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Curriculum Specialists:
- Dr. Esther Palsenberger, Elementary ELA, 314-779-5939
- Judine Keplar, Secondary ELA, 314-532-6427
- Zehra Khan, Secondary Math, 314-532-3574
- J. Carrie Launius, Elementary Science, 314-934-5258
- Dr. Valentina Bumbu, Secondary Science, 573-544-6835
- Dr. Glenn Barnes, Social Studies, 314-934-5267
- John Grapperhaus, Visual Arts, 314-934-5320
- Kaye Harrelson, Performing Arts, 314-934-5445
- Dr. Taresa Wright-Fraser, Elementary Math, 314-943-5266
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Resource Reminders
TECH TIPS:
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:
FOR STAFF:
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