Great Things Noticed:
Check out recent #ByramPride pictures: http://sfy.co/q0QFz
In Science this week students were learning about the properties of warm and cold water. Instead of having the students read a worksheet and then answer questions the students were able to have two containers, one with hot water and one with cold water. They conducted an experiment to see what happens when they are combined quickly and observe what happens.
In a language arts class students had a discussion in a Socratic Circle. Groups of students were given a problem to solve and then had to defend their decision. Students in the circle then asked questions to explore other ideas and the group presenting defended or modified their position. This activity is similar to what the pilot PARCC test requires students to do for speaking and listening skills.
It was great to see students reading in book clubs, with books they chose. When we think about how to motivate students to read I love how we are trying to model what are best readers do. Our best readers have conversations, ask questions, and can identify with characters and situations. By having the students work in book clubs we are teaching these students how to fall in love with reading.
It is great to see how grade levels are using their ID class to incorporate #GeniusHour activities for students. Those of you who are not familiar with this activity, the students pick a topic to research, or find a problem they would like to solve and then work on the project of their choosing. The projects I have seen have been amazing, students built their own bows, researched black holes, discovered what it is like to be an author, and much more. The students spend a great deal of time sifting through nonfiction text to make connections and draw conclusions. Perhaps my favorite part is the students are no longer just consumers of information, they use this information to create something new.
Nuts and Bolts:
Chromebooks Collection - will begin to be collected on June 7th. Any plans that you have with the students and the chromebooks will have to be completed by this date. We need to conduct and inventory and assess any damage to the chrome books and have enough time to collect fines from students. I know how hard you have worked to incorporate technology into your classrooms and now by taking it away it will require a different method of teaching. Thank you for all the dynamic lessons you were able to create with the chromebooks this year, the students have benefited tremendously.
Teachscape Domains 1 & 4 - Please make sure to update your domains in Teachscape. We are looking for systems you have developed throughout the year in each section. For example when it talks about Parent Communication you could give a brief narrative about your system for communication and provide some examples for us. We do not want you finding every example of communication but if you could provide a few you have throughout the year that would be great.
Make-Up PARCC Testing - This will take place this week and then we will have completed all PARCC Testing for the year.
End of Year Activities - Thank you for continuing to teach and assess as far into the year as possible. When the actives in your classroom become less and less academic the more behavior issues tend to increase. As we move towards June we realize you might have some activities planned with your students the last week of school that are fun (i.e. 8th grade color wars). Please keep us in the loop with these activities and when they are scheduled.
Upcoming Events:
May 22 ---------- Early Dismissal
May 25 ---------- Memorial Day – SCHOOL CLOSED
May 26 ---------- Senior Citizen Luncheon
May 27 ---------- NJ ASK – Grade 8 Science
BOE Meeting
May 28 ---------- 5th Grade Trip to Liberty Science Center
Band Concert
Arts Fair
June 3-5 ---------- 8th Grade DC Trip
June 16 ---------- Early Dismissals Begin
June 18 ---------- 8th Grade Awards Ceremony
June 22 ---------- Last Day of School -- Graduation
Tech Tips:
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