Blog Archives

A Healthy Dose of PBL

10/27/2017

Cassandra Dolinar’s students are learning how to make change happen in a very real way. Mrs. Dolinar spent her summer attending various Problem-based Learning trainings and, ultimately, designed a real-world activity for the freshman in her health classes. It all started with a driving question “How can we make Grandview High School a healthy lifestyle school?”. For their final product, students were required to propose two changes, one physical and one emotional/healthy, to Grandview High School.

They were allowed to choose their groups and were given a choice on how to present their proposals, either a website or a sales pitch format. The proposal requirements were very hefty. Presentations had to include an accurate cost analysis of the proposed changes, blueprints, and, in some cases, reaching beyond the classroom walls to experts in the field, like those they met on a field trip to Kansas City Community Garden.

The PBL process allowed students not only to learn about healthy lifestyles, but also about professionalism, public speaking, building relationships (both in school and the community), and collaboration. Student presentations took place last week in front of several experts who volunteered their time throughout the district and community. Their ideas were great! Mrs. Dolinar is making some changes for next semester, but is ready to start planning her next "mini" PBL project for a unit on bullying. Way to go!

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Writing to Improve Reading

10/16/2017

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Studies show that writing can be a powerful tool in helping to improve reading skills. This is exactly why 6th grade Martin City Middle students in Mrs. Brown’s reading classes are creating their very own blogs. Using Kidblog, students have been tasked not only with demonstrating reading comprehension, but also creating organized, meaningful posts that engage and entice their audience to read the books.

After being introduced to the concept and purpose of blogging, students were unleashed to respond to their first blog post: "Why is writing online different than writing in private?" Students' heads were down as they furiously typed away on their laptops, eager to share their personal thoughts about the topic provided. For now they are blogging for their teacher, but in the future students will be able to read and respond to all of their 6th grade peers at Martin City (and, maybe, beyond!). Class wasn't even over before they were asking when they can blog again and if they can do it from home! What an awesome way to engage and encourage students in reading!

Reflecting with SAMR

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Wizards of Words

10/5/2017

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First graders in Cindy Long's class at Martin City get to transform in to wizards of words! Mrs. Long was inspired after attending the Word Nerds session at C&I day and wanted to motivate her students. She decided to pair her idea with her student's use of OSMO Words. OSMO Words is a great technology tool that allows students to practice their spelling skills with challenges in the OSMO Words app.
When students go to this center, they get to transform into a wizard by putting on their wizard glasses before starting OSMO words activities.

Students were all smiles while they were wizards practicing their spelling. It goes to show that it isn't OSMO, the technology they were using, but Mrs. Long's idea that really will make an impact on their learning. Way to go Mrs. Long!

Reflecting with SAMR

Diane DeLaTorre

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iPad Management

10/2/2017

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Every year we continue to work and make improvements in how we manage our student iPads. Most of you may have noticed the changes with the iPad carts in your building this year. There were a few things that occurred in preparation for 2017-18 school year.

Most of the iPad carts in the buildings were re-imaged at the end of 2016-17 school year. And the rest of the student iPads, including carts used over the summer, were re-imaged after the completion of summer school. The re-image process wiped all student iPads clean and reinstalled all scoped apps from the previous school year.

A couple of things to keep in mind after iPads are re-imaged:

iPad names are randomly assigned as they re-enroll into the management system. Therefore, the case numbers will more likely be different from the iPad names.
Apps will need time to re-install so it is important to make sure all iPads are plugged in when not in use and should be located near a wifi access point.

In addition to re-imaging iPads, all iPad 2’s in the building carts were replaced with iPad Air’s over the summer. Any apps that were installed in the old iPads were installed in the new iPads as well.

The iPad setup/reimage process has improved over the years and we try to make the process go as smoothly as possible. We will be going through the same process at the end of the year and we hope it will be easier and faster than last year.

Pia Rosimo-Lee

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Showcase Blog

Weekly updates on the great things being done by schools, teachers, and students in the Grandview School District. A great way for us to learn from each other!

If you want to share something exciting that you or another staff member are doing with technology and/or STEM in the classroom please contact
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