To culminate our studies of symbols we worked with Mrs. D'Elia and Mr. Callahan to make this video presentation. We know you will be very impressed!
Learning Every Day In Burlington Public Schools
Showing posts with label Learning Every Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Learning Every Day. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Day 152 - Tim Calvin, Burlington High School English Department
An idea about food.:
Nutrition and students is a huge topic in schools- what with obesity rates climbing and the health problems associated with that. As a result, Massachusetts has a law on the books that requires students buying lunch at schools to take a piece of fruit. It isn’t mandated that they eat the fruit, but it has to be on their tray when they check out.
Fine.
Except much (most?) of the fruit ends up in the trash barrel five feet away. Not eaten, not handed back- tossed. It seems a waste. And in thinking about what makes people want to eat fruit, three things came to mind:
1. Availability. Fruit that’s easy to get will get eaten more than… well, this is pretty obvious.
2. Quality. Fruit that looks/smells/feels/tastes good is nearly impossible to resist. In parties with little kids, someone always brings a platter of cookies. Someone else brings a platter of fruit. The fruit is always gone first.
3. Cost. If the fruit costs less than other options, it’ll get eaten more. Again, obvious.
So with those three givens, I propose the following move: the school fruit bowl.
We’re already buying the fruit- so that part of the cost is done. I realize we recover some of that cost when we sell the student lunch, but still. We should be able to swing this. Anyway, it’s simple. Park a big bowl (or bowls) around the school with free fresh fruit in them. Free satisfies #3, and bowls around common areas satisfies #2. As far as quality goes, I’d argue that buying the in-season fruit would help keep costs down and quality up.
Think of the problems this solves: any hungry kid, at whatever time of the day, could easily pick up a readily available free piece of fruit to eat. It’s healthy, yes, but it also provides an elegant solution to both the health problem as well as the I-didn’t-eat-breakfast-for-whatever-reason problem.
But I think the advantages run deeper- just like the bowl of fruit on the kitchen table at home helps provide a central point for the family, I think a bowl of fruit in a school can provide a similar function. It can provide a better sense of community. It can provide a location for accidental interactions- with both students and staff- that might not otherwise meet. Those chance encounters provide all sorts of fertile ground for staff and student interactions- and those interactions can lead to some meaningful connections and relationships.
And for the cost of some fruit. Seems like a bargain.
Nutrition and students is a huge topic in schools- what with obesity rates climbing and the health problems associated with that. As a result, Massachusetts has a law on the books that requires students buying lunch at schools to take a piece of fruit. It isn’t mandated that they eat the fruit, but it has to be on their tray when they check out.
Fine.
Except much (most?) of the fruit ends up in the trash barrel five feet away. Not eaten, not handed back- tossed. It seems a waste. And in thinking about what makes people want to eat fruit, three things came to mind:
1. Availability. Fruit that’s easy to get will get eaten more than… well, this is pretty obvious.
2. Quality. Fruit that looks/smells/feels/tastes good is nearly impossible to resist. In parties with little kids, someone always brings a platter of cookies. Someone else brings a platter of fruit. The fruit is always gone first.
3. Cost. If the fruit costs less than other options, it’ll get eaten more. Again, obvious.
So with those three givens, I propose the following move: the school fruit bowl.
We’re already buying the fruit- so that part of the cost is done. I realize we recover some of that cost when we sell the student lunch, but still. We should be able to swing this. Anyway, it’s simple. Park a big bowl (or bowls) around the school with free fresh fruit in them. Free satisfies #3, and bowls around common areas satisfies #2. As far as quality goes, I’d argue that buying the in-season fruit would help keep costs down and quality up.
Think of the problems this solves: any hungry kid, at whatever time of the day, could easily pick up a readily available free piece of fruit to eat. It’s healthy, yes, but it also provides an elegant solution to both the health problem as well as the I-didn’t-eat-breakfast-for-whatever-reason problem.
But I think the advantages run deeper- just like the bowl of fruit on the kitchen table at home helps provide a central point for the family, I think a bowl of fruit in a school can provide a similar function. It can provide a better sense of community. It can provide a location for accidental interactions- with both students and staff- that might not otherwise meet. Those chance encounters provide all sorts of fertile ground for staff and student interactions- and those interactions can lead to some meaningful connections and relationships.
And for the cost of some fruit. Seems like a bargain.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Day 149 - Pine Glen Elementary - Grade 2 Students
Second Grade Culture Projects:
This year our really big library and technology project with the second grade was the culture project. Inspired by work shared by teachers at Fox Hill during a Social Studies Curriculum Council meeting, this was an in-depth project involving instruction by the second grade teachers, librarian, and technology specialist. Students researched and learned about one of the cultures their family came from, nonfiction text features, and finding appropriate images online, then inserting those and text into a finished electronic book on the iPad. Many students also used their voices to share some of the words they learned in the language of the country that they studied.
Click on the links below to access the books created by the second grade students!
If you need help viewing these books, please see this post with instructions for both computers and iOS devices like the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.
This year our really big library and technology project with the second grade was the culture project. Inspired by work shared by teachers at Fox Hill during a Social Studies Curriculum Council meeting, this was an in-depth project involving instruction by the second grade teachers, librarian, and technology specialist. Students researched and learned about one of the cultures their family came from, nonfiction text features, and finding appropriate images online, then inserting those and text into a finished electronic book on the iPad. Many students also used their voices to share some of the words they learned in the language of the country that they studied.
Click on the links below to access the books created by the second grade students!
If you need help viewing these books, please see this post with instructions for both computers and iOS devices like the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Day 140 - Laura Delia, Pine Glen Elementary Library
Where Can I Find Books to Read This Summer?:
Find links to all of the recommendations listed below (and more!) on the “Summer Reading” Symbaloo page.
Glen Picnic and Book Fair, June 12
All books will be Buy One, Get One Free. Great chance to stock up on summer reads!
Got Books? Book Cart
Pine Glen now has a Free Lending Library Book Cart in the lobby filled with gently used books from the Used Book Superstore of Burlington. They are free so take one or donate one (or two or three)! Only available while school is scheduled.Burlington Public Library
Not only do they have a great Summer Reading Program but you can check out books, magazines, graphic novels, and ebooks all year long! It’s free!iReady
Pine Glen students can continue to use iReady at home over the summer. Just use the same student login you use at school. Free to use.Tumblebooks
Pine Glen’s database of digital picture books available to students and their families all summer long. Free to use.WeGiveBooks.org
Sign up for a free account and you and your family will have access to a great collection of web-based, digital books you can read online. Plus! for every book you read, one book is donated to a world literacy cause. It’s free!Used Book Superstore
Lots of great deals all year long!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Day 137 - Marshall Simonds Middle School Grade 6
Grade 6 Students Go to Mars at the McAuliffe Center:
Last week , sixth grade students participated in a field trip to the Christa McAuliffe center at Framingham State University. Students had the opportunity to participate in a “Mission to Mars”, in which students played the roles of astronauts and scientists in the Mars lander spaceship and in mission control. They learned the importance of teamwork as they finished the tasks necessary to land the spaceship on Mars, and to launch a new crew back to Earth. In addition, the students viewed “Oasis in Space”, a digital multimedia presentation in the planetarium. They followed the presentation with a lesson on constellations by the planetarium staff, and a viewing of a scale model of the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
Last week , sixth grade students participated in a field trip to the Christa McAuliffe center at Framingham State University. Students had the opportunity to participate in a “Mission to Mars”, in which students played the roles of astronauts and scientists in the Mars lander spaceship and in mission control. They learned the importance of teamwork as they finished the tasks necessary to land the spaceship on Mars, and to launch a new crew back to Earth. In addition, the students viewed “Oasis in Space”, a digital multimedia presentation in the planetarium. They followed the presentation with a lesson on constellations by the planetarium staff, and a viewing of a scale model of the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Day 135 - Mrs. Olshaw, Memorial School Fourth Grade
Bridges Program:
We just met for the last time with our new friends from the Senior Center. What a great seven weeks we had while we learned side-by-side every Wednesday afternoon. We will miss their company as they, I am sure, will miss ours.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Day 134 - Eric Conti, Superintendent of Schools
Deborah Dressler Selected As New Memorial School Principal:
We are excited to welcome Deb Dressler to Burlington as the new Memorial Principal. Ms. Rickershauser and Ms. Dressler will be working together over the next month to ensure a smooth transition. Ms. Dressler’s Burlington email is active if you would like to send her a greeting – Ddressler@bpsk12.org.
Here is a short introductory video we recorded with Principal Dressler last week.
We are excited to welcome Deb Dressler to Burlington as the new Memorial Principal. Ms. Rickershauser and Ms. Dressler will be working together over the next month to ensure a smooth transition. Ms. Dressler’s Burlington email is active if you would like to send her a greeting – Ddressler@bpsk12.org.
Here is a short introductory video we recorded with Principal Dressler last week.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Day 133 - Ms. Gould's AP Students
Mrs. Gould's AP Psychology's Helping Hands Website:
Mrs. Gould's AP Psychology class created a website that provides information and resources for some of the problems students at BHS might experience.
The website offers help and guidance to cope with these challenges, which include, for example, bullying, body image, relationships, drugs and alcohol, and other social/emotional issues.
The students in Mrs. Gould's class understand how hard it is to find information about possible difficulties or struggles that high schoolers can face. As a result they attempted to only use the most helpful and trusted resources in the Helping Hands website. Students from AP Psychology hope that students will find this website to be very useful.
The website offers help and guidance to cope with these challenges, which include, for example, bullying, body image, relationships, drugs and alcohol, and other social/emotional issues.
The students in Mrs. Gould's class understand how hard it is to find information about possible difficulties or struggles that high schoolers can face. As a result they attempted to only use the most helpful and trusted resources in the Helping Hands website. Students from AP Psychology hope that students will find this website to be very useful.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Day 131 - Ben Lally, Burlington High School English Department
Pre-Release Event for Ms. Sullivan’s Debut Novel – Golden Boy:
On June 18th, BHS’s own Ms. Sullivan will hold a book event to celebrate the release of her novel Golden Boy, which is scheduled for release by Penguin Publishing in late June. She has arranged for Penguin to send her some copies in advance of the release date just for BHS students & staff. On the 18th, Ms. Sullivan will hold a Q&A during each period that will be open to the English classes & electives, and she’s offering the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book in advance (and even get it signed!)
If you are interested in ordering a copy of the book, please download and fill out this form and bring it in to your English teacher or to Ms. Sullivan herself (Your English teacher may also have copies of this form available). BHS -GB PreOrder Form
Class of 2013 – if you are interested in ordering a copy, let Mr. Lally know and Ms. Sullivan can bring your copy to graduation (or, you can also come by to the event on the 18th)
Since Ms. Sullivan has to put in the order for these copies soon, please bring in the form and the payment by the end of this week (May 31).
For information about the novel, CLICK HERE
Thanks!
On June 18th, BHS’s own Ms. Sullivan will hold a book event to celebrate the release of her novel Golden Boy, which is scheduled for release by Penguin Publishing in late June. She has arranged for Penguin to send her some copies in advance of the release date just for BHS students & staff. On the 18th, Ms. Sullivan will hold a Q&A during each period that will be open to the English classes & electives, and she’s offering the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book in advance (and even get it signed!)
If you are interested in ordering a copy of the book, please download and fill out this form and bring it in to your English teacher or to Ms. Sullivan herself (Your English teacher may also have copies of this form available). BHS -GB PreOrder Form
Class of 2013 – if you are interested in ordering a copy, let Mr. Lally know and Ms. Sullivan can bring your copy to graduation (or, you can also come by to the event on the 18th)
Since Ms. Sullivan has to put in the order for these copies soon, please bring in the form and the payment by the end of this week (May 31).
For information about the novel, CLICK HERE
Thanks!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Day 130 - Eric Conti, Superintendent of Schools
The New MCAS is called PARCC:
Massachusetts may be joining a number of states who will be using the PARCC Test in conjunction with the adoption to the Common Core Curriculum Standards.
The presentations above and the one linked below were from the spring Superintendents’ Association gathering. The first contain national information and sample questions. The second is from the MA DESE. It is important to note that MA has not officially made a decision as to whether to adopt the PARCC Test although we are to prepare to implement the computer-based assessment during the 2014-15 school year.
Presentation_for_MASS_May_23_13_SJS_Nelhaus
Friday, May 24, 2013
Day 129 - Marshall Simonds Middle School 8th Grade Science Classes
Grade 8 Science – Parachute Testing Lab:
As part of their study of physical science, 8th grade students learn about the many forces (mostly invisible) that affect their lives. Most well known is the force of gravity, which accelerates a falling object at nearly 10 meters per second toward the earth’s surface causing the object to go faster and faster. Air resistance, the collision of air particles pushing upward against the falling object, reduces the acceleration of gravity until the object eventually reaches a maximum or terminal velocity.
In one of their experiments, students tried to maximize air resistance by constructing a parachute out of a plastic bag and string, with 2 metal washers representing the payload. The most successful chutes were able to slow the descent to about 1 meter per second, just over 2 mph, a safe land speed for a parachutist!
As part of their study of physical science, 8th grade students learn about the many forces (mostly invisible) that affect their lives. Most well known is the force of gravity, which accelerates a falling object at nearly 10 meters per second toward the earth’s surface causing the object to go faster and faster. Air resistance, the collision of air particles pushing upward against the falling object, reduces the acceleration of gravity until the object eventually reaches a maximum or terminal velocity.
In one of their experiments, students tried to maximize air resistance by constructing a parachute out of a plastic bag and string, with 2 metal washers representing the payload. The most successful chutes were able to slow the descent to about 1 meter per second, just over 2 mph, a safe land speed for a parachutist!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Day 127 - Keith Mistler, Burlington High School Art Department
A Time for Reflection: 
Student work: this image makes me long for the carefree life of High School!
Student work: this image makes me long for the carefree life of High School!
As the school year begins to wind down, I am reminded that the school year never truly ends for teachers. The summer is a time to relax and recharge, but it is also a time for reflection. Reflection can sometimes by missed or skipped due to our busy schedules and fast-paced lives. Teachers can often skip reflection all together due to trying to cram everything in before the close of the school year. But taking time to reflect is a very important part of education. In my art classes, we work hard and fast on school projects in order to create, create, create! Talking about what was done really helps the high school students understand what they did and WHY. And it also helps me to understand what they thought about a particular lesson or project.
This summer, I plan on taking my time and renewing my love for teaching. Statistics state that most teachers leave the profession after only three years. I was just talking to my sister-in-law about the new rigorous educator evaluation system being put into place next year. Her question to me: "Do doctors or lawyers undergo an evaluation system like the kind that teachers are put through? How can teachers not get burnt out?" Great questions--and those answers are better saved for another post. My point is that this is my 3rd year of teaching, and I won't lie and say that I'm not exhausted! I have found that I have put so much time and effort into teaching (working what feels like around the clock), that I think I need a bit of a break. No, I'm not leaving; I just need time to reflect on the past three years and decide what works, what doesn't, and how should I continue in order to be successful in the future. During the last summer I have taken art courses, photographed weddings, and relaxed with friends and family; this summer I plan to do the same, but with more time spent reflecting and relaxing. How am I doing and what can I do better--both in my career and in life. I cannot imaging working as a CEO for 80 hours a week with 2 weeks or less of vacation. Our bodies and minds need to rest and recharge--that is why we need to sleep 7 hours a night. I feel that Americans neglect this rest and reflection even though there have been many studies that cite the benefits. Because teachers have the summers off, we are helping our students to succeed in giving ourselves that time to recoup and regenerate.
Next year I will have my first student teacher from Boston University. I am excited to welcome here here at Burlington High School, but I am also looking forward to helping her thrive and not be the third year fed-up teacher statistic in her future.
I have accomplished so much these past three years and I am proud of these accomplishments; I should be proud of them. I often teach my students to take a step back after creating and appreciate what they've done; share the work and be proud! I love my students and my school, and I want to be happy here with them. I would have never dreamed that I would love my job so much; but I truly am in my dream job. I want to feel that way in ten years, so this summer is for you, Mr. Mistler.
This summer, I plan on taking my time and renewing my love for teaching. Statistics state that most teachers leave the profession after only three years. I was just talking to my sister-in-law about the new rigorous educator evaluation system being put into place next year. Her question to me: "Do doctors or lawyers undergo an evaluation system like the kind that teachers are put through? How can teachers not get burnt out?" Great questions--and those answers are better saved for another post. My point is that this is my 3rd year of teaching, and I won't lie and say that I'm not exhausted! I have found that I have put so much time and effort into teaching (working what feels like around the clock), that I think I need a bit of a break. No, I'm not leaving; I just need time to reflect on the past three years and decide what works, what doesn't, and how should I continue in order to be successful in the future. During the last summer I have taken art courses, photographed weddings, and relaxed with friends and family; this summer I plan to do the same, but with more time spent reflecting and relaxing. How am I doing and what can I do better--both in my career and in life. I cannot imaging working as a CEO for 80 hours a week with 2 weeks or less of vacation. Our bodies and minds need to rest and recharge--that is why we need to sleep 7 hours a night. I feel that Americans neglect this rest and reflection even though there have been many studies that cite the benefits. Because teachers have the summers off, we are helping our students to succeed in giving ourselves that time to recoup and regenerate.
Next year I will have my first student teacher from Boston University. I am excited to welcome here here at Burlington High School, but I am also looking forward to helping her thrive and not be the third year fed-up teacher statistic in her future.
I have accomplished so much these past three years and I am proud of these accomplishments; I should be proud of them. I often teach my students to take a step back after creating and appreciate what they've done; share the work and be proud! I love my students and my school, and I want to be happy here with them. I would have never dreamed that I would love my job so much; but I truly am in my dream job. I want to feel that way in ten years, so this summer is for you, Mr. Mistler.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Day 125 - Ms. Varrell, Pine Glen Elementary School Grade 2
Our Trip to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary:
Here's a quick pictorial look at our trip to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield, MA. Thank you so much to Ms. Cohen, Ms. Boogaard and Ms. Thyne (and Mr. Conte from Ms. Anderson's room) for their fabulous chaperoning throughout the trip!
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| Our naturalist, Bruce, explaining the tools we will use to catch 'land insects'. |
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| Nick, checking out a 'land net' for results. |
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| Later, we put our insects into small containers to look at more closely. |
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| There's a dragonfly in there somewhere! |
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| Bruce used a flow chart to show us how to determine what kinds of insects we found. |
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| Mr. and Mrs. Goose and their three goslings taking a swim on the Ipswich River. |
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| Learning about 'water insects'. |
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| Bruce, demonstrating the use of a strainer (sieve) to collect water insects. |
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| Insects like to hide! |
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| "Let's see what we got!" |
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| "I hope we find some tadpoles!" |
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| Cleaning the strainers before returning them to their place. |
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| Returning the insects to their natural habitat. |
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| What a fabulous class! |
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| Oh my! Whose class is this?? |
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