May 23, 2009

Thank You for a Great Year!

This school year was incredible, and could not be summarized with a slogan better than our PTA theme:  Go Green:  We Are What We Grow.  Sope Creek grew in many ways this year and has much to celebrate.  

  • The HET (Highly Effective Teaching) Model has impacted our teachers and students as we worked to implement Stage 1:  The Physical and Emotional Environment of the Classroom.  Many Sope Creek teachers attended Model Teaching Week in June of 2008, and they will continue to implement the HET Model through Stages 2-5 during Model Teaching Week in June 2009.
  • Ten staff members attended the Schools Exceeding Expectations Conference and were immersed in a school district where the HET Model has been fully implemented.  They attended various schools, received training on the latest brain research regarding the differences between males and females (and how to best teach them), conducted book studies, and collaborated with teachers from all over the country.
  • Through the tireless work of our PTA, we were able to implement new programs such as immersion days on Early Release Days, allowing students in-school being there experiences centering on the Presidential Election, Health and Nutrition, and Going Green. 
  • Our Foundation was able to continue to fund-raise and to complete their committment to place a SMARTBoard in every classroom!  The SMARTKids Campaign became a reality, and all of our students are allowed opportunities for effective multi-sensory teaching and technology integration every day. 
  • The Foundation introduced additional after school enrichment opportunities such as Brainy Builders and a Tennis Program. Summer Drama Camp through Blake Cooper Productions will be returning this summer to provide drama instruction! 
  • Close to 100 Parent Volunteer Substitutes were trained this year so that we could fully implement Data Teams and give our teachers time to collaborate monthly; planning for increased student achievement in math.
  • Seeds of Nutrition partnered with the school and began our garden to table initiative.  New garden beds were constructed and students enjoyed learning the joy of growing and eating fresh foods.
  • Our PE Department introduced Fitness Clubs, allowing all fourth and fifth graders a chance to participate in physical activity daily:  even if they would not attend PE during their specials time.
  • We received Green School Status!!!
  • Students excelled in academics, and were recognized with many awards that include The Dazzling Diamonds Award, Recognition by the CCSD Board of Education, Writing Fair Winners, Student Performers in a Benefit Concert with Banks & Shane, Spelling Bee Winner, and National Math Contest Rankings.
  • Student organizations raised money for various charity organizations such as The Center and Nothing But Nets. 

We have so much to celebrate as we reflect on the 2008-2009 school year.  The vision that began the year, "We Are What We Grow" became a reality as we grew new programs and new initiatives at Sope Creek to benefit our students.  It is exciting to introduce the theme for 2009-2010 school year: 

Going Global: Shining on the World's Stage

Our vision for the coming school year is that we can help our students develop the skills they will need to compete in a global society.  We will also help them better understand themselves as we "Celebrate Our Eight" and focus on the eight multiple intelligences.

March 29, 2009

April is National Poetry Month!

Invitation

Poets' Websites

Shel Silverstein

Jack Prelutsky

Kalli Dakos

Karla Kuskin

Bruce Lansky

Robert Munsch

Writing With Writers from Scholastic
Three poets, webcasts of poetry-writing, and writing process explained.

To Do:
Poetry Idea Engine

Poetry Splatter

Acrostic Poems

Diamonte Poems

I Have a Dream Poem Maker

a;lsdkfj


March 23, 2009

CRCT Parent Notification

Dear Parents,

Students in first and second grades will take the Criterion Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) from April 21-23.  The Criterion Referenced Competency Tests are part of the required assessment program for the state of Georgia.  Students will be assessed on how well they have learned the content standards for their grade in three content areas (Reading, English/Language Arts, and Mathematics).

Students in third, fourth and fifth grades will take the Criterion Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) from April 21-27.  The Criterion Referenced Competency Tests are part of the required assessment program for the state of Georgia.  Students will be assessed on how well they have learned the content standards for their grade in five content areas (Reading, English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies).

All tests are multiple-choice and will provide both the school and parent with important information about the strengths and weaknesses of students in core academic areas.  The tests are based on the required state curriculum and are designed to measure the knowledge and skills taught and learned in Georgia classrooms.

It is important for your child to be at school on time each testing day.  Testing begins in our school at 8:00 A.M.  Students will not be allowed to enter the testing room once testing has begun.  Students usually perform best when they take the test in a familiar environment.  If students are absent or tardy, make-up sessions may be administered by the counselor or other certified personnel that may not be your student’s teacher.

Please stress to your student the importance of the test and doing his/her best.  However, be careful not to create undue anxiety in the student.  Students perform best when they are relaxed.

You will be notified when test results are received.  Thank you for your cooperation.  If you have any questions, please feel free email Jessica Appleyard at Jessica.Appleyard@cobbk12.org.  

Sincerely,
Jessica Appleyard
Assistant Principal

CRCT Testing Tub Sheets

Reading
Download Reading Grades 1 and 2
Download Reading Grades 345

English/Language Arts
Download ELA Grades 1 and 2
Download ELA Grades 345

Math
Download Math Grades 1 and 2
Download Math Grades 345

Science
Download Science Grades 345

Social Studies
Download Soc St Grades 345

March 19, 2009

K/1 Self-Directed Art Project

In case you want to project the images on your SMARTBoard, you can download the PowerPoint from Bonnie.  If you project the lesson, you can use the background text about Rachel Perry Welty for shared reading.  Students can also see all pictures at the same time!

Download GOGR LESSON PLAN AND ART PROJECT-1

January 15, 2009

Inauguration PowerPoint

Star_american_flag_waiving_md_clr If you would like a basic PowerPoint that shows students the words of the Presidential Oath of Office and to help students understand the Oath, you can use the following PowerPoint. 
Download Presidential Inauguration

**Note:  The POWER behind PowerPoint is the discussion that you can have with your students! 

...........................................................................................

Inauguration Day Activities and Links from Emails and the Social Studies Blog:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/socialstd/files/inauguration-day-es.pdf

Inauguration Countdown Kit
http://www.smithsonianstudenttravel.com/splash/inaugurationcountdownkit/default.aspx

Inauguration Day Activities

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/Socialstd/Elect_Act5.html

The Flying Inauguration of the "Sudden President"

http://www.firstladies.org/curriculum/curriculum.aspx?Curriculum=1689

Inauguration 2009

http://www.uen.org/general_learner/inauguration/index.shtml

Cobb County Social Studies Blog Post with Multiple Resources

http://cicobb.typepad.com/es_socst/2008/12/inauguration-guidelines-and-resources.html

...........................................................................................

An Amazing Example of Performance Based Instruction.

In my opinion, one of the main misunderstandings with performance based instruction is that it means hands-on instruction.  Hands-on is only one component.  I feel that true performance based instruction involves an authentic audience, a real-life context, and connections beyond the classroom.  It allows students to apply their learning to the real world.  Students at the Ron Clark Academy wrote a song for an authentic audience:  President-Elect Obama.  Their song was heard by the world, and they have been invited to perform at the Inauguration.  Kids have the power to be heard.  We just need to provide them with the opportunity!

October 18, 2008

Vocabulary, Fluency, & Comprehension

BannerOn Thursday, October 16th, Jill Hawes and Lori Levan presented a one-day staff development session to many Sope Creek teachers and teachers from othe Cobb Schools.

Teachers learned how to teach reading strategies and metacognitive strategies through picture books. 

Charts and graphic organizers are a critical part of teaching literacy.  They provide a model for students and a clear visual reminder of the strategies.

The slide show below contains images of many of the posters.  to get a closer view, click on the image and you will be taken to the online album.

Additional Resources:
Lesson Plans, Power Point Presentations, and Tools from the Mosaic Listserv
Downloadable Comprehension Strategy Posters
Rubrics
Strategies, Songs, and Posters
Making Connections
Questioning

Visualizing
Inferring


October 05, 2008

Data Team Spreadsheets

Primary & Intermediate Teacher Spreadsheets.

Geek_calculating_stuff_lg_clr Choose the correct link.
Right - Click on the link.
Save Link As.
Put the spreadsheet on your desktop or in your H:/ Drive.  The spreadsheet will do the math for you.  All you need to do is enter the data!

Primary:  Download primary_data_collection_sheet.xls

Intermediate:  Download intermediate_data_collection_sheet.xls

Enter your name and your grade level in the correct field.  List names of students in the "Student Name" column.  **List names Last name, First name. 

Teachers will be expected to turn in their class averages to their Data Team Members each quarter.

Master Sheets for Data Team Members
Data Team Members, you will need to download the appropriate sheet for your grade level and use it to record data each quarter.  There are formulas in each sheet that will do the math/averaging for you.

First Grade:  Download first_grade_master_data_collection_sheet.xls
Second Grade:  Download second_grade_master_data_collection_sheet.xls
Third Grade:  Download third_grade_master_data_collection_sheet.xls
Fourth Grade:  Download fourth_grade_master_data_collection_sheet.xls
Fifth Grade:  Download fifth_grade_master_data_collection_sheet.xls

October 01, 2008

Second Grade Planning Resources

Just the standards:
ELA
Math
Science
Social Studies

Frameworks
ELA
Math
Science
Social Studies

Blank templates with standards:

Science:  Download 2nd_grade_science.doc
Social Studies:  Download 2nd_grade_social_studies.doc

Content Area Blogs:
ELA Blog
Math Blog
Science Blog
Social Studies Blog

September 15, 2008

Nutrition Day @ The Creek: Supplemental Activities

Primary Grades:

Play "Are You a Mind Reader?" using vocabulary introduced during the performance.  You may access in one of the following ways and project on to your SmartBoard.

Teacher Directions for "Are You a Mind Reader?"  Download are_you_a_mind_reader_primary.doc

SmartBoard 9.0 File "Take Your Food to Heart":
Download take_your_food_to_heart.notebook

.jpg image file:  Take_your_food_to_heart_1 Click to enlarge.

Primary Word Search in MS Word Format (to project or to print):  Download primary_word_search_take_your_food_to_heart.doc

Primary Word Search in SB 9.0 :  Download primary_word_search.notebook

BrainPop:  Circulatory System:  http://www.brainpop.com/health/bodysystems/circulatorysystem/

BrainPop:  Heart:  http://www.brainpop.com/health/bodysystems/heart/

BrainPop:  Nutrition:  http://www.brainpop.com/health/nutrition/nutrition/

Build the Digestive System:  http://harcourtschool.com/activity/digest/index.htm

INTERMEDIATE GRADES:

Intermediate Word Search in MS Word Format: Download feed_your_brain_intermediate_word_search.doc

BrainPop:  What are Neurons?  http://www.brainpop.com/health/bodysystems/neurons/

BrainPop:  Body Chemistry: Why Do We Need to Eat and Drink?  http://www.brainpop.com/health/bodysystems/bodychemistry/

BrainPop:  Nutrition:  http://www.brainpop.com/health/nutrition/nutrition/