2nd Grade Science

District Goal #2 is:

To obtain a satisfying and productive classroom and school learning environment

This week, 2nd graders got hands-on experience as scientists!  To learn about the scientific method, they used candy as the basis of their experiment.  After creating “I wonder…” questions, they weighed M&M’s, Skittles, and Smarties.  Next, they hypothesized whether or not the candy would float when dropped in water.  The excitement grew as partners dropped candy into cups of water to test their hypothesis. Once the test was done, they recorded results on their data sheets.  Students learned that scientists don’t always hypothesize correctly and that sometimes taking risks and making mistakes is how we learn best!  All in all, it was a “sweet” science lesson in 2nd grade.

Submitted by: Mrs. Zarko and Mrs. Pitzer

Classroom Learning Communities align to Building Goals

District Strategic Goal #1 is:

To continuously improve student growth and achievement.

Mrs. Zarko’s 2nd Grade Class visited the building data center that is displayed just outside the office to view the building goals. Once students had an understanding of the DGS goals, they established classroom learning expectations and goal areas. The mission and goals created by 2Z are now on display in the main hallway of the building.  The systematic alignment of our district, building, and classroom goals is a key strategy in improving student growth and achievement. The students in 2Z are well on their way to becoming 21st Century Learners!

Foundation for Classroom Learning Communities

District Strategic Goal #1 is:

To continuously improve student growth and achievement.

At Dunlap Grade School, we work diligently to ensure students develop the following 21st century skills.

  • Self-motivated learners
  • Critical thinkers
  • Effective communicators
  • Skilled collaborators
  • Responsible and culturally aware citizens
  • Technologically capable creators

As a mode to accomplish this task, we employ the strategy of creating Classroom Learning Communities. Classroom Learning Communities is a strategy that

  • Has students working collaboratively to write classroom ground rules.
  • Engages students in generating a classroom mission statement.
  • Makes students accountable for their learning through maintenance of a Data Binders.
  • Encourages self-motivation through Classroom Data Center.
  • Enhances communication and collaboration through classroom meetings, student-led conferences, and use of quality tools.

The first week of school, each classroom at DGS created grounds rules and a classroom mission statement. Students were actively engaged in this process to promote accountability and ownership. These two components of the classroom learning community set the expectation for the year and lay the foundation for the learning ahead.

At DGS, we “promote active engagement of all members to ensure that students have the skills to succeed in the 21 st century.”

Finding Our Greatness

At Dunlap Grade School, we were excited to welcome our students to the 2012-2013 school year. Students spent the morning unpacking school supplies, developing classroom ground rules, and defining the words “quality” and “greatness.” We hosted an Opening Ceremony this morning that included a “Parade of Classrooms” with teachers as flag bearers, singing of the National Anthem, welcome address by Mrs. Ellis, and introduction of all staff to the students. Teachers and students defined greatness to set the tone for our work ahead this year. Definitions of greatness included quality, hard work, risk-taking, creativity, innovation, perseverance, determination, and trying our best. Classrooms will continue to define greatness as they develop classroom mission statements and set classroom SMART goals as part of  each Classroom Learning Community throughout the first week of school.

Our path to greatness this year will focus on the tenants of our mission. The mission of the Dunlap School District is to “empower all students to excel in a global society.” We define this as 21st century learning where students are:

  • Self-motivated learners
  • Critical thinkers
  • Effective communicators
  • Skilled collaborators
  • Responsible and culturally aware citizens
  • Technologically capable creators

Students were also introduced to a new classroom incentive from Mr. Horrie, our custodian. Classrooms that maintain the cleanest classroom learning environment will earn a traveling trophy as well as extra recess with Mr. Horrie! We know our students will take as much pride in our building as our staff does!

Finally, students were introduced to the new morning routine. In an effort to increase instructional time, minimize transition, maintain consistency with other district elementary building routines, and develop a satisfying and productive school learning and teaching environment, students will enter the gym each morning to participate in morning announcements. Morning announcements will begin promptly at 7:35 with students returning to classrooms ready to learn by 7:39am. During announcements, we will celebrate successes towards school goals, share important announcements, recognize birthdays, and develop our learning community.

Welcome Back for a year of creativity, innovation and learning at DGS!

Math in Focus

District Strategic Goal #1 is:

To continuously improve student growth and achievement.

This week, 4th Grade Teacher, Teresa Marquis and building principal, Mandy Ellis, joined 11 other district elementary staff at the Singapore Math Learning Institute in Chicago, Illinois. This institute provided staff the opportunity to learn more about the math materials and philosophy that were recently adopted by the district. After more than a year of studying and researching various math curriculum products, the District Curriculum Council recommended Math in Focus.

Students in Grades K, 1, 2, and 4 will be learning math with the new Math in Focus materials this school year. 3rd and 5th Grades at DGS will implement Math in Focus during the 2013-2014 school year. Math materials have arrived and teachers will receive on-going training through the year. Additionally, parents will receive the opportunity to learn more at different times throughout the school year.

“Singapore math” is the term used to refer to the mathematics curriculum used in Singapore. For over 15 years, Singapore has consistently scored at the top of international mathematics comparison studies. Its unique approach to teaching math — which focuses on problem solving, deep understanding, and model drawing — has helped Singapore students excel, and now U.S. students have the same opportunity to benefit from this proven curriculum!

Math in Focus is the U.S. edition of Singapore’s most widely used program. It teaches the same content as traditional mathematics programs — just in a way that emphasizes understanding and flexible thinking. Math in Focus will teach your children both how and why math works. This deep understanding means that they will be better able to use math in real-life situations. Furthermore, it aligns to the Common Core Standards.

We are excited to be able to engage students in math and increase their ability to problem-solve, collaborate, and learn. Learn more about Math in Focus by clicking here.

 

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