Before Thanksgiving I shared the exciting news that some of our sixth grade students were working as ‘editors’ of a real-world young people’s novel.
As editors, they will be providing input and insight to the author, as the novel approaches publication. As I mentioned before, this connection came about as a result of a tweet from the young readers’ author, Erin Downing.
How do our teachers and staff use Twitter and other social media tools in the classroom?
What are the tools our teachers and administrators use to grow their own learning and provide enriched experiences for our students?
I asked Dr. Danielle Gately, director of secondary curriculum and social studies, and Audra Beberman, instructional technology specialist, to help me answer these questions.
Below is their overview of these media:
Twitter: Twitter is an information network made up of 140-character messages called Tweets. It’s an easy way to discover the latest news related to subjects you care about.
For educators, it best follows the ideology of “the smartest person in the room, is the room itself” — where the sharing of ideas and collaboration to grow best practices becomes the norm.
Teachers, professors, administrators, and authors are often found participating in the same Twitter chats on various topics to discuss a myriad of issues related to learning.
During each week, there are Twitter chats that are moderated by thought leaders in education.
The chats are generally one-hour long and follow the same format. The topics are sometimes broad such as #NYedchat every other Monday, or specific as in #1stchat (for 1st grade teachers).
The moderator formulates five-six questions and broaches them one at a time in this format Q1: ___#NYedchat… allowing the participants time to answer and comment on each other’s answers.
They always use the hashtag (#) before the name of the chat so that the participants can follow the thread of the conversation and know which Tweets are in the conversation among the many tweets on their home screen. Here’s the list of education chats as gathered by @cybraryman1: https://sites.google.com/site/twittereducationchats/education-chat-calendar
Social Media: Social media are computer-mediated tools that allow people to create, share or exchange information, career interests, ideas, and pictures/videos in virtual communities and networks.
Twitter is by far the most recognized of these tools, but not the only one available to teachers.
Social media also allows teachers and schools to “brand” their classrooms and schools by showing their best practices and the culture that the school has developed in relation to digital citizenship, anti-bullying, literacy, and other “hot” topics in education.
PLN: PLN stands for Personal (or Professional) Learning Network.
Originally this may have consisted of a few friends you met at teaching college with whom you shared ideas and resources, then adding in a few members of staff in the schools where you taught, teachers you met at courses, and so it grew.
What it means now is that an individual has developed their own personalized “network” of fellow educators and resources that are designed to make them a better teacher.
This network exists both in their real-life relationships and online through their social media connections. In the past, teachers were able to get connected to teaching resources through master’s courses, education journals, conferences, professional development, and other similar activities.
These were and still are excellent ways to broaden your knowledge and skills in education.
However, because each of these requires your physical presence and procurement of physical materials, they also come with certain restrictions. Twitter allows these connections to happen without the “walls” and restrictions of physical time and space.
Specifically in the area of literacy, authors are renowned for connecting with their readership in this quick and efficient Twitter-sphere. Teachers can take advantage of these connections to both inform their teaching and inspire their students with first-hand conversations with authors they love!
What are some examples of these social media tools that our East Williston teachers have employed? See three examples below:
Willets Road fifth grade teacher Lynn Flynn received a “re-tweet” from Dr. Gately which stated that Erin Downing was seeking student editors for her next book. Ms. Flynn connected with the author, Ms. Downing, and within a short time, three of her students from last year received a manuscript for their editing and feedback.
Last year, Dr. Gately and Diane Ilkiw, Willets Road library media specialist, were reading “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate (@kaauthor) with the ‘Breakfast and a Book’ students.
After tweeting about the book and breakfast, and tagging the author, Ms. Applegate reached out to Ms. Ilkiw and sent her a signed poster and autographed bookmarks for the students. Ms. Applegate continues to reply to tweets this year as the book club is reading her newest book, Crenshaw.
Ms. Flynn and many teachers in the district have learned to use Twitter over the past few years through workshops taught by Dr. Gately and David Casamento, Director of Science and Technology, and Ms. Ilkiw offered by the East Williston Teacher Center.
Staff members have also worked collegially with these and other colleagues to utilize these social media tools in the classroom and as professional learning opportunities.
Wheatley principal Sean Feeney and Dr. Gately have also presented to parents attending the Wheatley PTO meeting as a way to help parents learn more about the positive use of Twitter.
In another example, the Willets Road sixth grade team uses Edmodo, the equivalent of an “education” Facebook for a variety of communication venues that support the sixth grade educational program.
For example, Edmodo allows the team to run a blog where students can post and answer open forum questions on a book the class is reading, teachers can post homework assignments, students can communicate with each other regarding assignments, shared work for comments can be posted and teachers can comment on student work, among other program features.
Hour of Code
The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries.
Coding teaches our students not just to use computer programs to accomplish certain tasks, but that it is possible to train computers to accomplish new tasks.
In addition, students have opportunity to learn and develop important new skills in computer technology, and to advance in logical thinking and problem solving. Research indicates that through coding, students gain the traits of persistence, communication and collaboration as methods to achieve results.
Here in the East Williston School District, we celebrated an Hour of Code and in some cases have extended it beyond an hour, to a week or more.
In each of our North Side Computer Technology classes, taught by Rochelle Sroka, students were introduced to our new computer science curriculum — computer coding.
Kindergarten students were introduced to the fundamental skills of mouse control and the use of block-based interface, used throughout the Code.org program.
Students were also introduced to an iPad computer programming app teaching sequencing and simple action without needing to know how to read.
First grade students used an iPad app called Kodable, which teaches students the basic concepts of computer programing, including sequencing, conditioning and repeating loops.
Second grade students used Code.org to learn how to code to draw geometric shapes, such as squares and rectangles. Through this, students become familiar with reading lines of Java script.
This is an essential computer language not dissimilar from learning a foreign language.
Third grade students used Code.org to learn how to write basic algorithms and programming code using “stack blocks.”
Stack Blocks helps students learn how to write Java coding language.
Fourth grade students used Code.org to learn how to write more complicated sequential algorithms. Through this, students gain the foundation they need to build their own games and design their own rudimentary programs. Supplementing the work completed by students in the computer lab, Kelly Powers’ class navigated to the Code.org website and participated in a themed coding challenge.
Students at Willets Road, under the direction of Kim Kelleher, are creating projects that require them to know and utilize coding.
Each of the projects utilize web based tools and students are able to continue and modify their projects at home. Fifth grade students are participating in the Hour of Code as an introduction to computer science and coding.
Students chose a Star Wars, Minecraft or Frozen block coding activity at the Hour of Code, https://hourofcode.com, to help them understand and learn intermediate coding skills for such activities as building structures and complex patterns.
Sixth grade students continued working on their projects using Tynker, https://www.tynker.com/, or Scratch https://scratch.mit.edu/.
Through Scratch, students are creating games and telling stories while through Tynker, students complete activities to accomplish tasks.
Seventh grade students used Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org, using Java or Python to animate their name. In addition to these activities, Ms. Kelleher is the advisor to the Willets Road Robotics Club where students in fifth grade are learning to code using Spheros, and students in grades six and seven are just beginning to learn and utilize coding as they construct their Lego projects.
David Burke will be having Hour of Code activities in his health education classes next week as well.
At The Wheatley School, students learn and utilize coding at a much deeper level in their computer science courses.
Students have the opportunity to take Lego Robotics in eighth grade where they utilize coding to program their robots to do various tasks.
New to Wheatley this year is the Project Lead the Way course entitled, Computer Software Engineering.
In this course, taught by Joe Fina, students use a variety of software and a variety of languages to code for different projects. Through this course, students are utilizing the same skills coders and programmers in the computer science field use every day for real-life application.
Multicultural Celebration Dinner Coming Soon! Mark your calendars!! Feb. 11
At our Educational Advisory Committee meeting, World Language Chair Joan Anderson and EAC member and Multicultural Planning Committee member parent Barbara Creamer shared the most recent plans for the first of the district’s two multicultural dinners to take place on Feb. 11. The dinner will be for parents, administrators and teachers from all three of our schools, and this first dinner will feature Chinese culture and will celebrate the Asian Lunar New Year. Members of our Chinese community are working diligently with the Multicultural Planning Committee to plan a really fun, educational and enjoyable evening, with wonderful food for all of us.
The goal of these dinners is to unite members of our East Williston School District community to bring about a greater sense of cultural awareness of in our community through socializing and a small educational presentation.
The committee is counting on people from all cultures of our community to come to this first dinner. Guests will be seated at culturally diverse tables where we can learn and talk about the commonalities and differences among us. Our very own East Williston students will be involved in creating the cultural presentation, serving food and welcoming what we hope will be many guests.
The Committee will be sending out invitations soon and I, for one, will be quick to sign up. I will be looking so forward to seeing you there!
The members of the Multicultural Planning Committee are: Joan Anderson, Susan Checkla, Barbara Creamer, Pritti Jain, Gail Leibert, Tina Leong, Quin Ma, and Tanuja Reddy.
(Speaking of Multicultural) Our Flags Are Flying!
Have you seen the website recently? There are flags from 39 countries flying, representing the many countries and cultures that comprise our heritage in the East Williston School District community.
Remember, if you don’t see your culture/country of origin flying yet, email Susan Checkla at checklas@ewsdonline.org so we can be sure to post on our website.
Common Core Task Force
The Governor’s New York Common Core Task Force has just released its final report.
You can find the report at the link below. I will outline some of the report’s recommendations in an upcoming newsletter for your information.
Girls on the Run 5K Helpers
As I mentioned last week, some of our North Side girls, members of the Girls on the Run club, competed and completed a 5K on Sunday. Congratulations!
I wanted to thank our National Honor Society members who helped out Sunday morning. Thank you Samantha Cumming and Sarah Graffigna!
Summer Opportunities Fair
Thank you so much to the Guidance Department and the Wheatley PTO. Though I had another meeting that night, I was able to peek in while groups were setting up. I got a glimpse of the wide-range of exciting opportunities that Wheatley’s 4th Summer Opportunities Fair provided our attendees.
There were many different options for enriching summer activities for students of all ages. The range of activities included academic, athletic and cultural arts programs. Travel opportunities abounded, with many programs combining language enrichment with service learning. In case you were not able to attend this wonderful event, click here for a list of the programs showcased and contact information.
Thank you to Alyson Siegler, the coordinator of the event, and Wheatley PTO co-presidents Gabrielle Karikas and Diane Cumming for their help in making this a successful event.
Virtual Backpack Flyer Update
Just a reminder: Please check the VB periodically for the latest postings. (On the district homepage, www.ewsdonline.org > scroll down left side vertical navigation bar to Virtual Backpack > click on VB.)
The following is a listing of the new flyers posted on the VB this week:
• Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge – Special Olympic fundraiser
• Social Skills Training Groups for Children Ages 4-16 Winter Session
Congratulations & Commendations
Willets Road Artists Recycle
Each year the Town of North Hempstead holds a Recycled Art Contest.
This year, two Willets Road ‘recycled’ artworks are on display at the Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck.
Congratulations to the students of the Willets Road Art Club. Their art sculpture titled Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Because We Love Our World received an Honorable Mention recognition.
The Art Club collected various recycled materials to create a relief style sculpture inspired by the letter sculptures of the artist, Robert Indiana and the iconic I ❤ NY design by graphic artist, Milton Glaser. The sculpture features three dimensional letters and a heart constructed from recycled cardboard, paper towel tubes, magazine clipped quotes and bubble wrap.
The letters and heart are surrounded by a golden frame assembled with old toys, art supplies, caps and other small recycled items. It was a great effort achieved by our Art Club students to show how trash can be converted into a beautiful piece of art with a positive message.
Members of the Art Club are as follows: fifth graders: William Caroddo, Ryan Cozzolino, Samantha Davidov, Pavan Gabbur, Neha George, Juliana Gillespie, Taylor Grabowski, Faith Joshua, Efthymia Kaparos, Isabella Lahiji, Fotini Lountzis, Tessa Low, Riya Marchawala, Tara O’Brien, Nico Papavero, Valeria Pashko, Rachel Pavlovich, Ayesha Rashid, Tara Seewaldt, Jessica Tu, Thomas Valle, Leah Varghese, Amanda Werny, Bridget Ye, Sophia Zhong and Julia Zucchero; sixth graders: Marjan Alagheband, Patrick Barrera, Danielle Joshua and Alyson Zeller; and seventh graders: Alexandra Castiglie, Deshna Chordia, Emma Leng and Frederick Lin. Thank you Melinda Gomez, Art Club advisor and Willets Road/Wheatley art teacher.
Congratulations to sixth grader Alyson Zeller who entered a beautiful hanging chandelier sculpture she created at home. Titled “#Recycle #Starrynight,” her sculpture was inspired by the glass artist Dale Chihuly. It was created by using many recycled plastic water bottles that were hand colored and carefully cut into spirals. The sculpture was also adorned with recycling inspired symbols drawn and cut from recycled paper and cardboard. Thank you to our Willets Road art teachers Colette Hardy and Melinda Gomez for their continuing inspiration and support of our students’ creativity!
Both works will be on display through Jan. 1.
The art club would like to thank the Willets Road families who donated recyclable materials for their projects. A special thank you to Alyson for representing Willets Road at the Town of North Hempstead reception!
More Soccer News
Wheatley senior Pedro Lamarre has received his second All-State recognition in soccer. Wheatley senior Adena Bernot received All-State second team recognition. Adena also received MSG-Varsity recognition as an All Long Island Honorable Mention varsity soccer player. Wheatley senior Hannah Woodward received All-State third team recognition. Wheatley junior Allison LaMonica received All-State fourth team recognition. Congratulations Pedro, Adena, Hannah and Allison!
New York State Scholar/Athlete Team Champions – Girls Tennis and Girls Soccer
The Wheatley School’s Girls Varsity Tennis and Girls Varsity Soccer teams have both been recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for academic excellence and have been declared New York State Champions in its Scholar/Athlete Recognition Award Program.
This program, which was initiated by NYSPHSAA 24 years ago, recognizes athletic teams from across New York State for the exemplary academic performance of its team members.
Based upon a composite of the grade point averages among team members, the team champions (a teams with the highest GPA) are selected for each varsity sport from high schools across New York State.
For the recently completed 2015-2016 fall sports season the Girls Varsity Tennis team’s unweighted GPA of 99.04 is the highest GPA in the sport of girls tennis. This is the first NYSPHSAA Scholar/Athlete Team State Championship for the Girls Tennis team.
Congratulations to Coach Mo Schneider and the members of the tennis team: Stephanie Buchheim – Captain, Sarah Chimerine, Charlotte Goldbaum, Jolie Katz, Sydney Kotin – Captain, Diana Lee, Michelle Lin, Ashley Lessen – Captain, Alexa Mizhiritsky, Ali Ostad, Hannah Ostad, Hunter Schore, Brooke Schwartz, Ariana Turkalj, and Emily Wang.
The girls varsity soccer team has followed up its third consecutive Nassau County Class B Championship (2013, 2014 and 2015) with its second consecutive NYSPHSAA Scholar/Athlete Team Championship. The soccer team accomplished this feat with a 98.138 unweighted GPA.
Congratulations to coaches Paul Paino and Michelle Santoro and to the members of the 2015-16 soccer team: Crystal Barroca, Kayla Barroca, Adena Bernot (Captain), Tiffany Bernot, Rebecca Besada, Joy Bestourous, Krista Chen, Alana Conroy, Lisa Di Fiore, Nicole Hetzel, Gretchen Keller, Rebecca Khorsandi, Stephanie Klar, Allison LaMonica, Jessie LoBocchiaro, Brianna O’Brien, Samantha Palazzolo, Samantha Rothstein, Sydney Silverman, Micki Wain and Hannah Woodward.
The girls varsity tennis and girls soccer team are the 29th and 30th Wheatley varsity athletic team to have received New York State Championship honors for academic excellence in the past 15 years.
The other teams receiving state honors were boys indoor track (2000-2001, 2008-2009 and 2012-2013), boys track and field (2012-2013), boys basketball (2002-2003 and 2006-2007), girls basketball (2003-2004, 2009-2010, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015), girls indoor track (2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009), girls track and field (2004-2005, 2005-2006,2006-2007 and 2014-2015), girls soccer (2005-2006 and 2014-2015), boys soccer (2009-2010), boys golf (2012-2103), softball (2014), girls lacrosse (2014) and girls field hockey (2008-2009, 2011-2012, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015).
These remarkable accomplishments are a credit to the athletes who have had to balance the demands of a rigorous academic schedule with the long hours of practice and competition required to successfully compete in interscholastic athletics at the varsity level.
Congratulations to all of Wheatley’s fall varsity teams which received Scholar Athlete Team recognition from the NYPHSAA and their coaches and athletic director Tom Fitzpatrick.
Have a Good Weekend
As always, please email me at kanase@ewsdonline.org or call me at 333-3758 with any questions, suggestions and/or any topics you would like to see in this newsletter.
