Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Alimacani Story
Alimacani Elementary School joyfully celebrated a wondrous retirement tribute to our visionary founding principal, Mrs. Donna Hulsey, on Friday, May 9, 2008.
Alimacani opened its doors for the first time to students in August 1990. Alimacani is a Timucuan Indian word which is translated to mean "sweet land by the sea." A most appropriate name since the school is located on the Intracoastal Waterway. When Ribault landed in 1562, he was greeted by Timucuan Indians from the Village of Alimacani. The sun and moon still light the land but their worshippers are gone. Their heritage has been preserved through Alimacani Elementary School and it is our legacy to future generations.
Eighteen years ago I walked through the doors of Alimacani along with a handful of wondrous staff members that still embrace the opportunity to touch the heart and reach the soul of each child. We are what is commonly referred to as the Charter Members of the Alimacani Family. As time marches on we reserve the right to this reference as opposed to veteran, seasoned, or the emphasis "oldie but goldie" teachers....all be it some of our hair miraculously remains golden in color! We have all taught at many different and diverse schools but we are passionate about who and what brought us to this Sweet Land By The Sea known as Alimacani.
I will begin my 35th year as a Duval County Public School Teacher when we embark on the 2008-2009 school year. The other remarkable charter members have accumulated anywhere from 20 to 40 years as professional educators. Each one of us inclusive of our current staff have a common thread woven throughout our hearts. That thread is to ensure that Alimacani's vision of providing an environment Where Education Is A Treasure And Children Are Inspired To Reach For Their Dreams is embraced daily.
We refer to ourselves as the Alimacani Family. This is not by accident or in words only. We are a family due to the atmosphere that Mrs. Donna Hulsey established as she prepared the soil for the growth of each child, staff member, parent, and stake holder. It is because of the legacies that Donna crafted that we were elated to lovingly celebrate in grand style her Tribute on Friday, May 9, 2008. There was not a more fitting time than during one of our Patriotic Flag Raising Ceremonies. Donna started the first Flag Raising Ceremony at Alimacani. She values, celebrates, and continues to ensure that each individual respects the very soil that God has seen fit to bless and entrust upon our lives.
Friday, May 9, 2008 was indeed a CELEBRATION and a tribute to Mrs. Donna Hulsey and the wondrous Legacies she has left etched on our hearts. The Flag Raising Ceremony began with an escort of Mr. and Mrs. Hulsey through the courtyard by our very own Uncle Sam and Statue of Liberty. They took their seats of honor flanked by their personal family and surrounded by their Alimacani Family. Students new to Alimacani were so enthusiastic to see this famous person. Her name was all the buzz as preparations for her tribute filled our halls for weeks. They could hardly contain their excitement as the morning unfolded.
The Tribute began with the patriotic raising of the American Flag by our Color Guard followed by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. After everyone took their seats we began to unfold the remarkable heritage and legacies that Donna has gifted to each Alimacani Family Member. We began with a former student who is now a teacher at Alimacani. This was followed by other former students, teachers who are now principals, Cluster Chiefs, DCPS Department Chiefs, business leaders, and retired teachers. Each group had a representative speak and concluded with parting words: Mrs. Hulsey, We Are Your Legacy!
Students performed a dance and sang a special song written by our very own Kay Park, in honor of Mrs. Hulsey. We had two former Alimacani teachers read artistically and humorously crafted poems and words that etched a glorious painting of Mrs. Hulsey's heart-print on Alimacani. The Alimacani Courtyard was gloriously ablaze with patriotic colors and sentiment. The bench around the tree planted in honor of Mrs. Hulsey was decorated with patriotic ornaments.
Ms. Pam Rogers, Alimacani's second principal and Ms. Kathy Stalls, Alimacani's current principal presented Mrs. Hulsey with the ultimate tribute. The renaming of Alimacani's Media Center. From this day forth a marble sign above the entrance to the Media Center now reads: The Donna Hulsey Media Center.
Our lives will continue to vibrate with the awareness of the wonderful Legacy that Mrs. Donna Hulsey's visionary passion wove into our hearts as the doors opened for the very first time at Alimacani Elementary School...Sweet Land By The Sea. The gift of Donna's Legacy is not wrapped or hidden behind a door. The gift of tradition is encased in each heart that vibrates the halls of Alimacani and is so lovingly carried forth each day by our children, staff, administration, and stakeholders. Our task is to accept this gift each day with purposeful resolve, to celebrate it and to ensure that we will live into this precious gift. Please enjoy the PowerPoint and voice thread below. The PowerPoint is the memorable tribute to Donna from two memorable and former Alimacani teachers. The Voice Thread is The Alimacani Story as written by Mrs. Donna Hulsey. The book was presented to Mrs. Hulsey's as part of her Legacy that will live on in each heart as she returns to Alimacani and retells the historical and magical story to each new enthusiastic and engaged learner who capture our hearts and allow us the privilege of preparing new canvases for learning. I hope you will visualize the Alimacani courtyard as a maginificent gathering area. We are on the very soil where Mrs. Hulsey gave The Alimacani Family its roots and wings to soar as the eagles soar.
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Way of Work-May I Just Say WOW!
Yes, the (FCAT) Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test has left the building. The test itself has left yet the FCAT continues to permeate the building with the promise of returning in the form of RESULTS. Each year I ceremoniously remove the At Eye Level...Front and Center Testing Calendar from the board in front of my workspace. Now, on the rare occasion that I look up I see an empty spot. I leave the spot empty because it reminds me of what is yet to come for our children, parents, and staff.The newspaper ran several articles outlining the preparation, rigor, and importance placed on the FCAT. There was even one article that gave a fresh perspective that perhaps as adults we wished in some far off land that we could go back to the days of taking this type of test. Numerous other articles continue to address the challenge of states that want to Take Aim at State Tests.
The FCAT does indeed dictate the grade for each school but we can not loose site of the fact that the Way of Work continues even during FCAT time. I believe with every fiber of my being that the FCAT is a moment in time for our children. It tends to linger a bit longer for those of us in the trenches. This particular assessment is not a total reflection of all the talents and skills that each child possesses. Nor does this single test determine who they are or what each child will ultimately become. I can not help but think about the game show Deal or No Deal...which suitcase contains the TEST or which suitcase contains valued and engaging Instruction?...and might I add Priceless! Test or Instruction...Test or Instruction...For me there exist No Deal! Instruction that engages, empowers, and prepares our children to become Life Long Learners is the only Real Deal!
FYI...I immediately noticed after each session of testing that the children displayed energy. I attribute this to the diligence and passion that our teachers embrace as they keep a watchful eye over each child...that and the fact that yes...they are young...resilient.
Now, I am doing the Happy Dance because Spring Has Sprung and teachers are once again popping into my space, stopping me in the hallway, on the way to a class, sending me e-mails, inviting me to see what their students are doing and what new educational journey they have embarked on for their children as well as their own growth.
Now is a grand time to take a look a few snapshots reflecting the Wondrous Way of Work that continues to take place each and every day at Alimacani. Yes, this type of engaging, enthusiastic, and energizing work takes place from day one and is Marched forwarded into spring and beyond!
Snapshot
1st Grade continues the Way of Work with their year two Off Cycle CCL Lessons. CCL refers to the Collaborative Coaching and Learning Cycle that we began at Alimacani last year. This is a district initiative that provides a framework for teachers to dig deeper as they develop lessons based around our district curriculum which aligns the Sunshine State Standards with the New Performance Standards.
First grade is currently working on their Off Cycle Work and is at that point where they are teaching the Standard and Elements for the Report of Information Genre. The excitement is in the air as teachers are collaboratively reviewing the CCL lessons from last year and digging deeper to make them richer and rigorous for their current learners. (Sample documents are included as part of the PowerPoint at the bottom of this blog)
CCL is a collaborative learning opportunity that focuses on a targeted course of study. The cycle typically runs for eight weeks and is comprised of weekly inquiry and lab site/classroom practices.
*Inquiry Session
The School Instructional Coach and a team of teachers meet weekly to review and discuss readings relevant to their selected course of study. The inquiries provide the teachers with an opportunity to share implications for instructional practices.
*Lab Site
Each week the coach, teachers, and administration take turns watching and teaching a demonstration lesson. This lesson is crafted by the teachers and the teachers have the opportunity to incorporate teaching practices related to their selected course of study.
*Follow-Up & One-on-One Coaching
During the CCL Cycle and between cycles, the coach and/or participants visit participating classrooms in an effort to support teachers as they implement the lessons crafted during the CCL sessions. Ideally, the coach has the support, assistance, and guidance of model classroom teachers who take part in the visitations.
The heart of CCL is the premise that the focus is placed on the lesson not the teaching or the teacher. This ensures a safe environment and a true collaborative spirit for all who choose to embrace this wondrous learning journey.
First Grade Report of Information with emphasis on student generated commentary. Inquiry Sessions focused on some of the following materials:
*Reading and Writing Grade by Grade: First Grade Report of Information
*Using Rubrics to Improve Student Writing
*Units of Study for Primary Writing: A Yearlong Curriculum Book 6
Snapshot
2nd Grade just finished a Broadway Bound Play that required each teacher to explore the components of Speaking and Listening. Oral Language Development is considered the cornerstone for learning. Language is the primary means for making social contact and creating social relationships. This production provided each learner with the opportunity to communicate when given specific and often complex directions and explanations while conveying a story. This takes true collaboration while producing and responding to performances. Second grade teachers provided the vehicle for their children to tell stories in a purposeful, productive, and nurturing environment. Research has shown that individuals who listen, speak, and use language well are more likely to succeed both socially and academically. This format gave our children the engaging opportunity to use language in a real-world setting! We have noticed that our children are defining themselves based on interests, talents, and even goals.
Snapshot
3rd Grade is wrapping up their CCL Off Cycle Work with Functional/Procedural Writing and moving. Teachers have moved their students to new and inviting depths of writing as they explored each element of the Standard. They embraced the opportunity to conduct lessons on teaching their students how to create an Assessment for Learning Rubric so they would know if their work met the Standard.
Some third grade teachers have been holding conversations with fourth grade teachers in an effort to help their children develop a better understanding of Writing to Explain...you know the Expository Word. Even though there is not an Expository Genre,third grade saw the need to prepare their writers for travels ahead. They dove-tailed this journey on the back of Functional/Procedural Writing. May I just say WOW...so purposeful. Let's take a look at one approach: (You may also see documents that showcase each bullet in the PowerPoint that is located at the bottom of this blog)
*Two pieces of writing were shrunk to fit on one page. The purpose was for each learner to see two writing examples side-by-side in an effort to make comparisons. One piece was from a previous Functional/Procedural mini-lesson that explains How To while the other piece of writing Explains Why,
*They read the Functional Piece together followed by the Writing To Explain piece.
*A three column note taking chart was used as the class charted comparisons. Time was taken to discuss the difference between Explaining How To and Explaining Why. The groundwork was previously prepared so the students Got It From The Get Go...but just to make sure they were asked to generate topics that would Explain Why. Some of their ideas included:
*Why we liked The Tale of Despereaux, Why we like cake, Why I love my kids, etc...Simple subjects, but it showed they understood the difference.
*Next, the Functional Standard was displayed and the students were asked to look at the elements of the Standard to see which ones applied to a piece of Expository writing or Writing to Explain. Teacher/Student charting was conducted. The teacher exclaimed, "They Nailed It!" She was so excited to literally see their minds working. The students decided that one of the elements needed a bit of reworking: Provides a guide to action became Provides a Guide from Detail to Detail. An explanation was written under each element.
*Teachers and students then charted topics to write about and selected one that everyone had schema for so all could participate.
*Students were informed of the FCAT Writes expectations and discussions were entertained.
*The teacher moved into explaining that this type of writing should have a main idea. They referred back to The Tale of Despereaux and how each Main Idea (MI) and Supporting Idea (SD) was highlighted.
*At this point we had to prove it. The question was posed: What proves the Main Idea? Students responded to my joyful heart...Supporting Details. The class followed by charting several Supporting Details.
*Next, four sentences were crafted and the question was asked: Does this meet the standard? The obvious answer based on the sentences was a correct NO. Students were asked to state the missing elements. Listed below are the responses that were charted:
*Does not engage the reader
*No guide from Detail to Detail...they said miss transition words...that is their schema
*No considerable Detail
*No Closing
*Teacher Celebrated....Hallelujah!
*Now, we needed to come up with Mini-Supporting Details (MSD) as referred to within the PowerPoint at the end of the blog. When all MSD were charted the students were asked to denote what element was added to the writing...Yes, they got it...Considerable Detail!
*A graphic organizer was modeled and completed...refer to PowerPoint. Once again when students completed this task they were asked if it met the standard and what was missing. Some responses included: Guide from Detail to Detail-Beginning-Ending-It's Bland.
*We discussed how this is the skeleton and now we have to add all the great ingredients taught in each Mini-lesson and apply the strategies as writers.
Now, isn't your heart just joyfully singing! So many possibilities for so many engaging and rigorous Mini-Lessons that will spill over to all Workshop areas! Each child was zestfully engaged and couldn't wait to write away! Yep...Hearts Are Singing!
Snapshot
Mrs. Helen Dejournett and Mrs. Leigh Proctor, 4th grade co-teachers having been working on a Science Unit dealing with the human body and it's major systems. Along with the textbook and hands on activities they integrated technology for each lesson. The lessons also included Differentiated Instruction which addressed multiple modalities in an effort to reach each child.
The teachers have worked hard to integrate reading strategies and skills into the content area. Previously they taught students to use Three-Column Notes as a strategy they could use while learning about a new topic. Demonstrations, Modeling, and several Mini-lessons were crafted and implemented with the students in an effort to practice this strategy. The strategy was previously taught as part of Reader's Workshop and then students were shown how to infuse this strategy into other content/subject areas.
Students took the challenge and created their own notes. (Refer to sample products on PowerPoint at the bottom of this blog)
The teachers preselected three different levels of questions for students to respond to in a reflection log once the lesson was completed. The reflection log has been a very powerful differentiated instructional tool that was used throughout this study.
*Students were asked to select a student
*Answer the question by telling everything they knew about the topic
*Reflect on what new information they learned from the lesson
*Explain how this new information will help them in their daily lives or in the future
Students are given the expectation that elaboration, inquiry skills, and deeper thinking is important. As students finish they bring us their logs for review and conferencing. Teachers looked for proof of understanding coupled with thoughtful and purposeful writing that reflected the content of the subject matter and remained focused on the lesson taught.
Just think...this is only the tip of the iceberg for The Way of Work at Alimacani...Sweet Land By The Sea!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
HIGH TECH - HIGH TOUCH - HIGH TEACH
Additional Web Sites To Visit:
Computing with Accents, Symbols, and Foreign Scripts
http://tlt.psu.edu/suggestions/international/accents/codemac.html#math
Thinkfinity
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/home.aspx
Andrew’s Mac Tips
http://www.andrewburke.orconhosting.net.nz/mac/
Think Mac – Visual Guide
http://www.thinkmac.net/visualguides
Shortcut Guide
http://www.silentway.com/tips/mac/shortcuts.html
Labels
http://www.iworkcommunity.com/?category=4
http://www.avery.com/
Printable Calendars
http://www.eprintablecalendars.com/
Shortcut Keys To Success:
F1: Makes your screen darker
F2: Makes your screen brighter
F3: Mutes the volume
F4: Lowers the volume
F5: Raises the volume
F7: Allows you to project using your LCD projector. You will need to use your dongle to connect your LCD projector and your Mac.
F9-F12: You can set these to do what you want by clicking on your apple, going to System Preferences and selecting Dashboard and Expose.
F9: Shows you all of the windows you have open.
F10: Shows your application windows.
F11: Clears your desktop so all of your open windows go away. Just click it again to make them reappear.
F12: Pulls up your dashboard with your widgets.
F3: Mutes the volume
F4: Lowers the volume
What Does that FONT Look Like?
Pages does not allow one to see samples of the fonts. All the names of the fonts look the same. We have a program on our Macs that will display all fonts in the ABC's with numbers.Follow the steps below:
1. Open the Macintosh HD on the desktop.
2. Open the Applications Folder.
3. Open the Font Book icon.When you click on a font it will show it in the right window.
This is not as convenient as having the fonts displayed in the program but it's the next best thing!
You've Got Mail...E-Mail MAC-Bytes!
Making a Distribution List
Making a distribution list using your MacBook, has a different look than what you do with your IBM. A Distribution List makes it a easier to send out e-mails to your grade level, the faculty, or other groups.
Try following the steps below:
*Open your email. On the top of your screen where it reads "New", there is a drop down box. *Click on this drop down box, and select "Distribution List".
*Next to List Name, write the name of the list you wish to create. For example, if it is for your grade level team, you can title it "Third Grade ELA Teachers".
*To add DCPS faculty members, click on the "Find Names" button.
*When the pop-up screen appears, enter the person's last name and first name in the appropriate boxes.
*Check the box of the name you wish to add, and find "Add recipient to" and click on "Distribution List". The pop-up box will not disappear, but just look at your main screen to make sure it has added your recipient.
*You can continue to search for and add names to this distribution list using the same pop-up screen.
WOW!You have just created a distribution list using your Mac!
*To access, send e-mails or make changes to this list, click on "Contacts" on the left side of your web mail screen.
* Click on the distribution list you wish to send an email to, and click on the third button from the left that looks like an open piece of mail. This will allow you to send an e-mail to this list.
*To make changes, simply open the list and select "Find Names".
Oops! I Really Didn't Mean To Delete! How do I recover deleted items?
*First, click on “Options” on the left side of your e-mail window. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. There is a heading for recovering deleted items.Underneath this, there is a button that says “View items”. This will allow you to view recently deleted items and choose the e-mail you wish to recover.
Create a folder to store e-mails:
* Click on “Folders” on the left side of the e-mail window. At the top of your window, there should be the word “New” with a drop down box that reads “Message”. Click on the down arrow of the box and choose “Folder”. It will then ask you to title your new folders. One way that I use folders on my e-mail is to save any e-mails from teachers or perhaps training sessions in a special folder. If this is a major form of communication for you, you can even go as far as to make a folder for each individual.
Adding e-mails to my folders:
*Check the e-mails you wish to move to a particular folder. Click on the icon that looks like a sheet of paper with an arrow pointing to a folder. These icons are very small, so it is the first icon after the drop-down box that says “Message”. After you click on this, your folders will appear. Choose the folder you wish to move them to, and click on “Apply”.
A very special thank you to each Apple Core Lead. Each member gives true meaning to TEAM
Together Everyone Achieves More!
Blog....Blog...Blog...Blog!
Take a moment to view the video Shift Happens. To access the video just click on the underlined words...Shift Happens located on the left of the main blog page under Web Sites to visit. This video takes you on a journey that literally focuses on the shift that is presently occurring in our world. You will be exposed to amazing statistics, facts about Globalization, and the Information Age.
Now Alimacani Family...Are you ready to Shift
HIGH TECH!
HIGH TOUCH!
HIGH TEACH!
With MacBooks In Reach Let's Get Ready To Take A Byte Out Of Our Apples! They Are No Longer Forbidden!
Alimacani is an Apple Core Team Member. We are well into our professional learning for our Primary MAC ATTACK TEAM. Next byte out of the Apple will occur after Spring Break with our Intermediate MAC ATTACK TEAM.
MAC-POWERED Time line for Alimacani's PreK-5 Train the Trainer Program: Mid-End of May 2008!
Before you take a glimpse at some of the professional learning our first wave of MAC ATTACK TEAM Members have participated in let's catch a glimpse at the opportunities that await all who embrace the MacBook journey.
Face it, our children are indeed the Digital Natives. Students come already programed so it is indeed time for us, the Digital Immigrants to set down roots, fertilize the soil, and gather a harvest of Apple...icious learners!
Take a moment and think back to my brief summary of the book A Whole New Mind. (The summary is located on the left side of the main blog page under Blog Archive...click the 2007 arrow and then click on October). Daniel Pink focuses a lens on left brain verses right brain. We have been learning in our Apple Core Training how to Engage, Empower, and Educate our students for this Brave New World...while engaging both sides of the brain.
Take a Quick Quiz and see if you are up to speed with some of our resident Digital Natives:
FYI:
BTWL:
FAQ:
TGIF:
LOL:
K:
L8R:
L2M:
POS:
TAW:(You Better Know This One)
AFAIK:
OTTOH:
Breakthrough by Michael Fullan, Peter Hill, and Carmel Crevola emphasizes the importance of students becoming independent learners so that when they are confronted with the new, they know what to do-(pg. 11). The book further illuminates the growth that will occur when the student follows the teacher, rather than the teacher following the students. In the end, the goal is to put the students in control of their learning process-(pg. 11).
The goal is to empower teachers so they in turn will infuse their zest for learning into the classroom setting. Imagine a classroom where teachers integrate technology into their daily instructional practices and students experience the Workshop Model in action as they create podcasts, explore Safari, Firefox, Flip Videos, Voice Threads, Garage Band, iMovies, and so much more! As with all technology explorations we will monitor safe and appropriate use so we will maintain a safe and civil school environment. Take a moment to read the article: Blogging with Elementary School Perspective.
I mentioned the term Voice Thread. I encourage you to go back to my blog and check in the month of December. You experienced your first Voice Thread with Voices in the Park, our December Book of the Month.
Flip Video Camcorder...Can I just say WOW! My mind is racing with the possibilities of a readers' theater, math conferencing, science inquiry, share chair, authors' chair, mini lessons, read alouds...the opportunities are endless! Stop by and see the videos I have captured of incredible teaching/learning taking place right here at Alimacani. A few of the video clips I have stored include: Small Group Conferencing During Reader's Workshop, Small Group Conferencing During Writer's Workshop, Creating a Teaching Learning Rubric-Assessment for Learning, Standards Based Bulletin Boards, Test Taking Genre, Skills Accountability, and so many more!
MAC BYTES!
*The Apple Store at the Town Center offers free workshops. They also offer one-on-one training at a reduced price for teacher. You can register on line.
*The MacBook uses Firefox and Safari instead of Internet Explorer. We will stick to using Firefox for now. Training. We will go on a Safari later...
*The Lexmark 450 and virtually any other compatible Macintosh printer works from the get go! Just plug the USB cable from the printer into the USB port on the left side of your MacBook and you are ready to print!
*MacBook uses Pages...The PC uses Microsoft Word
*MacBook uses Keynote...The PC uses PowerPoint
*MacBook uses Number...The PC uses Excel
*This is a learning journey that we will explorer together....Remember to have fun as you are charging to be MAC-Powered!
*Each grade level has (2) MacBook Powered Trainers...Please know that I am ready, willing, and somewhat able to help...I do not have all of the answers but I know that Together We Can Achieve More!
MAC-Byte Buzz!
We embarked on our MacBook training with two technology lead teachers from ESE, Resource, and K-2nd grade teachers. Their energy and zest was contagious. We embraced the opportunity to carry forth with additional training and sharing sessions. They now serve as Mac-Powered trainers and have charged ahead with training sessions for teachers on their grade level. We are eager to learn from one another as we explore Apple...icious treats!
K-2nd Grade Teachers Are Apple...iciously Deployed and Empowered! The schedule for deployment of MacBooks came after training sessions for technology lead teacher training. The technology leads will continue to help unfold the training for teachers on their grade level and beyond.
K: Wednesday, March 5, 2008
1st: Thursday, March 6, 2008 A.M.
2nd: Thursday, March 6, 2008 P.M.
*Get To Know Your MacBook: parts, attachments and their place
*Basic Operation Practices
*Applications for everyday survival and exploration
Roll-Out for the intermediate grades will begin after Spring Break.
Get your taste buds ready for Apple....icous Mac-Bytes!
Resource Teachers: MacBook Roll-Out: March 14, 2008
They already act like Apple...ious pros!
*How do I turn my computer on?
Open the lid and press the icon in the upper right corner of your MacBook.
*How do I turn my MacBook off?
Click on the Blue Apple in the upper right corner of your screen then click on Shut Down. Make certain that your screen goes black before you close the lid.
*I do I access the Internet?
On the bottom of your screen is a display referred to as the Dock. Move your mouse or touch pad over the Dock and it displays the name of each icon. Click on Firefox.
*What if Firefox does not display on The Dock?
Click on the icon on the right that says Macintosh HD. Open Applications and simply drag the Firefox Icon down to The Dock and let go. Now you will see the Firefox Icon's blue globe and orange fire around the southern hemisphere appear in your Docks. (This is totally unbiased...but I believe the universally accepeted colors are actually garnet and gold or perhaps red and black) Once you place an application icon on your Dock remember to keep it on Dock...move cursor or arrow gently on touch pad while thumb holds bar just below touch pad and highlight keep on dock.
*How do I create a shortcut for Webmail?
Open Firefox and click on gain access. Go to the Webmail page...before you click on here...take the globe beside the URL: https://webmail.duvalschools.org and drag it to your desktop.
*Where and how do I insert a CD or DVD?
The CD/DVD Drive is the opening on the right side of your MacBook. Simple insert a regular size CD/DVD into the slot and it will automatically take it into the drive.
(NEVER...EVER...EVER...USE A SMALL CD/DVD...YOU WILL RUIN YOUR MACBOOK)
*How do I eject a CD/DVD?
You can drag the CD/DVD icon to the trash or press the escape key
*Does the Mac come with a grade book program?
No, but there is a grade book program in Numbers that is easy to manuver. The district is looking into purchasing a grade book program for the MacBook. I will keep you posted. Remember to check with your MAC POWERED Trainers.
*Where is the backspace key?
There is no backspace key. You can use the delete key to backspace one key at a time.
*How do I Right Click?
There is no right click...you can use a mouse...or Apple + Click is the right click on the mouse. You can also go into system preferences located under the blue apple in the upper right corner of the screen. You will see an icon that says mouse)
ACCESSORIZE...ACCESSORIZE...ACCESSORIZE!
*Sleeves and Deco Soft Skins can be purchased from the Apple Store and online. Prices range from $15 -$40. Check out Amazon... and enter soft skin or computer sleeves as keywords.
*Marware is a removable hand rest that protects your MacBook from scratches. It also gives you a cushion for comfort. The keyboard cover protects the MacBook from oil and dirt build up and serves as a screen cleaner. The price is around $34. Check out the following sites for the best price: and
*Mighty Mouse is a wireless mouse. You can purchase it at the Apple Store and is a priced at $69. The Apple Store at the Town Center also sells the Mighty Mouse. (Your current mouse works just fine)
*Speaking of Accessorizing-We are styling as we carry our MacBooks in our new cases. Thank you Ms. Stalls.
Web Sites To Explore!
*Switching from PC to MAC*Switching 101
*Pages - Keynote - Numbers*Think Mac-Visual Guide
*Saving Documents in Pages: See Video At The Bottom Of This Page
*Shortcut Guide
*Movies
*Photos: Creating A Slide Show
Creating A Photo Book
*Music
Right about now might be a grand time to view the following Inspirational Video.
Remember to breathe! This is indeed an exciting time to be a learner! The book Breakthrough gives us a glimpse of what happens when we move an idea from an invention to an innovation. "When an idea moves from an invention to an innovation, diverse "component technologies" come together. Emerging from isolated developments in separate fields or research, these components gradually form an "ensemble" of technologies that are critical to each other's success...(pg. 13).
How exciting it is to be part of Alimacani's MAC ATTACK TEAM!
Now Go Forth...You Are Most Certainly On Your Way To Becoming...
Thursday, February 28, 2008
2008 State of the School Address
Alimacani has a yearly tradition of presenting a keynote address we now refer to as the "State of the School." Ms. Kathy Stalls, Principal of Alimacani Elementary School, presented her "State of the School" address during our Faculty Meeting on Wednesday, February 27, 2008.
This is a time where we are offered a Look At A Glance as we view the past, present, and future for our children and staff.
An in depth look at the data is conducted at the beginning of each school year. We spotlight specific areas of data results throughout the course of our school year. We use the data collected as a road map that keeps us true to our course of action which is to provide quality education for all learners.
Alimacani is currently taking a look at achieving a streamline profile that will serve to showcase high stakes test data, district assessments and classroom assessments.
Historical data enables us to target the strands and sub strands that will drive instruction. This data also provides each staff member with the ability to identify and target the "At Risk" and "Bubble Students". "At Risk" typically refers to those students who score a Level One or Level Two on the
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). "Bubble Students" refer to those students that can go either way and will benefit from focused intervention as the testing window narrows.Alimacani is keenly aware of the importance placed on providing a rigorous curriculum for our high achieving students as well as those students staffed in the Gifted Program. Our goal is to provide an environment where our children are provided with the tools to achieve to the best of their ability and beyond.
Ms. Stalls took us on a DATA DRIVE. This particular journey displayed our map with a scale depicting the 2007 FCAT scores with an overlay of the districts projected 2008 scores. The view of the road ahead was not used to increase anxiety but rather to empower and help us focus on the task/reality at hand.
Ms. Stalls encourages us to continue engaging students in the Workshop Model. If we stay true to our course and fuel-up...(regardless of rising fuel costs)...then each child and fellow co-worker will live and perform as success oriented Life Long Learners.
Teachers are constantly reflecting on instructional lessons in an effort to meet the individual needs of each student while engaging our learners in motivating and rigorous curriculum components. We can make great inroads toward these goals by gradually releasing educational opportunities/responsibilities to our students. Breakthrough by Michael Fullan, Peter Hill, and Carmel Crevola emphasizes the importance of students becoming independent learners so that when they are confronted with the new, they know what to do-(pg. 11). The book further illuminates the growth that will occur when the student follows the teacher, rather than the teacher following the students. In the end, the goal is to put the students in control of their learning process-(pg. 11).
We have been holding discussions, sharing strategies, and analyzing assessments as part of our professional learning. Quality formative assessments generate feedback. Here the teacher moves the data from the page into daily instructional practices. This in turn gives students a road map for learning. Breakthrough succinctly summarizes this: Personalization is education that "puts the learner at the center."
The work we do and the decisions we make on a daily basis are made as we visualize a child's face. This places Relationships at the center of who we are as professional educators and demonstrates our tremendous capacity to care. Alimacani's classroom focus is to consistently respond to the learning needs of each individual student. Mentoring is an essential component in this endeavor. Research tells us that in order for a child to do his/her best then they must have an "I Can" Attitude which leads to a perception of success. This premise will carry our children not only through test taking time but will assist them with tools and opportunities to become Life Long Learners and productive members of society.
We are working hard on the Work. Our Gardens are Growing and we are reminded to keep a sense of humor as we minimize stress levels. Helpful tips for stress relief included some of the following tips:
*Exercise
*Visit the Wellness Room (Always use the buddy system...this is also good for a laugh or two)
*Laugh outloud and often
*Try a safe scarf trick
*Be kind to your neighbor
Ms. Stalls concluded our "State of the School" address by empowering us to stay the course and embody the Alimacani Vision
that we are indeed a place- Thursday, January 31, 2008
Interventions: Struggling with Basic Math Concepts
Marilyn Burns began her quest for help by taking a look at issues that are key to teaching mathematics:
- It's important to help students make connections among mathematical ideas so they do not see these ideas as disconnected facts. (A student can not succeed if he views multiplication facts as separate pieces of information to be memorized)
- It's important to build students' new understandings on the foundation of their prior learning. (Sound familiar...Reading Strategy...adapt it for Math...students must use what they know about addition)
- It's important to remember that students' correct answers, without accompanying explanations of how they reason, are not sufficient for judging mathematical understanding. (Even if a student gives a correct answer it can mask the lack of deeper understanding...memorization for memorization does not equal understanding)
All instruction must be scaffolded. Math is the same. Instruction in number sense and operations prepares our students for algebra. Marilyn Burns developed lessons that help students make sense of number and operations with attention to three important elements:
- Computation
- Number Sense
- Problem Solving
I love her quote that prayerfully is intended to avoid the "yours is not to question why, just invert and multiply" approach and to create lessons that are accessible to all students and that teach skills in the context of deeper understanding.
Lesson plans are developed, revised, retaught, based on student work products. Even the best of lesson plans require revisions to accommodate differentiated instruction which is a matter of necessity in any classroom. At Risk students present unique and multiple factors that contribute to their already challenging instructional needs. They may already be a minimum of one year behind and very well could lack the foundation of mathematical understanding. One can not continue to add to the foundation if it does not have the proper cornerstones or structure. The structural foundation is further weakened by the failure(s) and lack of confidence our At Risk student experience. These students require more time, supplemental instruction, and materials that are designed for their learning style and modalities.
Previously I mentioned that lessons are scaffolded. These lessons are comprised of layers and layers of strategies. At Risk students require bite size portions of scaffolded lessons to provide them with optimum learning experiences. The help and pacing is critical if student success is to be achieved. My reference to extra help is the essence of the type of help our At Risk students require. They do not just require additional practice...after all...just because you give a student 20 problems to do doesn't ensure they will be correct.
Below are nine strategies that Marilyn Burns found to be essential to successful intervention instruction for struggling math learners. Please note that the majority of these strategies will need to be applied in a supplementary setting and or in a large or small guided math group.
- Determine and Scaffold the Essential Mathematics Content
(No extraneous information)...do I smell a reading strategy? - Pace Lessons Carefully
(Try to avoid...Deer in the headlight syndrome...stop when enough is enough) - Build in a Routine of Support
(Teachers should always model, Think Aloud, Model again, give an example, teacher presents another problem while this time students can turn and talk, independent work time...Oh My...adaptation of reading once again) - Foster Student Interaction
(Think-pair-share or turn and talk strategy)...are you seeing the correlation! - Make Connections Explicit
(Provide many experiences that are scaffolded and paced) - Encourage Mental Calculations
(Don't scream or pull your hair out just yet...this really does enhance number sense...they need to know what is the best way to multiply two or three numbers) - Help Students Use Written Calculations to Track Thinking
(Paper and pencil are tools for record keeping...not a crutch for negating mental math) - Provide Practice
(Not just additional practice but purposefully practice that is directly connected to students' immediate learning experiences. Provide the practice and work towards gradual release to independent work) - Build in Vocabulary Instruction
(Remember the Math Vocabulary Word Wall?...even, odd, product, factor, multiply, subtract, greater than, less than, etc...teach Math Vocabulary Explicitly and within the context of the lesson...follow up consistently and review constantly)
Educational Leadership
November 2007
VOL. 65 NO. 3
(Because I am still a novice and haven't figured out how to post credits or quote...I want to remain in compliance and verify credits...so...portions that are italized come from the article...I will strive to improve on blogging skills...a journey worth unfolding)
