This month at FK-8 we continue with the process of introducing all the Thinking Maps to our students. We are introducing a different map each week by all teachers until all 8 maps are covered. We will work on the integration and effectiveness of each of the maps throughout the remainder of the year. I can honestly say that I have heard only positive feedback about their use. Kids love them and the ease in which teachers have integrated them is evident. I will do a little presentation at the September Board meeting to demonstrate how they work.
As you know our AIMS scores were disappointing especially in the area of math. Fortunately, I can say that our staff has taken on the challenge to embrace this areaas ourmain focus. We have developed a math plan that is multi-faceted. All of our grade levels are doing extensive curriculum review in relation to the standards. Special attention will be given to our resources, groupings and the AIMS test. This will help us to better understand what we need to teach and what the students are learning. I won’t go into the entire plan but a few of the strategies are: using specials teachers to help a grade level and tutor small groups a couple of times a week; place students grades 6-8 in a special GAP class (Gopher Academic Progress) that scored below standard or are struggling throughout the year; implementing a Math Club which is designed to build up enthusiasm for our higher level kids in math; implement a process for all struggling students grades 4-8 on ALEKS; incorporating a math day for students and a math night for parents plus sending a group of teachers to conferences on math strategies which will be shared. It is my hope that with these activities in place, our students will benefit greatly.
We are starting our main fundraiser from Aug.26th through Sept.9th. The kids are very excited and they love the competition. I’m pleased to say that during our kick off assemblies, the two presenters Barb and Lew from Canyon State Fundraiser stated that our kids were the best they have ever seen. Of course, I told the kids that I was very proud of them.
We have signed on board with Chris Lineberry to review our nutritional habits and to work at making our students, staff and parents aware of the effects of good eating. We have alsoemphasized into the fact that our kids need plenty of exercise. We have been working on doing simple exercises in many of the classes to make movement a way of life for our kids. We feel that modeling this is the best way to teach its importance.
Although we have had a smooth start,we continue to work on our kid’s attitudes about achievement and effort. Many of our older students do not strive for excellence the way we would like for them to do, thereforewecontinually work with them in groups and individually to make them self motivated. We realize this is the key to inspire them. We have stressed individual connections with teachers and students to make this happen. I have challenged the entire staff to make a point of picking 3 students that need an extra connection and make an effort to be that person throughout the year. We anticipate that with these strategies in place, they will strive to be the best they can be. Please stop in any time to visit and, of course, Go Gophers!!!