"HixsonHub"

Good afternoon,

Jason Heisel, Building Technology Specialist and Webmaster at Hixson Middle School, has dedicated much time and effort in supporting students in producing a student-created, student-maintained web site.  The site is very inviting and showcases some rich and meaningful learning on behalf of the children!

Here is what Jason shared: 

"TechYes students launched their student site http://hixsonhub.com a site designed, built and maintained by students, an 8th grade TechYes member mentored some 7th grade students on coding as part of their 20% project (pictured), and our art Teacher Jenny Hannel had her students check out the Google Cultural institute and virtually tour some art museums where students picked a piece of art work to discuss and share in her Google Classroom."

Please check out the wonderful work of our middle school children...: http://hixsonhub.com

Each child, Each day....John

One Thoughtful Teacher...

Good afternoon (again),

Last year, Lauren Forsythe, wonderful teacher at the WAFC, participated in Thought Session, one of the long term learning opportunities offered through iDEA (our district's professional development committee).  During that year-long experience, she engaged in some really powerful action research regarding the role a child’s peers might play in his/her successful transition from one space to another.  Hearing Lauren speak about the child, who was the impetus for her research, was and still is quite moving.  Since the conclusion of her research, Lauren has shared her work with DESE and others around the state.  Just recently, Lauren’s research was published in Voices of Practitioners, the teacher research of journal of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

I would encourage you to read Lauren's research article below!

Each child, Each day...John

http://issuu.com/naeyc/docs/vop_winter_2015?e=0/11273191

CCC Minutes

Good afternoon,

Here are the minutes from this week's Curriculum Coordinating Council comprised of staff, parents, and community members.  Topics on this month's agenda included state testing, the work of The Collaborative, the Student Success Report, and an update from the Equity in Education Team.

Each Child, Each Day....John

Is this how you learned about rocks?

Good morning, 

As you know, we are blessed to have some amazing learners in the Webster Groves School District!  Please take a moment to check out the creative production below that Jim Hake and his class at Edgar Road produced to share their learning of the rock cycle!

Jim shared, "The kids really enjoyed the process of writing, recording, and shooting the music video. In addition, the hard work paid off. The evidence of this is that there were kids mouthing the words to the song and writing lyrics on their end of unit assessment while explaining the rock cycle. Also, they are super excited to see how many views they have on YouTube!"


Wish learning about rocks would have been this engaging and memorable for me back in the day.  "Thanks" to Jim and his students for sharing their learning!

Each child, Each day...John

edcampWG

Dear Families,

On January 2, preschool through sixth grade staff had the opportunity to learn together at edcampWG!  What makes the "edcamp" model of professional learning unique is that participants have the opportunity to initiate what they want to share, learn about, and/or discuss - THAT DAY!

Here is just a sampling of the more than 40 topics explored: 20% time in the classroom, social justice, Twitter, meeting the mental health needs of children, relevant writing, initiating big change, cooperative learning in the arts, coding, and pop culture in the classroom.

In addition, staff also had the opportunity to interact with local agencies in support of both child and adult learning.  Some of those groups included the Washington University Young Scientist Program, Preferred Family Health, Webster Groves Farmers Market, Monsanto, and Keep Art Happening.

All in all, it was a great morning of learning!

Each child, Each day...John

Special Day In The WGSD!

Good afternoon,

Today was a special day for me for two reasons.

First, I had the opportunity to listen to a group of dedicated and thoughtful high school teachers discuss the experience each had spending an entire day as a student at WGHS.  To a person, they shared their experiences and the thoughts, images, and words that still resonate.  While not surprised, I was moved by their care and commitment for the children they work very hard to serve.  "Thank you" to their principal, Jon Clark, for providing them with the opportunity to experience a student's day and for bringing them back to debrief the experience with one another.  In addition, Dr. Clark is planning on having them share a summary of their experiences and reflections with colleagues at an upcoming meeting!

Secondly, I had the opportunity to take in the balloon launch at Hixson (video below).  While on the surface it may purely look like fun (Which clearly it was!), the children are actually involved in the process of learning as they explore: 1) how the Kinetic Molecular Theory might be used to illustrate particle movement in each state of matter, and 2) how changes in energy change volume of matter.  "Thank you" to the teachers and all those supporting such an engaging and meaningful learning experience for children!

We're blessed to be in a district in which staff are committed to their own continued growth in support of relevant, engaging, and relational learning for children!

Each child, Each day...John

Pitch Day! - Team Harmony

Yesterday was "Pitch Day" on Team Harmony at Hixson Middle School.  Students had the opportunity to share their 20% Time projects with Hixson and other district staff.  To learn more about what's happening with 20% Time on Team Harmony, check out their blog: http://harmonizedlearning.blogspot.com/.

Each child, Each day...John