2nd order change

I have taught like I was taught;  I am seeing the light, though.

"Teaching is not telling; repeating is not learning!"

As much as we might dislike the implications, research is showing that didactic exposition of abstract ideas and lines of reasoning (however engaging and lucid we might try to make them) to passive listeners yields pathetically thin results in learning and understanding - except in the very small percentage of students who are specially gifted in the field.

Wednesday Early Dismissals

I often get asked what our teachers do on the Wednesdays when the district dismisses an hour early. Like any profession it is extremely important for educators to hone their craft.  The staff is involved in professional collegial conversations about curriculum mapping, formative assessment, effective instruction, and Authentic Intellectual Work (AIW). 

By dismissing an hour early every Wednesday our teachers are engaged in regular conversations, discuss issues in more “real time”, and allow peers to provide timely feedback on their lessons and assessments.

At one time a teacher was similar to an independent contractor.  The teacher would go into their room, close the door, and teach whatever they wanted to teach.  Many times the education your child would get depended upon which teacher the student was assigned.  The research shows that student achievement increases when teachers collaborate and the curriculum becomes guaranteed from teacher to teacher.

CALENDAR CHANGE

October 26^th will now be changed from and hour early out to a half day early out and the afternoon will be used to analyze MAP test results

 

Kinsey Elementary will dismiss 11:20 AM and the Middle School and High School will dismiss at 11:30 AM

Futbol (Soccer) starts next year

The Sioux Center School Board approved adding soccer as a junior varsity sport in the 2013-2014 school year and as a varsity sport in the 2014-2015 school year.  Stay tuned for more details.

Homecoming Fun Facts

GOOD LUCK TONIGHT WARRIORS!!

The First Homecoming

The NCAA credits the University of Missouri with the first homecoming event. In 1911 Mizzou's Athletic Director Chester Brewer invited alumni to "come home" for the annual game against the University of Kansas. The event drew over 10,000 alumni and fans for a weekend of speeches, rallies, dances and a parade, with the big game as the weekend's center point.

Football Takes Center Stage

As the popularity of football grew on campuses across the U.S., several schools hit on the idea to hold a large-scale celebration to bolster school spirit and connect current students with alumni. Often times the coronation of a new football field or a big rival game was highlighted to focus homecoming celebrations.

Crowning of the Queen

The homecoming court has its origins in the 1930s. Originally chosen based on a composite of the float she was riding and the person herself, later queens and kings were nominated and ultimately chosen based on their qualities as an individual.

Everyone Loves a Parade

The modern homecoming parade includes the school's marching band, the homecoming court, a variety of floats based upon a chosen theme and a leader of the parade--usually the school's grand marshal. Parades may take place on the school campus or run the length of a town's main street, inviting the majority of the town's citizens and businesses to take part.

Catch the Spirit

Spirit days or dress-up days are most popular during high school homecoming week. Different themes designated throughout the week invite students to dress in costumes or school colors to show their school spirit.

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) next week

Kinsey Elementary School students in grades second through fourth and the Sioux Center Middle and High School students will be taking the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) next week.  We give students MAP tests to determine your child’s instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year.  MAP tests are unique in that they adapt to be appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.  And with MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth.

Please speak with your child/children about the importance of doing their best on the assessment.

2nd Order Change

Our district will focus on creating second order change this year.

First Order change refers to an extension of past practices and typically focuses on doing a better job at what is already being done.

Second Order change is related to complex change that exceeds existing paradigms and requires new knowledge and skills.  (Waters, 2004)

A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others. ~Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, translated from Turkish