I would like you to look at The Basic School: A Community for Learning. It is written by Ernest Boyer. This was my school's theme/focus when I taught in Charlotte. It focuses on the 4 C's. Community, Curriculum, Climate and Commitment. This really provided our staff, students and parents with a sense of cohesiveness. I think that is what South Fork needs.
I like the idea of becoming a math/science/technology school as a way to compete with other 21st century learners. Our students are all going to need math, science, and technology for the rest of their lives and to be successful in the world today. Even if we just choose one or two of the above themes we would be able to start moving our students ahead.
Good Morning, I was thinking about our theme and the kind of school we were. I'm ashame to say that I had to look it up to see that we were a school of essential skills. I was visiting Ashley School and it shouts out what it is. You probably have been over there, but if you haven't visit this summer. They are aviation and it's apparent when you walk in. The building lends itself to the theme, too. Each room number is called a gate. It's so neat. There's not a lot to do with Essential Skills and my mind is a blank.
Is there some documentation for the community of learning available on the internet? Do you have the book? Where does technology fit in with this concept?
What about a spanish immersion focus? I have had several parents in the community say if we did something like that- they would put their kids back into Southfork. We could use it both ways- immersion for our english students and siop for our ESL students.
Going along with Betsy's comment, we could do something to emphasize how we embrace different cultures. We could divide the school into different continents by grade levels and specialists or something of the like. Then each year the kids could focus learning about one continent. Our learning cottages could become islands. Just a thought.
What about a Problem Based Learning Model? Similiar to the 5th grade inventor's project I worked with them and coordinated with art and computer. Debbie Morris, MLS
Where is Betsy's comment? What about embracing the different cultures?
I like these ideas- keep them coming and be thinking aobut which one rings true with you. We will be discussing these in learning teams soon. SIT will be discussing this idea this week.
Betsy's post talked about having the aviation theme that was throughout the school - very obvious. I thought we might could embrace all the different cultures we have with continents. The issue with doing something like spanish immersion is that it leaves out all the other cultures we have at our school. Our ability to embrace all cultures and run with it helps make South Fork what it is.
I had the very same idea as the one posted by Lisa--about embracing our multicultural aspects and centering learning around a global theme. The whole global theme ties in well with 21st century learners and technology. I think a Spanish immersion class could still operate within a multicultural/global theme; it would just be one component of it that wouldn't have to overshadow others.
I like Mrs. Anderson's idea of The Basic School. We need to teach the basic curriculum and be known for how well we do just that. We can add decorations and fun to what we already do rather than adding something extra. Let's be known as a school that collaborates to provide the best education offered.
I totally agree with Mrs. Anderson and teacherk! We need to stick to the basics-essential skills to be life long learners. Our children need to be life long learners and we need to start that at South Fork. We can be creative in how we represent our theme and show that throughout the entire school but it will take work on everyones part.
There is a Basic School book. Here is a website for more information. There is also a website you can view if you search The Basic School: A Community for Learning
These are great thoughts- keep them coming...if you have an idea but haven't posted yet- please do so. We need all ideas so we have a lot of options.
Can the Basic schools be connected to a Global theme? All the ideas of the basic schools is what makes a good global society...how can we connect the two to incorporate all the diversity we have but build a strong community within our school?
We really need to get moving on this- I think a good next step is to get a committee working on this. I thik we need at least one person from each grade level and area in our school- So, we are looking at a committee of around 12 people. Email me (ASAP) if you want to volunteer- we will set up a first meeting during the week of March 23.
I can't figure out how to "blog" but here are my two cents worth of "Theme" opinion. In my perfect school system fantasy there would be one them for all of the schools-"School." Focus needs to be back on basics- reading, writing, math and learning to get along in a community of students. Supplement with art, music,PE, foreign lang. Ms. Anderson's idea seemed to express my general thoughts better. see you soon- Becki M. West, LCSW
I tend to go along with a "basic" or "essential" approach to our theme. What are the basics that our kids need to know to get them to adulthood? They need to know basic skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, and they need to be GREAT at these skills. But in today's world, they are also going to need basic/essential computer skills to compete in a more technology-based world.
They also need "basic" or "essential" skills in character, in order to get along with others and be the best person they can be.
In other words, I think we need to get back to the basics--things our students will need in order to survive "the world".
Trish, I really like the idea of the Basic school idea integrated with a 'global' theme. I think it is important for our kids to get the basics- but also build a strong sense of community within the school. I think we could really use our diversity as a building block for building such community within our school.
I found an article that you will be given in the staff meeting about Creating Global Classrooms that I think will help give you a clearer vision of where we need to go. The Global Community is here and we have to prepare our students on how to manuver their way through it. Yes, we need to make sure they have the basics and to become effective problem solvers but now they also have to be able to function in a global system. I think what we need to look at is how to do it all together- the old way of teaching school is quickly going to the wayside. We need to think and look outside the box to find ways to get our students prepared for the future- A future that is actually here now.
I feel our community needs basic skills, or essential skills, and this can be reflected in our hall displays when we put out work. I've started doing this, and if this is our theme, visitors to our school can easily surmise that our theme is "Essential Skills" if all teachers put labels on displayed work. That would be a quick fix to get everyone started. I like Angie's idea that expands on essential skills - if we have to change from our current theme.
WE don't have to change our current theme- I just was not clear as to what our current theme meant and how do we express it through out the school. Think like a current or perspective parent- Do you know what our theme is? Is is interesting or something you would want for your child so you put them at that school over another?
Have you seen the description of the new Caleb's Creek theme? It is called a school of "connections". It incorporates technology into everything. I started playing with a theme of South Fork- The Global Connection...Essentials or back to basics with a focus on technology and the basics of communicating globally- through all types of media.
Keep the ideas coming- Think out of the box...since we are brainstornming- no idea, even small, should be left out.
I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments. To add to the discussion, I was thinking of the South Fork mascot, the dolphin. I came across the theme, Sea Us Learn. (It goes with the mural in the entrance hall) Also, SEAS can stand for Successfully Educating All Students.... Just a thought.
I like PC's idea of incorporating the mural and our mascot. I had sent Trish an email (not a blog) earlier about doing something with the dolphin, sea, etc. The mural is the first thing you see when you come in the door and it is beautiful so we need to use it as a jumping point. I like Trish's idea about The Global Connections-anyway we can put the two together?
I think we should definitely go with a theme that incorporates our mascot and the beautiful mural in the front hallway...Global Connections and Essentials for the Future...Successfully Educating All Students OR SEA US LEARN would hit both!
I think that our school's theme should include basics+essentials+global=successful 21st century students in a community. I agee with alot of the other comments/suggestions about our school's theme.
Thanks, Liltrice Harris, EC Pre-K Teacher South Fork Elementary
I would like you to look at The Basic School: A Community for Learning. It is written by Ernest Boyer. This was my school's theme/focus when I taught in Charlotte. It focuses on the 4 C's. Community, Curriculum, Climate and Commitment. This really provided our staff, students and parents with a sense of cohesiveness. I think that is what South Fork needs.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of becoming a math/science/technology school as a way to compete with other 21st century learners. Our students are all going to need math, science, and technology for the rest of their lives and to be successful in the world today. Even if we just choose one or two of the above themes we would be able to start moving our students ahead.
ReplyDeleteThis is written by Ms. Scott- copied by TWSpencer
ReplyDeleteGood Morning,
I was thinking about our theme and the kind of school we were. I'm ashame to say that I had to look it up to see that we were a school of essential skills. I was visiting Ashley School and it shouts out what it is. You probably have been over there, but if you haven't visit this summer. They are aviation and it's apparent when you walk in. The building lends itself to the theme, too. Each room number is called a gate. It's so neat.
There's not a lot to do with Essential Skills and my mind is a blank.
Is there some documentation for the community of learning available on the internet? Do you have the book? Where does technology fit in with this concept?
ReplyDeleteWhat about a spanish immersion focus? I have had several parents in the community say if we did something like that- they would put their kids back into Southfork. We could use it both ways- immersion for our english students and siop for our ESL students.
Going along with Betsy's comment, we could do something to emphasize how we embrace different cultures. We could divide the school into different continents by grade levels and specialists or something of the like. Then each year the kids could focus learning about one continent. Our learning cottages could become islands. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteWhat about a Problem Based Learning Model?
ReplyDeleteSimiliar to the 5th grade inventor's project I worked with them and coordinated with art and computer.
Debbie Morris, MLS
Where is Betsy's comment? What about embracing the different cultures?
ReplyDeleteI like these ideas- keep them coming and be thinking aobut which one rings true with you. We will be discussing these in learning teams soon. SIT will be discussing this idea this week.
Betsy's post talked about having the aviation theme that was throughout the school - very obvious. I thought we might could embrace all the different cultures we have with continents. The issue with doing something like spanish immersion is that it leaves out all the other cultures we have at our school. Our ability to embrace all cultures and run with it helps make South Fork what it is.
ReplyDeleteI had the very same idea as the one posted by Lisa--about embracing our multicultural aspects and centering learning around a global theme. The whole global theme ties in well with 21st century learners and technology. I think a Spanish immersion class could still operate within a multicultural/global theme; it would just be one component of it that wouldn't have to overshadow others.
ReplyDeleteI like Mrs. Anderson's idea of The Basic School. We need to teach the basic curriculum and be known for how well we do just that. We can add decorations and fun to what we already do rather than adding something extra. Let's be known as a school that collaborates to provide the best education offered.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Mrs. Anderson and teacherk! We need to stick to the basics-essential skills to be life long learners. Our children need to be life long learners and we need to start that at South Fork. We can be creative in how we represent our theme and show that throughout the entire school but it will take work on everyones part.
ReplyDeleteThere is a Basic School book. Here is a website for more information. There is also a website you can view if you search The Basic School: A Community for Learning
ReplyDeletewww.soe.vt.edu/basicschool/index.html
There are only 3 Basic Schools in NC out of the 16 Basic Schools.
ReplyDeleteThese are great thoughts- keep them coming...if you have an idea but haven't posted yet- please do so. We need all ideas so we have a lot of options.
ReplyDeleteCan the Basic schools be connected to a Global theme? All the ideas of the basic schools is what makes a good global society...how can we connect the two to incorporate all the diversity we have but build a strong community within our school?
We really need to get moving on this- I think a good next step is to get a committee working on this. I thik we need at least one person from each grade level and area in our school- So, we are looking at a committee of around 12 people. Email me (ASAP) if you want to volunteer- we will set up a first meeting during the week of March 23.
Sent in by Trish for Becky West-
ReplyDeleteI can't figure out how to "blog" but here are my two cents worth of "Theme" opinion. In my perfect school system fantasy there would be one them for all of the schools-"School." Focus needs to be back on basics- reading, writing, math and learning to get along in a community of students. Supplement with art, music,PE, foreign lang. Ms. Anderson's idea seemed to express my general thoughts better.
see you soon-
Becki M. West, LCSW
I tend to go along with a "basic" or "essential" approach to our theme. What are the basics that our kids need to know to get them to adulthood? They need to know basic skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, and they need to be GREAT at these skills. But in today's world, they are also going to need basic/essential computer skills to compete in a more technology-based world.
ReplyDeleteThey also need "basic" or "essential" skills in character, in order to get along with others and be the best person they can be.
In other words, I think we need to get back to the basics--things our students will need in order to survive "the world".
Trish, I really like the idea of the Basic school idea integrated with a 'global' theme. I think it is important for our kids to get the basics- but also build a strong sense of community within the school. I think we could really use our diversity as a building block for building such community within our school.
ReplyDeleteI found an article that you will be given in the staff meeting about Creating Global Classrooms that I think will help give you a clearer vision of where we need to go. The Global Community is here and we have to prepare our students on how to manuver their way through it. Yes, we need to make sure they have the basics and to become effective problem solvers but now they also have to be able to function in a global system. I think what we need to look at is how to do it all together- the old way of teaching school is quickly going to the wayside. We need to think and look outside the box to find ways to get our students prepared for the future- A future that is actually here now.
ReplyDeleteI feel our community needs basic skills, or essential skills, and this can be reflected in our hall displays when we put out work. I've started doing this, and if this is our theme, visitors to our school can easily surmise that our theme is "Essential Skills" if all teachers put labels on displayed work. That would be a quick fix to get everyone started.
ReplyDeleteI like Angie's idea that expands on essential skills - if we have to change from our current theme.
WE don't have to change our current theme- I just was not clear as to what our current theme meant and how do we express it through out the school. Think like a current or perspective parent- Do you know what our theme is? Is is interesting or something you would want for your child so you put them at that school over another?
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the description of the new Caleb's Creek theme? It is called a school of "connections". It incorporates technology into everything. I started playing with a theme of South Fork- The Global Connection...Essentials or back to basics with a focus on technology and the basics of communicating globally- through all types of media.
Keep the ideas coming- Think out of the box...since we are brainstornming- no idea, even small, should be left out.
What about South Fork- The Global Connections and Essentials for the Future.
ReplyDeleteI like it - The Global Connections and Essentials for the Future.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading everyone's comments. To add to the discussion, I was thinking of the South Fork mascot, the dolphin. I came across the theme, Sea Us Learn. (It goes with the mural in the entrance hall) Also, SEAS can stand for Successfully Educating All Students.... Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI like PC's idea of incorporating the mural and our mascot. I had sent Trish an email (not a blog) earlier about doing something with the dolphin, sea, etc. The mural is the first thing you see when you come in the door and it is beautiful so we need to use it as a jumping point. I like Trish's idea about The Global Connections-anyway we can put the two together?
ReplyDeleteThe Global Connections and Essentials for the Future...-Successfully Educating All Students
ReplyDeletewith a dolphin wrapped around the world or arching over the world.
I think that is good. It incorporates who we represent.
ReplyDeleteLOVE Trish's idea above-the entire thing!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think we should definitely go with a theme that incorporates our mascot and the beautiful mural in the front hallway...Global Connections and Essentials for the Future...Successfully Educating All Students OR SEA US LEARN would hit both!
ReplyDeletePublished for Liltrice Harris
ReplyDeleteI think that our school's theme should include basics+essentials+global=successful 21st century students in a community. I agee with alot of the other comments/suggestions about our school's theme.
Thanks,
Liltrice Harris, EC Pre-K Teacher
South Fork Elementary