Girls' Luncheon

Our girls beat the boys by 7 points in our class recognition guessing game!

The Showdown

We are having a 3 part showdown between Matty West and Sando for being the Concentration & Riddle STUDS of their classes. They both had tie scores (never before done in our game), so it is time for a showdown to see which one will reign supreme in points!

Reaching out

I would like to congratulate Mr. West on his new blog that Matty West helped him with last night!!! We are so proud, but we don't know if it is more for Matty West or his dad. :)

Why does my child have a bracket?

Hi,

Your child will be coming home with a bracket. This is the same style bracket used in March Madness (we are starting early because Feb. is a short month). We watched a vid that explains how to make a March Madness bracket and then I inserted what that means for us content wise. :)

Your kids are creating their brackets to ultimately find out which world leader around WWI was the "greatest." I have included some things for them to think about when determine what "greatest" means to them and how to be historically accurate.

If you would like to play and have your own bracket, then let me know and I will send one home. :) Good luck.

They are only completing rounds 1 and 2. We started in class today.

1. You won't put two powerhouses against each other in round one....be thinking about the Elite 8 for that. ;) Divide it up. ;) There is a strategy for your person getting to the final rounds. This isn't pre-set like the real March Madness tourney. :)

Ways to think about "Greatest"

2. Political Movements/reform

3. Military

4. Population

5. Economic status of their country

6. Access to technology/advancements

7. Alliances

8. Land mass/imperialism/colonies/sphere of influence

9. Geographic location/strategic advantage

10. Trade Routes/Access to water

11. Natural Resources

We are getting ready for March Madness....

Hi DLC Family,

We started our March Madness inspired lesson plans, so that we can start getting ready for the excitement!!! I have to say, for the most part, our kids KNOW their Amendments!!!!

A BIG shout out to Liebs!!!!

Smiles,

:)Miss Bailin

Pilot Program: Google's Chrome Notebook (Cr-48)

Hello,

We are one of five school districts in the nation that are a part of Google's Cr-48 pilot program. Selected schools/teachers/programs will be using the Cr-48 (Google's Chrome Notebook). If you are interested in the technology, please view the video links: http://www.google.com/support/chromeos/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=177870 .

This pilot program is being kept low key. We will not be giving interviews and neither will students/parents until further notice when Google starts proceeding with it.

THERE WILL BE BUMPS ALONG THE ROAD AND STUDENTS ARE AWARE OF THIS. THIS IS WHY WE ARE STILL USING THE LAPTOPS. We, as a program and district, understand that this technology is in its early stages, so we are going to use it as much as we can and provide feedback when something goes wrong. Your patience is greatly appreciated. I would also like to point out that we only have enough for the students and this technology is BRAND NEW, so I am learning with the kids (I don't get a teacher one to take home). The students know the process for reporting glitches, bugs, errors, virus messages, etc. (http://shortlinks.pvlearners.net/chromesurvey

). Contacting me will do nothing because I am in the same boat as the kids. The kids will fill out surveys that go directly to Google @ http://shortlinks.pvlearners.net/chromesurvey

“As part of the Chrome notebook Pilot program Google is providing a
limited number of devices to businesses, schools and individuals so
they can start receiving feedback from early users. Google is excited
that a small number of schools, including Paradise Valley Unified
School District, will be testing Chrome notebooks as part of the Pilot
program and we are eager to see the new and innovative approach they
take to learning by using the devices.”

How many schools are receiving them?
We’ve selected a small number of schools to test Chrome notebooks as
part of the Pilot program. We’re excited that Paradise Valley Unified
School District is among those participating in the Pilot program.

How did you pick the schools?
After reviewing thousands of applications, we selected a small number
of schools that share a vision of bringing technology into their
classrooms in innovative ways. We felt their current resources,
coupled with that vision, were a great fit for an all-web device like
the Cr-48.

HELLO 2011

WELCOME BACK EVERYONE!!! It was so great to see all the kids smiling faces today! :)

Today we started getting back in the groove of school. We did a little break recap, went over two assignments, explained the differences between 1st semester and 2nd semester, and finalized our teaching topics and assessments for tomorrow's presentations.

Grades will be finalized this evening and posted. The district will be pulling the final grades tomorrow at 4p.m.

Descriptions of the Final Showcase Digital Product (due May 16th) and the Metaphorical Self-Portrait (due 1/14) are on the Assignment Calendar page, but here are the initial descriptions.

The Final Showcase Digital Product for :)DLC7 has few restrictions. As long as the product is school-appropriate and displays advanced mastery of digital 21st century skills and uses the focus piece, the students have creative freedom. Creativity, originality, and innovation are KEY and should be the focus of this piece. Students ARE NOT to use classmates to share ideas. These products SHOULD BE unveiled for the first time when we view it on the 16th of May. This project also does NOT have a rubric.

For the Metaphoric Picture (due 1/14/2010), students are to use a legal sized piece of paper (can be card stock depending on what they want to put on it) and make a scene or cover the entire background with symbols for themselves. It can include things they think, fear, hopes, dreams, experiences, life lessons, mantras, etc. but it needs to send the message without being too obvious. There should be a space left where their faces should be. These can be realistic or abstract. You will find that the abstract ones will get more of the creative juices flowing and it is a good way to start mentally preparing for the creative outlets that this semester requires. Students are welcome and encouraged to look up the meanings of colors, animals, etc. Few things that are included should or will be gender specific. One of the great things about this piece, is that it doesn't show gender. It makes the activity more interesting. Please don't SHOW THESE to your peers because that will drastically change the plan....