Beware of Summer Learning Loss
Students lose math and reading skills over the Summer. Don't believe me? Check your student's MAP scores from Spring to Fall. Almost without exception, you will find a drop in their scores. The New York Times ran an article about it which you can read here. There are many studies that confirm that Summer Learning Loss exists and it is a HUGE problem. Please help your student to stay sharp over the summer.
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· Read at least 20 minutes per day.
· Stay active outside. · Visit Museums, Parks, and other landmarks. · Take summer classes and workshops. · Visit the Library at least once a week. |
· Set up a book club with your friends.
· Go see a play. · Try out some science experiments. · Go for a hike in the woods. · Create presentations / websites on the computer. |
Bring Your Own Device (B.Y.O.D.)
Today you should have received a permission slip authorizing your student to bring their own electronic device to school. District 7 (and Mr. Palles) believes that access to technology and developing the skills to use new technology are essential skills for modern learners. With so many resources available online, students need to be trained to access and identify reliable sources. By giving the students access to their own devices in the classroom, we can help them to develop technology skills that will prepare them for their future as life-long learners.
This new program will allow us to (both students and teachers) to learn together. I am excited to see what ideas the students bring to this program.
Please email if you have any questions or concerns. jpalles@wdsd7.org
This new program will allow us to (both students and teachers) to learn together. I am excited to see what ideas the students bring to this program.
Please email if you have any questions or concerns. jpalles@wdsd7.org
Raising Modern Learners
Internet and education Guru, Will Richardson, recently launched a website for parents. Mr. Richardson is an outspoken critic of education and educational reform. To see one of his TEDtalks, click this link. Mr. Richardson spoke with the staff of Westview District 7 after Winter break and has been an incredible resource to all of us. I recommend reading some of the articles on his website. These articles can help to make you aware of some of the major changes that are taking place in education that will directly impact your children and their educational experience.
Goodbye Dojo, Hello Sokikom
Class Dojo was a huge success for monitoring our behaviors. However, I recently discovered an even better website! Sokikom offers a similar behavior management system, but also includes math games. The students will earn virtual dollars for good behaviors and coins for completing online math games. They can then use their dollars and coins to by items for their avatar. Sokikom also features online multiplayer options, so the kids can meet up online and help each other with math work. I'm very excited to use this great new tool and hope that you enjoy it, too. As always, for questions and concerns, please email Mr. Palles @ jpalles@wdsd7.org.
Edmodo Activated!
Edmodo is a social network designed for teacher/student interaction with an emphasis on quick communication, polling, assignment sharing, and more. Basically, it's Facebook for classrooms. To learn more follow this link. For questions or concerns please email Mr.Palles @ jpalles@wdsd7.org.
Khan Academy is HERE!!!
Parents,As we know, children learn at different rates. Some children are able to grasp certain concepts very quickly, while others may need more time to understand those same concepts. It is the vision of District 7 and myself to help each student reach their full academic potential. I feel that Khan Academy is going to be an invaluable tool to achieve that goal. Using the lessons and instructional materials provided by Khan Academy, I will be able to more clearly recognize where students may need more direct instruction and support.
Today each student was given a KhanAcademy.org username and password. I will be able to log in and see how they are progressing through various math concepts and provide support where necessary. To do this, I need your help. Plese encourage your children to spend time using the Khan Academy website. Let them learn at their own pace and let them learn the concepts independently. Using Khan Academy requires NO HELP FROM YOU. Using Khan Academy gives the children ownership over their own learning. If they get stuck, feel free to assist, but be aware that I will be assisting as well. Students will not be graded based on their usage of Khan Academy, it is strictly a tool to help them take control of their learning.
If you are not familiar with Khan Academy, please watch the video below or contact me with any questions. Thank you, in advance, for your support.
Today each student was given a KhanAcademy.org username and password. I will be able to log in and see how they are progressing through various math concepts and provide support where necessary. To do this, I need your help. Plese encourage your children to spend time using the Khan Academy website. Let them learn at their own pace and let them learn the concepts independently. Using Khan Academy requires NO HELP FROM YOU. Using Khan Academy gives the children ownership over their own learning. If they get stuck, feel free to assist, but be aware that I will be assisting as well. Students will not be graded based on their usage of Khan Academy, it is strictly a tool to help them take control of their learning.
If you are not familiar with Khan Academy, please watch the video below or contact me with any questions. Thank you, in advance, for your support.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter
Click the image on the left to be redirected directly to the class Twitter account. Be sure to follow us for updates and images from our class! https://twitter.com/WVClassroom4
Welcome Back!!!
I hope everyone had a great holiday break. I know that we've all been working hard, so it's nice to get a short break to recharge our batteries. I'm looking forward to having a great second half of the school year and I know you will all continue to work hard!
Mr. Palles Receives an Educator Award!
Mr. and Mrs. Palles at the
2012 Those Who Excel
Awards Banquet.
2012 Those Who Excel
Awards Banquet.
Saturday, October 20, 2012 - Mr. Palles attended the Those Who Excel Awards Banquet in Bloomington-Normal, IL where he received an "Award of Excellence as an Educational Service Personnel." The Those Who Excel Awards Program annually recognizes and honors people who have made outstanding contributions to public and nonpublic elementary and secondary education.
Mr. Palles, along with eight others, received the state's highest honor for service personnel. The award was given for his work as a paraprofessional (classroom assistant) in Elmhurst District 205 in the 2011-2012 school year.
For more information on the Those Who Excel Awards visit http://www.isbe.net/those_who_excel.htm.
Mr. Palles, along with eight others, received the state's highest honor for service personnel. The award was given for his work as a paraprofessional (classroom assistant) in Elmhurst District 205 in the 2011-2012 school year.
For more information on the Those Who Excel Awards visit http://www.isbe.net/those_who_excel.htm.
