Elementary Academic Highlights

April 2018

Jumping into Spring

We are jumping into the Spring season of the 2018-2019 school year focusing on student growth and achievement in the standards and 4C's. The April 2018 Academic Highlights, includes information for elementary school administrators and staff. Please feel free to share the newsletter as a means of communication. As always, our team is here to support you and your schools.

ELA Updates

mCLASS Updates

Please be sure to check out the April/May mCLASS Leaders Updates for important information. You will find information on single sign on resources, EOY reminders, the mCLASS Google Community, and more.

4th and 5th Grade EL Orientation Timeline

Please be reminded of the 4th and 5th Grade Orientation timeline for both year round and traditional schools. We would like to encourage IRTs to attend with these two grade levels. Teachers should have also received a copy from their IRTs of each student and teacher text to read from the EL Education Curriculum.

June 2018 Letterland Coaches Seminar

This summer we will offer another opportunity for K-2 Coaches to attend the Letterland Coaches Seminar. This session will provide coaches with an additional level of support for teachers as they implement Letterland. K-2 Coaches who are interested in this opportunity who have not previously attended should register using the following SRN: 185582402. You will find additional information regarding the seminar here.

Third Grade ALL Block Refresh Sessions

Based teacher feedback we are offering optional refresh sessions for the ALL Block for all 3rd grade teachers. This will provide third grade teachers with a deeper level of understanding for implementation purposes. You will find additional information regarding the seminar here.

Second Grade Letterland Refresh Session

The literacy department is now offering a refresh opportunity to 2nd grade teachers who are currently using Letterland. You will find registration information here.

New Eyes on ELA

Please find here the April edition of New Eyes on ELA. This edition focuses on managing challenging behaviors in the active classroom.

EL Better World Day

Better World Day is an EL sponsored opportunity for students to celebrate service through learning that contributes to a better world. Please find additional information here. If your school has plans to participate, please let Sherri Miller know, smiller@wcpss.net.

Letterland Day at Pullen Park - Volunteers Needed!

Calling All Clever Cats, Quarrelsome Queens and Munching Mikes! Letterland Day at Pullen Park will be on Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. We need your help to make it a huge success. To ensure that the children have a fun, safe day, we need volunteers to monitor/run the activities. Volunteers would need to stay for at least three hours and arrive 15-20 minutes prior to their scheduled time to review procedures. There will be designated parking for volunteers. Come dressed as your favorite Letterland character! Volunteer to help with one or more of the activities on April 28th:https://goo.gl/S4rkMh

Teacher Summer Writing Institute

We will be offering our second Summer Writing Institute for Teachers sponsored by WCPSS Academics Department. The institute will be held from June 18-22, 2018, from 9:00 AM-3: 00 PM at Carroll Middle School. Teachers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. This 5-day institute is an opportunity for teachers to find and explore their own writing voice. Participants will have the opportunity to work with author-in-residence, Nic Stone, acclaimed author of Dear Martin. Through exploring professional readings around writing and being immersed in writing activities, participants will grow as writers themselves, uncovering or rediscovering their voice. Sub pay is available for year-round teachers. There are only 50 spaces available for this wonderful opportunity offering 2.5 literacy credits! The application can be found here. For more information, please see the attached flyer. Applications must be completed and submitted by April 20, 2018.

We look forward to receiving your application. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Jaymee at jgaskins@wcpss.net or 919-533-7025.

Letterland Day Information Announcements to Share with Families

Please include this message to your student families during the month of April as an event announcement. This should already be on your website under "Latest News and Calendars".

Math Updates

The Elementary Math April 2018 Updates contain new and important information on the following:

K-2 Summative Math Data
2018 North Carolina State Math Standards Trainings
Save the Date- NCSU High Five 2018 Math/Science Summit
K-3 Individual Math Manipulative Kits
Supporting K-2 Math Instruction Course
Developing Number Concepts Kit Assembly Volunteer Opportunity
2017-2018 Math Student Handouts
2018-2019 1st Quarter Math Student Handouts
Spotlight on Instruction

Please be sure to read the information carefully and share with your staff as needed. Let us know if you have any questions.

Science Updates

The April 2018 Elementary Science Updates issue includes useful information and resources for K-5 teachers on the following science topics:

Safety in the Science Classroom
Focus on 5th Grade: Cumulative EOG Review Resources
Resource Spotlight: 4th Grade UbD Unit, Wonders of Weather Website, Non-Fiction Text
Professional Development & Opportunities
Earth Day, Arbor Day, Environmental Education Week

Please feel free to share this information with your staff. Let us know if you have any questions.

Social Studies Updates

The Social Studies April 2018 Updates includes new updates, resources, and news on the following:

Social Studies Field Trip
Twitter
Kids Discover
NC Service Learning Coalition

Please be sure to share this information with your staff. Let us know if you have any questions.

ESL Updates

K-12 Administrator Training Session

Please sign up for an upcoming professional learning opportunity! The spring ESL Professional Series event includes a session for school administrators to explore critical components of effectively scaffolded instruction for English Learners, including the protocol ESL staff use to facilitate conversations and self-reflection with ESL teachers regarding teaching and learning. Register for the 75-minute session in e-schools.

ESL Professional Series April 11, 2018: K-12 Administrator Session

McKimmon Center, 10:15 - 11:30, Room 10

SRN # for Elementary: 185474402

SRN # for Secondary: 185474502

Ready4K

What is Ready4K?

Ready4K is a FREE research-based text-messaging program for parents of children ages birth through second grade. Each week, you will receive three texts with FUN FACTS and EASY Tips to boost your child’s learning. How do I sign up? Signing up is easy: Text R4K WC to 70138 Click here for the English and one the Spanish translations that you can send home to families. All families that sign up for Ready4K by text will use the same number and message. The family will be asked to enter their child's birthdate and the language they prefer. Please note the texts are now for families with children ages birth through second grade.