March 2024 IB Connection

• Seal of Biliteracy Exam (5th/8th) - March 4 - 8
• IAR Testing (3rd-8th) - March 11 - April 4
• March 20 ~ PAC/BAC
• March 22 ~ End of Quarter 3
• March 25 - March 29 ~ Spring Break

We had an amazing turn out at our last PAC/BAC meeting on Wednesday, February 3. Our PYP Art Teacher, Ms. King, led families through a landscape painting tutorial where they all went home with their own artistic creation. This was a great opportunity for our families to build connections with one another and share ideas with staff on school improvement initiatives.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 20th from 8am-9am. Be on the lookout for communication via REMIND for details.

Please reach out to Noemi Ramos (nramos@cps.edu), our assistant principal who supports PAC/BAC or Jessika Maldonado (jmmaldonado1@cps.edu), our English Language Program Teacher (ELPT) for more information about getting involved or attending a future meeting.

Transfer of learning is crucial because it helps children apply what they've learned in one area to new situations they encounter. This ability is essential for success in school, work, and life because it allows individuals to adapt to changing circumstances, solve problems creatively, and make connections between different areas of knowledge.

When children can transfer their skills and knowledge, they become more versatile learners. Instead of viewing each subject or task in isolation, they start to see patterns and connections that help them make sense of the world. This broader understanding enables them to tackle complex problems with confidence and flexibility.

Here are some practical ways to support this outside of their learning and Locke:

1. Using skills and knowledge in different situations: Encourage your student to use what they've learned in one subject in other areas. For example, if they learn problem-solving in math, suggest using those skills in science projects too.

2. Gaining different perspectives: Help your student explore different viewpoints on topics they're studying. Provide resources that show various sides of an issue to deepen their understanding.

3. Connecting concepts across subjects: Prompt your student to see how ideas in one subject relate to others. This helps them understand how everything fits together.

4. Creating solutions using knowledge and skills: Encourage your student to use what they know to solve real-world problems or make something new.

5. Using current knowledge with new technologies: Support your student in applying what they already know to learn about new technologies or tools.

6. Exploring different perspectives in inquiries: Encourage your student to consider how ideas might change in different situations or cultures.

Ultimately, transfer of learning is about empowering children to become lifelong learners who can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. By supporting this process at home, parents play a vital role in helping their children reach their full potential and become confident, capable individuals.

To support our IB MYP partnership across our two schools, Locke MYP Year 1-3 (6-8 grade)students took a trip to Steinmetz HS to share their thoughts on the personal projects of Year 5 (Sophomore) students. These projects are a key part of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which is all about encouraging independent thinking and learning. They allow students to really dive into their interests and use what they've learned in their MYP studies. Locke kids got the chance to evaluate 3 projects of their choosing that they found engaging. This is not only gave helpful feedback for the Steinmetz students, but also a chance for Locke students to see firsthand how learning can be exciting and personal.

As part of the "How the World Works" unit in Ms. Mantai's class, students inquired into how cell phones and E waste are damaging nature. Students read and researched about materials phones are made from, that they come from mining and that these become toxic when people burn them or do not recycle them. Then, they created a team poster about their findings.

Love is in the air! Our students in Mr. McPhail's choir class this past block had the chance to show off their skills in a full concert. Students worked for several weeks learning to become and ensemble and come together to celebrate love.

Here are the songs for each group:

• Room 205 (5th) performed two songs: "My Love Mine All Mine" by Mitski (famous for its current trend on TikTok), and "Do You Love Me" by the Contours
• Room 214 (6th) debuted "Can't Help Falling in Love with You" by Elvis
• Room 213 (7th) belted out "I'm a Believer" originally by The Monkees and made famous by Smash Mouth in the film soundtrack from Shrek.
• Room 217 (8th) sang "Seasons of Love" from the musical Rent - see video linked to enjoy!

Students in Ms. Hanley's class participated in Malcom Mitchell's Read Bowl. The Read Bowl takes place during the period in between the College National Championship and the Super Bowl. The class set their goal as 16,000 minutes and they accomplished it!! To celebrate, they had a cereal bowl party!!!

In Pre-K's "How We Express Ourselves" unit, students embarked on an adventure into the world of drumming! These endearing snapshots capture the children as they discovered the joy of expressing themselves through rhythmic beats. Join in celebrating their creativity as they explored drums in their class unit on self-expression.n.

In Mr. Rizkallah's creative writing class, students figured out the type of writers they are by engaging with a variety of activities and writing styles. Students then brainstormed and created their own fictional stories, which encompassed 5 chapters.

First grade is learning about the art career of architect in Ms. King's class. They are learning about how architects combine art, math, and science to create buildings. Students are tasked with working together as a group to design a building in just 20 minutes! They talk about their ideas with their group, discuss their plan as to how they will accomplish their goals, and begin building using various building blocks. During this process students are using their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to collaborate with others.

As a part of our 'How We Express Ourselves' unit and in celebration of the Lunar New Year, students explored the different ways that people use art, music and dance to commemorate the New Year. We watched dragon dances, made our own red lanterns and wrote about what we like to do during the Lunar New Year. Happy Year of the Dragon! 恭喜发财！

In the "How We Express Ourselves" in Ms. Salen's class, students in small groups researched the creative expression that occurred during different points in time of US History. Groups created posters and then presented them to the class. The periods researched were the Chicago School of Architecture, the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression/New Deal, and the American Industrial Revolution.

As part of the "How We Express Ourselves" unit, Pre-K discussed how music makes them feel. As part of their home to school connection, teachers asked students to create their own instruments at home. Students created: guitar, xylophones, shakers, rain sticks and drums. Students were able to share their instrument with their peers.

In Mr. Rossiter's class, native Spanish speakers are working collaboratively on an error analysis activity where problems on volume are done intentionally wrong. They are discussing what error occurred and how to fix it.

Mr. L and Mr. Gorecki's reading buddies enjoyed sharing books together this month.

As we honor Women's History Month, it's a great opportunity for families with IB learners to explore women's contributions from around the world. While an IB education emphasizes international mindedness, we can further our students' understanding by delving into the diverse experiences of women across different cultures and societies.

One way to do this is by incorporating a variety of resources at home that highlight women's achievements and struggles from various parts of the globe. Books, documentaries, and online articles can offer insights into the unique challenges faced by women in different cultural contexts, developing empathy and understanding in our children.

By introducing our kids to women role models from diverse backgrounds, we not only inspire them but also cultivate a sense of respect for different cultures and perspectives. Exposing our children to diverse voices helps broaden their horizons and instills in them a sense of global citizenship.

Encouraging our kids to take action in support of gender equality on a global scale is another important aspect of fostering international mindedness. By participating in initiatives that advocate for women's rights and empowerment globally, students learn the value of solidarity and collaboration across borders.

Families can lead by example by promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity in our own interactions and discussions at home. By embracing the richness of different cultures and perspectives, we teach our children the importance of being caring and open-mindedness – essential qualities for global citizens in today's interconnected world.

As celebrate Women's History Month, let's not only honor the remarkable achievements of women but also take this opportunity to cultivate a deeper understanding of gender equality from a global perspective. Together, we can empower our children to become compassionate, globally-minded individuals who are equipped to contribute positively to a more inclusive and equitable world.