Elementary Academic Highlights

February 2018

Welcome February

February moves us into the second month of 2018 with a focus on standards and 4C's. The February 2018 Academic Highlights, includes pertinent information for elementary school stakeholders. We would like to welcome Kelly Martin, our new Administrative Assistant, to our team. As always, our team is here to support you and your schools.

ELA Updates

EL Implementation: ALL Block

If teachers are having difficulty implementing ALL Block Lessons with EL prescribed task cards and or having difficulty with pacing (3 or more weeks behind) please have your IRT contact me at sjohnson4@wcpss.net and support will be provided on site.

EL Implementation Grade 4-5

As the EL Education Grade 4-5 implementation is approaching we wanted to provide you with useful resources to support you in this process. They include the comprehensive orientation steps, the traditional calendar training flyer, and the YR calendar training folder. Please use these resources as needed.

EL Implementation Text

If you have teachers in need of text for modules 3 or 4 please complete the google form found here.

Elementary ELA Newsletter

In our most recent edition of New Eyes on ELA we explore verbal and nonverbal communication in the classroom. You may find this resource here.

Writing Continuum

Please find information regarding upcoming writing continuum training here.

Letterland Coaching Seminar

Letterland coaching previously scheduled for January 24 - 26 will be rescheduled for the Spring. Final dates will be sent to Principals, coaches, and IRT’s once they are finalized. WCPSS will provide a three day session to support those in a support role at their school. Specific emphasis will be placed on how to guide teachers with frequently asked questions and concerns with regards to the program.

Read to Achieve

Read to Achieve Camp Information for YR and Modified Schools

Please read to find important information regarding Read to Achieve Camp for 1st and 2nd graders. The information is also on the IRT Canvas Site under Read to Achieve - Camp. If you have any questions regarding camp, please email readtoachieve@wcpss.net or contact Tim Marshmon directly, tmarshmon@wcpss.net. Tim Marshmon is the lead for all camps including Read to Achieve Camps.

Camp Schedule for 1st/2nd Graders

Camp Schedule for 3rd Graders

Read to Achieve Essential Dates

YR 2018 Read to Achieve Reading Camp Information

Read to Achieve Camp Teacher Job Description

Invitations to Camp for 1st/2nd graders English Spanish

(note that you will need the Essential Dates information to include in the invitation letter based on track dates)

Math Updates

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

Number Knowledge Test
Assessing Math Concepts (AMC)
NC Early Numeracy Skill Indicators (NCEnsi): K-2 Progress Monitoring & PD
Supporting K-2 Math Instruction Course
Developing Number Concepts Kit Assembly Volunteer Opportunity
Spotlight on Math Intervention

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 February 2018 Elementary Science Updates are full of findings! This month our issue includes useful information and resources for K-5 teachers on the following science topics:

K-5 Force & Motion Standards and the Winter Olympic Games
All about Third Grade UbD Science Units
Focus on 5th Grade: EOG Test Specifications and Plant & Animal Cells
Resource Spotlight: Science & Engineering Practices, KLEWS
Professional Development & Opportunities

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

Social Studies Updates

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

3rd Grade History Unit
The Heritage Calendar
Social Studies Resources: History in a Box from the NC Museum of History
President's Day Activities

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

WAKE Up and Read Annual Book Drive

From January 20th – March 3rd, WAKE Up and Read will collect new and gently-used books for children ages birth-12. Our goal is to collect 110,000 books – enough to share at ten schools, as well as community centers and child care facilities across Wake County. We want to ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity to develop a love for reading. Please click here for more information on becoming a collection partner, book donation guidelines, and more about WAKE Up and Read. Thank you for your support!

NCDPI Office of Early Learning

The NC Department of Public Instruction's Office of Early Learning is pleased to announce the application process for preschool and kindergarten teachers to serve as NC Demostrations Classroom teacher leaders in unserved State Board of Education Regions.

Demonstration teachers offer authentic opportunities to observe best practice in action, engage in meaningful dialogue about practice, and participate in follow up visits. The goals for the program include:

Improving statewide teacher effectiveness and classroom practices
Promoting practices that address the needs of the whole child
Ensuring smooth, efficient, and seamless transitions between pre-k and kindergarten and between kindergarten and first grade
Promoting collaboration across the pre-k community

Please forward the application to any interested kindergarten teachers.