Mark your calendars for school registration. August 6th we'll start registering your students for classes at the high school and elementary in Anita. I'll have specific times and activities, but for right now plan on late afternoon and plan on updating all of your personal information.
With the expanded use of technology we're hopefully going to utilize you email and cell phone numbers more often.
See you in August and it's hard to believe the summer is melting away.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Monday, July 2, 2007
The summer moves forward
July 4th approaches and amidst the celebration of our nation's Declaration of Independence, teachers, students and yes, administrators sense a loss of their independence.
For me, with a new superintendent, new state guidelines, new technology, a new approach and hopefully alliance with the County in handling attendance issues, I've been working on next year non-stop since the doors hit the student's fannies on the last day of 2006-2007.
And that goes for a lot of teachers as well, traveling to curriculum meetings held true for five of our teachers in addition to four going with me to Chicago to meet with Apple Computer.
Secretaries have been putting a wraps on fiscal year 2006-2007 and doing what they do each month.
Custodial staff have been mowing, installing 10 projectors in various rooms and the library, mowing, doing the usual cleaning, mowing, mowing and working on various other projects.
The summer moves forward towards 2007-2008 and judging by the willingness and work done this year in preparation it points to a very successful upcoming year.
Just so it feels like we've kept our independence longer than it usually seems once July hits.
For me, with a new superintendent, new state guidelines, new technology, a new approach and hopefully alliance with the County in handling attendance issues, I've been working on next year non-stop since the doors hit the student's fannies on the last day of 2006-2007.
And that goes for a lot of teachers as well, traveling to curriculum meetings held true for five of our teachers in addition to four going with me to Chicago to meet with Apple Computer.
Secretaries have been putting a wraps on fiscal year 2006-2007 and doing what they do each month.
Custodial staff have been mowing, installing 10 projectors in various rooms and the library, mowing, doing the usual cleaning, mowing, mowing and working on various other projects.
The summer moves forward towards 2007-2008 and judging by the willingness and work done this year in preparation it points to a very successful upcoming year.
Just so it feels like we've kept our independence longer than it usually seems once July hits.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Chicago Briefing
What happens when you put six adults in a Suburban, load up with Apple MACbooks and point it at Chicago?
A lot of quality professional development.
Apple rolled out the red carpet and engaged Justin Rapier, Joan Clinton, John Arp, Rex Mehrhoff and Judy Griffin (AEA 13) the way we hope to engage our students starting in the fall.
Apple's iLife curriculum infuses writing with video, photo and podcasting production to embed learning into the minds of ... well anyone who puts in a minimal effort.
Those of you saying to yourselves..."What does playing around with video, photos and recording your own voice have to do with education?"
Hmmm we spent all of 100 minutes working on a podcast, embedding pictures with voice, adding sound effects and background music, and I remember more about the cicada from that activity than my course on insects at the University of Northern Iowa.
Using the powerful software hits the learner where they live whether they are a visual learner, learn through hearing or reading. You get multiple contact with the information as you research the most basic ESSENTIAL facts.
We had to write a script and follow basic expectations similar to meeting requirements set in a rubric or expectations draw out before any project. These are important to have, the use of a minimum amount of vocabulary and facts.
Do it and then publish it.
Then, it's there. There for the student, teacher and family to see. In our old system the student just produced things for one person - the teacher. If they didn't like that person AND didn't care what they got as a grade, what type of effort were they going to put in? Less than minimal.
Now, if they know their parents, friends and peers are going to see. Well then, that's a different story. Publish it and you've got their attention.
If you doubt my thoughts here, ask one of the Spanish students who have their video on YouTube what they think.
It's obvious they cared and are now proud of an assignment they did in school!
A lot of quality professional development.
Apple rolled out the red carpet and engaged Justin Rapier, Joan Clinton, John Arp, Rex Mehrhoff and Judy Griffin (AEA 13) the way we hope to engage our students starting in the fall.
Apple's iLife curriculum infuses writing with video, photo and podcasting production to embed learning into the minds of ... well anyone who puts in a minimal effort.
Those of you saying to yourselves..."What does playing around with video, photos and recording your own voice have to do with education?"
Hmmm we spent all of 100 minutes working on a podcast, embedding pictures with voice, adding sound effects and background music, and I remember more about the cicada from that activity than my course on insects at the University of Northern Iowa.
Using the powerful software hits the learner where they live whether they are a visual learner, learn through hearing or reading. You get multiple contact with the information as you research the most basic ESSENTIAL facts.
We had to write a script and follow basic expectations similar to meeting requirements set in a rubric or expectations draw out before any project. These are important to have, the use of a minimum amount of vocabulary and facts.
Do it and then publish it.
Then, it's there. There for the student, teacher and family to see. In our old system the student just produced things for one person - the teacher. If they didn't like that person AND didn't care what they got as a grade, what type of effort were they going to put in? Less than minimal.
Now, if they know their parents, friends and peers are going to see. Well then, that's a different story. Publish it and you've got their attention.
If you doubt my thoughts here, ask one of the Spanish students who have their video on YouTube what they think.
It's obvious they cared and are now proud of an assignment they did in school!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Schools out
Ah, summer.
It's hard to believe the year is over and we're working on things for 07-08. But June is knocking on the door and baseball and softball are in full swing.
I can't say exactly what, but with the new technology and the work of our staff this summer, I can say going to school at CAM High School will begin to change early and for the better.
New attitudes, technology, procedures, expectations and responsibility will greet students next year.
So sit back, enjoy camping, fishing, golf and the summer job. It's summertime.
We're getting ready for the fall and next year. And having a good time doing it.
It's hard to believe the year is over and we're working on things for 07-08. But June is knocking on the door and baseball and softball are in full swing.
I can't say exactly what, but with the new technology and the work of our staff this summer, I can say going to school at CAM High School will begin to change early and for the better.
New attitudes, technology, procedures, expectations and responsibility will greet students next year.
So sit back, enjoy camping, fishing, golf and the summer job. It's summertime.
We're getting ready for the fall and next year. And having a good time doing it.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Class of 2007
It was just a week ago I was fretting over preparing for H.S. Awards night and the graduation ceremony and now, two events and 13 graduation parties later, it's in the past and all of our memories.
A big thanks to this class for their contributions to CAM High School.
They are the first class to spend all four years together as CAM and chose their colors, one from C& M (gold) and one from Anita (purple). They were proud of this and I couldn't be prouder for them as a class.
So I hope you all had your fill of pork, tacos, appetizers, cake and punch. I sure did.
Thanks to everyone who helped send our graduates out in style.
A big thanks to this class for their contributions to CAM High School.
They are the first class to spend all four years together as CAM and chose their colors, one from C& M (gold) and one from Anita (purple). They were proud of this and I couldn't be prouder for them as a class.
So I hope you all had your fill of pork, tacos, appetizers, cake and punch. I sure did.
Thanks to everyone who helped send our graduates out in style.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
ACT Prep Class
The following is information that students should be presenting you Wednesday night as teachers are handing it out during homeroom on Wednesday.
This summer's ACT course will run from May 29th to June 8th, all weekdays. Classes will be run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. everyday and when we’ll be taking practice tests and running from 8:30 a.m. to approximately Noon. Cost for the class is $25. (An official schedule will be printed and handed out before the end of the school year)
Mr. Arp will be covering the essentials for the math portion of the ACT test, Mrs. Turner the English portion of the test and Mr. Giegerich the science portion of the test. Two actual tests will be administered.
The ACT has traditionally been used to test student’s college readiness in mathematics, English, reading and science. However, in recent years states have been adopting the “ACT Core Curriculum”, requiring more in depth math, science and English classes.
“The value of a good core of knowledge can not be underestimated. Taking the ACT is something every high school student needs to consider” – Mr. Giegerich
Taking the ACT test a couple times, or each year, is beneficial to know what areas a student need to work on to be confident they are ready for a post-secondary education. It’s not just for students with four-year aspirations anymore. It’s a good indicator for both student and parent whether entering a two-year college or trade school is the right choice.
The course will teach basic strategies that will help the student prepare for both the test format and content area. It’s not a catch all, but the course will improve the student’s ability to score at his/her ability level.
This summer's ACT course will run from May 29th to June 8th, all weekdays. Classes will be run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. everyday and when we’ll be taking practice tests and running from 8:30 a.m. to approximately Noon. Cost for the class is $25. (An official schedule will be printed and handed out before the end of the school year)
Mr. Arp will be covering the essentials for the math portion of the ACT test, Mrs. Turner the English portion of the test and Mr. Giegerich the science portion of the test. Two actual tests will be administered.
The ACT has traditionally been used to test student’s college readiness in mathematics, English, reading and science. However, in recent years states have been adopting the “ACT Core Curriculum”, requiring more in depth math, science and English classes.
“The value of a good core of knowledge can not be underestimated. Taking the ACT is something every high school student needs to consider” – Mr. Giegerich
Taking the ACT test a couple times, or each year, is beneficial to know what areas a student need to work on to be confident they are ready for a post-secondary education. It’s not just for students with four-year aspirations anymore. It’s a good indicator for both student and parent whether entering a two-year college or trade school is the right choice.
The course will teach basic strategies that will help the student prepare for both the test format and content area. It’s not a catch all, but the course will improve the student’s ability to score at his/her ability level.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
A Night at the Roxbury
Prom 2007 went something like this - A grand "Grand March", dinner, a couple tornado warnings, dancing, after-prom in Atlantic, another tornado warning and then students stranded in Atlantic because of debris and high water.
Home after 6 a.m. - certainly a prom to remember.
The creators of Saturday Night Live couldn't have written this "Night at the Roxbury", but this years juniors, seniors and their dates lived it.
It began with the threat of severe weather safely off to the west in Nebraska. CAM High School patrons watched their students put on snappy tuxes and beautiful dresses, show up in Hummers, dune buggies and limos for the Grand March. Security let the crowd, and then each couple, into the Roxbury.
High winds pounded Anita as the couples went from posing on the red carpet to eating at places like the Redwood in Anita and the Feed Lot in Atlantic. Most made it to the dance on time, were done with pictures and dancing as the first of two tornado warnings were issued for western Cass County.
Computers and emergency radios kept the sponsors and administration apprised (as well as several parents) of the situation. With contingency plans in place (getting students to the locker rooms) the dance went on. The DJs provided a good mix of contemporary dance, country and oldies (if you consider the 80s old).
After prom went on at the Atlantic YMCA as yet another tornado rolled through the area around 3 a.m. Afterwards, debris and flood waters gave county officials no choice but to keep the CAM students in Atlantic, with many reporting they did not get home until 6 a.m.
In some instances the students were definitely safer where they were as several had damage reported at their homes.
A big thank you to everyone who was responsible for putting Prom 2007 - "A Night at the Roxbury" on for everyone to see and enjoy.
Home after 6 a.m. - certainly a prom to remember.
The creators of Saturday Night Live couldn't have written this "Night at the Roxbury", but this years juniors, seniors and their dates lived it.
It began with the threat of severe weather safely off to the west in Nebraska. CAM High School patrons watched their students put on snappy tuxes and beautiful dresses, show up in Hummers, dune buggies and limos for the Grand March. Security let the crowd, and then each couple, into the Roxbury.
High winds pounded Anita as the couples went from posing on the red carpet to eating at places like the Redwood in Anita and the Feed Lot in Atlantic. Most made it to the dance on time, were done with pictures and dancing as the first of two tornado warnings were issued for western Cass County.
Computers and emergency radios kept the sponsors and administration apprised (as well as several parents) of the situation. With contingency plans in place (getting students to the locker rooms) the dance went on. The DJs provided a good mix of contemporary dance, country and oldies (if you consider the 80s old).
After prom went on at the Atlantic YMCA as yet another tornado rolled through the area around 3 a.m. Afterwards, debris and flood waters gave county officials no choice but to keep the CAM students in Atlantic, with many reporting they did not get home until 6 a.m.
In some instances the students were definitely safer where they were as several had damage reported at their homes.
A big thank you to everyone who was responsible for putting Prom 2007 - "A Night at the Roxbury" on for everyone to see and enjoy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)