Understanding the Common Core Movement by Lisa Richardson
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending a Common Core math workshop at Concordia in Tacoma with all our math teachers at Hope. Coming from the Bellevue School District, I had spent the last 11 plus years of my teaching career attending similar workshops pertaining to the Washington State Standards known as the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs). So, why the switch after so much time and effort and money has been spent on the EALRs? What it comes down to is consistency and higher standards.
You might ask, what are the Common Core State Standards?
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort to establish consistent and clear education standards for English-language arts and mathematics so students will be prepared for success in today’s world. The Standards will provide students, teachers, and parents with a shared understanding of what students are expected to learn and are designed to provide consistent learning goals for all students, regardless of where they live, and allow parents and teachers to more effectively help all students achieve at those goals.
There are so many things that I love about teaching at Hope. I will be honest in saying that I was a bit nervous switching from the public sector over to the private one. Would I be able to adjust my teaching? Would there be enough academic rigor in the curriculum? I came from a district where ongoing standardized assessments were critical, literally driving every minute of instruction. I am a big supporter of challenging our students and I believe that the common core is a great set of guidelines. However, I also believe that learning should be experienced through hands-on activities, field trips and great discussions. I believe that standardized assessments can be valuable teaching tools, but I also believe that art and singing and chapel are just as valuable in terms of providing students a balanced education.
I am so thankful and blessed to be teaching at a school that not only embraces the importance of strong academic standards, but also allows teachers and students to truly experience and enjoy learning.
Calendar of Events
Wed. 3/26: 8:40 AM Chapel w/Mr. Kopecky and Bell Choir / 1:30 PM Talent Show / 5:00 PM Spring Musical Auditions Gr. 3- 5
Fri. 3/28: Quarter 3 Ends
Sun. 3/30: 4:00 to 9:00 PM WA D.C. Fundraiser at Talarico’s
Mon. 3/31: Quarter 4 Begins
Wed. 4/2: 8:40 AM Chapel w/ Mr. Kapels / 9:30 AM Assembly – 5th Ave. Theatre
Fri. 4/4: Free Dress Day
Tues. 4/8: Quarter 3 Report Cards sent Home
Wed. 4/9: 8:40 AM Chapel w/Grade 3 and Honor Roll Recognitions
Auction Items to Pick up
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the auction in one way or another resulting in a great evening! Now comes the clean up! If you donated a dessert on a tray or platter, we have quite a pile in the office that need to go back to their home. Also, if you have not picked up an item that you won at the auction, please contact Shari Wallace in the school office to arrange pick up. Thanks so much!
Spring Musical Auditions – Tomorrow!
The same creative team that brought you last year’s spring musical – The Ultimate Question – brings you a new musical for this spring called Follow U. Follow U is a place where knowledge and grace meet! 1st through 5th graders get to participate! As in years past, there are several speaking parts for 3rd through 5th graders and we are holding auditions in the commons tomorrow – Wednesday March 26th – from 5:00 – 6:00pm. Many students have already signed up, but in case your child missed the sign-up sheets, they are welcome to come and try out anyway! Musical Director: Thad Franklin; Drama Directors: Sandra Scragg and Mary Norton
Book Club – New Meeting Day
Our new book club for 5th-8th graders who love to read will now meet on Mondays. We will still meet from 3:05-4:00pm in the school library. Please contact Emily Tanis-Likkel at rev.emilyjoy@gmail.com or 206-877-3786 with any questions.
PTH Hosted Assembly – April 2
Hope’s PTH is pleased to partner with 5th Ave Theatre as our new enrichment program! They bring us Adventure Musical Theatre which engages students through story-telling, song and dance. The productions are created by local composers and writers and are designed to include standards-based educational content. Study guides come with the package so that our teachers can incorporate the various themes of each year’s musical into their day-to-day curriculum. This year’s performance Northwest Bookshelf takes place in the fellowship hall on Wednesday, April 2nd at 9:30 am. Parents are welcome to attend.
Academic Fair and Move Up Night – April 8, 2014 – 6:30 PM
Everyone is invited to join us on April 8th at 6:30 PM for our annual Academic Fair and Move-Up Night. The academic fair theme this year is science! We will showcase different science projects we have done in each class, as well as share materials from our new science curriculums, Interactive Science and FOSS. Students will have the opportunity to Move Up to the next class and visit with their teachers for the coming school year.
Parents Night Out – March 28
This Friday, March 28th, there will be a PNO hosted at Hope Lutheran. PNO is open to all children who are potty trained and older. It is a great opportunity for the kids to gather together for a fun time while parents can enjoy time away for themselves! From 6pm-9pm children can be dropped off and checked in either in the north parking lot or in the multi-purpose room (depending on the weather). During that time they will enjoy some play time, pizza and a movie all for the cost of $20/child. If you have any questions please contact Brett Kapels at Bkapels@hopeseattle.org.
International Student Host Families Needed
Do you have a loving family and a spare room available at your home? Invite an international student to stay with you next school year. Seattle Lutheran High School seeks host families to provide a safe and nurturing home environment for international high school students attending our school. Participating families will be offered a stipend of $900 per month for the 10-month academic year. For more information please contact: ltatum@gphomestay.com or 425-753-3933.
Seattle Lutheran H. S. Drama Club will stage Midsummer/Jersey by Ken Ludwig
When: Friday, April 4 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, April 6 at 2:30 pm
Cost: $5 Adults, $2 Children ages 7 – 13 and under 7 are free.
Performances will be staged in the SLHS Gymnasium at 4100 SW Genesee Street
For more information email the school at www.SeattleLutheran.org
