Thank you to all the parents who attended the Student-Led Conferences today. The children embodied what we expect of PYP students -- reflective communicators, who showed true passion and insight in regard to their learning. We appreciate the focused attention you, our parents, brought to the event. The conversation around learning can, at times, be as powerful as the learning itself. Please continue to view your child’s portfolio together with him/her over the coming months and extend this conversation to encompass more aspects of his/her learning.
Exhibition
Grade 5 will be presenting their exhibition to the parent community on April 28th, Tuesday, from 6-8 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
This morning at the ES assembly, students and teachers learned about the different exhibition issues that the Gr 5 students inquired into during the past weeks. The Grade 5 children helped inspire our younger learners during their presentations.
This morning at the ES assembly, students and teachers learned about the different exhibition issues that the Gr 5 students inquired into during the past weeks. The Grade 5 children helped inspire our younger learners during their presentations.
Grade 4 Parents
This is a follow-up to the parent information session we held last month to introduce the 2015-16 Optional BYOD Pilot program for Grade 5 students. At the end of the parent coffee, we collected questions which we have answered below for your reference. On June 5, from 9:30 - 10:30, Mr. Brendan Lea will host another parent work session for those who are interested. Mr. Lea will cover the basics of selecting a device, setting up parental controls, and required and suggested programs.
Your Questions Answered
If I purchase a new laptop, will it still be "up to date" / meet specifications when entering 6th?
Yes. While we update the minimum system requirements on a yearly basis, this is for people purchasing new devices for that school year. In general, the lifespan of a laptop is two to three years.
When and how would students be explicitly taught digital citizenship and cyber safety?
The students are currently working on this at all grade levels to various degrees. We follow the ISTE standards for technology use, which contains six standards, including safety and responsible use. Additionally, in grade 5, we are planning to pilot use of the Common Sense Media scope and sequence for more specific benchmarks to address digital citizenship and cyber safety through our curriculum.
Our approach to teaching digital citizenship aligns with the IB PYP approach. Therefore the concepts of ethical, safe, and responsible use of technology are taught within the context of other projects and assignments. For example, the students learn to use their Google accounts, including the “chat” and email functions, in a responsible way, and they apply these skills in doing Unit of Inquiry projects. At the beginning of the year, we will be introducing students to the school's Academic Honesty Policy to support students in their work. When poor choices are made by students (for example, sending an inappropriate email, or sharing of a password), we use these guides for ethical and responsible use of technology and reinforce their skills so they will be better equipped in future decision-making situations. We feel it is critical to lay a solid digital citizenship and cyber safety foundation in a sheltered homeroom environment so our students are equipped with these skills as they enter Middle School.
During our Parent PD session introducing the pilot, one of the parents commented, “I think it would be a safe way to introduce the one-to-one program with a dedicated teacher,” and we agree.
Can we get a letter and ID number so we can receive student discounts with Apple?
Please contact the Main Office and they will be able to provide you with this documentation.
Does Mr. Lea set up every child's device?
Mr. Lea does not set up devices, though he is happy to speak with parents and help with this. He will be providing training sessions and resources for parents and students to help ensure that the device is configured to the needs students, parents, and school.
What happens when a child's device is 'not working' or 'broken' in class?
When a device is not working, a teacher may try to solve the problem if they are able. If assistance is required the teacher may send the student to Mr. Lea or IT Services. If IT Services is not able to solve the issue, they will try to suggest repair options.
How many hours of computer use per day?
We have not defined this and see it as a solid data collection point during the pilot. However, as an IB school, we promote “balance”, which includes balancing how and when we use technology versus other learning opportunities, such as collaborative projects, traditional reading and writing, and physical activity.
Facebook? Social media? Banned at school?
Many social media sites have age restrictions for children below 13 years of age. We uphold the guidelines that are put forth by these applications. Students will use Google Chat, Weebly, and child-tailored applications, such as Ed Modo in a sheltered classroom environment. Whenever possible, teachers remain administrators and moderators of these activities, and can often pre-screen comments (such as on blogs), or can track usage to handle any issues that arise.
Will the BYOD need to be at school every day?
For teachers to get a sense of the usefulness of students bringing their own devices, it would be helpful for them to know that kids will be bringing the devices on a consistent basis. This will assist us in data collection and determining if the pilot will move into policy the following year.
Is this BYOD or BYOLAPTOP?
We will follow the specifications in the MHS, which indicate a laptop. However, as discussed in the parent coffee, for the term of the pilot we will also allow iPads and add a data collection point on iPads. We encourage you not to buy an iPad for this purpose, however, as they will not meet the MHS specifications the following year.
How is use of BYOD monitored?
We will develop specific data points which will be monitored periodically during the school year to determine the success of the pilot and help us decide whether to move forward with the one-to-one program. Additionally, the teachers will monitor student use of technology in the classroom, and the Principal will monitor the overall development and running of the pilot with the assistance of the Technology Integrator (Brendan Lea).
We hope you will join us on June 5. Please be in touch as other questions arise between now and then.
Your Questions Answered
If I purchase a new laptop, will it still be "up to date" / meet specifications when entering 6th?
Yes. While we update the minimum system requirements on a yearly basis, this is for people purchasing new devices for that school year. In general, the lifespan of a laptop is two to three years.
When and how would students be explicitly taught digital citizenship and cyber safety?
The students are currently working on this at all grade levels to various degrees. We follow the ISTE standards for technology use, which contains six standards, including safety and responsible use. Additionally, in grade 5, we are planning to pilot use of the Common Sense Media scope and sequence for more specific benchmarks to address digital citizenship and cyber safety through our curriculum.
Our approach to teaching digital citizenship aligns with the IB PYP approach. Therefore the concepts of ethical, safe, and responsible use of technology are taught within the context of other projects and assignments. For example, the students learn to use their Google accounts, including the “chat” and email functions, in a responsible way, and they apply these skills in doing Unit of Inquiry projects. At the beginning of the year, we will be introducing students to the school's Academic Honesty Policy to support students in their work. When poor choices are made by students (for example, sending an inappropriate email, or sharing of a password), we use these guides for ethical and responsible use of technology and reinforce their skills so they will be better equipped in future decision-making situations. We feel it is critical to lay a solid digital citizenship and cyber safety foundation in a sheltered homeroom environment so our students are equipped with these skills as they enter Middle School.
During our Parent PD session introducing the pilot, one of the parents commented, “I think it would be a safe way to introduce the one-to-one program with a dedicated teacher,” and we agree.
Can we get a letter and ID number so we can receive student discounts with Apple?
Please contact the Main Office and they will be able to provide you with this documentation.
Does Mr. Lea set up every child's device?
Mr. Lea does not set up devices, though he is happy to speak with parents and help with this. He will be providing training sessions and resources for parents and students to help ensure that the device is configured to the needs students, parents, and school.
What happens when a child's device is 'not working' or 'broken' in class?
When a device is not working, a teacher may try to solve the problem if they are able. If assistance is required the teacher may send the student to Mr. Lea or IT Services. If IT Services is not able to solve the issue, they will try to suggest repair options.
How many hours of computer use per day?
We have not defined this and see it as a solid data collection point during the pilot. However, as an IB school, we promote “balance”, which includes balancing how and when we use technology versus other learning opportunities, such as collaborative projects, traditional reading and writing, and physical activity.
Facebook? Social media? Banned at school?
Many social media sites have age restrictions for children below 13 years of age. We uphold the guidelines that are put forth by these applications. Students will use Google Chat, Weebly, and child-tailored applications, such as Ed Modo in a sheltered classroom environment. Whenever possible, teachers remain administrators and moderators of these activities, and can often pre-screen comments (such as on blogs), or can track usage to handle any issues that arise.
Will the BYOD need to be at school every day?
For teachers to get a sense of the usefulness of students bringing their own devices, it would be helpful for them to know that kids will be bringing the devices on a consistent basis. This will assist us in data collection and determining if the pilot will move into policy the following year.
Is this BYOD or BYOLAPTOP?
We will follow the specifications in the MHS, which indicate a laptop. However, as discussed in the parent coffee, for the term of the pilot we will also allow iPads and add a data collection point on iPads. We encourage you not to buy an iPad for this purpose, however, as they will not meet the MHS specifications the following year.
How is use of BYOD monitored?
We will develop specific data points which will be monitored periodically during the school year to determine the success of the pilot and help us decide whether to move forward with the one-to-one program. Additionally, the teachers will monitor student use of technology in the classroom, and the Principal will monitor the overall development and running of the pilot with the assistance of the Technology Integrator (Brendan Lea).
We hope you will join us on June 5. Please be in touch as other questions arise between now and then.
Upcoming Elementary Events
Apr 28, 6:00-8:00
Grade 5 Exhibition for Parents
Please join us for the Grade 5 Exhibition night!
May 1, 8:40-9:15
Grade 1G & 1R
Grade 1 students will share their learning about materials and the process of production.
May 2, 11:00-4:00
MHS Student-Run Soccer Camp
Student-led soccer camp for grades 1-5 students
May 6, All day
Inter-House Track and Field
Grades 3 and up will participate in this off-campus event
May 6
Grade 2 Field Trip -- To water treatment plant
Grade 1 Field Trip -- To the zoo
May 7-8
Grade 4 Camp -- To Tongyeong and Goeje
May 8, 9:30-10:30
Grade 5 Parent Coffee on Transitions
Ms. Kit will be meeting with parents for an overview of the changes and challenges facing students and parents alike as they begin their transition into adolescence
May 8, 10:45-12:30
Student Led Conferences Grade 5
Come share your child’s learning!
May 15, 8:40-9:15
Korean Language Acquisition Assembly
Korean Language Acquisition students will present their learning about language and culture through songs, dance and play.
May 15
End of Spring Electives
May 22, 8:40-9:15
Grade 2G & 2R
Grade 2 students will share their learning experiences in poetry, word choice and descriptive language. There will also be musical performances with a focus on lyrics and ballads. Lastly, a few Korean poetry pieces will be incorporated into this assembly.
May 26, 6:00-7:30
Grade 5 Parent Evening, MHS Hall
Parents will have the opportunity to find out more about the MYP, curriculum and specific courses.
May 29, 8:40-9:15
Student Council Announcement and Korean Language & Literature
‘Kongji Patji' is a traditional Korean story that has been retold over the years, and Grade 1 has written their own interpretation of the narrative. The students prepared a short film by writing the script and acting it out. As a group, the students worked to understand each character, the language of the period, and the cultural relevance of this story.
June 5, 8:40-9:15
ES End of Year Assembly
Performances from Brain Dance Elective and the Dance Troupe
June 5, 9:30-10:30
Grade 4 Parent Session
In preparation for the implementation of the optional BYOD pilot program in Grade 5, Mr. Lea invites all parents of children currently in Grade 4 to a special work session. Mr. Lea will cover the basics of selecting a device, setting up parental controls, and required and suggested programs.