Newsletter
Volume 16 | Issue 4 | May 2021
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Teaching & Learning Resources
Finish the Year Strong!
While having the opportunity to guest teach this year, some of District Level Leaders have been in classrooms that use the Essential 5.
This structure has been incredibly helpful to set up classroom tasks and clarify any confusion for how to best use time.
Try it to help maintain high expectations during these last weeks of school! List the Essential 5 on your slide to display for directions.
It not only helps students understand the task, but it also helps teachers think through the details and set expectations ahead of time.
Essential 5.pdf
Build it together:
Co-Constructing Success Criteria with Students
Co-Constructing Success Criteria with Students
*Are you having a difficult time getting quality work from students?
*Do your students turn projects in without following your rubric?
*Would you like students to drive their learning and be able to describe their success and growth?
Click the image and listen to Jennifer Gonzalez and her interview with Starr Sackstein to get some tips for how to include students in the process of defining what constitutes good work.
Cultural Competency
A Shared Learning Experience for Educators and Scholars
Inspired by the undergraduate experience at the University of Nebraska--Omaha for preservice educators, 4th grade students at Wheeler Elementary participated in a Virtual Culture Walk hosted by CADRE Associate Janet Cook and CADRE Teacher Lindsay Koltas. A panel of North Omaha leaders provided perspective surrounding several Learning Targets:
Develop an understanding of community resources located in North Omaha.
Connect with community leaders in North Omaha.
Identify similarities and differences in panelists’ experiences and my own experiences.
Prior to the walk, teachers guided students in several activities to build background knowledge and prepared questions for each panelist. Students explored websites and local resources to maximize learning!
After the walk, here’s what teachers Ms. Koltas, Ms. Timmons, Mrs. Krienke-Hansen, and Ms. Oliver had to share about this experience:
“Students enjoyed learning about the school experiences of our panelists.”
“My class was captivated by the stories and lessons taught by the North Omaha leaders! They were inspired to take leadership roles now and strive for excellence in the future!”
“It was so powerful to be able to show my students different cultures and perspectives.”
“All of the panelists are powerful examples of living their lives to help others.”
Google Can Do it!
Chrome Tab Groups
Do you keep a lot of tabs open? Do you NEED them all? Now you can group them in Chrome!
- Right click on the tab
- Scroll to “Add Tab to New Group”
3. Create a group or add to a current group
4. Choose a color
5. Add more tabs to your groups
6. Expand and collapse the tabs to utilize or save space.
Last call --
If you are still using “Classic Google Sites”, you might want to carve out some time soon to migrate the site over to the “new” Sites format. “New” really isn’t that new. Google introduced what is referred to as new Google Sites in 2016. So, chances are good that you have built your site in the new version of Sites and you are in good shape. If however, you know you are using a Classic Google Site -- now is your time to make the move. Classic Google Sites will no longer be viewable after September 1, 2021.
Resources:
Example of a Classic Google Site
How to transition from classic Sites to new Sites
Classic Sites Manager Tool: Will help you review and transition current sites.
Example of a Classic Google Site
How to transition from classic Sites to new Sites
Classic Sites Manager Tool: Will help you review and transition current sites.
New Staff 3-Year Induction Programming
That was THEN, This is NOW!
Beginning in 2001, MPS Induction was designed to support and retain the highest quality staff to accomplish the Millard Public Schools’ mission through an articulated three-year program. While the purpose has not changed, this school year marked the beginning of innovations as a result of partnerships with various stakeholders and programmatic data analysis. What’s new? Click here to read more!
Self Care
Don't wait until the school day is done! Practice self-care during your day.
Click here to get physical, emotional, and social strategies for yourself. Then keep reading for ideas you can do with your students.
Congratulations to Leadership Academy!
Professional Learning Resources
Personalized Professional Learning
Who doesn’t love professional learning that offers choice and is self-paced! If you are wanting to grow your instructional technology skills consider earning a certification/badge or other credential offered by a plethora of digital tools.
MPS maintains a site to help you quickly locate programs offered by the various technology providers. Pick one and GO!
*Are you the type of learner that would like a little support while working towards a goal? On the site there is a form to indicate that you are interested in gathering a group of like-minded learners to take on the learning challenge with you.
*Are you already certified and/or an ambassador of a digital resource? We would love to know that information and hope to curate a complete list of MPS “experts” to share with our community.
Scholarship Opportunities
Millard teachers who are working toward additional certification or continuing education may choose to apply. Watch our website for 2021-2022 scholarship opportunities.
While our scholarships may support both graduate and undergraduate courses as needed, only approved, graduate level courses will qualify for salary advancement in the Millard Public Schools. Please make sure you complete an “Application for Graduate Credit Approval” prior to the beginning of the course if you plan to seek salary advancement. The application form is available on the Human Resources Website and then by selecting Application for Graduate Course Approval.
