English Language Arts

Coordinator - Margaret Richardson

Here's what you need to know:


Working with Amira

  • From January 10th- January 31st, we turned off the Oral Reading Fluency passage to assess kindergarten students. Any student (any grade) assessed during this time, will only receive a score in the Dyslexia report. The tracking report will show them as complete and an old date will appear but the only current data will be in the Dyslexia Report.

  • If a student is marked as reassess, please wait for 48-72 hours for the report to update. The Amira team is checking the sound and data to make sure Amira heard them clearly. (This is for outside the Jan 10th-31st window.)

  • If a student is receiving a message that Amira can't hear them, make sure all the tabs and browser history are cleared. You can also try it later or with a different device.

  • Last weekend Amira fixed a bug in their data reporting system. Over winter break, they updated their norm data for fourth and fifth grades which inadvertently created a bug in the three scores at 4/5: ESRI, Decoding, Phonological Awareness. As a district, we are using the Decoding and Phonological Awareness scores to flag for diagnostic screening. We shared our concerns about the validity of the data with Amira, and their team responded immediately to diagnose and repair the issue.

  • Some teachers may notice a drastic change in the colors/numbers on these three scores. These are now the correct percentiles based on the testing they have already done. There is no need to bring teachers back to look at this data if you have progressed past screener data in your MTSS process.

  • Use the support feature- Feel free to chat with Amira support anytime through the support chat feature.

Instructional Technology

Coordinator - Kristen Lester

Here's what you need to know:


Instructional Technology PD Opportunity

We have an upcoming professional learning opportunity that you will not want to miss! A technology session will be offered during EPIC on March 8th from 4:15-6:15. You will be awarded professional learning points for attending. We will meet on Zoom. This session will include opportunities to learn about -

  • Taking next steps with Nearpod

  • Creating self-paced lessons with Google tools

  • Accessibility tools to reach all learners


Sign up in Frontline!

Log into MyLearningPlan/Frontline

Click the book icon on the far left toolbar (4th one down called “Activity Catalogs”)

Click on District Catalog

In the Search Term box, write in EPIC.

Click on EPIC - Teaching with Technology!

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Sign Up Now”

Mathematics

Coordinator - Spencer Brown

Here's what you need to know:


Pacing Guide Updates

As we are continually seeking to provide the most updated and useful pacing considerations, we would love to hear from you. We value your input and would appreciate it if you could fill out the survey below to assist us in the updating process. This Google form can be filled out multiple times as you may have more pacing considerations and thoughts as you continue instruction throughout the year. Thank you! - Click HERE!


Resource Repository

Have you seen your grade-level specific repository page? It’s a one stop shop for almost everything you need to help support you in core!


Here, you’ll find:

  1. Your updated pacing guides

  2. Your priority standards, in order of when you introduce them

  3. Your Eureka resources

  4. A link to your grade specific progression map

  5. The difference between your Kansas Standards and how Eureka presents the Common Core Standards


Be sure to check it out and let us know if there’s something you need added!

**You will need to be signed into your "students.olathehschools.com" google accounts to access these.


Math Games: Round 3

This round will stay open until tomorrow morning, when a random correct answer will be chosen.


At a local fruit stand, one customer buys 2 apples and 2 pineapples. Another buys a cantaloupe, a watermelon, and an apple for $15. A third buys 2 watermelons, 2 cantaloupes, and a pineapple. The third customer's bill is $6 less than double the first customer's. How much will 2 apples and a pineapple cost me?

Science

Coordinator - Julie Miller

Here's what you need to know:


CSI Kit Return

CSI Sponsors, kit return will be on Monday, February 28th, at the IRC. Drop your kit off at the front desk between the hours of 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. If you need to schedule a different time, please contact the Science Office. 780-7328


Skype a Scientist

Skype a Scientist makes personal connections with scientists in your classroom. Previous sessions are also available on their YouTube Channel. For more information and to sign up click here.


KATS Kamp

Kansas Association For Teachers of Science Annual conference is April 23 at K-State/Olathe. Professional Development 1 grad. credit hour is offered through K-State Olathe(in person) on NGSS Storylines and phenomenon-based learning. Click this link for more information and registration.

Social Studies

Coordinator - Julie Fishburn

Here's what you need to know:


4th Grade Teachers

Please click here for character videos from the Kansas Day Celebration at Mahaffie.


4th Grade Assessment Training and Materials

Please use this link to access the training video and materials needed for the 4th grade KS Social Studies Assessment. This assessment should be given in your classroom sometime 3rd quarter.


African American History Month

African American History Month is celebrated each year in February. Check out the resources on the link to access some great educational resources for your class!


Social Studies Artifact Checkout

Social Studies Artifact Checkout is NEW and it is HERE for you! Check out the collections which are stored at the IRC and sign up for a time to reserve them to enrich your instruction. Click on the link to reserve a collection for your class today!