Friday, February 9, 2018

Week Ending February 9, 2018

Skipper Award
We begin the third year of colleagues selecting colleagues to honor their hard work and their
contributions to  our NKHS community. Rob Silveira, our last recipient, choose Jerry Simmons
for the first recipient of 2018. His reasoning is as follows:
Jerry,


I am happy to nominate you to receive the Skipper Award for Excellence.   I am constantly
impressed with the engagement seen in your classroom.  The students strive to meet the
high standards you have set for them and excellence is obtained as evidenced in the projects
displayed throughout the classroom.  


Jerry,  you always put the students first.  You make time to assist them during your
unassigned time or after school. You put in the extra time to volunteer at various school
events and offer your talents to help faculty and staff.  Whether announcing the basketball
game, setting up the softball field or helping colleagues with construction projects, you
always show your support for the community of North Kingstown High School.


Congratulations,


Rob


Health & Wellness Social Emotional Learning   
I would like to direct your attention to one of our 21st Century NKHS expectations--
Social (S1) exhibit self-discipline, integrity and ethics, compassion, a sense of fairness, and
respect for themselves and others at all times.  
Along with our social expectation at the high school, our theme of the month is Wellness.  
Wellness comes in many forms, including relationships.  For students it may be relationships
with their friends, their parents, adults or their first real love.
On Tuesday, February 13th, during advisory time in lieu of Skipper Blocks with each class,
we agreed that students would watch a video just like they do the morning announcements.
There will be a brief introduction, followed by the 7 minute video. On Monday, you will
receive a sheet with critical thinking questions to help foster an open and student-led
discussion on the themes discussed in the episode of The Harbor. You may pick it up in
your mailbox by the end of the day Monday or early Tuesday so you have it in your
possession. Most likely the discussion will happen on Wednesday during advisory.
Perfect timing since it is Valentine’s Day and we should value our relationships and have
this discussion.
I look forward to your feedback afterwards. If it goes well perhaps we can do this again
semester 2 next year instead of during Skipper Blocks. Thank you.


A special thank you to Coach Thomas and Tyler Gotthelf who helped Mrs. Sweet and me
during last period Comm III class and internship for a few days to make this advisory
viewing possible.


Upcoming Events/Important Dates


February--Wellness


13 All advisories watch the Renaissance Video in lieu of an assembly Skipper Block
with Dr. Mancieri
13 School Committee
14 All advisories discuss follow up questions to the “Healthy Relationships” video from the 13th
16 Professional Development Day--Agenda
19 Presidents Day--no school
20 School Committee Meeting
23 URI v. Dayton -- NK Night, featuring our NK student quartet singing the National Anthem,
7 pm, Ryan Center


Teaching and Learning
From Susan Eriksen, Chemistry Teacher
On February 6, 2018 over 150 students participated in the North Kingstown High School
Science Fair. The students were from North Kingstown’s honors level chemistry and
consisted of mainly Juniors with a few intrepid Sophomores. The Science Fair represents
a culmination of scientific and  investigative work that students performed independently i
n the weeks leading up to the event.  Many high school faculty and staff served as
consultants as the students developed and carried out their projects, often repeatedly.  



Projects were evaluated by a panel of volunteer judges consisting of high school science
teachers, community members, and parents. Of special note is The Narrow River
Preservation Association who sent a panel of three judges and who awarded special
recognition to three projects from the fair.  
These Projects were by Mateo Garcia, Katrina Kulesh, and Grace Rumowicz. Grace
received a $50 prize and a Narrow River Preservation Association membership in
recognition of her work


Feedback from community members viewing the projects was
overwhelmingly positive.  One parent who also served as a judge expressed this, "It was great because it didn't seem to be a high stress event for these kids.  They can learn as much from doing an experiment that doesn't work out as from one that does.  It is really hard to design a good study!". The top rated projects by the judging panel will now have the opportunity to participate in the Rhode Island Science and Engineering Fair on March 17, 2018.
The top rated student projects were produced by (in alphabetical order)


Sydney Alsfeld
Yosha Dadlani
Claire Dartt
John Deresky
Gaelyn Dwyer
Erynn Field
Grace Rumowicz
Reagan Sanchez
Rowan Westall
Nicole Wilson


Members of the science department went above and beyond to make this event a
success.  We had help judging projects from a few members outside the department
as well (Rhonda Kosiver, Liz Parvo-Brown, Myles Point, Howie Hague, Amelia Garris).
Many thanks to all those who gave their time and talent to make this event a success for
the students of North Kingstown.


From Rachel Sliwkowski, Bio, Earth and Physical Science Teacher
Prudence Island NK Explorers Club 2018


On the NK explorer’s club annual trip to Prudence Island, a snowy owl was spotted while
on a coastal hike.  She seemed relatively unphased as the club members took turns
watching her with binoculars and scopes from a respectful distance.


Snowy Owls spend the majority of the year far north in the Arctic Circle, migrating south
towards Maine and the great lakes region during winter months.  It was certainly a rare
opportunity to catch a sighting of one of these birds as far south as Rhode Island.  Unlike
most owls, the snowy owl is a diurnal species and does the majority of their hunting
during the day.  


The trip is commonly filled with sightings of seals, deer and hawks but this sighting
made the experience one to remember!




Tech Tip
From Mark DeLucia, World Language
Adding Audio to Google Slides


Looking to insert audio into your Slides presentation?  Or maybe you’re having students
create a presentation that needs to incorporate audio.  Either way, I recommend using
AudioPlayer for Google Slides.  It is a free add-on that will help you achieve this and
will even allow you to loop music throughout your presentation.  Of course, if you don’t
mind a visible video, another easy way is to simply insert a video from YouTube or your
Drive that contains the music or spoken audio you’d like to include.  Just be sure that the
video is licensed by creative commons and is not copyrighted!


GoGuardian Tip:


When creating a “Block Mode” scene and adding an exception, be sure to use the primary
domain, (e.g., docs.google.com) rather than the specific URL or this site will also be blocked.  
Also, if GoGuardian does not accept the site you would like to enter as an exception, try
typing the URL with asterisks around it (*www.example.com*) and that should solve the issue.


Articles Worth Reading




Food for Thought  
The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is
any reaction, both are transformed.”  ~C.G. Jung


Until next time, Think, Create, Innovate...Denise


Friday, February 2, 2018

Week ending February 2, 2018

Feedback
I’ve never met anyone who says they would prefer not to have feedback.
Please see the articles below and TED video from Bill Gates. All good reminders
for ourselves and our students. Enjoy the weekend. Go Pats!


Good News
Adam Laliberte was nominated by the RIIL and he was chosen as the 2016-17 Northeast
Sectional
Coach of the Year for girls softball--fast pitch. The Northeast Sectional includes the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.


This award denotes Adam’s status among the most elite coaches in his section and as
state coach of the year for his sport. Congratulations Adam!


If this award sounds familiar, you may remember Julie Maguire was the deserving
recipient a few years back for field hockey.


Health & Wellness   
From Jonathan Quinn-PE

Super Bowl Sunday is usually synonymous with eating.... But that doesn’t mean you can’t
have a healthy Super Bowl Sunday without losing out on all the fun. Here are 5 tips to
stay healthy on Super Bowl Sunday that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out on any
fun!

1. Work out in the morning. Anything active for a minimum of 20 minutes goes a long way.
2. Eat light meals throughout the day.  DO NOT go to a Super Bowl party on an empty stomach. If you eat light meals and/or snack throughout the day, you won’t be so tempting to dive into the chip bowl. Allow yourself to fill up on fruits or vegetables before heading to your party.
3. Bring a healthy side dish to your party. Bringing anything to your Super Bowl party? The best way to control how much you let yourself indulge is to bring a healthy dish to a party so you know you’ll at least have one option that is good for you (and that you know you’ll enjoy)!
4. Use commercial breaks to fit in fitness: Show how strong you are.
Touchdown pushups: Every time the team you’re rooting for scores a touchdown, do 10 pushups. The people at your party cheering for the opposite team have to do double the pushups (20).
Commercial challenge: Every time there is a chip or beer commercial, get in a plank position for 30 seconds.
5. Stay Hydrated. Enough said.
Upcoming Events/Important Dates


February--Wellness


5 Last day to change a class
5 PSAT/SAT parent meeting, auditorium
5 Booster Club Meeting, Media Center, 6 pm
6 Science Fair, judging 3-5 pm, 6-8 pm parents/community
6 School Committee Meeting, 7 pm, High School Auditorium
7 American Math Competition, AMC, 7:15 - 8:45 am, cafeteria
8 Blood Drive all day, gym 2
8 Mr. NK, fundraiser, 7-9 pm
8 PTSO Meeting, 7 pm, Media Center


Social Emotional Learning
This event is free and open to the public.
Eventbrite.com (keyword: opioid)

Teaching and Learning
Thank you for submitting grades to Leslie. Please remind 10th and 11th grade students to share with their parents that there will be an information session on the PSAT and SAT school administration of these two tests. Monday evening in the Auditorium.


Tech Tip
From Mark DeLucia, World Language
Week Ending February 2, 2018

Flipgrid

Today I’d like to talk about Flipgrid.  Upon seeing this tool, my gears immediately began turning with potential classroom uses.  Flipgrid will allow the teacher to post a written or video prompt to students and then will collect student video responses.  It essentially moves the discussion online.  Responses are then viewable in a neat, gridlike format.  It even allows you to post media to which you would like students to respond.  This could have myriad uses across multiple disciplines, such as having students respond to the prompt for homework, then viewing responses and continuing the discussion in the following class, allowing for rebuttals.   I can also see many potential uses in music and World Languages.  I’m including a video tutorial (warning: long).  If any of you decide to give it a try in your classrooms, please let me know, as I would be interested to hear feedback.  I know I will be trying it in mine!

GoGuardian

I'm very excited to hear that more and more people are using and enjoying GoGuardian in their classes.  It is an invaluable tool.  I do want to remind everyone, however, to be mindful of ending the session when class ends.  We have had numerous reports of students whose Chromebooks were still blocked in their next period class.  GoGuardian does not have an "80 minute" class period as one of the default options, so perhaps people are choosing "1 hr 30 minutes" or longer for their sessions.  Please let me know if you require assistance with this.

NEASC Five-Year Report
Brian said multiple teachers have sent inquiries on their questions and some requested the form to upload their narrative and evidence. Thank you. If you need assistance approaching this work and still need to submit PD hours (up to 3) feel free to work with Brian at one of the next three Wednesday Town Hall sessions. Department chairs will work together at the next ILT meeting, Tuesday, February 6th, to answer questions and gather evidence. We will share any evidence or solutions with the larger group. If you would like to read up on what each standard encompasses you may go to the 2011 Standards for Accreditation.


Articles Worth Reading
The Seven Keys to Effective Feedback

Videos Worth Watching




Food for Thought  
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” ~Vincent VanGogh
Until next time, Think, Create, Innovate...Denise

Monday, January 29, 2018

Week ending January 26, 2018



Sometimes Smaller is Better
It started out big, very big. After the huge Homecoming Dance success, our students planned,
executed meetings, and pleaded to have the Winter Ball. Against our better judgement, we
again, opened our minds to the possibility that this time the students would make it happen.
Meetings every other Wednesday or sometimes an extra in the week between. A large executive
board with two very capable leaders running the meetings. Big ideas of what would be
completed over vacation.
Fast forward, the holiday break behind us and nothing done on the long list of “To dos”. No problem,
pare back, begin selling tickets. Crickets...If you see Mrs. Graham, Mrs. Sweeney, Mrs. Martone
or Ms. Baierlein, thank them for the multiple days and hours in the booth. Do we cancel? No way,
there was this small group of students--Larry Dion, who bought the first two tickets on the first
day, Ashley Williams designed the tickets and recruited her mother to work the photo booth station,
Joelye Land with amazing ideas, created the decorations all while participating after school in the
musical practices--this dance was going to be great. And it was.
A small team of students came together to set-up, we had table tennis on one side, who knew
Mr. Bucklin was a ringer? Thank you to the other chaperones, too, who made it a night to
remember...Susan Eriksen, Courtney Greer, Christina Lawrence, Amelia Garris, Jason Silvestri,
Malaree Shields, Brittney White, Rich Garland, Jordan Albernaz, Julie Maguire, Lisa Garcia,

Ken Morse, Steven Clarke, Brian McDonald, Barbara Morse, and Donna Sweet.
Instead of 800 students we had 150. What a night. The students there really enjoyed themselves
and many told Ms. Garcia it was the best dance because they had so much fun dancing all night.


My take-away, look for the greatness in the small committed group, versus the mirage of a very large, yet unfocused group.

Health & Wellness.   
From Jonathan Quinn-PE
Focus on the Process, Not the Results
NOT DONE....

Still have change on the mind?  These 10 Super Foods from Nutrition Action Healthletter may just fit
into your weekly meal plans:
  1. Sweet Potatoes, Mangoes, Plain Greek Yogurt, Broccoli, Wild Salmon, Crispbreads, Garbanzo Beans, Watermelon, Butternut Squash, Leafy Greens.
  2. Little by little, over and over is the process!
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
January--Reboot
29 Winter Star Testing beings


February--Wellness
2 Skipper Block, AP information assembly, RISS survey in advisory grades 9-11
5 Last day to change a class
5 PSAT/SAT parent meeting, auditorium
6 Booster Club Meeting, Media Center, 6 pm
6 Science Fair, judging 3-5 pm, 6-8 pm parents/community
6 School Committee Meeting, 7 pm, Administration Bldg
7 American Math Competition, AMC, 7:15 - 8:45 am, cafeteria
8 Blood Drive all day, gym 2
8 Mr. NK, fundraiser, 7-9 pm
8 PTSO Meeting, 7 pm, Media Center


Social Emotional Learning
From Kathy Yeager, Coalition Coordinator, NK Prevention Coalition

Pictured with AM Finlay, our Student Assistance Counselor, is Madison Lavoie, URI Intern.
The North Kingstown Prevention Coalition, NKHS Student Assistance Counselor and the Media
Center have worked together on a unique prevention activity.
In conversations with the high school librarian, Pamela Rowland, the team identified books that
help raise awareness about the struggles young people face and that resonate with teens.
Titles include “Glass”, “That Was Then, This is Now”, “The Homecoming”, “Ballads of Suburbia”
and Lush”.
By donating new copies of the books and having a resource display during Children of Alcoholics
week, the group hopes the topics spark conversation, in hopes it will help them make healthy
choices in their lives.
“We read to know we're not alone.” William Nicholson


Student Services
RISS will be given during grade 9-11 advisories this Thursday. Stay tuned for more information.


Teaching and Learning
Scheduling will be underway for our 9-11th graders soon. Documents have been given to all
department chairs. Guidance will be heading into the social studies classrooms to meet with
students.

Tech Tip

From Mark DeLucia, World Language
Did you know?

You can print Google Forms.  Click the three dots in the upper right and print.  In the preview, you
can clearly see that it creates a perfectly usable print version of your Form, complete with circles
for students to fill-in and instructions.  This is useful in any number of scenarios:  
  • For those of you giving online quizzes, but have students who, for whatever reason, cannot have too much screen time, or just need the pen and paper version, this will allow you to maintain a blended classroom but still accommodate these needs.  
  • For those of you trying the November 3rd post about putting rubrics on Forms, you can fill out the form for each student, and simply print the results to easily hand back their results.  
  • Lastly, if you’re creating a common assessment for the course, but one or two teachers are still not yet comfortable with the technology, this will enable teachers to easily give the same assessment, but in different formats.
50 Favorite Classroom Apps

As I always say during Professional Developments and other trainings, the most difficult part of integrating Blended Learning for teachers is finding the time to research apps and methods.  I also usually advise teachers to always start with the learning goal and then search for apps to help you achieve it.  If you begin searching for apps and wondering, “how can I use this?”, you will become overwhelmed very quickly, as there are many apps that can help you accomplish the same goal.  Here is something to help get you started.  It is a list of 50 favorite classroom apps, and all of the apps that made the list have been repeatedly recommended over a period of time.   For me, this indicates that these are also sustainable apps rather than simply a passing fad.   Additionally, they’re also organized by learning goal: “apps to acquire information”, and so on.   Have a look, and give one of them a try in your class this week!

NEASC Five-Year Report
Brian sent out the groups and question each group will be researching. Thank you all for taking a
small piece of what will be a very large document when completed. Including many voices will
give us the truest picture of where NKHS is five years into our NEASC process. We will be spending
the month of February completing our Five-Year Follow up Report for NEASC. The ILT will also work
together to support the completion of the Report. In the coming week, you will receive information
if you need assistance uploading your evidence and responses to the Google Form

2011 Standards for Accreditation.

Videos Worth Watching
Paula Schiavone--Golden Apple segment on channel 10 on Thursday, here is the link.

Newer teachers, this student respect is something to strive for and older teachers can appreciate
what it must take to earn this video. Congratulations Paula!







Food for Thought  
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” ~Vincent VanGogh

Until next time, Think, Create, Innovate...Denise