Micah Edwards-Monthly Newsletter May 2019
Preparing for the Summer: The Importance of Math Practice and Focusing on the HOW! Throughout the school year, it seems that the goal of many students during math is centered around getting the "correct answer," and not the process in which they use to get there. As teachers we know that, in order for students to solve problems on their own, we have to teach them not just the "what" but the "how. During the summer month we want students to go beyond simply learning skills and procedures and think more critically about the problems in front of them. In order for students to stay current with the math skills they have been using all year, they need to practice all summer long with a focus on the how. Over the summer, challenge you child to do math problems that are based on every day things, for example doubling ingredients for a cake or calculating how long it will take to cut a half-acre on the riding mower. Encourage your child to think about math as a tool they need to use each day.
SMARTER BALANCE End of Year Testing Smarter Balanced is a state-led consortium developing assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts/ Literacy and Mathematics designed to help prepare all students to graduate high school college and career ready. about math as a tool they need to use each day.
We ask that students come to school prepared with their iPads fully charged, 1-2 pencils, and a health snack and a bottle of water. Please make sure your student gets enough rest as we prepare to take the end-of-year assessments.
Talking to Your Kids About Technology The summer months can be challenging, especially if you have teens who spend much of the summer at home while you are at work. Students find it hard to disconnect from their devices but you can help them by encouraging positive activities. Talk to your child about self-monitoring, help them to find a balance between enjoying summer activities in a safe, face-to-face environment and support your kids other interests like sports, the arts, music and community service, so that they find validation and affirmation beyond their circle of friends on social media. For more helpful tips visit www.commonsense.org
Upward Bound Math/ Science Program Upward Bound Math/Science Program (UBMS) is a federally funded TRIO program under the U.S. Department of Education. UBMS provides assistance and guidance for high school students interested in obtaining a degree in the fields of math or science. In order to be eligible, students must be eligible for the program by qualifying as the first in the family to obtain a four-year bachelor's degree or by meeting the income cap. Location: University of Delaware Who: Rising 9th-12th graders Cost: Free to eligible students Dates: June 17- July 26, 2019 Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration: https:// sites.udel.edu/ubms/studentadmission-application/ to apply or call Beth Pfaff at 302-831-
Dover High Scores Big with Grant Award The Seacoast Educational Endowment for Dover, a nonprofit organization that promotes academic excellence by providing innovation grants to Dover educators, recently granted Dover teachers more than $14,000 to implement new learning programs, practices, and resources across all grade levels from elementary to high school. Dover High School received three grants, across three departments, totaling $3,530. Science teacher Amy Poirer was awarded a grant to pilot and train teachers to use two tools for bio-med lab work as well as protein replica kits for 3-D modeling. The Language Arts department will receive funding to purchase technology to help students develop presentation skills; the math department will acquire digital calipers for probability and statistics classes. SEED grants Dover High School statistics teacher Tim Elliott funding to buy digital calibers