On the dotted line......

Career Vocabulary Project -

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 14:41:00 +0000

In Exploratory class, 8th grade students were given an assignment opportunity in Careers. Mrs. Hansel and I co-taught a short lesson on Career Vocabulary Words. Students were required to pick a word. Define the word. Then apply the word to the "CAREER WORLD." Here is an example of one completed project by 8th grader: Sierra Palmer.
She did an excellent job with this assignment using the web tool - Pow Toons and the application iMovie. All objectives were met and the assignment was a GREAT example of learning initiative.

Infographics - What is an Infographic? Computer Apps I

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:43:00 +0000

Using two ideas for free infographic platforms - HS students in Computer Apps I worked at developing their own visual design of information. Required in the project was students to choose a platform to display: piktochart or easel.ly, choose an appropriate topic, develop 5 categories of information and 3 ideas to illustrate. Ideas were presented in class as well as citations were required.

Book Trailers done by 5th Grade - 21st Century Skills Class

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 14:17:00 +0000

5th graders in my 21st Century Skills class were required to create a book trailer. The book trailer project consisted of specific criteria and requirements each of the students needed to meet. The students used iMovie to create their final projects on a book of their choosing. After the creation of the trailer, they each were required to have two peer reviews, and then present their finished project to the entire class. Overall, my group of 5th graders did an amazing job with this project. I've included an example of one completed project.

Team #STEM from CRMS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:58:00 +0000

Five Clayton Ridge students participated in Code STEM day at Keystone AEA in Elkader. STEM is an acronym referring to the fields of study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. One fifth, one sixth, two seventh, and eighth grader got to participate in structured experiences like: game design, augmented reality, 3D design and printing, computer programming, graphic design and robotic work. Students used their school computers to facilitate their participation at different stations of their choice. As a team they worked together to design an iteration of the game Monopoly, as well. Together they promoted the game to other groups and had an opportunity to hear others' game ideas as well. It was a full agenda and a great experience for our students. They appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity to experience and learn innovative ways STEM is evolving.

Students participate in a Skype session with professional graphic artists from the company Premier Guitar.

CR Students program robots with presenter Kathy Hay.

6th grade students experience Google Glasses and augmented reality with presenter @DesignMill.

Part robot, part ball - introducing SPHERO

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 17:39:00 +0000

Four 8th grade girls gave Keystone AEA's Sphero a test run with me the other day. Sphero is the first robotic ball gaming device that you control with a tilt, touch or swing from your smartphone or tablet.

They said, "It's like it has a heartbeat."

There are 24 different apps available for download to an iOS device (iPod, iPad) or Android device. These apps allow an individual to create a virtual game experience using Sphero as the platform. Game experiences like: golf, driving, pet care, obstacle courses and many more.

Sphero pairs via bluetooth from the hand held devices for remote activated control and manipulation of the ball. The girls had a blast learning and experimenting with Sphero. Their favorite apps were Sphero Pet and Drive and Draw. They even gave Golf a try. It was an fantastic opportunity for our students to gain an understanding of different forms of technology in development and available in our world today. (STEM opportunity.)

Giving Sphero a test run.

8th grader makes a hole in four: doing Sphero Golf.

A Good Kind of Drama......

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 17:37:00 +0000

Through Miss Shaw's teaching abilities, the HS Drama class studied and discovered stage fighting. Her students studied silent film movement and pantomime effects, "Charlie Chaplin" style and their job was develop a cumulative project illustrating their learning. They were to act out their learning in a format that would illustrate stage combat techniques in a choreographed fight. Enclosed is one group's finished product. A really great tribute to their learning. Nice job to all!

Please Stop Laughing at Me....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 18:19:00 +0000

Is a memoir written by author Jodee Blanco. This emotionally charging piece of non-fiction depicts Blanco's childhood and chronicles her experiences with bullies. The freshmen in Mrs. White's English 9 class were required to read this piece of non-fiction, discuss, and complete different tasks throughout the reading.

At the conclusion of the novel, students were to complete a project that demonstrates an anti-bully campaign and illustrates their reviews of the book. Many students chose to illustrate project requirements through a movie or a presentation. Enclosed are some of their finished products.

Mrs. White and I are extremely pleased with her students' insights and abilities to communicate problems with bullying. The students' use of technology to complete this task allows for such creativity and sets a great stage for the students to showcase their learning from the novel. Mrs. White has done such a fantastic job with integrating technology with this project. This experience for the students will be remembered far beyond freshmen English. Kudos to her!

Checking out the Stars and Blazers......

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:29:00 +0000

We are in our final year of a four year MacBook lease agreement with our 1:1 computer program. The past four years grades 7-12 have had a 1:1 laptop correspondence while our lower grades have had increased access to technology.

Since we've been a 1:1 school more and more schools have implemented a 1:1 program across our state. Enclosed is a URL - http://goo.gl/kZhjkX that lists school districts across our state who have implemented a 1:1 program and the device that is used.

Our students have had an opportunity to travel to different 1:1 Districts within our state to see how their implementation looks and to have conversations to help inspire innovation within our own school.

The Google Chrome Book was not available as a 1:1 solution 4 years ago - so we felt we had a responsibility to research different options for 1:1 learning, and that it was important for our students to explore a cheaper solution to see what the Chrome Book has to offer as a 1:1 learning solution.

Just recently our Middle School SIAC students had an opportunity to go to Starmont CSD and our High School SIAC Students went to explore Dyersville Beckman. The intent of the visit was to check out their 1:1 environment using Chrome Books. The students had mixed reviews of their experience. Many saw some limitations of the ChromeBook compared to the software and hardware experience they are used to with the Macbook, but they felt if the ChromeBook was the next solution it would offer more opportunities for collaboration.

Overall the recent trips provided exposure to our students to different kinds of technology. It was really powerful to see a realization among the student visitors of how lucky we are as a school district to have such great access to some very powerful and awesome technology.

SMART Professional Development for Staff

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 17:27:00 +0000

Clayton Ridge Staff had the opportunity to participate in Professional Development on using the SMART Board and SMART tools within their classrooms. The training was facilitated by experienced Keystone AEA technology specialists: Bev Berns, Jason Martin-Hiner and Mark Klinkenfus.

Prior to training a Google Form survey was created and distributed to determine placement for the desired Professional Development needs of our staff. Based on the results, staff were placed in beginner, intermediate and advanced learner sessions. Training was delivered to best meet their needs.

Overall, the training experience was a success. The staff were asked for feedback about their training. Overwhelmingly, staff appreciated the training and believed it would have direct impact on their instruction. It will be so important for me to follow up with this training experience with more time, more instruction, more opportunity to apply what was learned so staff can continue to grow and gain confidence with implementation. The SMART Board and it's tools have the power to engage all students and make learning interactive and empowering.

3rd grade Common Reading Time

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 14:53:00 +0000

Mrs. Connelly has used video to record her students reading aloud poetry in small groups. Her students worked hard at reading the content together (choral reading) and using expression while reading. This exercise has helped her students build their confidence with reading alound and solidified comprehension of this work of poetry. This is a cute poem called,

Since Hannah Moved Away ~ by Judith Viorst.

The tires on my bike are flat.
The sky is grouchy gray.
At least it sure feels like that
Since Hanna moved away.

Chocolate ice cream tastes like prunes.
December's come to stay.
They've taken back the Mays and Junes
Since Hanna moved away.

Flowers smell like halibut.
Velvet feels like hay.
Every handsome dog's a mutt
Since Hanna moved away.

Nothing's fun to laugh about.
Nothing's fun to play.
They call me, but I won't come out
Since Hanna moved away.

The tires on my bike are flat. The sky is grouchy gray. At least it sure feels like that Since Hanna moved away. Chocolate ice cream tastes like prunes. December's come to stay. They've taken back the Mays and Junes Since Hanna moved away. Flowers smell like halibut. Velvet feels like hay. Every handsome dog's a mutt Since Hanna moved away. Nothing's fun to laugh about. Nothing's fun to play. They call me, but I won't come out Since Hanna moved away. - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15726#sthash.XNIUCUXc.dpuf

The EPIC projects of Gilgamesh

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 16:14:00 +0000

The Epic of Gilgamesh, a work of poetry from Mesopotamia, is one of the earliest surviving works of literature. Ms. Shaw's 4th year English students were required to create a musical parody retelling and revisiting the underlining characters and messages found in this ancient piece of literature. Included is two seniors work: JT C. and Alex T. The song they used was Elvira by the Oak Ridge Boys. The two students used Garageband to create the song rendition and harmonies, and then iMovie to create the video to retell the work. It is an excellent project that required many high order thinking skills and great depth of knowledge. Well done Ms. Shaw and students! A great masterpiece and an exemplary finished product.

iOS Devices Making School Manageable...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 14:46:00 +0000

Mrs. Bunting working with Caden to go over Class DoJo results.

Mrs. Bunting is an CR Elementary Resource teacher. She has been very dedicated to using her iPad in the classroom to make school a positive experience for her students. Caden B. is a first grade student who Mrs. Bunting has been using the iPad a great deal with to promote positive behaviors in the classroom.

The first app she uses with MUCH success is Class DoJo. This app works with Caden to target specific behaviors such as: on task, listening, completing work, and raising his hand in class. Easily and efficiently this app then generates data that can be shared with all teachers, parents and the student to help make Caden's school experience a positive one. Caden is motived by this app and the instant feedback it gives him. Caden says, "I like how it helps me be good in school."

The second app Mrs. Bunting is using with Caden is Visual Schedule Planner. The Visual Schedule Planner is a customizable iPad app that is designed to give Caden an audio/visual representation of the “events in his day." In addition, some events that may require Caden to have more support can be linked to an “activity schedule” or “video clip” to help model the task even further. Visual Schedule Planner is perfect for Caden's school environment. He definitely benefits from a visual representation of his day's activities to ease with school transitions that he encounters on a day to day.

Hear our ROAR -

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 17:08:00 +0000

Clayton Ridge Middle School students Taylor P. and Nicole S. enter in Good Morning America's Katy Perry contest - a video montage of what Katy Perry's ROAR song means to them. These two students did a fabulous job on the final product and have a lot to be proud of. Cross your fingers for them. They have a REAL shot at getting Katy Perry to do a live concert at Clayton Ridge.

Stay tuned for a posting on the final video project.

HS Students share StoryBird stories to 2nd graders.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:18:00 +0000

In one of Ms. Shaw's English courses, HS students were asked to design and write a children's story using a web app called StoryBird. (www.storybird.com) Once their products were complete the HS students took an opportunity to share their finished story and their love for reading with Clayton Ridge 2nd graders. Overall, it was a great experience for the older and younger students alike.

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 17:32:00 +0000

Clayton Ridge Elementary Students logged a total of 211,085 minutes of summer reading minutes toward Scholastic's World Record breaking feat of reading more than 100,000,000 minutes. Clayton Ridge Elementary students placed 1st in all of Iowa - recording the most minutes for the whole state. We are so proud of our students accomplishments and their dedication to reading.

http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2013/kids#

Computer Apps with Mrs. Keehner....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 May 2013 16:54:00 +0000

A GREEN SCREEN project:

Students in Mrs. Keehner's HS Computer Apps class worked with creating an iMovie project and using the "green screen" option as a special effect. Each student was responsible for creating their own content and turning it into a movie. Each movie was then graded by Mrs. Keehner and submitted as part of their semester grade.

In the end the students enjoyed the project so much they decided to do a project as a group effort. Their green screen project had to do with creating a music video parody of "Gangnam Style" by Psy. Embedded is the work of the group. Their finished product was creative, fun, and a great keepsake for each of the students who participated. Thanks for sharing Mrs. Keehner. Great project using their computer skills and some higher order thinking. Very entertaining!

Read All About It......Mrs. Werges's Newsstand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:28:00 +0000

Every year this time of year, Mrs. Werges's eighth graders participate in a magazine unit. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this unit! Along with every eighth grader who participates! Objective: Each student is responsible for editing their own magazine. Students collaborate with other students in the eighth grade by buying and selling original article work for different magazines represented throughout the class. Students are hired by the editor to write particular articles OR they volunteer their writing services in hopes of getting paid for their contributions. Altogether the magazine project requires all students to write 12 articles for others, and have a total of 19 articles that make up their magazine project. All eighth grade students must design a cover for their magazine, write an editor's column, and offer a vision of their magazine in the writer's market before the final magazine unfolds. In the end, all eighth grade students create a magazine to display and can be proud of. Also, their peers are given the opportunity to enjoy each other's work as well and vote on the best overall magazine. The top ten magazines are recognized in front of the school the last day of classes.

This unit project hits nearly every target on the Core. Students are using 21st century skills to their fullest potential in a higher order thinking project. Th specific strands Mrs. Werges develops with her students in this project are: critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration and leadership, agility and adaptability, initiative and entrepreneurialism, effective written and oral communication, accessing and analyzing information, and curiosity and imagination. Student minds and their computers make this project happen and the end results are very high quality work.

Final magazine: Created by Katie Z. Topic: Travel

6th grade vocab work with Mrs. Lawrence...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:58:00 +0000

Mrs. Lawrence is a lead reading teacher at Clayton Ridge. She does a wonderful job on finding new ways for students to improve their literacy skills. This is a picture of students using the SMART Board to locate and define vocabulary words they will be exposed to in the novel, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. It was amazing to see how the interactive and work with vocabulary made the students remember meanings of important words found in the text. Mrs. Lawrence has commented their work on the Board has allowed students to easily connect, relate and apply their knowledge while they read. By designing a lesson that was competitive in nature really got all of her 6th grade language students involved with their learning. Good work Mrs. Lawrence!

High School Stats Project with Mr. Kolbet

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:48:00 +0000

The statistical topic covered by this project is a 2-Sample Hypothesis testing. Mr. Kolbet's HS students picked a topic they were interested in studying and testing.

Mr. Kolbet going over requirements and expectations for their final project with Probability and Statistics students.

Some example projects included:

Lucas H. looked at two 8-year time spans in Major League Baseball (the "steroid era" vs the non-steroid era). Lucas did a statistical test to see if the average amount of home runs were higher in the steroid era.

Brook and Kayla made brand name vs. generic brownies, and brand name vs. generic cake. They wanted to know if the percentage of people who could identify the brand name brownies was different than those who could identify the brand name cake.

Taylor K. did a study to see if the distance throwing a shotput standing still was different than the distance with a twirling motion.

Students were required to test their hypothesis and display their data to reveal their results. Most importantly Mr. Kolbet would check their data to see how well students applied the properties learned in statistics class. It is a great project and the topics the students cover is always very interesting. I really appreciate how Mr. Kolbet encourages students to showcase their knowledge and apply it to a real interest.

5th graders in the Google DRIVEr's seat.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:57:00 +0000

5th grade Science teacher Mrs. Stannard is a wonderful advocate for using technology in the classroom to impact learning and to establish a high level of engagement from all students.

I chose to showcase Mrs. Stannard in this entry because, to finish the school year she has created an awesome student driven science project. One component of the project is for students to collaborate and communicate with one another using Google Drive - documents. I love that she is challenging students to use the cloud and think outside the box to communicate and collaborate.

The purpose of her project is for students to create their own science experiment. Students must research, design, create, predict, apply, analyze, remember, evaluate and communicate outcomes using authentic scientific principals. The main tool for collaboration and communication students are using is Google Drive - documents. Students are asked to develop lab planning and protocol through Google tools.

I really LOVE this project idea, because Mrs. Stannard is encouraging students to do 21st century thinking which hits all essential learning objectives in science or any subject for that matter. I have loved participating in classes and see how students are interacting, reacting, and learning as they practice what they have learned to create an amazing final product. It is really neat to see 5th graders working at this level of learning.

Creating a TechNation in the Upper Iowa Conference....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:36:00 +0000

Idea: #TechNation.
Learning communities: #Postville #CRCSDeagles - Clayton Ridge

We are both schools in a 1:1 computer learning environment. Postville is in their first year. We are in our 3rd year. Both schools are constantly looking at ways to improve learning while using technology as a learning tool. So with brothers being the principals in the two middle schools, the connection was easy to make. Willingly, for the sake of learning, both CR and Postville opened their doors for staff and students from each school to visit, participate and observe different uses of technology in the classroom. The decision to collaborate and mentor one another was to inspire learning for teachers and students alike, and foster a connection for future collaboration efforts using technology.

The first component to create a TechNation was planning.
We took a day during our PLC time in early April to go to Postville to plan the #TechNation experience and establish a community by meeting face to face. We explored the following questions at our meeting: What do we want to get out of our collaboration? How will it impact teaching and learning? How can AEA1 support our efforts?

Clayton Ridge student using Skype to meet Postville peer. Mrs. Stannard is looking on. She is a fantastic teacher leader who uses technology to impact learning.

After our round table discussion we decided to have two days where students and staff from each school spend a day to visit. Before the scheduled school visits Principal Wahls from Postville and I participated in virtual meeting using Skype as our platform. The purpose of the virtual meeting was so Postville and Clayton Ridge students could meet each other. We had the students introduce themselves, share an adjective about themselves, and their favorite subject. All the students enjoyed the 21st century style meeting and really appreciated the opportunity to meet each other before a face to face meeting.

Clayton Ridge 8th grader meets her Postville partner via Skype.

April 25 and April 26 were the decided days for the visits to take place. The flow of the day was to showcase some work students have done with technology. Also students participated in a panel discussion where teachers and students could ask questions about our digital learning environment. Another part of the day was to have teachers showcase some of their planning and work while using technology. Lastly, students and teachers participated in classes. Students partnered with another student from the home school and shadowed their schedule that day. Teachers were free to roam throughout the building. They were encouraged to do interviews, sit in classes and complete walk throughs as they observed.

Clayton Ridge MS student demonstrates to Postville students a RAP they created in Writer's Workshop using Garageband.

Student shadows. Clayton Ridge Students were paired with a Postville student to shadow for the day.

Clayton Ridge MS teacher C. Werges demonstrates some of her favorite web tools to use to engage students.

Postville students demonstrating a project they created using Popplet.

Mrs. Salinas and Mrs. Olson from Postville hash over ideas after their visit to CRMS classrooms.
Photo submitted by Deb Henkes from Keystone AEA

To end the day - we sat in a round table discussion and debriefed one another about the day's events. Both days were great days! We learned so much about each school, that lead far beyond just using technology as a tool for learning. There is so much potential with creating a collaborative learning environment outside of our District walls. As our tech integration specialist, I would love to see CR students and teachers getting out of our comfort zones and reach out to more 1:1 schools for better teaching and learning experiences. We are doing some fantastic things with technology in our District and I would really like us to continue to be a leader 1:1 school in many different ways.

Clayton Ridge MS 6-8 students arriving at Postville.

Clayton Ridge 7th grader demonstrates the making of a stop motion video to a Postville student.
Photo submitted by Deb Henkes - Keystone AEA.

A Visit to Waverly Shell Rock....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:40:00 +0000

Yesterday a group of Clayton Ridge MS staff and students visited Waverly Shell Rock Middle School. The intention behind our visit was two-fold. 1. We were curious to see iPads in action in a school environment. Waverly Shell Rock MS is a 5-8 building and all students and teachers have access to iPads as their digital tool to enhance learning. 2. The second reason for our visit was to see their school schedule and the concept behind their teaming philosophy. Our visit was very enlightening and we really enjoyed learning from each other. As a group we met with WSR's 7/8 Principal Steve Wikkel and their Tech Integration Specialist/Curriculum Director Bridgette Wagoner. The day was a huge success and WSR was so please to have students involved in part of the visit and communication experience.

CRMS staff participate in a collaboration meeting with Principal Kwikkel

It was a great opportunity to observe and be inspired, but it was really fantastic to have such powerful communication between our staff/students and their school leaders. They really valued our input and had some questions of their own about our school's digital experience and our multi-age schedule during our school day.

Highlights from the day:

1. Their facilities. They are amazing. A beautiful school.

2. Getting into the classrooms. Seeing the iPads in action.

3. Inspired. Our students and teachers were really inspired to see the learning that was taking place with iPads. They were constantly evaluating and assessing their learning experience with that of WSR's teachers and students. Many found it was comparable, and found the iPads have the ability to be a powerful learning tool. Different than the laptop, but still effective.

4. Communication and collaboration between school leaders and students. WSR school leaders and students were at our service to answer our inquiries.

CRMS 8th graders hashing over their digital notes of their experience.

Post Secondary opportunities at CRHS....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:04:00 +0000

According to our HS Guidance Counselor - Mrs. Julie Hansel

During the 2012-2013 school year, 47 Clayton Ridge HS students will have the potential to earn 317 college credits.

11th grade students enrolled in contracted, face to face, or PSEO classes: 23 students.
12th grade students enrolled in contracted, face to face, or PSEO classes: 24 students.

Access to the laptop has greatly improved student opportunities to take post secondary classes for dual credits.

Clayton Ridge HS students participating in a Medical Terminology offered online through NICC.

Instructional Partners.....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:26:00 +0000

A BIG thank you to our Keystone AEA presenters and Clayton Ridge staff members for facilitating our day of Digital Learning. The ePortfolio for all Clayton Ridge students in grades 7-12 has been launched and will continue to evolve. Clayton Ridge students got a great head start to creating and inputing artifacts to demonstrate their learning in a 1:1 digital learning environment. The two days at the HS and the MS were a big success.

The ePortfolio....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:20:00 +0000

Technology work Clayton Ridge students can be proud of.

This year's topic of learning and creating at our MS and HS technology days is the ePortfolio. All students in grades 7-12 will be designing a Google Site from a template to create their very own electronic portfolio. Inside the portfolio students will include sample projects they have created using technology in their various classes. Each idea will have a reflective statement on how technology has impacted their learning.

This is a great example of demonstrating the valuable 21st century skills that need to be addressed according to the Common Core Standards. In addition this ePortfolio idea provides justification for why a 1:1 environment is important to our work with students and how it is valued by our patrons.