Teachers in action:
Our math teachers Jessica Stevens, Jo Ann Evans and Sherry Pearson took some time last week and began to formulate a plan to tackle math instruction at Haskin Elementary. The teachers began by delving into math data. They looked at TCAP and NWEA data and identified the students who will benefit from additional instruction in math. The teachers also analyzed TCAP practice items to look for crucial test taking skills that students will need to be successful on the TCAP assessment. The teachers dove into our math curriculum maps and compared them with the TCAP frameworks to ensure that we are providing our students with all the tools necessary to attack the Math TCAP. During our discourse, the idea of an after school “Math Academy” surfaced. “Math Academy” will serve students who need extra support in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade math skills. Thank you MATH team for your hard work and dedication to Haskin students!
Teacher of the Month Honored by SLV FEderal Bank
Mrs. Honey Stecken, fifth-grade teacher, was selected as the SLV Teacher of the Month. She was recognized in front of her students by Mr. Duane Bussey of SLV Federal for the tremendous job she does providing quality instruction to her students and facilitating their learning. This recognition is very well-deserved and Honey is an excellent example of the committed teachers we have in this district and school who strive to achieve excellence in their profession and raise the achievement of their students. Well done, Mrs. Stecken, and congratulations!
Kids in action:
Students at Haskin Elementary are working very hard at memorizing math facts for fluency. Jessica Stevens had 2nd and 3rd graders working hard in a San Luis Valley math contest called Sumdog. On Sumdog, students learn math by playing short games competing against classmates and other students from around the San Luis Valley. Students work hard to earns coins to buy gear for their avatar. Haskin Elementary scored number one in the San Luis Valley in the contest on October 23rd!. Way to go Haskin! Haskin’s very own Rachel Neuerburg scored in the top 10 in the San Luis Valley on October 24th. Way to go Rachel!!
Center Kiwanis Bring Gifts
Center Kiwanis sent an amazing gift to our third grade students this week. The students were overjoyed with their new gifts…their very own dictionaries! The children were hugging their books, flipping through them and smelling the newness of the books. I overheard one student say “What does artistic mean, I am going to look that up!” Haskin students were genuinely thankful and respectful to the gentleman who delivered the dictionaries. Thank you Center Kiwanis for your generosity to Haskin Elementary students!
Core Beliefs in Action
EVERYONE must be committed to excellence in ALL they do EVERY Day.
There was a time in Center Schools when, meaning well, we participated in many assemblies, ski trips, field trips and other activities that took time away from instruction. Our intentions were good as we strove to offer our students access to fun opportunities they might otherwise not be able to experience. Now, however, keeping in mind our core beliefs and commitment to excellence, we are much more discerning when considering what extra curricular activities to bring to our students. One such decision is always easy to make, and that is participating in the Young Audience Outreach made possible by the folks at the Creede Repertory Theater. We did appeal to them and asked if they could perform here on campus. This saves the district the transportation costs incurred taking students to see the performance in Alamosa, as well protecting instructional time that would be lost to travel. What an incredible performance we enjoyed last week as CRT performed The Geography of Adventure! Many thanks to parents who helped with the cost of the performance by sending a dollar to school with their children. Our students were so well-behaved during the play, demonstrating excellence by being a superb audience and listening intently, responding politely when appropriate, and showing their appreciation by their boisterous applause. They showed solid knowledge of the geography of the United States, as well! The look on their faces as they received their complimentary copy of the book from the show was priceless. This behavior does not happen by accident and the work done by teachers to prepare their students was evident. Thanks to one and all for sharing this great experience of the arts!
There was a time in Center Schools when, meaning well, we participated in many assemblies, ski trips, field trips and other activities that took time away from instruction. Our intentions were good as we strove to offer our students access to fun opportunities they might otherwise not be able to experience. Now, however, keeping in mind our core beliefs and commitment to excellence, we are much more discerning when considering what extra curricular activities to bring to our students. One such decision is always easy to make, and that is participating in the Young Audience Outreach made possible by the folks at the Creede Repertory Theater. We did appeal to them and asked if they could perform here on campus. This saves the district the transportation costs incurred taking students to see the performance in Alamosa, as well protecting instructional time that would be lost to travel. What an incredible performance we enjoyed last week as CRT performed The Geography of Adventure! Many thanks to parents who helped with the cost of the performance by sending a dollar to school with their children. Our students were so well-behaved during the play, demonstrating excellence by being a superb audience and listening intently, responding politely when appropriate, and showing their appreciation by their boisterous applause. They showed solid knowledge of the geography of the United States, as well! The look on their faces as they received their complimentary copy of the book from the show was priceless. This behavior does not happen by accident and the work done by teachers to prepare their students was evident. Thanks to one and all for sharing this great experience of the arts!