Everyday Math curriculum new for elementary schools
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| A fifth-grade student at Jefferson Elementary shows a math problem he completed during a class activity. Photo by Susan Arensman |
Elementary students in the Wichita Public Schools are starting a new math curriculum this year, developed to increase students' concepts of math and to increase parental involvement in what their children are learning. Everyday Math, which has been used by other large districts across the country, is being implemented in Wichita this year.
Some of the benefits of the rigorous new program are that it puts math concepts in real-life examples, has flexible lessons that can be worked individually, or in large or small groups, math games so students can apply what they've learned, and a parent component that explains the lessons to parents so they can assist their children.
"We are excited about the parent involvement piece," said Sue Farag, Elementary Learning Services Executive Director. "Parents can learn how they can help their child learn or they can play math games with them to reinforce their skills."
Everyday Math is designed to address the needs of all students and their learning level. Farag said the students who need extra help with a concept can work on the same lesson with students who are more advanced and both groups see a benefit.
Megheen Walker, fifth-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary, was one of the teachers who piloted the program last year. She said Everyday Math helped her become a better math teacher by giving her different strategies to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of her students. She said it also allows her students more time to master concepts while moving on to other lessons so they don't get bored.
"It keeps reinforcing the skills they learn throughout the year," Walker said. "We are constantly reviewing what we've already learned and apply them to new lessons.
Walker said she also likes that the workbooks have problems that introduce new concepts before they have to learn them.
"If they are doing math at a higher level and can solve the problem, that is great," Walker said. "But even if they can't do the problem, they have that exposure, so they will be more comfortable with the concept when it comes time to learn it."
The district's Parent Teacher Resource Center will carry the Everyday Math reference books for parents to purchase. The district will also host Parent Nights to allow parents to play math games with their children.
"Our teachers are excited about the program and the parents are excited," Farag said. "I think the kids will be excited, too."
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Phase 1C architectural firms approved
On August 24, the Board of Education approved architectural firms for Phase 1C bond issue projects for the $370 million bond issue. Contractual work on those schools will begin immediately. The district tried to match architects that did the original design on school additions during the 2000 bond issue whenever possible.
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Phase 1C project |
Architectural Firm |
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Isely Traditional Magnet rebuild
New south elementary school
Gardiner Elementary addition
Harry Street Elementary addition
Stanley Elementary addition
Irving Elementary addition
Woodman Elementary addition
Northeast Magnet addition |
Spangenberg Phillips
Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey
Architectural Innovations, LLC
Architectural Innovations, LLC
Hanney and Associates
Krehbiel Architects
R. Messner Construction Co., Inc.
WDM Architects, P.A. |
The projects in Phase 1 were selected based on school and district needs, to provide a balance between small and large projects, and to spread bond projects throughout the community. This is the most efficient and cost-effective way to implement the bond plan. The district's goal is to have all Phase 1 projects under design by the end of the calendar year.
To see the complete bond phasing plan, click here.
The overall bond issue plan is anticipated to be completed in 5-7 years.
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Superintendent testifies before House committee
Superintendent John Allison was invited to testify on the impact of budget cuts on schools before the Kansas House Appropriations Committee. The Committee held a rare mid-year meeting in preparation of the 2010 session. Looming budget shortfalls predictions are between $410 – $537 million next year. The committee heard from state agencies and five school superintendents about the impact of further reductions.
Superintendent Allison fielded questions for 45 minutes from committee members. He explained how state and federal mandates, like No Child Left Behind and special education performance targets, are major costs drivers for school districts.
Click here to read Superintendent John Allison’s testimony.
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Googolplex begins September 2
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| Professor Einswine and Professor Herbert host Googolplex on the district's cable channel. Photo courtesy Media Productions |
Third- through fifth-grade students can tune in to Googolplex LIVE! each Wednesday starting September 2 at 5 p.m. Googolplex, Wichita’s only live television show for kids, can be watched on Cox Cable Channel 20 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99. Join Professor Herbert and his sidekick, Professor Einswine, for a half-hour of math and problem-solving fun. During the show, three math challenges are presented. Kids can call in and explain how they solved the problem, then choose great prizes, from sponsors such as Papa John’s Pizza, Northrock Bowling Lanes, Laser Quest, Rock’s Dugout, The Sedgwick County Zoo, All-Star Sports, Exploration Place, and other Wichita merchants and attractions.
We’d also like to encourage third through fifth grade teachers to get involved by sharing innovative, visual math lessons with other teachers during the show. Each Googolplex live episode features a “Count On Your Classroom” 3 minute video segment showing fun math activities in Wichita Public Schools’ classrooms that help get students excited about math. Teachers can call 973-2080 to have the “Googol-Cam” visit their school and spotlight their classroom math lesson.
Podcasts of Googolplex can also be viewed on iTunes and are available a few days after the live broadcast. Search for WPS-Googolplex on iTunes or go to Googolplex on iTunes.
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Jackson Elementary receives supplies from LSI
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| Photo courtesy LSI |
Students at Jackson Elementary are well prepared for class because of a generous donation from LSI Corporation. LSI donated 96 backpacks filled with school supplies. The supplies were donated during a special assembly on August 20. Students thanked LSI for their generosity.
The donation was part of LSI’s global backpack program. Volunteer employees identified Jackson to receive the supplies and helped stuff the backpacks and deliver them.
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Wellness activities offered to employees
Employees are invited to participate in wellness activities during the fall. The district is offering 4 different activities for employees.
The options include:
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Six-week Tobacco Cessation Classes beginning September 14 or October 7
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The Habit Guide eBook review beginning September 3
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Healthy Eating Webinars beginning September 8
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Join a TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) onsite weight loss program
Other wellness programs the district will offer soon include the 10,000 Steps a Day Pedometer Program and free flu shot clinics offered at most schools.
Visit Risk Management’s website for more information and instructions on how to sign up for the actvities.
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District continues to monitor for H1N1
The Wichita Public Schools continues to work closely with the Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) to monitor the spread of the H1N1 virus. It is important to understand that because this virus is a “novel” one, meaning it is a new virus never seen before, the information may change. Principals will receive more information about the symptoms and how it could affect staff and students during Principals Meeting on September 3.
The district is aware of the concern by parents and employees. Every school nurse knows the symptoms and will monitor students to see if any show signs of the illness.
What You Can Do To Prevent the Spread of H1N1
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Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
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If you are sick, stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Symptoms of H1N1
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Fever of 100.4, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue. The illness may last up to seven days, but people are considered to be contagious as long as symptoms persist.
Please remember that students should stay home when they have any of the following symptoms: fever (temperature 100.4 degrees or higher), vomiting or diarrhea, blistery rash, heavy nasal congestion or frequent cough and/or if your child has been diagnosed with a contagious disease. If your child shows any of these symptoms, please contact your school’s nurse.
Regular updates on the H1N1 virus will be in the Express and posted on the Wichita Public Schools’ website.
If you have any questions, please call Health Services at 973-4475 or the Sedgwick County Health Department at 660-9370.
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Koch mini-grant accepting applications
The Education EDGE is pleased to announce the opening of a new round of classroom mini-grants for teachers. The Koch Foundation’s special gift to the Education EDGE provides Focus Grants to be utilized on Economic Education, Environmental Education, and Social Studies/History Education, and also require partnerships with designated agencies listed in the Request for Application (RFA). The application package can be downloaded from the Grants & Development Services Portal site. Applications are due Thursday, November 12 at 4:45 p.m.
The Grants and Development office is offering three workshops to help teachers with the application process and to develop a funding proposal. Workshops will be held September 2, September 22 and October 1 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. in room 225 at the Focht Instructional Support Center, 412 S. Main. Teachers can sign up for the workshops on MyLearningPlan.
For additional information, please contact Russell Miller at 973-7945 or rmiller@usd259.net.
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Staff and students can purchase software at a discount
Wichita Public Schools' staff and students have the opportunity to purchase Microsoft software at a discount. With a special license agreement with Microsoft, the Wichita Public Schools is able to offer its students, teachers, and staff a selected number of Microsoft software titles at significant discounts.
For a limited time, Office Enterprise software is on sale until October 31. The prices for all software products have increased, but are still available at a discounted price through the district.
To purchase the software, go to the software center website. Choose either the student or faculty tab at the top of the page. Register for an account using your district email address or student ID or report card.
To go to the software center, click here.
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High school students attend NULITES conference
Four high school students and two recent high school graduates were selected by the Urban League of Kansas to attend the NULITES (National Urban League Incentives to Excel and Succeed) Youth Leadership Summit in Chicago. Southeast students Ambimbola Ibidokun, Le'Andre Carthen, and Tanaya Carthen, North student Ariel Sheeley and North graduates Chris Dailey and Christa Martinez attended the three-day conference. They participated in workshops with topics that included academic achievement, music, media and journalism, and listened to speakers who were politicians, business leaders, actors and community activists.
The students attended for free, thanks to donations from the United Way and Koch Industries.
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