McKean Elementary Implements Action-Based Learning
October 11, 2012McKean Elementary has implemented a new academic approach that seems to be an increasing trend among educational institutions – action-based learning.
McKean Elementary’s S.K.I.L.L Center (Skills Key to Igniting Lancer Learning) launched its new academic approach Monday, September 24. It focuses on recent brain research that links movement and physical activity to increased academic performance.
“Learning style research has shown for years that movement is a preferred style of learning,” said General McLane Superintendent Richard Scaletta. “This program meets these students where they are to improve their learning.”
Instructional support teacher Shannon Wingerter teaches the course, which she learned and took from a program at Fairview School District.
“They are learning as they are doing physical activities that are fun. They are learning how to read as they spin on a scooter. They’re learning how to read when they are bouncing a ball in the air and catching it,” she said. “Whatever the activity is, when students use both sides of the brain at same time, it’s proven that students retain the information better.”
According to Wingerter, the students’ responses have been terrific.
“The kids absolutely love it. Every time I go into a classroom, I hear, ‘Can I come today?’ Winger said. “Then, whenever I ask who wants to come back at the end of each session, every one of them, especially the younger ones, want to come back.”
Investigating Derivatives
October 10, 2012General McLane High School’s AP Calculus class learns how to apply technology to their work. The class uses Wolfram Alpha, a computational knowledge engine, throughout the course. Today, the class used three simple math rules and their Mac Laptops as they investigated derivatives on Wolfram Alpha.
And the 2012 Homecoming King and Queen are ….
October 8, 2012After the Lancers defeated East Friday night, student council members introduced the 2012 Homecoming Court. There were five boys and five girls nominated for Homecoming King and Queen: Ryland Luciano, Aidan Graham, Quinn Thompson, Zachary Kulesza and Clay Skelton; and Brittney Hunt, Katilin Clark, Kharly Stauber, Heather Hafner and Lindsey Jahn.
Deane Twitchell and Ashley Mennow announced the 2012 Homecoming Court. And the winner is …
Lindsey Jahn is named the 2012 Homecoming Queen!
And your 2012 Homecoming Final Four: (from left-right) Homecoming Princess Kharly Stauber, Homecoming King Ryland Luciano, Homecoming Queen Lindsey Jahn and Homecoming Prince Aidan Graham. Congrats!!
JWPMS Students Pay It Forward
October 5, 2012Students at James W. Parker Middle School have made the personal decision to inspire change in the world through their acts of kindness.
Fifth grader Lindsey Cain has been making and selling glass jewelry in order to use the profits to buy toys for the play room at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. So far, she has been able to buy a dollhouse and a tool set. Her jewelry (some of which is featured below) is on display on her Facebook page, “Naturel Sparklzzz” and can be order via phone or email.
Four other JWPMS students make up part of the group they call “The Colored Zebras.” Patience Makusi, Malyna Zboyovski, Emily Smith and Makayla Jay — with the help of two other girls — have been making duct tape bracelets and selling them to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Colored Zebras were recently filmed on the “Good Kids” Program with WJET. The girls plan to sell their bracelets at the Edinboro Elementary Holiday Fun Night & Book Fair on December 5.
Kudus to all these students & keep up the good work!
Conceptual Learning
October 3, 2012Sixth graders at James W. Parker Middle School are putting the standard math formulas to real-life examples. During a STEM lab Friday, students learned how to make simple motor improvements by measuring three different size wheels by revolutions and recording that data in a responder that records proficiency levels, estimating the distance the car would travel with that size wheel and then testing those estimates. Instead of giving the students a rectangle and asking for the height, instructor Chris Triola is implementing conceptual learning by applying the math formulas to real world examples. The results?
“The kids responded well to the lab, they seemed to grasp the concept of circle in a more applicative fashion. They did an awesome job of data collection,” Triola said.
Tomorrow, the students begin testing the basic strength of the designed car. Friday, the students will test the car’s ability to climb. The class goal is to create a motor that will run an entire amusement park.
McKean Elementary Goes for the Gold (Golden Rule)
October 1, 2012McKean Elementary hosted an assembly for their ARRFS positive behavior program Friday. ARRFS, (acts of respect, responsibility, fun and safe to be with) is a major focus at McKean Elementary.
4x Olympic Wrestling Medalist Bruce Baumgartner attended the assembly. High School Football Players Quinn Thompson and Zach Leicht also attended. The theme was Go for the Gold (Golden Rule).
GM Awarded Asset-Building Organization Honorable Mention
October 1, 2012General McLane School District received Honorable Mention as an “Asset-Building Organization” at the Healthy Youth Development Press Conference last week. The award was given to an organization that embraced the Healthy Youth Development’s mission and created an environment that promoted the building blocks of healthy youth development.
General McLane Board Member and Director of Mercyhurst Civic Institute & Erie Policy and Planning Council Amy Eisert also attended the event. She spoke to the attendees on “Community Change”.
Edinboro Elementary PTO Carnival = success!
September 26, 2012Edinboro Elementary’s PTO hosted a Back to School Carnival Saturday, September 15th — when students and families came together for three hours of fun! From “Family Fun Run”, to food, prizes and games, the community kicked off the school year with some excitement and fun for the whole family.
MS Annual Track & Field Day
September 24, 2012Today, the Middle School started their Annual Track & Field Day with the fifth grade class. Tomorrow, the sixth graders will compete, and the week will end with the eighth grade competition.
Hopefully the weather holds up for the rest of the week!
4th Graders have an eye for the iPad
September 24, 2012Edinboro Elementary fourth graders bring the use of the iPad into the classroom. Technology cohort teachers continue to learn as much as they can as they integrate them with whole group instruction.
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