parent matters april 2011

8/4/2019 Parent Matters April 2011

1/8

Back to the Future: A Vision of the 21st Century Jeife Joes, Lke My Elemey

There is no doubt that teaching and learning in schools isdifferent now than the way it was when we went to school and understanding it takes some shift in thinking, as well.The term 21st Century Skillsis not a new one in education.After all, we are one tenth into the century. However, theterm is really about making the methods and practices of21st century learning a priority in schools, because as theUnited States continues to compete in a globaleconomy that demands innovation, we mustmeet those demands in order to prepare allstudents for their future.

For many of us, when we hear 21st centuryskills, we think technology. In part, that is true,but technology alone is not all of it. Actually, forelementary age children, technology has been,or is, a natural part of their world. Todays

children are known as digital natives.Unlike many parents and grandparents,cell phones, laptops, MP3 players,and iPods are technologicalgadgets that these childrenhave only ever known they dont knowlife without them.

However, whenit comes to educating thesedigital natives, there is a skill setthat students must be equippedwith in order to be prepared for life

after school. As this 21st CenturyKid illustrates, our children aregrowing up in a changing world.This generation of children, for themost part, is comprised of hands-on learners that are happy andempowered, musical and artistic,creators and producers, multi-taskers and risk-takers; and when it

comes to school, they want to be engagedthey want to putthese attributes to use.

The shift to 21st century education is not an overnightprocess, but a framework a vision that is bold and breaksthe mold of the way weve been teaching for the last 50 years

its creative, challenging and complex. Insteadof worksheets and fact memorization, instead oftextbooks and independent contracts, the 21st

century skill set involves a blending together ofthe 3 Rs (reading, writing and mathematics)WITH whats known as the 4 Cs (creativity

& innovation, communication, collaboration,critical thinking & problem solving) in aclassroom environment where expectationsare high, inquiry and investigation are valued,

and cultural diversity and global awareness

are embraced. The role of the teacher is that offacilitator, promoting engagement and connectedlearning through discussion, evaluation, inquiry,and questions, around an integrated curriculum

for a relevant and meaningful purpose.

Technology is a tool to further understand

the enormous amount of information and ever-changing knowledge base that floods our livesNot only must we equip students with the skills

necessary for life in the 21st century,but we must help children navigatewhen and how to use the propertechnological tools and resources when

problems and opportunities arise.

MattersE L E M E N T A R Y, S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

W C P S S Pa r E n t n E W S L E t t E r

As this 21st Century Kid illustrates,

our children are growing up in achanging world.

W a k e C o u n t y P u b l i C S C h o o l S y S t e m


2/8

2 S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

Talking to Children about the Disaster in Japan

sc:The National Center for School

Crisis and Bereavement has preparedthe following tips on how to discuss thiscrisis with children.

The earthquake and tsunami thathit Japan has evoked many emotionsincluding sadness, grief and helplessnessin many around the world. As childrenmay be struggling with their thoughtsand feelings about the stories andimages, they may turn to trusted adultsfor help and guidance. stt th cvt. Talk about

the event with your child. Not

talking about it makes the eventeven more threatening in your childsmind. Silence suggests that whathas occurred is too horrible to evenspeak of or that you may not knowabout what has happened. Chancesare your child has already heardabout it.

Wht y ch yw? Start by asking what yourchild has already heard about theevents from the media as well asfrom friends. Listen for whatunderstanding he has reached.As your child explains, listen formisinformation, misconceptions andunderlying fears or concerns.

Gty cct cctmt. If you hear inaccurateinformation or misunderstandings,provide the correct information at alevel that your child can understand.

ecg y ch t qt, w thqt cty. Your child may

have some difficult questions aboutthe events in Japan. For example,she may ask if it is possible that anearthquake could occurthat would impactthe family; she isprobably really askingwhether it is likely when appropriate,reassure her the riskof an earthquake inyour community is

quite low. She is also asking if she

is safe. This may be a time to reviewplans your family has of assuringsafety in the event of any crisissituation. Whatever questions yourchild may have, answer them. Thislets her know that you are open totalking about anything and can betrusted to answer. Include in youranswers any information you mayhave on efforts being made in Japanto help the people there. Like adults,children are better able to cope witha crisis if they feel they understand

it. Question-and-answer exchangeshelp ensure ongoing support as yourchild begins to understand the crisisand the response to it.

lmt m xp. Limit yourchilds media exposure to imagesand sounds related to the disaster.Remember children often overhearor see what you are watching onTV or listening to on the radio. For

the very young, exposure should be

rare. Remember to limit your ownexposure. Adults may become moredistressed with nonstop exposure tothe event.

Hpg th . Work withyour child to figure out a way thatshe can help the people who wereaffected by the disaster, such asmaking a card that can be sent (oftenagencies such as churches or the RedCross will accept such cards). If theywork, this may include making asmall donation from their earnings

or allowance. Children may also findbenefit in helping others in need intheir own community. When childrenhelp others, they increase theirresilience (their ability to bounceback from stressful events).

B ptv m. Considersharing your feelings about theevents in Japan with your childThis is an opportunity for you torole model how to cope and howto plan for the future. Before youreach out, however, be sure you areable to express a positive or hopefuplan. Included in being a good rolemodel is showing good self-care bygetting enough rest, eating well, andexercising.

B ptt. In times of stresschildren may have more trouble withtheir behavior, concentration, andattention. They will need a little extrapatience, care, and love.If you have concerns about your

childs behavior, contact your familys

pediatrician, other primary careprovider, or a qualified mental healthcare specialist.

How do I Protect My cHIld wItH dIsasters, vIsIt tHe ollowIng websItes:

ni c sh cii bm www.cicitichildre.or/chool-crii

(hih i hp h ih hi h ii)

ami am Pii i www.p.or/diter/djutmet.cfm

AmericanPsychologicalAssociationatwww.phelpceter.or

FEMAatwww.redy.ov


3/8

3S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

nsh Bldwi-GciLifelog Leig Coodio

How to Help Your ChildDo their Best on Tests

Bullying Myths and Fact

Since the 1999 Colorado Columbine High School tragedy, a strong surge ofschool systems and major childrens networks have been implementing

initiatives to counteract bullying.The great news is that these campaigns are working. A study, funded by the US

Department of Justice, found that from 2003 to 2008 bullying declined by 7 percentamong children ages 10 to 17. However, with approximately 1 in 7 children stillreporting they have been or are currently victims of bullying, there is still a lot ofwork to be done.

Major reasons why bullying continues at escalated rates is that myths aboundon the impact of bullying:

While institutions are advocating for ongoing programs to address bullying,parents can also engender antibullying values in their children. Characteristics asconfidence, benevolence, empathy, humor, and a quick wit can prevent a child frombecoming a bully or being targeted by one. Currently, Summershine a WCPSS

catalog resource which includes enrichment programs for children, provides manyopportunities for character development in etiquette a proven method to buildthese desirable traits in children.

Etiquette makes children more aware of appropriate social graces, and it helpsthem understand their responsibility to make others feel welcomed,says LaurenJohnson, an etiquette instructor.

Bullying is a serious problem, but programs that directly address rules ofsocial decorum, do teach children how to appropriately interact with eachother and adults. Contact Natasha Baldwin-Garcia at (919) 850-1830 or email [email protected] for more information about Summershine where youcan find the right program for your child.

The M th G Resource Centeron the WCPSS website is the one-stop

source for End of Year Test review. Videodemonstrations, sample EOG questions,and curriculum guides for elementary,middle and high school students arecentrally located so that your child can feelprepared for end of year testing. Studentscan visit this resource at any time on theirown to get help or get a head start onsubject matter.

Parents of elementary and middleschool students can review reading and

math end-of-grade test information withtheir children. This content intends tohelp you and your child feel at ease ontest day. Print out and practice the samplequestions or watch the videos at yourleisure.

Do you have a student who needsadditional help with any of thesesubjects?

AlgebraI AlgebraII APCalculus

APStatistics CivicsandEconomicsGeometry BiologyEnglish USHistory

Then your high school student will findthe Success Series videos at M thG particularly helpful. These onlinevideo resources are of WCPSS classroomteachers reinforcing lessons using step-by-step instruction for math problems, alongwith presentation and anecdotal review ofEnglish and History.

How do I find the Make the Grade

Resource Center?

The easiest way to find this rich resourceis to type the URL: www.wcpss.net/curriculum-instruction/make_the_grade/inthe address bar. From there, you and yourstudent can browse content for grades3-12.

Bullying is a minor problem with no long-term effects.Bullying is an issue children need to hash out themselves.Bullying is an acceptable method to build strength of character in victims.

The facts say something altogether different.Bullyingisthefoundationonwhichalotofsubsequentaggressivebehav-

ior gets built,says Professor David Finkelhor, Director of the Universityof New Hampshires Crimes Against Children Research Center. If [ratesof bullying are] going down, we will reap [proven] benefits in the futurein the form of lower rates of violent crime and spousal assault.

ThosetargetedbybullieshavesymptomsconsistentwithPostTraumaticStress Disorder (PTSD). If untreated, victims often suffer psychiatricinjury of sufficient seriousness to blight them for life says Tim Fieldfounder of BullyOnline. Poorer health, lower educational achievement,and lower pay are just some of the outcomes.

Children who report bullying to trained teachers and administratorsnot only share that the problem is often resolved, but the children alsoacquire tools to stop future bullying before the problem escalates.

FACTS

MYTHS


4/8

Social Network 101 ashley Smih, Pe Mes Edio

4 S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

take extra stePs to Protect younger kIdsKeepthecomputerinanopenarealike

h ih mi m.Usetheinternetwiththemtohelp

p i hi.Considertakingadvantageofparental

m pim m h i hi ii, hh h im, h im h i.

Reada Pret guide o socilnetworki sitem h

t cmmii i.

Parent Matters encourages you to learn more about socialnetworking sites, and even consider joining them, so that you

are in the know and able to teachyour children how to navigate thesespaces safely.

Did you find yourself scratchingyour head when the movie TheSocial Network racked threeAcademy Awards and four GoldenGlobes earlier this year? Are youtotally stumped by the existenceof Twitter? If you are surprisedat how strongly the social media

revolution has taken hold and feargetting left behind, read on.Welcome to the world of Web

2.0 where user participation drivesthe online experience. Allow meto introduce you to Facebook,Twitter, and YouTube. These knownsocial media giants, along with many lesser-known sites, helpfacilitate information sharing, collaboration, and interactionon the Internet. Through them, children can share pictures,videos, and thoughts with others in an online community.

They connect children to friends, and allow them tosocialize with those who share their interests. Children

can join conversations happeningglobally and hear the opinionsof thousands, if not millions, ofpeople worldwide.

Parents today are raising ageneration of technology-savvychildren. Keeping up with themand their online activities can bea challenge when you feel outof the loop! While most socianetworking sites do not permit

accounts for children under theage of 13, some social networkingsites attract pre-teens evenkids as young as five or six. Sitesshould spell out your rights asa parent to review and delete

your childs profile if your child isyounger than 13. As parents begin to get online themselvesto discover and learn what is cool with kids on the internetit is important to have a discussion with your children abouhow to remain safe as they socialize online.

How do I Protect My cHIld roMInaPProPrIate Internet sItes at HoMe?

hi, i opdns

(www.oped.com) i g

h ii h i

mp. opdns p mp

h i (PsP, wii, Pi, .)

m i ipppi i

h . li g h

h h "im h" g

imi hm ipppi im

m h.

erIc HotH, wcPss Imi si oi

socIal MedIa stats

By2010GenYwill

m b

bm 96%

hm h ji

i

Thefastestgrowing

m

i 55-65 -

m

Raleighranks#12 m i

us i

Getmoresocial

mi m

www.socialnomics.net


5/8

Parent Matters Pick for Summer

Social Networking 101 (continued from page 4)

5S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

The Big Three

TWiTTerwww.twitter.com

A social networking and micro-blogging service enabling its users tosend and read messages called tweets.Tweets are short messages (of up to140 characters) displayed on the usersprofile page. Users may subscribe toother users tweets this is known asfollowing and subscribers are known asfollowers.

faCeBookwww.facebook.com

The most used social networkservice. Users create personal profiles,send friend requests, and exchangemessages, including updates to theirstatus. Additionally, users may joincommon interest groups and becomea fan of businesses, celebrities andmore.

YouTuBewww.youtube.com

A popular video-sharing websitewhere users can upload, share andwatch videos. YouTube displays a widevariety of user-generated video content,including movie and television clips,music videos, and amateur content suchas video blogging and short originalvideos.

GuidinG kids on THe inTerneTAre you looking for a course that will teach you the secrets

of how to work the Web with your kids? Guiding Kidson the Internet, a six-week essential course for teachers,leaders, and parents, will give strategies for helping childrenget the best from Internet access. Step-by-step instructionswill lead you in discovering various kid-friendly Internetfeatures. These include web page creation with easy-to-usetemplates and examples, kid-safe searches, fun resources forkids, and the many communication possibilities for schools,clubs, teacher networks, and even extended families. Thiscourse includes lessons for you, the adult, but also featuresprintable instruction sheets that can be used directly with the

young people you work with. The activities are informative,interactive, and fun; and, most importantly, will help you andyour kids use the Internet to its fullest potential. Enrollment$87

Monthlysix-weekcourseIf you have any questions, please contact WCPSS Online

Learning coordinator Beth Lynch at (919) 713-0557.

develoP a HoMe socIal network strategy

Educateyourselfaboutyourchildrensonlineactivities.

Setupapersonalaccountandusethesocialnetworking

spacesthatyourkidsvisit.

Teachyourchildrenhowtoprotectpersonal information(passwords,

address,etc).

Developanacceptableusecontractforyourchildtoagreetoand

sign.

Understandsitesprivacypoliciesandfeatures.

Reviewyourchildsfriendslist.

Play with Interactive Maps at www.ilike2learn.com.Do you have summer travel plans? Wherever yourdestination may be, allow your child to locate it on a mapand identify surrounding areas. An out-of-state trip can bea great way to learn the 50 states. An out-of-country trip

can help students begin to understand where some of the195 countries of the world are located. Helping your childfind his way around the world map is an invaluable skill thatwill enrich your childs understanding of language, culture,geography and politics.


6/8

6 S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

Ask the Chef: Preparing Meals that Power the Brain

Monday Apricot & Pecan BarsPepio time: 15 mi Cookig time: 25 - 30 mi

Ove temp: 325F Yields: 10 sevigs

Ii:

2/3 p , i 2 p 2/3 p , p 1/2 cup pecan nuts, chopped

2 p mp p 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped

Preheattheovento325degrees.Lightlygreaseandlinea7

squarebakingpanwithparchmentpaper.

Placebutter,sugarandmaplesyrup inalargeheavypanand

heattomedium,occasionallystirringuntilbutterhasmelted.

Removepanfromheatandstirinoats,nutsandapricotsuntil

wellcombined.

Spread evenly inprepared baking pan.Using a knife, score

linestomake10bars.

Bakefor25-30minutesandremovefromoven.Cutthrough

linesoncemore.Letcoolandturnoutontoaboardandseparatepieces.

SUBSTITUTE:Youcansubstitutepecanswithwalnuts,hazel-

nuts,almonds,chocolatechips,bananachipsordryshredded

coconut.

Note: Pcan is vr y lw in chlsrl and sdium. I is als a vr y

gd surc mangans.

Tuesday Papaya & Banana Smoothie

Pepio time: 10 mi Cookig time: 15 mi

Ove temp: n/a Yields: 2 - 4 sevigs

Ii:

2 p hpp, p, 4 i

pp 1 p hill pippl ji

1/2 p mi 1 p h

1/2 p i 2 p fh lim ji

Combineall ingredients inblender. Puree until smooth and

pourinto2tallglasses.

Note: Papaya is vry lw in saurad a, chlsrl and sdium. I

is als a gd surc diary br and passium, and a vry gd

surc viamin A, viamin C and la.

recipes continued on page 7

Need brain boosting breakfast items to help yourchildren gear up for testing week? Chef Wynton

Mann provides nutritious and sumptuous recipes that aregreat daily starters. Begin Monday with the sweet nectar ofsummers bounty: apricot and pecan bars. Then concludewith savory spinach and cheddar quesadillas. With ChefManns recipes, your children will start their day right.

Then, if you want more Chef Mann, contact Natasha a(919) 850-1830, email [email protected], or visithttp:/cs.wcpss.net/lifelonglearning. He is offering great summecourses for those who want to prepare healthy, appetizingmeals to rival those of professional chefs. Courses includeSaute, Deglaze, and Pan Sauce,American Cuisine,Basicsof Cookingand so much more!

Wednesday Blueberry Pancakes

Pepio time: 10 mi Cookig time: 15 mi

Ove temp: n/a Yields: 4 - 6 sevigs

Ingredients:

1 1/4 p -pp f 1 1/2 p 1 p mi

1 p i p 1/2 tablespoon butter, melted

1 1/4 p hi 1/2 p z

i, h

Inalargebowl,sifttogetherour,salt,bakingpowderandsugar

Inasmallbowl,beattogethereggandmilk.

Stirmilkandeggintoourmixture.Mixinthebutterandfold

intheblueberries.Setasidefor1hour.

Heata lightlyoiledgriddleorfrying panovermediumhigh

heat.

Pour orscoop the batter onto the griddle,

usingapproximately1/4cupforeachpancake.Brownonbothsidesandservehot.

Note: Blubrry is vry lw in saurad a,

chlsrl and sdium. I is als a gd surc

diary br, viamin C, viamin K and

mangans..

Thursday Mini FrittataPepio time: 10 mi

Cookig time: 20 - 25 mi

Ove temp: 350F

Yields: 6 sevigs

Ii:

4 1/4 p h--h

a mix hi: i hm, , , ,

h i .

Heatyourovento350degreesandsprayasix-cupmufnpan

withcookingspray.

Whisk the eggs, salt and half-and-half. Pour evenly into the

mufntins.

Bakethefrittatasfor20to25minutesandloosenwithaknife

ifneeded.

Note: eggs ar a gd surc prin, ribfavin and slnium.


7/8

Cook each side of the quesadilla until it

isgoldenbrownandcrispy(1-2mineachside).Wrapyourcrispyquesadillainapaper

towelandenjoyonthego!

SUBSTITUTE::Youcansubstituteourwith

corntortillas(moreauthentic).

Note: Spinach is lw in saurad a, and vry lw in chlsrl. I is

als a gd surc niacin, zinc, diary br, prin, viamin A, viamin

C, viamin e (Alpha tcphrl), viamin K, hiamin, ribfavin, viamin

B6, la, calcium, irn, magnsium, phsphrus, passium, cppr and

mangans.

7S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

Nourishment for Learning and Free Breakfast during Testing

Studies show that eating a well-balanced, nutrient-richbreakfast that includes protein on test day is a very goodidea. It provides the energy students need to tackle the daysacademic challenges. However, kids often rush off to schoolwithout eating breakfast.

We know that hungry children, do not learn well, saysWCPSS Child Nutrition Director Marilyn Moody.

Breakfast, the most important meal of the day is often themost skipped meal of the day. Children who regularly skipbreakfast tend to suffer from: lethargy, behavioralissues, weightgainand/ordietaryconcerns.

Children who regularly eat breakfastexperience: evenbetterconcentration, problem-solvingskills, andhand-eyecoordination.

In addition to keeping your child mentallyalert and focused in the classroom, breakfast aidsin memory recall. All of these are important forgetting through End-of-Year testing.

Great news! It is not hard to get a goodbreakfast at school. Parents can be assuredthat the WCPSS Child Nutrition Programoffers students a selection of low fat, lowsugar, nutrient dense foods that aid inlearning.

We offer foods that have been kid tested and appeal tochildren, but have hidden nourishment in them that you mightnot ordinarily have at home so that we know the students whoeat a school breakfast or school lunch are getting the nutritionalintake they need,adds Moody.

During testing week, Child Nutrition Services providescomplimentary breakfast to students. Its our little way ofencouraging your student to do their best by supporting themwith a healthy start!

Throughout the school year, children can purchase schoolmeals at affordable prices.

Now that youknow the benefits ofbreakfast, rememberto create good break-

fast habits, set agood example andmake breakfast apart of the entire

familys morningroutine.

Friday Spinach & Cheddar QuesadillasPepio time: 5 - 7 mi Ove temp: n/a

Cookig time: 3 - 5 mi Yields: 4 sevigsIi:

4 1 p h h

4 m i 2 p h pih

4 p hii i p

Inasmallnon-stickskillet,fryyouregguntilitisset.

Whiletheeggcooks,smear1 tspofchiligarlicpasteonone-

halfofthetortilla.Topthatsidewith1/4cupofcheese.When

theeggisnished,placetheeggontopofthecheese(theheat

helpsitmelt)andthenputthespinachontopoftheegg.Fold

thetortillaoverandreturnittothepan(keeptheheaton).

Ask the Chef (continued from page 6)

Meal PrIces

em sh Mi Hih shBreakfast $1.00 $1.25Lunch $2.00 $2.25


8/8

www.wcpss.netwww.wcpss.net

3600 Wake Forest RoadP.O. Box 28041

Raleigh, NC 27611-8041

8 S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

The Wake County Board of Education formally adopted a new mission, vision and

core beliefs statement during the March 1 school board meeting. SuperintendentTony Tata collaborated with members of the school board to develop the new mission,vision and core beliefs during a retreat held on February 25.

MissionThe Wake County Public School System will significantly increase achievement for

all students by providing a world class education that equips students with theknowledge and expertise to become successful, productive citizens.

VisionWCPSS wil l serve as the nat ional standard for increasing student

achievement in the 21st century. Highly effective teachers are empowered

to raise the achievement of all children and will provide students with highquality classroom instruction that fosters intellectual development.

WCPSS recognizes children have different needs and is committed toensuring all are challenged to reach their full potential. Students will graduatein increasingly high percentages and compete successfully as productive citizens.WCPSS will continue this communitys proud tradition of education leadershipand academic excellence with a proactive school staff effectively supported by theBoard of Education and Central Services.

Core Beliefs

Allchildren,regardlessofsocio-economicenvironment,can be high achieving students.

Academicachievementgapscanandwillbeeliminatedby aggressively challenging students at all achievementlevels.

Highlyeffectiveprincipalsandteachersarethekeytoimproving growth in student achievement.

TheBoardofEducationandCentralServicespromotesan environment of continuous improvement, whichresults in a high performing organization that is 100percent focused on student achievement.

Thesupportive,passionateandmulti-culturalWake

County community serves as the foundation of ourschool system.

Note: To conserve resources, a limited runof Parent Matters is printed quarterly forelementary parents. Subscribe online atwww.wcpss.net.

We hope that all of the content you read in this newsletterwill be a valuable resource for you as you discovernew ideas to excite your young learners. As always, we arecommitted to continually improving the content of thisnewsletter. We value your feedback and would like to hearfrom you. Please feel free to e-mail your comments to AshleySmith at [email protected]. Tell us what you liked about thisnewsletter, what you feel could be improved, or what youwould like to see included next time.

We encourage all WCPSS parents to sign up for the elec-tronic version of Parent Matters where they can choose toreceive the Elementary and/or Middle and High School ver-sion of this parent e-newsletter. Thank you for being such

an important part of the Wake County Public School Systemcommunity!

Contact the Editor

About WCPSS

parent matters april 2011

Documents