Learning Together
Office of Instruction Newsletter - Template
Message from Troy D. Olin, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
As you may know, the GC Literacy Team has been hard at work, learning about and reviewing a variety of literacy programs to help us adjust our instructional practices to meet the needs of our learners. Thanks to the collective efforts of the team, I am pleased to share that Gates Chili is moving forward with the Amplify CKLA Knowledge & Skills and 95 Core programs to support instruction.
These programs help to establish strong foundational reading skills and student comprehension of complex text with explicit teaching and provide the opportunity for students to learn systematically while practicing reading and communicating every day.
We want to extend a special recognition to our Literacy Team for their tireless commitment to improving literacy outcomes for our students. Their dedication has been instrumental in guiding our decision-making process. Read on in this e-newsletter for more details about the timeline for implementation of these programs.
2024 Summer Learning Program Update
Planning for the upcoming Summer Learning Program is well underway with the finalizing of the hiring process and student registration ending by the end of the month.
This year, the Summer Learning Program will focus on the elementary and secondary levels to increase the number of students participating. The Summer Learning Program will run from Monday, July 8 through Thursday, Aug. 1. For an overview of the Summer Learning Program please click this link.
It will be a busy summer at Neil Armstrong Elementary and Gates Chili Middle School as dedicated staff work to provide fun, engaging and important learning opportunities to our students.
As mentioned above, the end of April will see the finalizing of student registration and hiring. May will be focused on logistical planning for each site. Buildings will have up-to-date information regarding registration so outreach to families can be coordinated to ensure families have the information they need and can enroll their students in these programs.
More information will be shared with Summer Learning Program staff over the next few months.
Equitable Grading Practices
Some behaviors involve being ready for class, like bringing materials and arriving on time, while others focus on supporting class learning, such as being respectful and staying on task. Giving points for these behaviors aims to encourage students to act in ways that conform to our definitions of a good student.
However, grading based on participation and effort can be problematic because it is subjective and varies among teachers. This inconsistency can lead to inequitable grading that is not an accurate reflection of a student's academic knowledge.
If you use these categories in grading, it's important to think about how you define them and how you share the criteria with students. Ultimately, a student's improved academic performance will be the most accurate reflection of their effort.
Literacy Team Update
This week, we shared news with elementary staff that we will be moving forward with the Amplify CKLA Knowledge & Skills and 95 Core programs.
Both programs will be rolled out through a staggered implementation. This will allow us to build the program beginning with our youngest readers, will ensure that support can be provided through professional learning inside and outside of the classroom, and takes into consideration the many other positive changes happening in the district right now.
2024-25 School year:
- Grades K-2: CKLA Skills and Knowledge
- Grades 3-5: 95 Core
2025-26 School year:
- Grades 3-5: CKLA Knowledge
In tandem with this important work, we are also thrilled to share that we will be partnering with nationally recognized literacy expert Sara McClendon. Sara has already started working with our leadership team and will support the integration of our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Beginning next week, you may see Sara Mucino and Sara McClendon popping in and out of your buildings/classrooms as she gets to know our district. Please be sure to say hi and give her a warm, GC welcome.
Thank you, Gates Chili Literacy Team Members!
Thank you again to our GC Literacy Team members for the time and dedication they have put towards this work. Their feedback was a vital part of the process.
Armstrong: Carissa Binger, Leslie Conroy, Cassidy Dailey and Katrina Keefe
Brasser: Sarah Amesbury, Sara Collom, Todd Gundy, Leigh Herkamp and Tara Roberts
Disney: Beth Bunk, Kayleen Halpin, Lauren Henderberg, Margaret Drzewiecki and Becky Schneider
Paul Road: Paul Adams, Kelly Chatz, Katie Johnson, Dena Knight and Shannon Parmele
Middle School: Samantha Carpenter and Dani Davenport
District Office: Jen Christensen and Wendy Taylor
Professional Learning
Required Professional Learning for Teachers working with ELLs
Over the past several years our English as a New Language (ENL) program has continued to grow. We currently have over 260 English Language Learners (ELLs) and 16 ESOL teachers. As the program expands, the number of staff members that are working with ELLs has increased as well. We are excited to announce that we will be bringing back our professional learning sessions focused on enhancing our capacity and developing consistent strategies for effectively supporting ELLs across all grade levels. Our goal is to strengthen our ability to create inclusive and equitable learning environments where every student can thrive.
It will be required that any classroom or content teachers working directly with ELLs and co-teaching with an ESOL teacher attend one of these sessions if they haven’t in the past. There will be three sessions to choose from. The summer dates will be paid at the professional learning rate, and the September date will be a release day.
Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners: An Asset-based Approach to Working with ELLs:
- July 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a one-hour lunch on your own
- Aug. 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a one-hour lunch on your own
- Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a one-hour lunch on your own
Upcoming professional learning opportunities!
Intro to AI
This course offers educators an introduction to generative AI. Participants will engage in learning activities to understand generative AI and unlock its potential to revolutionize teaching and learning. This course will serve as a pre-requisite for future AI courses.
Curriculum Development Training
Curriculum Development Training is required for ALL teachers planning to participate in curriculum development for the summer or the 2024-25 school year who did not attend training last year. All sessions can be found in the district catalog. Please sign up for only ONE session. Don't forget to request a half-day substitute for the date/time you sign up for if needed.
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
This TCI training is offered as a three-day format which allows for training in verbal and physical interventions. This entire training will be conducted in-person. Participants must attend all three days. Materials: You will be receiving a TCIS Student Workbook Attire: Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toed shoes Lunch is on your own.
Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Training
The purpose of this foundational training is to provide all Gates Chili instructional staff with a common experience that builds their background knowledge of culturally responsive education and creates the space for staff to examine their own identities and personal histories and the impact these have on their role as an educator in Gates Chili. Please note this is a four-day training that requires attendance for all days. The first three (3) full days of this cohort occur during the summer months, with the last full day occurring in late September to provide time within the school year for a peer observation component.
Riddle Me This...
Congratulations to Cheryl Alonzo, Sarah Dunnington, and Katrina Keefe who were the first three to respond to last month's riddle correctly - Keyboard
If you know the answer to this month's riddle, click HERE to submit your answer. The first three (3) people who answer the riddle correctly will receive a special prize in their mailbox next week!
Good luck!
April Riddle: What are the next three letters in this combination? OTTFFSS
Look out for future issues of the "Learning Together" newsletter on the first Friday of each month this school year!
The Gates Chili Central School District is dedicated to fostering curiosity, growth, and diversity within our school community. The district celebrates and embraces differences and strives to dismantle exclusion, bias, racism, and prejudice of all forms.