Our Very Own Podcast

Spread the Word! Spofford Pond School Launches a Podcast!

Spofford Pond School's podcast, "The Great Polar Bearier Riff",  has officially gone public with its first episodes.  Over time we plan to add episodes from more classrooms and grade levels covering subjects and topics pertinent to our learning community. Currently we are airing five episodes from the student created, "Colonial Chatterbox".  Created and produced by students in Mrs. Valzania's social studies classes, each episodes delves into the 17th century lives of colonists as they establish their communities in the New World.

Here is their first episode: For more episodes, follow this link to find our podcast directly at Anchor or you can search for and listen to our podcast at:

Pocketcasts, Breaker, RadioPublic and more!

Podcasting Essential Questions:

How can we infuse classroom curriculum with technology that is easily accessible

and simple to use?

How can we use this technology to delve deeper into subject matter?

How does this technology strengthen research, writing and collaboration skills?

How does this technology strengthen speaking and listening skills?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
3-5.CAS.a.3: 3-5.CAS.a.5; 3-5.CAS.c.4; 3-5.CAS.c.5; 3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.DTC.c.4; 3-5.DTC.c.5; 3-5.CS.a

Celebrating Computer Science Education Week

HOUR OF CODE 2018

In celebration of Computer Science Education Week (December 3-9, 2018) all classes at Spofford Pond Elementary School participated in an Hour of Code.  Hour of Code is a worldwide phenomenon that reaches tens of millions of students in almost 200 countries. Spofford Pond’s school wide coding event is just one of thousands that takes place during this week around the globe.

Spofford Pond students spent some time during their library/media classes trying various coding activities from the Hour of Code website.  Students learned computer science skills, math skills, problem-solving and perseverance in each coding activity. They worked collaboratively and creatively to solve the puzzles and move through the programming lessons.

It was an exciting week of amazing discoveries, fun creations and confidence building exercises.

A special thanks to Mrs. Boulay who helped make this event possible!

 

Technology Essential Questions:
What are the fundamentals of computer programming?
How are algorithms used in coding?
How can you use computer programming to complete a task?
How is computer programming useful in real life?
How might you use computer programming in your future career?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.CT.b; 3-5.CT.d; 6-8.CT.b; 6-8.CT.d

November Technology Updates

So far, November has been a busy month of technology integration in all grade levels.  Teachers and students use a wide variety of devices in dynamic ways to foster student engagement in all subjects. Here are a few highlights: The Polar VorTechs video club created videos exploring ways to be mindful when using technology:   Students in grade 5 social studies classes, in conjunction with their studies of the thirteen colonies, started the initial process of creating a podcast about their learning (be sure to watch for more to come on this!):

Classes in grades 4 & 6 used Skype and Google Hangouts for a mystery challenge with a class in Calgary, Canada & to hear from Astronaut Terry Virts through a National Geographic Live Speaker session:

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

 

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.CAS.c.4; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.CS.b.2; 3-5.CS.b.3; 3-5.CS.d.1; 6-8.CAS.a.4; 6-8.CAS.c.4; 6-8.DTC.a

Professional Development

Professional Development Workshop was Anything but Scary!

On Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, teachers from both Boxford schools spent the afternoon learning new ways to create, invigorate and curate curriculum.
During part of the afternoon we reviewed the many apps and tech tools available to staff and students (see Doc below).  We even played a quick game of Kahoot to test teacher knowledge of the capabilities of such tools.  It was informative and fun!

Teacher Technology Training

Google Doc of Resources:

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

How can we use this software to create original and innovative projects?

How can we use this software to address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

Global Read Aloud: One Book To Connect the World

Global Read Aloud Sparks Mystery Skyping & Hanging Out
Classrooms around Spofford Pond School have been busy with the Global Read Aloud.  Using apps like Skype and Google Hangouts to place video calls, students are connecting with classrooms across the U.S. and other countries to discuss their read aloud books.

Grade 4 Mystery Skype:  Guess Where Our Classroom Is

Grade 3 Meeting a GRA classroom to discuss "A Boy Called Bat"

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can technology help us participate in the global community?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.CAS.c.4; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.CS.b.2; 3-5.CS.b.3; 3-5.CS.d.1

Digital Citizenship

Becoming Responsible with Technology

Digital citizenship is an important aspect of learning to use technology as a tool, especially in an academic setting.  Students at Spofford Pond are expected to follow our school's acceptable use policy as well as understand what is means to be a good digital citizen, even when not in school. The rules of digital citizenship are reiterated whenever students use technology in any classroom.  Students get additional information on the topic in their library-media classes with Mrs. Boulay. Recently, fourth graders had a refresher course when they worked on a hyperdoc called "Digital Citizenship Superhero!"

Grade 4, October, 2018

Digital Citizenship Resources for Families: What is Digital Citizenship? Common Sense Media Common Sense Media Parent Concerns Google's Be Internet Awesome Cyberwise

Technology Essential Questions:

What does it mean to be a Digital Citizen?
What are our rights and responsibilities as Digital Citizens?

What can students do to keep themselves safe when working online?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.CAS.a.5; 3-5.CAS.b.2; 3-5.CAS.b.3; 3-5.CAS.b.5

Technology Use In Full Swing

Spofford Students Are Keeping Busy with Technology

Students in all grades at Spofford Pond School have been keeping our technology in heavy rotation as we glide through our first months of school.  One highlight of the week happened when 5th grade science explorers in Mrs. O'Brien's classes tested their knowledge of matter using Kahoot!.
Kahoot! is a method of online quizzing that gamifies content in a fun and encouraging manner.  Check out these photos:

Other students got to try their hand at coding during extended studies:

We also kicked off the Global Read Aloud by delivering books (A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold and Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed) and helping classes make global connections through technology and use online resources associated with this world-wide event.

 Technology Essential Questions: How does gamification impact learning? How can you use computer programming to complete a task? How can we use technology to make global connections?

Back to School, Back to Technology

Busy Digital Citizens in Grades 3 & 4

Over the past few weeks we have been very busy helping students get reacquainted with their Google accounts.  Third graders have been learning to log in and out of Google, join Google Classroom, and practice their keyboarding and trackpad skills.  Fourth graders have been unenrolling from previous Google Classrooms and enrolling in new ones.  Technology skills, rules and routines are being established and students are getting comfortable using a variety of devices in classrooms.

Our youngest students are off to a great start! Super Digital Citizen Video from Common Sense Media

Technology Essential Question:

What can students do to keep themselves safe when working online?
How can we use technology as a tool for learning?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework 3-5.CAS.a.1, 3-5.CAS.a.3, 3-5.CAS.a.4, 3-5.CAS.b.1

Google for Education

We Are A Google for Education School

For those of you who may be new to the Spofford Pond School community I thought I would take a moment and write a bit about the technology we have available at our school and what it means to be a Google for Education school.
Spofford Pond is fortunate to have the support of many people and organizations that have allowed us to make great advancements in procuring a variety of technical tools for staff and students.  We have equitable access to devices like Chromebooks, tablets, laptops, green screen and virtual reality tools just to name a few.
However, it is important to understand that beyond the hardware we have, the software and apps that we use most frequently are part of the Google for Education G-Suite.
Google for Education provides our staff and students free access to a tremendous amount of technology resources from word processing, to digital drawing, to creating presentations and video.  Our school Google accounts truly allow us to make the most of our devices in a collaborative and creative way.  Chromebooks are a standard tool in the classroom and used daily for enhancing content engagement and innovative projects.
You can read more about Google for Education and the opportunities it provides for teachers and students alike on the Google website.  (link)
Just a List of the Apps We Regularly Use: Google Docs Google Slides Google Drawing Google Sheets Google Forms Blogger GMail (staff) WeVideo Green Screen iMovie Explain Everything Book Creator

Dear Spofford Pond Community,
I am looking forward to a new year of school with a technology twist! Please check this blog often for updates on how we use technology as a tool for learning.
Sincerely,

2017-2018 End of Year

Reflection

As we begin summer vacation, I wanted to take a moment and contemplate the year from a technology standpoint.  In fact, in terms of technology, Spofford Pond School had what I would consider a banner year. Thanks to continued support from the Boxford community, School Committee, BEST, PTO and many more, access to technology in a variety of forms, from iPads to Chromebooks and laptops has become much more equitable across grade levels.  With easier access to tools, teachers and students embraced new technologies with fervor.    Technical experiences and creations ran the gamut throughout the year.  Here are just a few highlights: Google Ambassador Visit & Augmented Reality Flipgrid Fever Google Classroom G-Suite Hyperdocs Google Hangouts Breakout EDU Genius Hour Virtual Reality with Google Expeditions iMovie/Green Screen Mash-up Productions Hour of Code Mystery Skype World Read Aloud & Read Across America Steve Jobs once said, "Technology is nothing.  What's important is that you have faith in people, that they are basically good and smart, and if you give them tools they'll do wonderful things with them."  I think Spofford Pond School just proved it. Hope your summer is safe, happy and filled with lasting memories!

Grade 6 Animation

Ms. Boyle's Class "Googl-ing" To the End of the Year

Students in Ms. Boyle's grade six classroom created one last project to wrap up the end of the school year.  Using Google Slides, they created stop action animation about the life cycle of the butterfly.  They shared their animations with their third grade buddies. Check out these projects by Chase, Mia, Kate & Kenneth!

Technology Essential Questions:

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

How can we leverage technology to address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Grade 4 Hyperdoc Genius Hour

Students "Bee"-come Honey Bee Experts

Students in Ms. Davis's 4th grade class recently read The Hive Detectives:  Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe by Loree Griffin Burns.  They worked in groups to complete the supplementary hyperdoc, "Truth Bee Told". Hyperdoc: Boxford BeeKeeper, Marty Jessel, visited the classroom and brought in an observation hive (complete with a Queen Bee!), a bee suit, a smoker, lots of books and information to add to their study of honey bees.

Marty Jessel wows the crowd.

Finally, students will work in groups to collect, organize and share all of their information about honey bees.  Small groups will produce a digital project about the importance of the honey bee and its role in the world as a whole.  Some project proposals include Green Screen/iMovie infomercials, Book Creator comic books of information and Newscast simulations.

Technology Essential Questions:

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

How can we leverage technology to address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Grade 4 Green Screen

Titanic Survivor Interviews

Students in Ms. Sitak's fourth grade class recently completed their study of of the H.M.S Titanic.  One part of the project asked students to step back in time and conduct interviews with real-life survivors.  Student "reporters" researched and asked appropriate questions.  Student "survivors" researched a real-life Titanic survivor and answered the questions as they imagined that person might have answered them. Using the Green Screen app and iMovie we created video versions of these mock interviews.

Grade 4 Behind the Scenes

Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

How can we use this software to address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

Grade 4 State Fair

4th Grade presents:

Spofford Pond School State Fair

Students in grade 4 have been studying the U.S. States over the past several weeks.  In a culminating project, they create a presentation including everything they have learned about their State.  Families, teachers and other students are invited to the State Fair to see their discoveries. This year, the State Fair also included this fun Midway Game: Using Flipgrid, each student left a video recording that included two truths and a lie about their State.  Fair participants were encouraged to leave a video reply, trying to guess which statement was the lie. In this scenario, everyone was a winner!
Flipgrids: passcode:  B0xf0rd* State Fair Fun:

Students also created a sing-along to Renald Francoeur's "Tour the States". Check it out:

Internship Opportunity

Masconomet Senior Internship, 2018

The IT department was fortunate to have two Seniors from Masconomet Regional High School, Nate & Ryan, working with us over the past few weeks.  Professional and reliable, both Nate & Ryan were wonderful additions to the team.  They approached every task with enthusiasm and confidence!  They helped us re-stage equipment, run the green screen studio, guide students within the G-Suite, advise students through their Genius Hour research, set up BreakoutEDUs and so much more! We were so appreciative of their hard work!

Fun with Specialists

Please enjoy a few pictures from our Specialists' Night, 2018

Families and students that stopped by the DIY Den got to see many of our digital tools in action, including Flipgrid, Padlet and Green Screen. It was a fantastic night!

Ready for visitors!

Leaving a Flipgrid video response

Performing in front of the Green Screen

Performing in front of the green screen

Check out this video produced by BCaTV for highlights from the entire event!

Specialist Night 2018

Hope to see you there!