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Show Schools Wednesday, September 10, 2014 The Gunnison Valley Gazette New math explained at Back to School Night by ANITA LYONS A math class for parents, Back to School night at GVES last Wednesday was different than it ever has been before. Last year's change in the math core curriculum has elementary teachers scrambling to teach children things earlier than they were used to. For instance, 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Virginia James commented that her students are doing carrying and borrowing in addition problems much sooner. Teachers took advantage of parents visiting the school to teach math concepts, in the hope that parents will be able to help their children do homework. There were 3 half-hour math session in each grade. The the biggest stumbling block, the teachers seemed to agree, was the math language the students need to know. "It's the vocabulary that's really confusing for them," said James. She showed a ball and explained to the parents "This is a sphere, not a ball." Students are taught the names of math properties, such as the "commutative property of addition." The second grade teachers vita yons unnison Va ey azette Mandatory meeting for all middle school and high school students' parents Parents of students at either GVMS or GVHS need to be aware that both schools are in the process of completing the final steps required before iPad's will be issued to students. Parent information concerning email addresses is a critical element to the process. Letters have been sent home regarding these addresses. In addition to that information, a mandatory parent meeting has been set up for September 17 or 18. This meeting must be attended by parents of students at the middle school regardless of having attended a similar presentation at the high school earlier in that week. No GVMS student will be issued an iPad unless a parent has been to the parent meeting and the required deposit has been paid. The projected date for distribution has been set for Sept. 23. The schools are anxious to get underway as soon as the required criteria is met by everyone involved. Mrs. Loreen Sorensen walked parents through several math problems, including two new ways to multiply large numbers, at Back to School night. gave parents a "booklet" containing a photo copy of the first page of each chapter in the 2nd grade math book. It's the page with a sample problem that explains how to do the work. Fifth grade teachers demonstrated for parents multiplication algorithms: 3 different ways to multiply numbers, the standard way, and two unfa- miliar ways. Mr. Paul Childs demonstrated a nifty way kids can check to see if their answer is correct called "Casting out the 9's." All students in the school learn about "place value." For the upcoming tests this spring, they need to understand the ones, tens, hundreds place in a number; and the fifth graders need to know the places to the right of the decimal as well, the tenths, hundredths and thousandths positions. A subject that is only taught in one grade is money and how to count it. Mrs. Crane asked parents of 2nd graders to especially help their children learn how to count money this year. Questions answered about iPads in school nata Mr. Barlow's technological interest and know-how got him the job of assisting Jan Crane and Principal Peterson with the distribution of iPads to students at the middle school. Last Thursday, he conducted a question and answer session with 8th grade students during flex hour. Two answers included: yes, you'll be able to download your music if it doesn't have foul language; and yes, you can travel with the iPad—the iBoss filter will always be active on your device, even if you take it to another state. To get the iPad, each student will have to pay a $50 insurance fee and parents will have to attend a mandatory meeting at their child's school (both middle and high school if you yons unntson 'a ey azette have children in both schools.) Speak up during National Bullying Prevention Month (StatePoint) With classes, sports, homework and other activities, weekdays are action packed for kids. Unfortunately, some students deal with an unwelcome addition to their daily routine—bullying. An estimated 13 million students are bullied annually, according to government statistics. With online social media so widely available to kids today, bullying doesn't necessarily stop after school, and often takes place roundthe-clock. The repercussions can be missed days of school, depression and even suicide. Fortunately, kids are getting more help these days as bullying prevention efforts are growing nationwide. Speaking up to a trusted adult is the safest, most effective way for victims and bystanders to bring an end to a bullying situation. Bystanders in particular can be powerful agents for change when they report incidents. Page 5 Speak Up Week (Sept. 29 - Oct. 3) kicks off National Bullying Prevention Month in October and is a great time to review ways that adults and kids can stand up to bullying: • Cyberbullying: Don't contribute to the problem by sharing, saving, forwarding or reposting information. If you're on the receiving end, resist the urge to get back at the person or fix the issue online—both can make the problem worse. Get offline and deal with it in real life. Parents can help prevent cyberbullying by monitoring kids' use of computers, mobile phones and tablets. • Don't stand by: Research has found that when bullying occurs and a bystander intervenes by speaking up, more than half of bullying situations stop within just 10 seconds. • Listen: Parents should check in with kids periodically to make sure they're safe and happy at school, on the playground and online. If you're an adult and a child tells you about a bullying situation, listen. Either let the school know about the issue or talk to the other children's parents about putting a stop to the behavior. Whether you're a victim, a bystander or a concerned adult, don't sweep bullying under the rug. By speaking out against cruelty, you can help end bullying. GVES Community Council Elections It's time to hold the election for Gunnison Valley Elementary School Community Council members. Melissa Judy, Daren Hill, and Heather Anderson are completing their two-year term. Nominations for the community council will be accepted until noon on September 19. You may nominate yourself or someone else to be on the council. To be a parent representative, you must have a child currently enrolled in Gunnison Valley Elementary. Those elected will serve on the council for two years. Three members will be elected this year. Nominations may be made by mail (PO Box 369), phone (528-7880) or email (grant.hansen@ssanpete.org ). The community council is responsible for the School Land Trust budget and plan and the provide input from the parents' perspective into school programs and curriculum. TOOLS - SPORTING GOODS ELECTRONICS - GOLD - SILVER TACK AND SADDLES GUNS AND AMMUNITION 30-30 Winchester Ammo only $17.99 433 3211 LAZY 4211 SO MAIN CENTERFIELD Come and enjoy Mayfield's Finest Dining! Come experience our E\\3 12 oz. Ribeye and 2 Jumbo Shrimp 528-3788 10 West 100 North, Mayfield The Gunnison Valley Gazette can address, stamp, and mail your invitations for the price of a stamp! Call for details - 528-5178 |
