Welcome Back 2015

http://goo.gl/C8K2do

I hope everyone has had a great summer.  As I stated in an email last week, please enjoy your time off and don't stress the upcoming school year.  Instead, spend some time thinking or reflecting on what the 15-16 school will look like in your learning environment and how you want to create a positive experience for your students.   #Ownit

Our focus this year needs to be on the learning environment we provide to every student.  What is the vision.........

WHS 1-1 Learning Environment   

GOAL: Create opportunities for our students where learning is truly meaningful and powerful for them.

Each student has access to the world through the internet, which will allow teachers to create unique learning opportunities for all students.  The use of Web 2.0 tools will enhance lessons and give students an almost endless array of tools of both creativity and knowledge.

The learning environment does not change because of ………...

Google (GAFE), Chromebooks, textbooks, clickers, smart-boards, etc.,

It changes because the teacher creates an environment that facilitates learning, motivates students and connects with them as individual learners.  

Image Credit: http://goo.gl/AuBfjM

Please take a look at the agenda for the first two days back.  There is time built in for Google PD, subject specific PD and time for personal self-reflection and learning.   Please bring your  (charged) Chromebook on Tuesday.  
Agenda for 9/1 & 9/2

Chromebook Update (Student Distribution) 

• Students will not get their Chromebooks until Monday, September 28. 
• There will be two Parent Information Sessions to answer any questions and explain what the 1-1 Learning Environment is all about (9/16 & 9/24).
• Students will have their Gmail account for the start of the school year so they will have access to GAFE Apps at home. 
• I will share more details about the role-out at our meeting on 9/1.

We have six new teachers joining the WHS family this year.  We are very excited to have them join our team and we are confident they will be great additions to our school community.

New Staff
Deana Argo - Business 
Brian Browne - Chemistry 
Taline Royland - Math 
Kirsten Musciano - Physical Education (Leave Replacement)
Elaine Thoman - Music (Leave Replacement) 
Sarah Van Vliet - Art (Leave Replacement)

Summer Updates 

The building has never looked better! Could not be more proud of the custodians for what they accomplished this summer.  

• Painting around the building, hallways cleaned like they have never been before and look great! 
• Three classrooms received new chairs and tables (138, 139, 501). 
• The Media Center is transforming into more of a Maker Space environment which Erin is extremely excited about.  The room has been opened up, to allow for some new furniture and space for students and staff to create and learn.  
• Room 305 has been transformed into a multi-purpose space that has a fully functional kitchen and laundry area which can then be utilized as a career ready educational environment. Mr. Clancy has taken the lead on overseeing the program and will be working closely with Maggie Hart and Frank Clark.

Below are two links you will need to click on and fill out the required information. Each form should take you less than two minutes to fill out.

Registration of Automobile                           Personnel Records

Importation Links/Resources

Safe Schools  - Reminder: There are 7 courses that need to be completed by 9/18.

WHS Staff Resource Folder

Faculty Manual 

Student Parent Handbook 
*This folder will be used to share school related documents. More documents will be added over the next few days as well as throughout the school year.

Blog Post from Waldwick High School Principal's Blog
Opening of School Info for Parents/Students 

Important Dates

Back to School Night - September, 24

September Learning and Collaborating Meeting - September 16

The building is ready so if you want to stop by and do anything in your learning rooms, feel free! 

PD Corner: Google Classroom Resources (#WaldwickGAFE)

This post highlights some of my go to PLN members when it comes to my own learning, with a focus on Google Classroom!

This is a great podcast via Jeff Bradbury from Teachercast featuring Alice Keeler  on Google Classroom.




Below are 3 links from Alice Keller's Blog related to Google Classroom.  She has over 50 blog posts related to Google Classroom.  Alice is an amazing resource when it comes to all things Google.  She recently co-authored a book 50 Things you can do with Google Classroom.   
I just finished her book and what an easy read, which gave step by steps directions and had great simple ideas to incorporate into your teaching. 

Collection of posts related to Google Classroom 

60 Ways Math Teachers can use Google Classroom 

5 Things You May Not Know About Google Classroom  




Another person that has amazing resources is Brian Seymour, who has a great collection of how to videos on his Youtube Channel.