Spring Conferences
Spring conferences are right around the corner – check out these resources to help with planning!
Summer Professional Development Opportunities
Sign up for summer professional development opportunities! Go to this website and shop at the top of the page for the drop-down options. Sign up in UKG. Please sign up for your required Amplify Desmos Math training by Friday, April 18th. We are in need of numbers in order to secure the presenters.
Opportunities include but not limited to:
- K-5 Amplify Desmos Math trainings for elementary (required)
- K-1 Math Early On Seminar – Get Paid!
- National Board Certification Cohort
Last call for claiming free items! Let Lindsley and Kerry know if you want anything.
Literacy Happenings
High Desert Museum and learning opportunities
High Desert Museum has a wonderful group of folks wanting to connect with Bend LaPine teachers regarding alignment of their learning opportunities and EL modules. They are also looking for ways to support funding opportunities and would like boots on the ground input. If you would be interested, let Lindsley Gehrig know, and I will share your name with them.
Attention 4th Grade Teachers: Audio of The Hope Chest available in two places: via Clever and Sora.
2nd grade seeds or plants for EL Module
Students will need plants to look at and observe in the 4th module of EL. I reached out to some local nurseries about growing some starts for all of our classrooms and having them delivered to schools, but the price was far out of our budget.
Below are the two choices for plants to use during the last module.
Option 1: Local Seeds- Some teachers requested a local option of seeds, and I found a nursery willing to provide us with enough seeds for all 19 schools. The trick to local seeds is they do not germinate easily. If you choose to use these local plant seeds, you’ll need to begin the cold, moist stratification process as soon as possible, as it requires two months of chilling. I have local seeds from Wintercreek Nursery available for you, but you’ll need to supply your own containers and soil once it is time to plant. Here are the instructions for cold, moist stratification. Since this process takes two months in the fridge or freezer, it’s important to get started right away. Please reach out to Lindsley Gehrig if you would like some seeds for your grade level team.
Option 2: 12 plants for your whole grade level (not per classroom). You can go to the Teacher Hub and order a set for your grade level when you are ready, and we will ship them to you directly.
Dyslexia Training Opportunity Central Oregon Dyslexia Conference – May 3, 9am – 3:30pm
Location: Ridgeview High School
This conference is designed with educators, administrators, and parents in mind, bringing you resources and tools from the International Dyslexia Association and specialists in our community. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what Dyslexia is, experience a simulation putting you in the seat of a child with learning disabilities and take a deeper dive into understanding how to best support these students. Learn why children struggle with reading and what you can do in the classroom to help!
Teachers – Earn 5.5 Professional Development Units for FREE. No additional paperwork necessary – certificates will be distributed after the event.
Join us if you are just learning about dyslexia or you are ready for a deeper dive into strategies and tools for working with children with dyslexia. Together, we can help our struggling readers!More information and registration : https://CentralOregonDyslexiaConference.eventbrite.com. The conference is $12 and includes lunch and snacks.
Math Happenings
Bridges Math Disposal – Please do not dispose of your Bridges materials, yet. It will cause additional work for your custodial staff and added cost to your school. Your office manager should have shared this survey with you to help the Custodial Department determine how many recycle bins and dumpsters are needed at your school for the disposal of the Bridges Math materials. If you haven’t completed the survey, please do so by Friday, April 11th so the specific plan can be shared with you and your custodial staff soon.
Educator Network Day – April 23 will be dedicated to learning about Amplify Desmos Math. This will be virtual and facilitated by Fawn Nguyen from Amplify Desmos Math. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.
Summer Professional Learning on Amplify Desmos Math. Register in UKG. See more information and directions of how to register in the Elementary Professional Learning Catalog. Please sign up by April 18th so we can secure the presenters.
You will pick one:
June 17th 8:00-3:30 at Silver Rail Elementary
June 18th 8:00-3:30 at Silver Rail Elementary
August 12th 8:00-3:30 at Pine Ridge Elementary
August 13th 8:00-3:30 at Pine Ridge Elementary
August 19th 8:00-3:30 at R E Jewell
August 20th 8:00-3:30 at R E Jewell
August 27th 8:00-3:30 Locations R E Jewell, Silver Rail, or North Star
Optional planning days for Amplify Desmos Math. You will be paid for your time. See more information and directions of how to register in the Elementary Professional Learning Catalog.
June 20th 8:30-12:30 at Silver Rail Elementary
August 14th 8:30-12:30 at Pine Ridge Elementary
August 21st 8:30-12:30 at R E Jewell
Calling all kindergarten and First grade teachers! Teachers Development Group is providing specialized professional learning just for you on June 16th! You will be paid for your time. Register for Introduction to Supporting Young Math Learners in UKG. See more information and directions of how to register in the Elementary Professional Learning Catalog.
K-5 Mindset Math this spring! – Unpack a unique, researched-based visual approach to grade-level math standards and get paid $320! Learn more here and register here.
SAVE THE DATE – If you missed Counted Out in February, you will have another opportunity on Monday, May 19th. Jo Boaler and Cathy Williams will be back to answer your questions. More information will be shared later.
Social Emotional & Mental Well-Being
Please take a moment to check your dashboard on Wayfinder to see how many Core Curriculum lessons you’ve completed so far. There are 9 weeks left to finish all 20 lessons — you’re almost there. If you’ve already taught some lessons but haven’t marked them as complete, please be sure to update that on your dashboard.
Kindergarten: Reflection Pond – Students practice paying attention to each other by playing a copycat game.
1st grade: Affirmation Sandstorm – Students offer words of kindness in a playful way.
2nd grade: I Declare, I Care – Students share something that they care about with their classmates.
3rd Grade: You Superhero’s Story– Students make a plan for a superhero’s story line.
4th grade: A Pep Talk: Students watch and discuss a pep talk about celebrating ourselves and each other from Kid President
5th grade: Future Me – Students imagine their future selves offering advice for today.
This document links EL Module 1, 2, 3, and 4 with Wayfinder’s 20 Minute lessons that teach the skills students need.
Movement Moments
Would you Rather Spring Edition PE with Mr G
Bluey Spring Run
Be Flexible – Body Breathing
Be Brave – Yoga for Kids
Technology in the Classroom
MagicSchool for Students
MagicStudent is the student-facing side of MagicSchool, with 50+ customizable AI tools that support creativity, AI literacy, and personalized learning. From virtual field trips to writing helpers to customized character chatbots, each tool is assigned and tailored by the teacher. Students can only access MagicStudent when a teacher launches a room, assigns tools, and provides a login method—ensuring a safe, guided experience. Check out this document to create a character chatbot experience for your students!
Using Technology to Engage Students
Educational technology can be used to engage students, enhance learning, and increase student morale. Check out this perfect example from Chris Bagley’s third grade class at Juniper Elementary.
Students created their own version of the famous unboxing videos popular on social media, with the special twist of acting like a character from a book they recently read. What a great way to grab the attention of students by working within their familiar place of audio/visual! Students posted their videos to Seesaw, where their families can view and comment. Here’s the project planning sheet.