Bucknell Families,
March has finally arrived and after a meager snow season, Spring seems to be around the corner. With the turn of the season, many school-related topics come to mind. First and foremost, warmer weather and longer days means more opportunity for students to spend in recreational activities after school. While exercise is good for the heart and mind, please help your students keep homework time as a priority. Homework is the opportunity to practice what students have learned in school. Independent reading at home and read-alouds by parents is important too (even in 6th grade!).
Another seasonal shift is the onset of Standards of Learning (SOL’s) Test preparation. You may hear from your children that teachers are talking about what the SOL’s tests look like, what questions look like and strategies to think through questions. None of this will replace the daily, ongoing instruction that our wonderful teachers conduct. However, at the end of each day, particularly grades 3-6, teachers will be reviewing key standards and topics of study that will help your children achieve on the upcoming tests. Incidentally, the state of Virginia has applied for a waiver from certain No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements, and several other states have as well. This will have implications on testing. Although your children won’t see any difference in testing, teachers and schools may, if the waiver is approved by the US Department of Education. Visit the Virginia Department of Education website for more information.
Finally, as always, we the teachers and staff are here to serve your children and their families as members of the Bucknell School Community. Our parent center is always open for visits and phone calls. Looking forward to an early spring!
My Regards,
Mr. Slayter
As you may recall, I discussed in an earlier post Bucknell’s “WIN” time which is an engaging approach to intervention and enrichment. Here is a neat story about one WIN program I’d like to share.
Two groups of students have been learning the basics of market economics through interactive (16 session) program called One Hen. Have you ever heard of the Grameen Bank from Bangledesh? It is a bank that, among other things, specializes in Microfinancing. Microfinancing is when a bank gives a tiny loan to a person who historically would be impoverished based on their background, education and access to resources. Very poor by international standards. A tiny loan of a few dollars enables the family or individual to begin a business and rise out of poverty and actually sustain themselves with business income. It was incredibly successful in combating poverty internationally. Our students have been learning about microfinancing and have been attempting to create their own microbusinesses that sell key chains. Perhaps you’ve been offered the opportunity to purchase one? Mr. Adams charges the students (pretend) money for the supplies to make inventory. They only have a limited amount. They make real money though which is stored in the Adams Bank. Students may “Save, Spend or Give away” their money.
Best part about this whole experience is the creative spark that has occurred in the businesses (each made up of 4 students). All sorts of marketing ideas have sprung forth. Different styles, namebranding the key chains, even made-to-order key chains. Here is my favorite. After the Pennies for Patients assembly, one company negotiated with Mr. Adams, the supplier, asking if the company donated all profits to a charity, would he give them the supplies at a discount? Their logic was, more supplies equals more inventory equals more profit equals more money donated. Wow. Aren’t kids just amazing? Many thanks to Ms. Mayfield and Mr. Adams for making this opportunity for kids happen!
Have a great weekend!
Mr. Slayter
see:
www.onehen.org
for more information
Welcome 2012!
We are looking forward to a wonderful and exciting start to 2012! I was great to see all the students and faculty back ready for school, today. Parents and guardians…thank you for trusting us, the faculty and staff and Bucknell with your students. We renew our pledge to you, the community, to continue providing the best possible education for your Bucknell students. We invite parents to visit our parent center any time you have questions or need assistance with school related-matters. We are always here to help.
Wishing all a positive and healthy 2012!
Mr. Slayter
It Takes a Community…
The primary ingredient in the recipe for a strong school is a community that supports. This holiday season, families, teachers and partners at Bucknell Elementary celebrate community by supporting those with less. Over the past month, the Parent Center for Bucknell has quietly been reaching out to Bucknell’s friends so that children and families do not go without this holiday. The spirit of giving and care is rich and deep in this small school community. The wide willingness to give is inspiring and because of this generosity, twenty-five families were assured of having a joyful Christmas morning with presents to open. Donors included members of the PTA executive board, Bucknell Teachers, mentors from the FBI, Penn-Daw Fire Station 11, the Bozutto Management Company, the Knights of Columbus Council 5998, Our Daily Bread, Waynewood Elementary School, Kristi’s Christmas, and an anonymous donor of $300 in local store gift cards.
With this challenging economy sometimes resources for families are scarce but, but our community’s generosity is overflowing. So is our gratitude.
Wishing all our Bucknell families, friends and partners and peaceful and joyous holidays.
Tim Slayter
Principal
Bucknell Elementary School
Hello Bucknell Families,
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Best Practice?” Educators use the term all the time during professional development, instructional planning and student data analysis meetings. So just what is “Best Practice?” I like to think of it as the current concept of the best way to teach students. I use the word current, because “Best Practices” do change over time as we learn more and more about how children learn. It implies, rightly so, that teachers are always learning new things about teaching and about students. It is what makes teachers professionals, just like lawyers, scientists and physicians. Here are some of the best practice approaches we are using at Bucknell this year:
• Responsive Classroom-“A general approach to teaching, based on the premise that children learn best when they have both academic and social-emotional skills.” (www.responsiveclassroom.org/)
• Guided Reading-an approach to teaching reading through balanced literacy. Balanced literacy means teaching using small group shared reading, read alouds, interactive writing, independent reading and other approaches. Guided Reading helps teachers differentiate instruction for each student.
• Guided Math-a similar concept to guided reading, utilizing small group instruction, learning stations and other approaches to develop number sense and problem solving. Guided Math helps teachers differentiate for each student.
• Co-teaching-When two teachers team together to instruct in a classroom. This happens in reading every day at Bucknell.
• Collaborative Learning Visits and Lesson Study (Kindergarten)-Two new techniques to Bucknell, done for teachers by teachers. It looks at the learning environment, student engagement and teacher techniques as an internal learning tool for teachers about their own practices
• Reading Recovery and Leveled Literacy Intervention-Two methods for catching primary grade students up who are behind in reading.
These are but a few of the “Best Practice” approaches Bucknell teachers use. I thought parents and families would like to read a small bit about the great “Best Practices” teachers use with YOUR students. We certainly believe that your students will be the leaders of tomorrow!
Regards,
Mr. Slayter
Hello Bucknell Families,
Just a quick blurb on some after school opportunities for kids on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Did you know that we have begun an International Dance Club? Older kids on Tuesdays, younger kids on Wednesdays. I watched today and saw kids practicing Peruvian dance! They are working towards a full fledged recital in the spring. Call the Bucknell Parent Center at 703-660-2972 for more info.
Also, for the 6th year in a row, the West Potomac High/Bucknell Mentoring Program has begun today. We had over 80 outstanding, caring West Potomac High students sign up to mentor a student from Bucknell. What happens is that on Wednesdays, the high school students meet Bucknell/West Potomac Staff in the Bucknell Cafeteria after school. Then Bucknell students who have registered travel to the cafeteria and meet with their assigned mentors to work on homework and school readiness activities. It lasts for an hour. All of this is supervised by teachers and staff. This program is an award winning program that has been highlighted on Apple 21 (FCPS) TV. I have met most of the mentors this year and they are a very mature and caring group of young men and women, hoping to give back to their community. Isn’t it great they’ve picked Bucknell? If you’d like your student to participate, please contact the main office for details at 703-660-2900.
All the best,
Mr. Slayter
Greetings to all!
As we approach the end of the first quarter, I wanted to share with you a few interesting projects that are in development, all designed to make your student’s learning experience and environment more engaging. We know that kids learn so much better when they are excited about coming to school.
Project: Bucknell Elementary connects with Bucknell University!
We learned recently that Bucknell Elementary’s name is no coincidence. Apparently back in the 1930′s, two trustees of Bucknell University donated to the university the land where Bucknell Manor, Bucknell Heights and Bucknell Elementary exist today. The university eventually sold the land for residential development and a school was built to support the new homes. Somewhere in this process, the elementary school was designated Bucknell Elementary after the university. Did you ever notice that Bucknell Elementary is on “University Drive” and most of the surrounding neighborhood streets are named after colleges and universities? Makes sense. We learned all this because we have reached out to Bucknell University to see if we can connect college students to our own elementary students, virtually online. We are still working out the particulars, but we have early plans to have 5th and 6th grade students become the equivalent of “pen pals” with college students (supervised by a professor and the 5th and 6th grade teams, of course). The “pen pals” will write about prearranged topics that support Fairfax County Curriculum. Look for more information and permission forms next spring!
Project: WIN-Time
As part of the Cluster IV initiative last year each school was to have a dedicated block of time to meet the unique changing needs of each student. This year, Bucknell has built upon this concept and has created a period of the day called WIN: What I Need. During this 45 minute block of time students are broken up into groups throughout the year based on their individual areas of growth. Students are in their groups for approximately six to eight weeks before changing to a new group with a new opportunity for hands-on learning. During WIN time, students will experience real life learning opportunities through a variety of projects and hands-on learning. Each group is being encouraged to have a meaningful culminating project or activity in which students will apply their newly acquired skills. Some of the current learning experiences going on here at Bucknell during the first ever WIN cycle are computer programming, research and proposal writing, readers theater and even writing for social justice. Be sure to ask your student what they have been doing during WIN time.
Project: Walk for the Homeless
One of the FCPS school board goals for students is “Responsibility to Community.” You may have seen permission forms for our November 2nd, “Walk for the Homeless.” During Music and PE, classes will walk the school grounds to show support for community efforts to prevent homelessness. No money is involved at the student level, however, corporate sponsors donate money to the coordinating non-profit, based on how many walkers participate. Several FCPS schools participate and it’s a great way for kids to exercise and for kids to see that they can make a difference!
Project: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Lab
This is a long term project for Bucknell. We hope to connect with some corporate sponsors who will help fund the creation of this lab in a downstairs classroom. two weeks ago, 5th and 6th graders went to Hunters Woods Elementary on a research field trip to find out what a STEM lab looks like. On November 9th, potential donors are touring Bucknell, Sandburg Middle and West Potomac High to learn about Young Scholars, AVID/Honors and college readiness programs. Bucknell students and staff will be presenting a proposal on how a STEM lab would benefit our efforts to get students on the college-track as they head on to middle schools. We’ll keep you posted!
Project: Hollin Hall Senior Center Partners
A group of Hollin Hall Seniors have completed the FCPS requirements to become tutors and mentors. Starting today, Hollin Hall Seniors have been paired with some of our classrooms and under the direction of the teacher, they are supporting small tutoring sessions (in the classrooms or just outside the room in the hallway). We are excited to have our new friends as members of the Bucknell School Community
Project: Saturday School Tutoring & Breakfast
As you may know, eligible children can take advantage of free tutoring offered at Bucknell on Saturdays. Good Shepherd Catholic Church, and St. Luke’s Epsicopal Church are providing breakfast supplies for all attending students. A great way to start the day, before learning with a tutor! Our thanks to Good Shepherd and St. Luke’s.
As you can see, lots of great stuff happening at Bucknell. Questions about or interest in becoming involved with any of these initiative, just give the main office a call and ask for a parent center liaison or ask for me. I’d be happy to chat!
Regards,
Mr. Slayter
Greetings Parents and Families,
I wanted to take a moment and introduce to you our new PTA. I have been quite impressed with how they have hit the ground running. Look at these early accomplishments already! Mrs. Bell and officers are in the midst of crafting a parent version and teacher version of a PTA needs assessment. They want to hear from parents and teachers, right away. Mr. and Mrs. McNicoll are directly responsible for acquiring two cellos (which are expensive) for our strings program at no cost to the school. Mrs. Bell and Ms. Starling and company are writing a grant for an outside garden sponsored by the American Heart Association. Mrs. Bostick has volunteered to be our Parent Title I representative for County Title I meetings. Ms. Amaya worked hard to share the benefits of PTA to several families during Back to School Night.
Please consider joining PTA to support your students and your school. Here are our fabulous PTA officers:
Co-President…… Karla Amaya
Co-President…… Julie Bell
Vice-President… Jacqueline Bostick
Co-Treasurer…… Brian McNicoll
Co-Treasurer…… Lori McNicoll
Secretary………… Lisa Starling
Look for the parent interests and needs survey soon. PTA wants to hear from you!
Regards,
Mr. Slayter
Greetings from Mr. Slayter,
Did you know that Bucknell uses a co-teaching model for instruction?
Every classroom teacher (K-6) is paired with one or two other teachers during the reading portion of our language arts block. Co-teachers co-plan together, instruct, and assess student learning as team. This year co-teachers are learning to use one of six approaches to co-teaching as defined by education researcher, Dr. Marilyn Friend of University of North Carolina at Greensboro. They are 1) One Teach, One Observe 2) Station Teaching 3) Parallel Teaching 4) Alternative Teaching 5) Teaming 6) One Teach, One Assist. Co-teachers select the best co-teaching approach that best fits the lesson and bests supports the learning needs of students. See some photos of recent co-teaching.
Good Morning Bucknell Friends,
What a pleasure and privilege it was yesterday to welcome new and returning students to Bucknell. As I walked around during the day, I saw every teacher engaged with classroom community building exercises, reading and math instruction. Our Bucknell teachers waste no time.
This year, to make the most of our day, our instruction will begin at 8:50am. Please help teachers get started by making sure your students arrive before 8:45 or earlier especially if they eat breakfast. Our classroom doors are open to students at 8:15am.
We are also, actively seeking interested PTA candidates for the offices of President and Treasurer. Please contact the Parent Center staff, (Marcia St. John-Cunning or Sarah Smalls) 703-660-2900 or me (tslayter@fcps.edu) if you are interested.
Regards,
Mr. Slayter
