Technology in the Elementary Schools
And why kids tell me they love to be in school, and more...
Mrs. Amanda Marean teaches second graders at West. Her enthusiasm is contagious.
I knew that technology was part of the curriculum in the elementary schools, but I had no idea how valuable it is as a teaching tool and learning aid. She told me how important various applications are to helping kids learn at the pace that’s best for them, and how it helps in classrooms where kids are at different levels of learning.
I was amazed—with the help of technology, it’s almost as if there are several teachers in the room at the same time. Here’s our interview:
I asked Mrs. Marean what she likes about teaching second-graders.
They think you're a rockstar, and they're still so excited about school every day. And they grow by leaps and bounds, and then it's just the most fun to see right as soon as they like the reading; it clicks and they're into chapter books, and I really think second grade is where you can light that fuse for the love and joy of reading for the rest of your life. I love being part of that.
I have 21 new friends every year; you know that I get to watch them grow and learn and I keep up on them for years and years. So this is my fourth year and my kids from my first year, I'm still seeing them at basketball games and volleyball games and still getting those hugs and I’m excited to see them grow. So getting to build those relationships with these kids and be such a big part of their life for the year. It's the best.
I stopped to talk to Ember, Serenity, and Mr. Keitges at Northstar Elementary:
Ember and Serenity tell me that they like school because they like to learn and be with their friends, teachers, and Mr. Keitges!
The door of Mrs. Carla Bauer’s music classroom at Northstar is inspirational.
Maintainance staff is always working.
One day at the middle school I heard singing and walked toward it. I found High School Choir Director Ian Heetland directing choir members as they sang “The Holly and the Ivy” in preparation for the upcoming winter concert. He told me that the acoustics in the middle school hallway are “excellent.” Please listen! The High School band and choir concert are on Monday, December 18. The Middle School concert will be Monday, November 20.
Please don’t forget to cast your vote in the school board election if you haven’t already. Jyl De Jong, Larissa Van Donselaar, David K. Smith, Brian Slykhuis, Cheri Gerdes, and Susan Swartzendruber are on the ballot. Please vote for no more than three.
Also, our community will vote on renewing the instructional support levy (ISL) for the Knoxville Community School District.
This voter-approved levy supports the educational programming in KCSD and most Iowa schools, providing funds for instructional support materials and supplies.
If the levy is renewed, KCSD will use the funds largely to support curriculum materials, instructional supplies, textbook replacement, and other critical items for our students. These funds will NOT be used for staff salaries and benefits.
Residents would see little to no property tax increase if the ISL is renewed for an additional 10 years.
We hope you enjoyed this edition of Panther Tales: Dr. Bob Goes Back to School. You will find it in your inbox early every Monday morning. If you enjoyed it, please share and encourage others to subscribe. Please consider being a paid subscriber. All proceeds go into the student activity fund. There are two subscription options. One is as an individual member, which is an investment of $5.00 a month or $50 per year. If you want to be a founding member, it’s a tax-deductible investment of $250 per year, and should you choose, we will recognize you at the bottom of every post for your donation. Please remember—it’s not a cost. It’s an investment. In our kids and grandkids, in Knoxville, and in our future.
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