Virtual Business - Sports

LHS students in Mrs. Crowley’s Sports & Entertainment Marketing class have been using a computer simulation entitled Virtual Business—Sports. This is a computer simulation of a football franchise where students are learning about all aspects of starting and running a football franchise.

A student commented:

“I learned that there is a lot more to hosting a football game--or any sport--than just selling tickets. I did not know security was so important as well as the ushers, because fans will throw things on the field. So every little detail is important because everything will help keep the game under control and bring in people. Advertisement, ushers, security, groundskeepers, ticket sellers, ticket takers, parking lot security, parking staff. That all costs money, and I did not realize how much work it was and how much money [it took] to host a football game.”

Ellis' Log Furniture

Tony Ellis' high school shop class has integrated a new way to make furniture. They had the ability to make furniture from logs cut from your own backyard. The students love this idea because it is unique way to build projects. It allows them to be very creative using natural elements of the woods. This type of furniture is not new. Mr. Ellis emphasized and taught the students that these items are not hard to build and are simply put together. Once the students had the opportunity to use the machine, purchased by a grant from the Education Foundation, they truly saw the possibilities.

Yabla.com - Lowell High School 07-08

At Lowell High School, a Spanish subscription to Yabla.com has become a great listening and reading activity for all levels of students taking Spanish. This website plays a video, providing both the English and Spanish translations. Spanish students in levels 1-4 are able to read along with the music videos in Spanish and English. This is a very effective teaching tool that the students enjoy, and we look forward to continued use of it next year.

Get Heart Smart Day - Alto Elementary 07-08

Another project funded at Alto Elementary was a Get Heart Smart Day, held for all 4th and 5th graders In lieu of Valentine’s Day parties, Students spent the day learning ways to be and stay healthy. Patty Sellner, Community Wellness Coordinator demonstrated CPR techniques; high school students from Juston Miller’s health classes gave presentations on adverse effects of smoking, making healthy food choices and many other areas of healthy living. Sue Beute, a former Lowell math teacher, brought pentominoes to exercise and keep our brains healthy. A nutritionist from the Kent County Health Department talked about nutrition and healthy foods. For physical activity, a yoga instructor and a cardio salsa dance instructor from the YMCA came out and taught the students. Mr. Peterson from Spectrum Health made students aware of how the heart works. Students snacked on fresh fruits dipped in chocolate which in moderation can be beneficial. The day wrapped up with a visit from Maranda, from WOOD-TV, who brought along members of Priority Health’s Cycling Team. They talked about being healthy through exercise. Overall, it was an awesome experience for everyone involved.

Focus for Learing - Alto Elementary 07-08

Focus for Learning is a program that uses sensory tools and alternative seating to help students attend and better focus at Alto Elementary School. The tools enable students to maintain their focus for lengthier periods of time which in turn increases their comprehension of the subject being taught.

While using the ‘T-stool’ that the student with the blue shirt is sitting on, or a ‘Wiggle-Seat,’ students are able to focus longer while completing lengthy independent work, which requires a lot of fine-motor skills. The ‘Whisper Phone’ in the picture helps students hear their own reading or writing which allows them to self-correct their errors. The green ‘Rocker’ and a ‘Vibrating Cord’ help students who need that particular sensory stimulation to release anxiety, alert their senses for learning, or a combination of the two. These tools are made available to every student that is in need of them within the Alto Elementary School building. These sensory tools will enhance the learning experience for many children!

Nature's Place - Mrs. Hayden's Class - Cherry Creek Elementary 07-08

Second graders in Mrs. Hayden's class have the opportunity to visit and care for "Nature's Place" regularly as ambassadors. "Nature's Place" is a woodland meadow and pond habitat next to Cherry Creek Elementary. Second graders write about their experiences after each hike.

The students comment after returning from their hikes, "We decorated a tree for the animals. When we went back, we saw deer scat and ALL the cranberries and oranges were gone! The bridge was flooded. We will build a new one in May. There are lots of cardinals and black capped chickadees." Thanks to your support and donations, two-way microscopes and supplies to keep the trails in good repair have been purchased.

95% Group - Bushnell Elementary School 07-08

At Bushnell Elementary, a pilot program, sponsored by the KISD, is underway, working with an organization called 95% Group, Inc. Student assessment data is used to analyze and create intervention small groups with a specific instructional focus. Our K and 1st grade students and staff are involved in the at-risk intervention, where instruction is designed for children to master one specific skill. When a child achieves 95% in one skill area, they are moved along to the next skill in the developmental continuum. A variety of materials to teach specific skills have been purchased with the Ed. Foundation grant received.

Hanen Program

Materials have been purchased from the Hanen Program, a family-focused program for parents of young children who have language delays, including young children with autism spectrum disorder. Working through our Special Education Infant-Toddler Program, particularly within our weekly Wiggleworms group, activities are aimed at enhancing skills of language, gross and fine motor, feeding and sensory integration. Parents learn strategies on how to enrich their child’s social, language and early literacy development using songs and rhymes with the Magic with Music DVD and songbooks. Communication development is fostered using strategies from the It Takes Two To Talk guidebook. Our parents are learning that they make the difference in helping their child to develop and learn.