Cleveland’s New Playground

Hey Guys,
Next year our school is scheduled to undergo renovation and expansion. The school will have all new classrooms, a new media center, and cafeteria. The indoor gym will be bigger. The back play area will also be improved. If you could pick one new thing to have on the playground, what would you choose? Use your prior experience or your imagination to come up with one or two suggestions.
Do you have any suggestions to make our school yard a great place to play? Please post your suggestion(s) on your blog under the title “My Ideas for Cleveland’s New Playground.” I can’t wait to read them.
Ms. Martin

Digital Citizenship Day!

Hey Guys, Ms. Martin here,

Last Friday, March 31, 2017, we celebrated our first Digital Citizenship Day.  Beginning last November 2016, kids in Grades K-7, learned important lessons and rules about being safe, responsible and respectful people when using digital devices Online.  The students recited the Student Digital Citizenship Pledge, received their certificate, and watched a school video about why Digital Citizenship is important.  Here’s a link to the video and to the Photo Gallery.

Digital Citizenship Day Celebration

Hello Everyone,
On Friday, March 31, 2017, Cleveland St School’s students and teachers will celebrate Digital CitizenshipDay.  Being a good digital citizen means being safe, responsible and respectful students when we are on the Internet.

We watched a video with a little boy named Jeremiah and he told us there are three rules to being safe online.

  1. Always ask your parents permission to go online.
  2. Only talk to people you know.
  3. Only go to kid-friendly websites.

Being respectful online means not to do or say mean things online. Do not bully anyone online.  That is called Cyberbulling.  What other rules should you follow when you are online?

Thank you Aniyah, Kimberly and Noelia for your replies to this post.  I really like your comments!

Another SNOW DAY!

Hey, Guys!  Can you believe it?  Two snow days in a row!  Wow, Winter Storm Stella dumped a lot of snow in Orange.  City workers have to plow the streets and our neighbors have to shovel their sidewalks so that we can walk and drive to school.  Do you like the graphic I found about another snow day and blogging?!?!   Isn’t that perfect for us?   I hope you get a chance to blog. Please reply to mine.  Thank you, Ms. Martin.

SNOW DAY!

Hello Guys,

It’s Tuesday, March 14, 2017 and school is closed because of a snowstorm that started very late Monday night.  The weather forecasters predicted snow accumulations between 18″- 21″, and it liked like a blizzard this morning.  But by mid-day, the snow stopped and it’s  more like snowrain. (Is that a word?)  It’s about 28 degrees. Brrrr. I woke up, looked out the window, and fell back to sleep.  Sleeping late on a school day is so special.  When I did wake up, I made a smoothie and I was able to drink it slowly.  Sooo nice.  I’ve been on my computer most of the day.  Ok, enough about me.  How about you?  How did you spend your snow day?  I hope it was fun. Please reply and tell me your story.
Ms.  Martin

Bisa Butler Visited Our School

We had a very special guest today at Cleveland. Mrs. Bisa Butler is a famous artist who uses textured fabrics and fibers to create quilts and portraits.  Our art teacher, Mrs. Chavarria, honored Mrs. Butler during Black History Month.  Some of her art students studied Mrs. Butler’s life and designed art pieces using her technique.  Mrs. Butler was very impressed with their work and took pictures of them.  She spoke to the students about her education and career as an artist and answered questions that the students had.   Mrs. Butler and Dr. Cummins both graduated from Howard University.

It was really a pleasure and an honor meeting Mrs. Bisa Butler.

 

Welcome 2nd Graders

Hello Everybody and Welcome New Cleveland Bloggers!

I am very excited to introduce you to ten new students who are starting their first BLOG.  They are 2nd graders and their names are Aniyah, Erick, Journey, Noelia, Trezon, Kimberly, Serena, Helene, Adriana, and Jayden.

Everyone knows a BLOG is like a journal, or diary, that writers share their thoughts.  The big difference is that it is posted ONLINE for our classmates, teachers, and family to read.  We’re going to be writing about lots of things, we’re going to be sharing our stories and sharing our experiences.  Blogging also increases reading comprehension – but that’s happening behind the scenes.

So come back from time to time to see how we’re doing…….and read about what’s on our minds.

Over and out!
Ms. Martin

 

Love Yourself – An Anti-bullying Song

Hello Bloggers, Ms. Martin here.  I came across this video on Youtube and it really touched me.  It shows a father teaching his daughter how to shield herself against bullies and to love herself despite what rude people do or say to her.  It is a powerful message for people of all ages, children as well as adults.

Harriet Tubman’s Image on the $20 Bill

Harriet Tubman’s Image On The $20 Bill is a Really Big Deal

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After a lengthy process and a passionate campaign, Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew announced that an image of Tubman will appear on the front of the $20 bill.  The former slave and abolitionist is the first African-American, and the first woman in over a century, to be featured on the face of U.S. currency.  Many of us are quite moved by the decision. But if you know anything about the history of our country you have to admit the honor is appropriate because Harriet Tubman is a true historical figure.

Please read the attached article.     30 Facts about Harriet Tubman.

Please post a comment about why you feel Harriet Tubman is a worthy candidate for this honor.   If you think that someone else should have been selected, please don’t be afraid to say so.  We all respect each other’s opinions.

Teach Fleet – STEM Careers in Maritime and Environmental Science

TEACH FLEET inspires K-8 students to consider STEM careers, particularly maritime and environmental science, engineering, and related technology.  The TEACH FLEET collection has all types of modern ships, but each one has a different purpose representing every area of STEM.  LEGO ship models range in size from 2 feet to 6 feet long and can be used as teaching aids to introduce students to STEM, history, and diversity.  Each ship is named for a female or minority inventor, scientist, physician, engineer, mathematician’s, military officer, or explorer.  The ships are displayed with placards featuring a portrait and biography of its namesake.

Photo Gallery   http://tinyurl.com/ha6b584

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The TEACH FLEET was built entirely by Wilbert McKinley, a former ship designer for naval architecture firms and shipyards.  The TEACH FLEET started as an act of desperation when Wilbert was faced with the task of teaching 30 elementary and middle school students in an after-school program . He was forced to improvise so he started buying recycled Lego style building blocks to build ships and airplanes as teaching aids for his class about transportation.
Continue at  http://teachfleet.com/_the_fleet

Teach Fleet will be on exhibit on May 9 & 10, 2016 in Port Newark, NJ.  Students from Cleveland Street School have a
special invitation to attend.

 

 

I Surrender to Minecraft!

I’m sure you’minecraftedure familiar with the adage “If you can’t beat ’em,  join ’em?”  Well, I’ve decided to join my students in the virtual world of Minecraft since that’s where they always want to go!
I joined MinecraftEdu – which is the Education Edition!  MinecraftEdu provides products and services that make it easy for educators to use Minecraft in the classroom.   Over  5,500 teachers in 40 countries have used MinecraftEdu to teach subjects from STEM to Language to History to Art.  They even host a library of free lessons and activities.

Kind of hard to believe, right?  but I’ll see.   This will be my challenge in the coming months – my assignment.   If you’re curious about MinecraftEdu too here’s the website  https://minecraftedu.com/about.   Wish me luck  – and let me know what you think.  Is it a Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

Thumbs Up?  Great! Join my Google Classroom and peek at the tutorials they offer for beginners  – qg34rv.

Ms. Martin here signing out.  : )

 

Cleveland Mourns the Loss of a Student, our Friend

 

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Our Sincerest Condolences to the
May Family

Cleveland Street School offers condolences to the May family on the tragic loss suffered in a devastating fire that took place on March 14, 2016.  We have lost a member of our student body and the district and school have organized efforts to assist the family.

Cleveland’s PTO organized a Family Game Night, March 18, 2016,  (see below) to bring the school community together. The admission is a recommended donation from a list of items.  “People in the community have been very supportive,” said Dr. Cummins.  We have received many donations and numerous calls to see what items are still needed.”  We extend our utmost appreciation for all of your donations.  

Black History in Canada

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Between 1840 and 1860, more than 30,000 American slaves traveled secretly to Canada for their freedom. They escaped to Canada along the Underground Railroad because they were being hunted by slave catchers who were paid to return them to their owners, dead or alive. Professional slave catchers, notorious for their cruelty, tracked runaway slaves all the way from the deep South to the Canadian border. Taking no chances by escaping to the North, the freedom seekers traveled further to Canada after hearing that it was a country that welcomed slaves and refugees.

Canada has a RICH Black History! There are many notable African-Canadian survivors and achievers. The great Harriet Tubman and Josiah Henson, both escaped slaves, returned south hundreds of times to lead others north. A white Canadian, Alexander Ross, travelled to southern plantations, in the guise of a gentleman bird fancier, and directed slaves to the Underground Railroad.

This history lesson was delivered live from Ontario, Canada to Cleveland St School students via SKYPE with Nova Browning Rutherford, who is a volunteer speaker for Passages Canada, the Historica Canada Society.

Her presentation included a map of the numerous escape routes of the Underground Railroad from slave states to free states and Canada (pictured left). She also told the story of Rev. William King who, in 1849, freed 15 slaves that he “inherited” and started the Elgin Settlement for free people in North Buxton, Ontario, Canada. It was the last stop on the Underground Railroad for hundreds of fugitive slaves. Today it is the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, attracting visitors and tourists – especially during the 80+ year old Annual Labour Day Weekend Homecoming.
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Student Bloggers in Australia

Hey Guys, I found this awesome blog from a school in Australia.  It is published by students who attend school in Victoria, Australia,  located on the continent of Australia – which is thousands of miles away,  10, 328 miles to be exact!  Their time is 16 hours ahead of ours – so its always “tomorrow” with them.  While  we’re having dinner at 5 pm, they’re starting school at 9:00 am – the next day!

The teachers and students are really doing some great things in Australia with technology.  Click the link below to read blogs from classes in their school and blogs from classes around the world.  Let’s see who we can connect with and learn what kids are like in different parts of the United States and the world.   Also,  the Student Blogging Contest starts on March 6, 2016.  I want us to experience blogging on a global level.  Yeah!

http://missjordan.global2.vic.edu.au/

Miss Jordan

 

 

 

Five reasons students want technology in the classroom.

These five reasons why students want to learn with technology can help you and your teacher-friends determine the right technology to implement.

blue one smallThey want to learn at a comfortable speed.
While students should be pushed to step out of their comfort zones and try new things, they should also be free to learn at a pace that is comfortable for them. Students will be turned off from reading or math if they’re constantly required to tackle content or lessons that are too difficult for them to understand.

 

green 2 smallThey want to interact with their classmates.
We live in a connected world, where students are in constant communication with their friends, whether it’s via social media, texting or another digital channel. Technology in the classroom makes it easier than ever for students to communicate with their classmates in a familiar format.

Continue

 

 

 

 

How Student Blogs Can Increase Reading Comprehension

Blogs can motivate students to take their reading and writing more seriously.  Students can uncover a new level of respect for what happens in the classroom through the peer interaction within a blog community.   They have more freedom to share their thoughts and can come to conclusions with help from their peers in ways that aren’t possible with pen and paper.   Continue

My Family’s Journey and History in New Jersey

What is your family’s country of origin?  Did they come from South America, or Africa, the West Indies or Asia?   New Jersey has been a melting pot of world cultures for decades with people coming from many different countries.   Is there an immigration story in your family, amongst your friends, or in your community that you can share?  Your family’s journey to New Jersey to work and raise a family are interesting stories.  For Black History month we will be blogging about our families’ history, culture and customs in New Jersey.  What is your family’s story?  Please comment here or post on your own blog.                                                                                

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – What are you doing?

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King’s birthday, January 15.   It’s time to think about what you will do to honor him.   Dr. King was a kind, patient and soft-spoken man.  I would like all of my students to join me in being exceptionally kind and thoughtful during the entire school day on Friday, January 15, 2016.  That would be so incredibly amazing!  Kindness is never wasted.

Please leave a  comment about how you will pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

p.s. I never get tired of reading about his life and his dream or watching videos.

 

We’re Blogging

Hi Everyone!

My name is Ms. Martin and I’m the technology coordinator at Cleveland Street School.  Cleveland has a student body of 306 students in grades K-7.  We are very fortunate to have access to an ample inventory of technology devices and resources and our team of tech coordinators are vigorously supporting tech integration to our educators and students throughout the district.  So to that end I dived into Blogging and hope to showcase it as a powerful web tool for digital literacy and global collaboration.

First of all I’m amazed how long and how far and wide students have been blogging.  I’m reading young students blogs from as far as Australia and New Zealand and dated as far back as 2010.   I earnestly want to connect our children with children  from different parts of the world – but first things first on our end.  Students not only need to learn the software and tools for blogging, they need to practice digital citizenship and online safety, and most importantly become conscientious readers and writers, express their ideas and opinions, write comments  and questions on different topics.  Blogging will improve their writing and digital literacy because we will use proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar – texting is not acceptable here.

So please follow us on our journey and encourage us with your comments.  Thank you.