Chateaugay Central School

NCPR News - North Country farmers testify before Congressional committee

2012-03-12T19:42:00.001-07:00

An important Farm Bill hearing took place in the North Country recently and one school (only one school) had the idea to being student to learn firsthand about how our government works. Thanks Mr. Miller.

NCPR News - North Country farmers testify before Congressional committee:

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Fun

2012-03-09T04:43:00.000-08:00

This made me smile this morning.

Facebook

2012-02-16T04:49:00.000-08:00

Mr. Jaggers has created a teachers only Facebook location for CCS staff. Once again we are inviting all teachers to share great ideas. Add links to your favorite websites, new articles, videos and more. Share some news you think we could all use. How about reminders of upcoming meetings? Maybe discuss staff development opportunities. Maybe even just post something to brighten all our spirits. This is a closed group which means only members will be able to see what has been posted. Already most CCS staff have been added/invited but I know we missed people. Please add them.
Imagine having a PreK-12 meeting without having a meeting.
Get involved!

Teaching Channel

2012-02-15T14:27:00.001-08:00

I just found a great website through my favorite blog, Free Technology for Teachers. It's called the Teaching Channel. It boasts that the "Teaching Channel is a video showcase -- on the Internet and TV -- of inspiring and effective teaching practices in America's schools." I watched one video and was hooked. It's teachers inspiring teachers. Which, incidentally, is what this blog is all about.

Evernote

2012-02-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

My mission - to become less bound by paper at work. This means no more binders stuffed to the max with papers that I do not really need anyway. For example, I have all my tests, quizzes and homework materials in printed form along with answer keys. My system does keep me organized, but it also means I have to cart around pretty large and heavy binders to and from school.
I am going to work with my new favorite piece of software, EVERNOTE, to help me get organized and keep/use less paper. If you are not familiar with Evernote, stop reading this and head over to their site NOW!!! I will be here when you get back.
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Did you really go the site? If not go there NOW!!!!!
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OK - you don't want to leave the blog. I get it - here is a direct link to a great introductory video.
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Evernote's product enables users to get organized in some amazing ways and across all platforms. I have my desktop, laptop and phone set up to use the product and will be adding my (on the way) iPad 2 soon as well. Right now I am in the process of adding materials like scanned copies of my notes, quizzes, tests, homework, answer keys and more. I will also be adding the master digital files as attachments (the pdf, word documents and other files I have created). I will be tagging the materials with names such as Lesson 1, Lesson 2 (you get the idea). This means any material that I think belongs with Lesson 1 will appear when I click on the tag.
I am sure I will streamline the organization structure as I play with the software and will share those thoughts with you. My ScanSnap scanner sends documents right to my Evernote account so the process of getting the materials in the right place will be a breeze. I will have to spend some time catching up with 22 weeks of papers, but once I am done I will have a decent snapshot of the year. That will help me when school begins in September. I will be able to tweak the lessons with new materials, corrections and more.
I envision a scenario where I can scan all the students' quizzes and tests and keep them as well. I think this would help with parent conferences, RTI paperwork and so much more.
Evernote is also a great way to organize your life online. You can "clip" pages with their software. I think it is better than simple bookmarks.
You can get a free account (and so far it has been enough for me) with decent storage and upload limits. I will be spending the very minor amount of $45.00 for a premium account. I will get more uploads and more storage and faster character recognition and the ability to use my information offline (for when there is no ability to get online). I really feel that when I am done getting all the data entered I will become even more efficient. More importantly I will not strain the seems on my backpack from the weight of all the binders I carry back and forth.
I know there are some of you using Dropbox, and this may seem like the same thing - IT IS NOT. I do have and use Dropbox, but this is something completely different in intent and execution. I will discuss what I am using Dropbox for in another post. But, if you will excuse me I am going to start scanning documents.

Pencasts

2012-02-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

By now you know I am working with the Khan Academy in my math classes. I like the idea quite a bit and I DO NOT want to recreate the wheel. But what about the "gaps" in the curriculum offered? What about the questions I use on my worksheets? Sometimes students just need help with a tough question. Often I have to explain the same question again and again. There is a product out there called Livescribe. I have heard about it for a while now. You use a special pen/paper combination to create something called a "pencast" which is similar to what is offered on the Khan Academy website. Check out the video below to see what I mean and then give me some feedback. I can see a use for this in every classroom and I can also see a use for this as a special project for students. Maybe I can get my stronger math students to create pencasts of topics in which they excel?

Organization and Recycling

2012-01-31T10:21:00.000-08:00

I like chewing gum. So much so that I buy the larger sizes in the plastic containers. I think there are 50 pieces in them. It costs a bit less than buying gum by the 10 piece packs. A while back I was about to toss the container when I realized that it is the perfect size for paper clips, or push pins.
I started saving the containers and now my desk at school is even more organized. I put small paper clips in one, larger ones in another, push pins in yet another. I use them for tacks and rubber bands. They are especially handy for push pins and thumb tacks because they can be more easily distributed. I am now less likely to stab myself reaching for something sharp.
I decided to keep a close watch on similar items. Most of the items we buy are packaged with pretty sturdy materials. When we discard those items the landfills become flooded with things we could reuse, or in this case, re-purpose. I bet I could use them for spices at home, or keeping change from rolling around the car.
I added a photo of the ones I use at school. I have some at home serving the same purpose.
I also use some small containers that came with juice drink mixes to hold pens, pencils and other similar items. It is actually pretty fun to think of new ways to use odd items like these gum containers.
Challenge - think of the packaging you discard and see you can put it to good use - then share that idea. I think Mrs. Gratto would be proud of me.

Google Chrome and ESchoolData

2012-01-31T09:42:00.000-08:00

I've historically used our eSchoolData grade book inside the Internet Explorer browser because it didn't in Firefox. I switched to Google Chrome's browser some time ago but continued to use IE for our grade book. However, I tried to use the grade book in Chrome recently and to my delight, IT WORKS. But even better than that, it is MUCH FASTER.

I apologize if everyone already knew this. And if you did, WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?

Saving Local Business

2012-01-29T17:32:00.000-08:00

You have to read this story. It is about trying to remember local businesses and the lasting impact they can have on the economy.

This past weekend I was in Potsdam and I bought a few CDs and records at a small store. We normally buy all of our music supplies at two area music stores (and not on-line retailers).

When I can find them I buy new CDs and DVDs locally. I know that means the two retail giants in town but still....you know...locally.

I tend to do this more and more often and more and more with the full awareness of what I am doing.

I think we all owe it to the mom and pop businesses in the world to make sure they remain open.

I try to tell students in class that fiscally it does not make sense to drive to the closest mall to save just a few bucks. Planning ahead to make the trip worthwhile is helpful but those who claim they sane $10 to $15 bucks on an item going to Plattsburgh are just not good at math. Time, gas money and wear and tear on a car are not worth it in the end.

But I digress - read this story and think - what if we flash-mobbed local businesses once in a while? What if we did it every day? Maybe teenagers could find part time jobs because people would be hiring them. Maybe more full time jobs would open up. If we are spending the money anyway, why not keep it local and save each other.

Off my soapbox.

In the era of big boxes, a day for the little guy - Yahoo! Finance:

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Elementary Library News

2012-01-27T05:59:00.000-08:00

What an exciting week in the library, on Monday, the Caldecott and Newberry award winners were announced! The winner of the John Newberry Medal, which goes to the most outstanding contribution in children's literature, is "Dead End in Norvelt" written by Jack Gantos. Fans of "Joey Pigza" will love this one! A young Jack Gantos is given a bizarre job - typing obituaries about the people who founded his town. You will laugh out loud through Jacks wacky adventures! "A ball for Daisy" is the winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal. The Caldecott Medal is given to the most distinguished American picture book for children. This sweet story about a dog and her favorite toy was written and illustrated by Chris Raschka.

Khan Academy

2012-01-23T12:09:00.000-08:00

Today I worked with the Khan Academy site in my Pre-Algebra class and my Calculus class. My first thoughts - WOW mixed with a bit of WEE. I have not delved too deep into the site yet but a cursory review leads me to believe this is something math teachers will want to use. The kids were furiously working through some of the sections (albeit easy ones) to get some points and some badges. They navigated through the site with ease. I think once the logins were completed (the longest part of the process for most since Facebook is blocked) the students were eager to tackle the sections they needed. They were having fun and enjoying a bit of competition with their neighbor.
The same was true in Calculus. With a mid-term looming I directed the students to some of the topics we have covered. They also surfed the other topics for a bit but settled back down into the ones they needed for review.
If you have not played with the site yet here is what gives it the wow factor - I had all the students add me as their "coach". This means I can monitor their progress. I can see what sections particular students were working on, what videos they watched and what questions they missed. You can tell how fast they answered the questions (which might help with the guessers). You can see when they needed hints. The list of instant data goes on and on.
At this moment I am truly impressed with the site and the opportunities it will provide for the me and the students. I will be researching more into the badges and points system to offer rewards for the students. They earn points by completing problems and clearing sections as well as by watching the tutorials. Subjects other than math are included in the site and MUCH more is coming. I will be using this for remediation in the coming quarters and will be assigning sections for homework. I will also push the use of the site as we head toward the regents and finals week. I will be happy to show anyone around the site. Stop by and see what it is all about or check out the video below:

Doodle 4 Google – Doodle 4 Google

2012-01-20T15:33:00.000-08:00

Hey budding artists - check out this opportunity from Google. Image having your doodle show up on the Google page for the WHOLE WORD to see. How about winning some amazing prizes? Maybe you could use some scholarship money. Check out the site below and enter your work. Share this link with anyone you know who is artistic and creative.

Doodle 4 Google – Doodle 4 Google:

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A Smarter Way

2012-01-20T07:07:00.002-08:00

I always wanted a Smart Board but now that I have one I struggle with using it as much I should. It takes time to create good lessons on the Smart Board. Luckily there are several others who have already taken the time to create good-quality lessons for a variety of subjects at the SMART Exchange. You can go to the link below, join for free, and then search for a good, pre-made lesson on the topic you want to present, and then download it. There are some other benefits to this: You can easily edit the files to more accurately reflect what you want to teach, and you can see just how the experts accomplish their cool tricks. Give it a try.

http://exchange.smarttech.com/index.html#tab=0

Mad science News, Videos, Reviews and Gossip - io9

2012-01-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

Um....wow. Please check out the video linked below. AMAZING!

Mad science News, Videos, Reviews and Gossip - io9:

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Official Google Blog: Tech tips that are Good to Know

2012-01-19T16:28:00.000-08:00

Just about everyone on the planet interacts with Google in some form or another. I know I use gmail, picasa, chrome, google reader, google calendar, google docs....you get the point.

I think they are one of the best resources on the internet and make life simple for many people. But as with every else you do on the internet, there are times when you feel overwhelmed and a bit intimidated.

Recognizing this, Google has put together an amazing new service called "Good to Know". When you hit the link you are taken to a site that will help you become more web savvy and safe with Google's products and with the world wide web in general.

There are many great tips from password management tips to helpful hints for parents to add some protection for their home computer. I learned a few new things browsing around the site.

Each year we become more and more dependent on electronic services and it is critical for us all to learn to manage the web safely and effectively. Check out the article linked below for more information then head over to the site for an online education.

Official Google Blog: Tech tips that are Good to Know:

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How to Start a Movement - TED Talk

2012-01-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

Speaking of TED talks, thank you Mr. Trombley, this is one of my favorites. It's called How to Start a Movement by Derek Sivers. I'm always intrigued as to why certain fads get started or how a particular person or thing gets popular. For example, how in the world did silly bands gain such popularity? It's more complicated I think than the following video but if nothing else, it's really fun to watch.

~Mr. Jaggers

TED

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

From time to time I like to spend a few minutes browsing around the TED site. If you are not familiar with this site, you should be. Here is why -

"TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences -- the TED Conference in Long Beach and Palm Springs each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh UK each summer -- TED includes the award-winning TEDTalks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize."

This is from their own site. I did not think I needed to rehash their own description.
What the site offers are amazing speeches about just about everything. I have used some of the speeches often in math class to make some points about the purpose for math. In fact, my all time favorite video to show to classes comes from this site. The Arthur Benjamin "Mathemagician" video come from this site. There are great videos about music, technology and so, so much more. You can search by topic and tags. The clips are less than 20 minutes each so they can be worked into just about any lesson. There are follow up links for other resources relevant to the speaker you have chosen. If you cannot find something on TV you can find something on this site that will most likely be more worth your time than channel surfing for 20 minutes and getting sucked into a movie you have seen a dozen times anyway.

Here is one of my favorites from the TED site.

Stunning

2012-01-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

For the past few months I have been stunned by a series of videos about doodling and math. They are created by "mathemusician" Vi Hart. Her work is funny, thought provoking and educational. I showed a few videos to my classes last week and even the more jaded students were in awe of her talent. There were a few of the "too much time on her hand" comments, but I attribute that more to age than anything. I think that when people say they that what they sometimes mean is "I could never do that".
Recently the creator of this series posted a video stating that she has become a partner with the Khan Academy. I will discuss that site in another post but the short story is that one man's attempt to help his nephews with math has turned into a global phenomenon. Sort of like Vi Hart's work.
I know teachers can get overly excited about content relative to their discipline but I think this series is more than just a list of creative facts. Some of the math is beyond the abilities of some high school students, but her use of sharpies, creative editing, and humor make even the tougher concepts accessible for most people with basic math concepts.
I have watched most of her clips several times (and you have to because she talks very fast and the video is full of quick cuts) and have picked up something I missed the first time.
I am not really doing any justice to her work so I have posted one of my favorite videos below and invite you to check out her site. Again, I will speak about Khan Academy in another post, but for now - check it out if you get a moment. You WILL learn something there. But right now I invite you to learn something about limits.

Vi Hart's YouTube Channel

01/15/2012 | FoxTrot.com

2012-01-15T07:26:00.000-08:00

I think this cartoon sums up the attitude of students last week quite nicely.

01/15/2012 | FoxTrot.com:

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New and Improved

2012-01-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

A new year requires a reboot of the blog. To that end I will be starting the CCS blog again, but with some changes. I will be opening up the blog to fellow CCS teachers to add posts. Hopefully we will get more posts and more varied stories. I will be asking some of the more technologically proficient to help but please volunteer if you have the time and knowledge. All you really need are some basic skills with Google's Blogger software and the willingness to put yourself out there a bit. There is far too much information on the internet that is not worth your time, but there is also so much good out there that needs to be shared. Please consider helping out.
If you want to help and feel like you need some guidance, I am willing to help. I really want this to be more a group effort. I must admit it became too much for me to do on my own and that is why I pretty much stopped posting to the blog.
Please consider sharing some great videos, links, stories, software hints, stories, book reviews, movie reviews, music reviews.....just about anything.
Thanks! Welcome to 2012. Have a great year everyone.