Owls
Upper Elementary (Ages 9-12)
Distance Learning Plan
The Owls are using Canvas to monitor educational goals for the 2020 - 2021 school year. To access the courses, resources, and daily plan please click the link below.
Owl Classroom
The challenges that face the Owls include the continued practice of effectively balancing freedom and responsibility. The Owl community is committed to creating a classroom culture that facilitates the development of character, accountability, personal organization, positive habits, and collaborative social skills. We will learn and practice how to become more mindful of many positive traits otherwise known as our Habits of Mind:
Gathering Data Through All the Senses
Thinking Flexibly, Questioning and Posing Problems
Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations
Thinking About Thinking, Striving for Accuracy
Creating, Imagining, Innovating
Taking Responsible Risks
Learning and Understanding
Persistence
Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision
Finding Humor
Manage Impulsivity
Remain Open to Continuous Learning
Responding with Wonderment and Awe
Thinking Interdependently
Academic work includes studies in mathematics, science, English language arts, history, geography, ecology, music, art and foreign language studies. Service work within and outside our campus provides opportunities to explore social issues, values and positive moral development. Individually and as a team we hope to foster a culture of mutual help, care and consideration for ourselves and our fellow man. Students in the Owl classroom have an awesome opportunity for continued growth. We expect the students to take full advantage of all that the classroom environment has to offer. The classroom is a community for friendship, group work and designated blocks of time during which students have choices and encouragement to reach their social and intellectual potential.
Sessions of Work
Each year there are four sessions. At the end of each session, the students will assemble their portfolios which include both teacher and student assessments. The session format is designed to help students learn organization skills, decision-making skills, efficient time-management and improve upon self-motivation efforts. Students that seek further experiences or knowledge in their studies may plan a “Going Out” trip to gather information that is experience based and not available in the classroom. The student will plan the trip as a culmination of the interest. This opportunity allows students to grasp the importance of remaining open to continuous learning while fostering a sense of wonder and awe to the world around us. We support students when they take the initiative to continue their studies outside of the classroom with accountability and pride.
Classroom Work
Lessons are taught to the individual, in small groups and in our large group. An Individual lesson is designed to make a match between the skills, abilities, and interests of each student. There are a variety or work choices in every academic area to be done alone or in small, self-chosen groups. Individual work is assessed individually with mastery tests that may be written or oral. There are opportunities to do modified, basic and advanced work in all areas. Individual work goals may be made up in cases of absence but group worked missed is unable to be accomplished at a later date.
Group work can be an assigned meeting time with an instructor or work that is done in randomly chosen groups in which individuals learn to work more effectively with their peers. An array of activities are available for groups to work together, they range from physical tasks such as Gourmet Grub, Outdoor Work, Community Service, Classroom Committees, as well as academic tasks. The academic tasks are presented in small groups in which a subject is explored.
Homework
Homework is assigned as a tool to help students self-assess and evaluate their individual choice and use of time. If a student identifies the need for extra time to complete their goals and interests, they can choose to complete some academic goals by utilizing time at home. Homework is chosen by the student with the intent and freedom to deeply engage in an interest he/she has the opportunity to explore. In most cases, students do not need instruction from parents to complete their individual goals but may need the support of establishing a routine time and place for work to happen on a regular basis.
State Testing
Students are required by the State of Ohio to take the State Tests during each qualifying academic year. We will practice testing skills in the classroom but we do not “Teach to the Test”. We do not value a standardized test as a means of assessing the abilities of a complex human being. We do value the skill of testing as a necessary task that is part of the world in which we strive to achieve our individually determined goals.
Birthday Celebrations
Birthday treats that are brought in must follow the Smart Snack guidelines and will be passed out during lunch. Please ensure enough treats are available to give each child in the Owl class.
Electronics
Students do not need to have access to their cell phones while in class. However, sometimes a student will need a cell phone after school on the bus or if at another location before going home. Cell phones or any other handheld electronic devices need to be checked into the office for safekeeping during the day. Cell phones and electronic devices may not be carried around on his/her body (in pocket, purse, etc.)
If during travel on field trips and after school times, NM permits the use of an electronic device, the rule is as follows: NM does not take any responsibility for the care of the device or the parental decisions as to what activities are used on the device. Students may not share the device in any capacity (show a video, hear a song, play a game etc.) because each parent retains the responsibility for deciding what his/her individual child may watch, listen to or play. Games, sites and music deemed inappropriate in a school setting are prohibited on school grounds or on school sponsored trips.