Hello HCS Families,

The district is looking for parental and community input on several committees.  Dr. Alston has asked for parent representation on our Strategic Planning Committee.  If you would like to be a part of shaping the district mission, vision, and plan going forward, please contact the district office (824-6310).

Additional community membership is needed for other school groups.  We are looking for your support on the following committees: Technology, Curriculum, Budget and Scheduling.  If you would like to volunteer your services to any of these groups, please contact the elementary office (824-6330) or email me at <kellis@hamiltoncentral.org>  It is important that we have the input of the entire Learning Community.

Thank you,

Kevin Ellis
Hamilton Elementary Principal

Below is a copy of the letter that went home to parents. It outlines how we will use eSpark Learning for the 2016-17 school-year.

Dear Hamilton Families,  

Over the past two months, I have had the opportunity to meet several times with teachers, parents, and community members to discuss the use of eSpark Learning here at HCS.  We are excited to offer this independent learning opportunity for our students.  However, we realize that there are concerns about how and when it will be used within classrooms.  Given this feedback from the learning community, the elementary teachers and I have come up with a plan for the use of eSpark Learning with our students.  This plan addresses the concerns of the community and still provides the environment for students to use this independent learning tool.

It is important to note that we have an obligation as a Focus District to offer our students that did not make adequate progress additional instructional supports.  eSpark Learning provides this support through differentiated instruction and engaged learning activities.  

How will we use eSpark Learning?

After School eSpark Learning Class:

Students who have been identified through our Focus District status will be invited to participate in this after school class.  We will identify these students through standardized test scores and teacher recommendations.  Invitations will be sent home to these students by November 22.  

If space permits, other students who could use additional academic supports will be invited to participate.  These invites will go out the week of November 28.  

The eSpark Learning group will meet after school from 2:50 to 3:50 two days a week (exact  days need to be determined).  This club will begin the week of December 5 and run each week through June 9.  Two teachers and one aide will be overseeing the after school class.  

eSpark in the Classroom

• Teachers will use eSpark at their own discretion within each classroom.  There will be no expectations (protocols) for use.  Parents can communicate directly with their child’s teacher about any concerns they may have.

• eSpark Learning will not replace any of our existing core instruction in ELA or Math.  If teachers choose to use eSpark Learning during the school day, they would use it during supplemental learning times (examples: center work, activities block).  

If you have questions, please contact me here at HCS.

Kevin Ellis

Hamilton Elementary Principal

eSpark Learning:

Please look for an informational letter and email about eSpark Learning that will be going home with students tomorrow.

The information includes how and when eSpark Learning will be used at HCS Elementary.  The process for student use includes input from the entire learning community.  This included 3 Parent University meetings and several individual and small group meetings with parents and community members. Additionally, the process for use was determined through meetings with the classroom teachers.  The process outlined in the letter is one that both administrators and teachers agreed upon.

The decision to use eSpark Learning was made as a result of our Focus District distinction and that we have an obligation to provide additional services to the students identified in this distinction.  

Thank you all for your patience throughout this process.

Kevin Ellis
Hamilton Elementary Principal

Parent University 3: eSpark Learning 

I will be hosting "Parent University 3, eSpark Learning" on Wednesday, November 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the elementary library.  The purpose of this meeting will be to present some new information about eSpark Learning, options for use, and our next steps. Time will also be reserved to answer questions.

Technology Devices in the Classroom

Chromebooks (4-5) and iPads (K-3) are currently being added to classrooms.  Within the next week or two all classrooms will be equipped with 1:1 devices.  Students will begin using them shortly after arrival.  We currently have not set a launch date for eSpark Learning.  Parents will receive a notification in advance of a launch.  This notification will be sent via email and hard copy.

eSpark Learning Professional Developers Provide Training for Teachers

On October 14, eSpark staff developer, Mary Ellen Mazza was here to help teachers with getting ready for implementation of eSpark Learning.  Staff developers were also here on September 6 to train teachers.

Elementary Coding Club to Begin

32 students in grades 3-5 have signed up for Computer Coding Club.  This club is taught by the Women in Computer Science Club students from Colgate University.  The club will begin on October 31 and will meet five times, on Mondays, through December.  The club will again be offered in the Spring when Colgate students return from the semester.

Professional Development  

Columbia Teacher’s College staff developer Christine Holley was here on October 3 and 4 to work with teachers in grades K-2.  Teachers worked on increasing their knowledge of the workshop model in Reading and Writing.  A school-wide focus was on using writing assessments to inform instruction. Additional topics included strategies for improving our word study (phonics, phonemic awareness, spelling and vocabulary). Three Columbia staff developers will be here working with teachers in grades K-8 for 15 days throughout the year.

October 3, 2016

Dear Elementary Parents and Guardians,

On Friday, September 30, Dr. Alston and I met with two parents who expressed concerns regarding the eSpark Learning pilot that was scheduled to begin in October.  I narrowed the points of concern down to:

1. Screen Time: How much screen time will students be required or allowed to have?
2. Is there evidence that this type of learning works?
3. When will eSpark Learning take place?  What will it replace?

Having had time to reflect on the matter, I recognize that I could have done a better job of communicating the conflict and the various opinions that are before us. You should know that I met with teachers and the eSpark representatives on September 6th and 7th.  Based on those meetings, I am holding off on our launch of eSpark Learning until the staff has a firm understanding of the implementation options and how this form of personalized learning can assist in teaching.  We will be having a series of meetings moving forward and meet as a group on October 14 at our Superintendent’s Conference Day.

To give clarity on the matter, I am also inviting parents interested in learning about:

1. Context for decision to pilot eSpark Learning
2. Options of how eSpark Learning will be used?
3. Research on personalized learning
4. Data from using eSpark in our HCS Summer School program

This informational event will take place on October 11, at 7:15 in the elementary library.  I hope to see you there.  

Respectfully yours,

Kevin Ellis

Hamilton Elementary Principal

                eSpark Learning: What You Need to Know

On September 22, I held a "Parent University" in which I outlined the transition to 1:1 devices in the elementary.  I also introduced a "pilot" program, called eSpark Learning, designed to supplement the existing learning already taking place in our classrooms.  At this "Parent University," a few parents raised concern about the use of technology and web-based platforms in our school community.  I appreciate hearing well-thought out questions and concerns, as this helps me to better understand the various perspectives.  Please know that decisions are made with the input of the entire learning community.  I would like to clarify some of the key points that I made, as they are important in framing conversations going forward:

•  HCS Elementary will be 1:1 devices for students in grades K-5 this fall.  

•  HCS was almost 1:1 prior to this year.  eSpark Learning did not influence our decision to go to 1:1

•  eSpark is a "pilot" program that will be evaluated in the spring of 2017, as we did with our summer school program. This summer we piloted eSpark Learning with our K-5 summer school students.  As a result of the positive feedback, and lessons learned, we are piloting eSpark Learning to a broader student body.  

•  eSpark is a support to build skills and cognitive abilities in our students.  Protocols are for 60 minutes(K-2nd) and 90 minutes (3rd-5th) a week.  Work will be done outside of the regular, reserved instructional time.  It is supplemental and does not "replace" existing instruction.  It will not interrupt our reserved ELA or Math instructional time.  It will add value to an already rich curriculum.

•  If a parent does not wish to engage their child in a eSpark Learning, we respect your decision to do so.  I would, however, ask that you review the material on our web-site and have a conversation with me.  

I will be communicating more information about this to the public in the near future.  If you would like to learn more about eSpark Learning, please see my previous blog, dated August 11.

Kevin Ellis
Hamilton Elementary Principal

HCS Elementary Introduces

Supplemental Learning Support Through New Technologies

It is with great excitement that I announce to you a new initiative that HCS Elementary will be taking on this year.  All students in grades K-5 will be equipped with 1 to 1 technology devices.  Students in grades K through 3 will be supplied with an iPad and students in grades 4-5 will have access to Chromebooks (lap-top).  Once students and parents have signed a Responsible Use Policy and have agreed to the conditions, students will be able to take the devices home.  

Each student will also be provided with an application called eSpark (K-3) or Frontier (4-5).  This is a highly engaging educational application and web-based platform that provides students with tutorials, lessons, videos, apps, and assessments designed around each individual student’s needs.  It’s sort of like having a personalized teacher for each student.  Students will work on eSpark or Frontier during supplemental instructional time (after they have finished regular classwork, on the bus, at home, etc.).  Each student’s teacher will have the capability of monitoring the computer use of his/her students from anywhere.  A teacher could actually check to see if her students completed their homework, view the actual homework, and then check the computer use of her students, all from her home before she goes to bed. She could even make comments on their work.

https://www.esparklearning.com/

These devices and associated programs will not replace the instructional practices of the classroom teacher.  They are designed to support the teacher and students as a resource.  They will be used to research, collect information and communicate ideas.  Students can collaborate across distances with classmates, both here at HCS and around the world.  These devices will be brought into the curriculum to both support and enhance the learning.  Ultimately, they will help our children to have the skills necessary to compete and be college and career ready, well into the twenty-first century.

Over the course of the year, a technology team will shape and design procedures for the use of technology in our classrooms.  Plans will be made that define technology purpose and practice.  The community will be a part of these meetings that will culminate in a plan with clear goals.  

If you have questions about this initiative or any instructional practice, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the elementary office.

Kevin Ellis

Hamilton Elementary Principal

Testing Information Night

Tuesday, March 15, 7:00-8:00

Context: Please join me as I share information concerning New York State 3-8 ELA and Math Testing.

Process: Topics of discussion will include:

• Common Core: What does it mean? How does it relate to our instruction?

• What the exams look like

• HCS historical data in relation to our performance

• Data that demonstrates how we use the exams to make decisions about instruction for our students.  

• Ramifications for students that do not receive a “proficiency” score or higher

• Changes to the 2016 ELA and Math exams

• Question and answer session

Outcome:   I hope to help parents to better understand these assessments and for them to make informed decisions about participation in them.  

If you cannot attend the event, we will be recording the proceedings and have it up on my principal’s web-site in the days that follow.  You can find my page on our HCS website by clicking on the “Schools” tab, scroll down to the “Elementary School” link.  I will also include the Powerpoint presentation from the event.

Kevin Ellis

Hamilton Elementary Principal

Common Core: What it Means Here at HCS Part II

Below is a copy of the article I wrote for the Fall 2015 Newsletter.  With State testing approaching, I thought I would republish this, as it relates to our philosophy on the Common Core.

                                      

                                                           VS

                                     

Certainly, you have heard the recent debates over the “Common Core.”  This seems to be a polarizing topic of discussion and one that sometimes finds those at each end of the political spectrum on the same sideline.  I would like to take some time to share my thoughts in regards to this topic.  My opinion comes with 23 years of experience as a teacher and administrator.  It also comes with a great deal of passion and purpose.  I love working in the education field.  I have an unbending desire to provide the best, research-based, effective, instructional practices for all students.  I rarely stop thinking and reading about this work.  It drives me. 

Before we can have a debate about the Common Core, we must understand just what the “Common Core” is.  The Common Core Standards are a clear set of shared goals and expectations designed to help teachers understand the knowledge, skills and procedures students need to succeed.  Teachers and administrators at the local level decide how these standards are to be achieved and are responsible for developing lesson plans and instructional practices within the classroom.  These Common Core Standards are evidence-based, aligned with college and work expectations, and include rigorous content and application of knowledge through higher order thinking skills.  They are also “benchmarked” to international standards to make sure our students are competitive in an emerging global marketplace.  Additionally, the standards are designed to better prepare our students for college and careers beyond high school. 

It is my personal belief that the Common Core Standards are a drastic improvement to any standards that have preceded them.  I would encourage everyone to read them and I would challenge anyone to debate their merit.  These standards are exactly what schools need to help our students compete in the 21^st century in a globalized world.

So what’s to debate?  Here is where the State Education Department got it wrong.  First, teachers needed professional development to understand how these standards would change their instructional practices.  The Common Core asks teachers to teach in a way that many have never experienced.  It would be like asking a surgeon to operate on patients in a way she/he had never been trained for.  Secondly, the State created Common Core Assessments that were/are more challenging and more rigorous than previous State assessments.  These assessments (3-8 ELA and Math) were then used to help determine the value of a teacher (higher student scores = higher teacher scores).  The State Education Department is now requiring that half of a teacher’s value (APPR or Annual Professional Performance Review) be determined by these assessments.  Creating such “high-stakes” assessments puts a strain on both teachers and students to perform well and can cause an unhealthy environment for learning.  Lastly, NYS sub-contracted with a company to create “module” units to help teachers teach the new standards.  These modules are teacher directed, scripted, and a one size fits all units.  This type of instruction actually contradicts what the Common Core Standards ask teachers to do.  We do not subscribe to the modules here at HCS. 

It is our philosophy that the students must take on the responsibility of the learning.  What they learn in school must be applicable to the real world and have purpose.  We believe in establishing independent thinkers and seekers of knowledge.  We want to create an environment for academic discourse and collaboration.  We believe that this can be done only through authentic, student driven learning.  We also feel it is very important to increase opportunities for leadership, creativity, innovation, resiliency and self-efficacy.  We want our students to be self-directed, self-reflective, responsible and appropriate decision makers.  The Common Core Standards allow us to do this.  It’s the NYS mandates (APPR, modules, high stakes) that are getting in the way of the Common Core being something really good. 

All of the decisions we make are carefully considered and are always done so in the best interest of our students.  We strongly feel that our current instructional practices reflect the new Common Core Standards and will help our students become college and career ready with 21^st century skills.  Please don’t hesitate to express your views with me on this subject.  I welcome any feedback that you may have and will seriously take into account your suggestions. 

How Not to Talk to Your Kids

Very interesting article about mindset.  Many of our teachers have read Carol Dweck's book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success."  We also formed collaborative colleagues groups around this topic.  

Please click on link below for article
How Not to Talk to Your Kids

Common Core: What it Means at HCS

Dear Parents and Community Members,

In 2010 New York State, along with 45 other states, adopted the Federal Government's new Common Core Learning Standards.  I’d like to take this opportunity to explain what they are, what they mean for our students and how they affect the learning in your child’s classroom.  

Educational Standards are a clear set of shared goals and expectations designed to help teachers understand the knowledge, skills and procedures students need to succeed.  Teachers and administrators at the local level still decide how these standards are to be achieved and are responsible for developing lesson plans and instructional practices within the

Although the initiative for a “common set” of standards came from the Federal Government, these standards have been designed by administrators, teachers and educational leaders from states across the country.  The Common Core State Standards have been built from the best and highest state standards in the country. They are evidence-based, aligned with college and work expectations, and include rigorous content and application of knowledge through higher order thinking skills.  The designers also looked at high performing countries and “benchmarked” them to international standards to make sure our students will be competitive in the emerging global marketplace.   Additionally, the new standards were designed to better prepare our students for college and careers beyond high school.

Hamilton Central School has embraced these standards and feel that we are well prepared for them.  Over the past nine years we have spent our professional development days designing our instruction to meet the demands of higher level thinking for our students.  The Common Core Standards align perfectly with our instructional practices.  New York State Education Department has developed a web-site to help teachers and parents learn more about what the standards mean.  I encourage all of you to visit this site <engageny.org> to learn more.  Included in the site are informative videos that detail six shifts in both English Language Arts and Math that will help all of us learn about the impact of the Common Core State Standards.  You can also access the standards through <nysed.gov>.  Our teachers have spent many hours redesigning our curriculum to match these standards.  HCS Elementary curriculum maps are posted on the our web-site for parents to see.  

We talk a lot about pedagogy of our teachers and what it means in regards to instruction.  Recently, a parent asked me to explain what “pedagogy” means here at Hamilton.  The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards defines pedagogy as follows:

“Pedagogy refers to the pedagogical (teaching) skills teachers use to impart the specialized knowledge/content of their subject area(s). Effective teachers display a wide range of skills and abilities that lead to creating a learning environment where all students feel comfortable and are sure that they can succeed both academically and personally. This complex combination of skills and abilities is integrated in the professional teaching standards that also include essential knowledge, dispositions, and commitments that allow educators to practice at a high level.”

Simply put pedagogy refers to the “art” of teaching.  I would add to this definition as it applies to teaching here at Hamilton.  It also includes having students grow from a sense of dependency of learning from the instructor to independency or self-directedness.  We call this a “gradual release of responsibility.”  Students also accumulate a reservoir of experiences that can be used as a basis on which to build learning across content, grade level, and the walls of the classroom.  This can only be achieved through highly qualified, evidence based professional development and an acceptance by educators to be life-long learners.  We are committed to this endeavor and will always strive to provide our students with the best “pedagogical” practices.  I invite all of you to spend time in your child’s classroom to learn more about the pedagogy in our school.

Welcome to my Blog!

It is the intent of this Blog to provide parents and community members with key information regarding the activities, learning practices, and policies of Hamilton Elementary School.  Please use this site to find important information and to communicate ideas you may have to improve our parent-school relationship.  The blog will be used to convey current events. I will be adding new features to this site as the year goes along so pay attention for updates.  It is my goal to improve communication through this endeavor.

Thank you for your support,

Kevin Ellis

Elementary Principal