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