Thanks in part to a pair of teachers who rewrote the school’s science curriculum, the science department at J.L. Long Middle School recently received a $15,902 grant from the Toshiba America Foundation to fund its Integrated Investigated Science program.
The program was developed by science department head Armelia King, with the assistance of science teachers Paul Daniel and Karen Gillum.
The educators basically have rewritten the science curriculum for their students, taking an about-face approach from textbooks and putting more emphasis on critical thinking and hands-on, investigate applications.
The program is divided into Science I and II, and covers life, earth and physical science categories. It is designed to appeal to an ethnically, linguistically and socio-economically diverse student population. The Toshiba grant will be used primarily to purchase lab equipment.
Long began implementing the program this year. It has been so successful that the science department is now writing a curriculum to be used throughout DISD.
“We aren’t satisfied with teaching just earth and life sciences,” King says. Physical science is typically not introduced until high school.
“By the time the kids got into high school, they weren’t prepared for the physical sciences and had no interest in taking the advanced science courses.
“We wanted to offer the kids a better way of exploring all sciences,” she says.
Long science teachers are constantly finding ways to improve the program and spend much of their time writing and rewriting the curriculum, King says. The true evaluation will come at the end of the ’93-’94 school year, after this year’s seventh-graders have had two years of this program.
Remarkable performances by Long students participating in recent science meets indicate success already is at hand. At the Talented and Gifted Technology Tournament in February, the Long science team placed first in both earth and life sciences. In individual competition, Long students took places one through four in both categories.
“If that isn’t a true evaluation (of the program),” King says, “I don’t know what is.”
When the program is fully implemented, it will serve as the pilot program for all 26 DISD middle schools.
Zaragosa Pre-K Students Benefit from Shared Teaching
A program at Zaragosa Elementary School recently was recognized in “Scholastic Pre-K Today” magazine for an innovative approach to teaching Spanish-speaking and ESL (English as a Second Language) to pre-kindergarten students.
Traditionally, the classes are separate, but teachers Alicia Valdez and Jo Marie Prachyl have combined the lessons in one classroom.
Approximately 78 percent of Zaragosa’s student population comes from families where Spanish is the only spoken language. The pre-K program is offered to 4-year-olds whose English is limited or whose families qualify due to low incomes.
The program is designed to help children acquire the language skills, both in their native language and in English, that will enable them to be successful when they begin school.
“The majority of the pre-K kids speak strictly Spanish,” says Valdez, the school’s bilingual teacher.
In the shared classroom, Valdez first teaches the lesson in Spanish. Then, Prachyl teaches the same lesson, but in English.
“If we taught simultaneously, where I spoke the Spanish words and then Mrs. Prachyl spoke the English words, the children would ignore the English,” Valdez says.
“This way, they must have all eyes and ears on what is being said.”
The teachers select a theme, such as animals or colors, and decide which vocabulary words to emphasize. Often, they incorporate participatory activities. As a result, the children learn the language more quickly, and have a better comprehension of what is being said. Also, the non-Spanish-speaking children learn Spanish as a by-product.
“These children are like sponges,” Valdez says. “It’s amazing how quickly they learn.”
To make sure the program is a success, Zaragosa tries to involve the parents as much as possible.
“When we started the program, we met with the parents to explain what we were doing, and we gave them ideas of how they could encourage their children at home,” Valdez says. “So far, the parents are very interested in their children’s education and are eager to learn [English for] themselves.”
Each time the teachers begin a new thematic unit, the parents receive a newsletter, written in Spanish and English. The newsletter includes key vocabulary words and questions parents can ask their children at home.
In addition, Zaragosa offers English classes for parents. On Monday and Wednesday evenings, parents may participate in English I and II or a computer class. The free classes are offered at the school.
Valdez and Prachyl are so sold on their teaching methods that they are proposing the same methods to be used in kindergarten through third grade.
Lakewood Elementary Honors ‘Lemon’ Authors
Lakewood Elementary students who wrote “Lemon Poems” and “Picture Stories” recently were honored in a program at the Lakewood Branch Library that culminated the school’s third artist-in-residence program.
The literary works were created by the students under the instruction of Bonnie Kennedy, this year’s artist-in-residence. In addition, a bound anthology of “Lemon Poems” was presented to the library for its permanent collection.
Kennedy spent 12 weeks at Lakewood, teaching the students concepts and processes designed to build self-esteem and self-confidence and to improve their ability to communicate through writing.
The students learned to use their senses when writing and to describe emotions through the use of physical details.
The “Lemon” celebration was partially underwritten by the Sunkist company, which gave the student authors lemons and lemon bars.
An additional highlight was a signed proclamation from Gov. Ann Richards recognizing the artist-in-residence program and specifically mentioning the Lakewood students and Bonnie Kennedy.
Dan. D. Rogers Selects Teacher of the Year
Physical education teacher Carl Moore of Dan D. Rogers Elementary recently was named teacher of the year by principal Rex Cole.
Moore began teaching at the school three years ago after earning an alternative teaching certificate.
Moore initiated and supervises Rogers’ basketball, track and field, baseball and soccer teams with the help of community volunteers he recruited. He has also volunteered on weekends and during the summer to spend time with at-risk students.
In addition, Moore has directed the school’s African-American History Program and assisted with the school’s Reading Initiative Staff Development.
According to Cole, Moore frequently is sought out by other teachers when problems arise with students because they know he will take the time to talk with everyone in order to find a solution.
St. Thomas Students Jump Rope for the Heart
Three hundred and fifty St. Thomas Aquinas students were joined recently by former all-conference SMU defensive lineman Terence Mann for the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for the Heart event.
The kindergarten through eighth grade students jumped rope for three hours.
According to St. Thomas’ physical education teacher and event organizer Monica Holden, Jump Rope for the Heart helps children learn about the heart and its importance.
“Through aerobic exercise, children can develop a healthy lifestyle,” Holden says.
This is the eighth year St. Thomas has participated in the event. Proceeds raised through pledges have been donated to the American Heart Association.
Lakehill Inducts New NHS Members
The Warrior Chapter of the National Honor Society at Lakehill Preparatory inducted new members during a recent assembly. A minimum grade point average of 3.2 is required, plus evidence of contributions to school and community service, strong character, leadership traits and general citizenship.
New members are Lauren Portera, Alisa Marshall and Lauren Marshall. They received gold medallions signifying membership in the National Honor Society.
Lakehill’s PASF Serves Hispanic Community
The Pan-American Student Forum at Lakehill Preparatory cities service to the Hispanic community as one of its top priorities.
Each Easter, club members make and sell confetti eggs, a Hispanic Easter tradition. Proceeds raised from the egg sale benefit “Amigos de las Americas,” an organization that provides health care to impoverished people in Latin America.
The contents of the eggs (the yolk and liquid are removed before the shell is washed and filled with confetti) are donated to Trinity Ministry to the Poor, whose members scramble and serve the eggs at a breakfast for homeless people.
We Missed You, Lettuce, and We’re Glad You’re Back
Students and teachers who eat in DISD cafeterias ate salads made without lettuce during March.
Bad weather in late winter ruined many lettuce crops in California, raising the price from $14.25 a case to $35, school officials said.
Some of the lettuce must have survived the rains because the price dropped back to $14 on April 1, and lettuce lovers across DISD are reported to be happy with their salads again.
Education Notes
J.L. LONG – Long Middle School will present the musical “Hey Teach” at 7:30 p.m. May 13-15 in the school auditorium. The musical was written by David Hirsch, husband of choir and musical director Beverly Hirsch. Tickets are $5 in advance and $5.50 at the door. Contact the school office for tickets at 841-5270.
Calendar
May 7 – Zion Lutheran School Spring Musical, 7 p.m. at the school. Children in grades 4-8 will be participating.
May 13-15 – J.L.. Long Middle School Musical “Hey Teach,” 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. Tickets are $5 in advance and $5.50 at the door. For details, call the school at 841-5270.
