December 8, 2015

I'm sure you've started the countdown.

Head's Up

It's Computer Science Education Week, and there's a lot of code being written by students in Bentonville Schools. Tag @Bentonville_ps in your Twitter posts so we can share them with @AsaHutchinson. Use the #ARKidsCanCode. You'll still have 112 characters left.

Take a trip around the world with Ardis Ann Choir next week when they present Christmas Around the World, Monday, December 14 at Arend starting at 5:30 pm.

Or join BHS Chamber Orchestra at one (or all) of their three performances over the next two weeks. The Orchestra is performing to raise money for their trip to the American Stringed Teachers Association national conference next March. They are only one of 12 orchestras across the nation to be invited to perform.

Tuesday, December 15, is Bill of Rights Day celebrating the ratification of the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. Besides 1 and 2, can you name the rest? #civics

On December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers launched a technological revolution after tinkering a bicycle into an airplane. We need to foster that kind of innovative, creative experimentation whenever possible. I wonder how they did on the ACT? (Thump, that's me jumping off a soapbox.)

It's Christmas parade time in downtown Bentonville this Saturday. The action starts at 11:00 am.

Washington Junior High is hosting Ozark Stem's FIRST Robotics competition this Saturday. There's also hours of code going all day long.

@bpscommunity

Bentonville Choral Department's NOEL performances over the weekend were exceptional. These students have incredible talent.

I had the distinct pleasure of  accompanying members of the Bentonville Police Department and BPS counselors and social workers during Shop with a Cop last Tuesday. 

If you want to see joy, participate in Shop with a Cop. It's hard to tell who's more excited the officers or the kids. 

I doubt there are many school district's that have a better relationship with their local police department than we do here in Bentonville.

Russ Daniel presented $2,000 to Mrs. Surly's class at CPE to fund their friendship bench project. Centerton Gamble has their projects posted on McLarty Daniel's Facebook page now. And Mary Mae Jones is next up in the middle of January.

Grants & PD

Here's a painless PD possibility to ponder.
This free webinar from ASCD on questioning techniques to promote discussion sounds interesting .

Arkansas Department of Education is conducting a Technology Use Survey from December 1 - December 14.Click the linked text above to complete this survey. Honestly, it takes less than 5 minutes.

Video of the week

In the recent survey sent to staff on social media use in the district, over 90% responded that safe, appropriate use of social media should be taught in school. Over 80% of the community respondents responded yes to the same question. Here's one teacher's perspective on our digital footprints.



Have a great week.