History on Tap

The March lead teacher meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 16th, at 4:15 pm.  We will meet at John Tyler Elementary at 4:15.

We just posted the question and answer cards on the 4th grade page (under the appropriate SOL.)  The only SOL missing these cards is 5, but we’ll get those up ASAP. 

We also added a VA Studies timeline to the 4th grade page-it’s listed near the top of the page.

There is an interesting story on CNN today about a group of former civilian pilots during WWII who have never been honored for their assistance during the war.  Fewer than 300 Women Airforce Service Pilots are alive, and about 175 of them traveled to Washington, D.C. to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.

This is a story I haven’t heard before, and I’m glad that these women are finally receiving some recognition for their efforts during the war.

The Institute of International Education and the Toyota International Teacher Program are offering a fully funded seminar to the Galapagos Islands for 2010.  Full time classroom teachers of all subjects and librarians for grades 6-12 are eligible to apply. 

The seminar will take place from November 20th thru December 4th, so you’ll have to have permission from your principal.  However, the program does award your school $500 to help offset the cost of your absence. 

Applications are due May 26th.  For more information and to apply, visit http://www.toyota4education.com/pmwiki.php?n=Main.WelcomeToTheToyotaInternationalTeacherProgramWiki?from=Main.HomePage.

The 4th grade content academy will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.  It will begin at 4:15pm at Simonsdale Elementary.  RSVP to mary.jones@pps.k12.va.us.  You must RSVP in advance to receive materials.

The National Council for Social Studies has organized several workshops this summer.  They’ll take place in a few different cities, with the closest ones to us taking place in Washington, D.C.  For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit http://members.socialstudies.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/events/ConferenceList.html?Action=Find_Events.

I’ve got information on a couple of seminars coming up, as well as a Civil War conference in the fall.

First, in April, there will be a 3 day residential seminar at Mt. Vernon.  It is a completely funded program, and will take place from April 9th thru the 11th.  (Please note that April 9th is the Friday of Spring Break.)  Participants will be housed on the estate.  I’ve included the announcement, application, and schedule.  For all other questions concerning the seminar, contact education@mountvernon.org. 

Weekend_with_GW_announcement[1]

Mt. Vernon Seminar Application

Mt. Vernon weekend schedule

This year’s Presidential Academy will be held from July 11-29 in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Gettysburg.  The application for this seminar is due March 15th.  We had a teacher who attended this a few years ago who had a wonderful experience, learned a lot, and brought back many many materials.  To apply, visit http://presidentialacademy.org/.

And finally there will be a one day conference on the Civil War in September, at Norfolk State University.  This is a free conference and registration is open to the public, although seating is limited.  The conference is entitled “Race, Slavery, and the Civil War:  The Tough Stuff of American History and memory.”  It will take place on September 24th, 2010, which is a Friday.  You can find a list of topics that will be covered, as well as the historians who will take part in the conference at  http://www.virginiacivilwar.org/2010conference.php.  Registration information is also available on their homepage.   

We encourage you to apply for these opportunities!  They often give away lots of materials, and you walk away with new information to add to your lessons.  Good luck!

The 3rd grade Content Academy will be held on Tuesday, March 2nd, at 4:15 pm in Conference Room 1 at IRC.  Please RSVP to Mrs. Jones at mary.jones@pps.k12.va.us.  To receive materials you must RSVP in advance.

There is a workshop for middle and high school teachers on February 23rd at 3:15 in Conference Room 1 at IRC.  Participants will receive a unit plan for teaching the Holocaust.  Please RSVP to Mrs. West at mary.west@pps.k12.va.us.

NEW REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:  REGISTER ONLINE at the Virginia Council on Economic Education’s workshop page http://www.vcee.org/workshop/home and search by SPONSORING CENTER (ODU)  for more information and to register for the workshops. *If you do not immediately receive a confirmation email then your registration did not go through.  Try again, or email Ruth Cookson ASAP.

 Economics in Ancient Civilizations for Grades 2-3

Thurs., Feb 25, 2010    4:30 – 6:30pm 

Virginia Beach Higher Education Center

        Need help finding quality, interactive lesson plans on Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, China, and Mali? This workshop combines hands-on activities and children’s literature to help your students master these interesting yet difficult SOL concepts. Play Ancient Workers relay, teach about specialization, and focus on resources in this workshop.  Each participant will receive classroom materials, a children’s book, and lesson plans. SOL 2.1, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.1, 3.2, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9.  Free.

 Decision Making: Addressing the New SOL Skill in Grades K-12

Thurs, March 4, 2010    4:30 – 6:30pm 

Virginia Beach Higher Education Center

Teachers will leave this session understanding how economics really is a “life skill” and not a dismal science! Kudos to the Virginia Board of Education for adding these essential skills to the revised 2008 History & Social Science SOL to be effective in 2010-11. This session will get teachers ahead of the game by demonstrating various K-12 grade-appropriate decision-making models and cost-benefit analyses as they apply to everyday life. Participants will then divide into grade-specific groups and apply these skills to respective subject content.  Free.

 Picture This!  Bulletin Board Economics

Tuesday, March 16, 2010    4:30 – 6:30pm

Virginia Beach Higher Education Center 

        Receive a set of 12 posters when you attend this workshop.  These posters, illustrating economic and financial literacy concepts, give teachers innovative teaching tools to cover the SOL economics strand.  During the workshop we will review the K-3 economics concepts and learn great tips on teaching them in your classroom.  Connect the concepts with the provided list of children’s literature and you have ready-made interdisciplinary lessons.  Free