MRVED Update - May 1, 2019

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings

May 22nd - Superintendents' Advisory Council

June 12th - MRVED Board Meeting
June 26th - Superintendents' Advisory Council

August 14th - Paraprofessional Conference     *Registration information will be sent out soon.

April 18th MRVED Common Inservice Day

The MRVED staff would like to thank everyone who participated in our April 18, 2019, MRVED Common Inservice Day.  From the evaluations, it appears that the presenters were beneficial to our districts.  We appreciate your feedback in the evaluations as they are reviewed by our MRVED staff, administrators, and the Teacher Advisory Council.

Social Emotional Learning Handouts

A couple of people requested the handouts that were provided at the Social Emotional Learning training with Chad Harlander.  If you would like the handouts, please contact Karen or Brandon at the MRVED and they will be sure to get you what you need.

MRVED - Did You Know

The MRVED offers online learning to our 9 member school districts.  Each district offers at least one course to be taught online that anyone from our other schools can take.  All our courses are elective credits and have helped fill needs in some districts, while providing additional options for others.  Enrollment each semester runs between 60-80 students typically.  You can find additional information about our online learning program at the MRVED website.

Vision/Goals:

• Provide additional course offerings to students without a loss in revenue for member districts.
• Create opportunities for students to experience learning in an online learning environment.
• Provide professional development for educators in the areas of online learning, personalized learning, and integration of technology to increase student learning.
• Promote and support educators in using online tools to individualize, differentiate, and personalize student learning.

Chad Greenway's "Day to REACH" Football Camp

Please join All Pro Chad Greenway of the Minnesota Vikings and the Hutchinson REACH
Program for a team building experience. Campers will build their football knowledge along with key motivational elements needed to succeed in all aspects of life.

Ages: 2019-20 4th-6th and 7th-9th Graders

Date: June 20 & 21

Time: 9:00-1:45

Cost: $50 (Includes Lunch and T-shirt)

Flyer Link

Registration Link

End of the Year Activities

As the end of the year approaches and MCA tests have concluded, teachers seem to be looking for engaging activities for their classrooms.  Here are a couple places to find some great activities.

• Minds in Bloom - 37 Awesome End of the Year Activities
• Cult of Pedagogy - What to Do on Lame Duck School Days
• Edutopia - 8 Epic Ideas for Ending the School Year

Tech Tip of the Week - Khan Academy Kids

If you have kids ages 2-6 or you work with kids in that age range, check out Khan Academy Kids.  Khan Academy Kids is an app designed to help kids learn in a personalized and fun way.  It offers a robust curriculum with a holistic approach to learning.  Take a look today!

Ditch That Textbook - Conclusion

We have spent most of 2019 examining the book, Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller.  If you are a teacher of any age kid, I highly suggest buying this book.

Ditch That Textbook really is not fully about ditching the textbook, but rather more about how you can create effective and engaging lessons for all students.  One could still utilize the textbook as a supplement and I would argue could still be a tool in the classroom, just like your devices or a ruler.  The great thing about this book is that is might question some of your own philosophies of teaching, but that's OK.  This world would be pretty boring if we all agreed with one another.  Learn from it...grow from it.

Ditch That Textbook is a well-written book that is PACKED with great ideas and practical advice.  It's written so people can understand it.  It's not packed with research and/or numbers, but Miller uses his space wisely to give you ideas.  The chapters are short and the reading is fast.  One could read this book easily in a couple sittings.  It would also make for a good book study.  If you ever get a chance to see Matt Miller, take the opportunity.

If you have any book suggestions for next year, please send them to Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).  He's currently looking for a book to highlight in the update next year.