Apple Distinguished South Side

Apple Distinguished South Side....rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? Karen Strikwerda, Amanda Bohle and Jenna Ritsema have graciously accepted the task of representing South Side in the application process that will allow us to be an Apple Distinguished School. Previously, Holland Christian has been awarded as an Apple Distinguished School as a whole. Dan Vos always took care of the behind-the-scenes application hoops and tasks. Thank you, Dan. This year is different. Each campus must apply for this designation.

Why? Why would we ask our three already overworked, wonderfully enthusiastic, loving teachers to add to their to-do list at an already over busy time of year?! Good question. I'm glad you've asked. ;)

I believe the benefits of the process are two-fold for us both internally and externally:

As we as a entire staff begin to examine our student work samples and compile projects we will inevitably hold conversations as such. My expectation is that we will move our integration of technology back in the spotlight of instruction as these conversations take place. It's been several years since technology was a direct focal point in our professional development planning, and rightly so. We've done so much instructional growing and improving in math, reading and writing, the integration of technology needed to take a back seat for a bit. However, the truth remains that our students have a powerful learning tool, iPads, in their toolbox and, as instructors, it is our responsibility to utilize this tool to enrich teaching and learning in the classroom. My hope and expectation is that going through the Apple Distinguished School application process will help us share ideas and creative techniques we each have discovered over time.

Secondly, as I tour and interview new families or prospective families, I currently use a old-school notebook. Part of the Apple Distinguished process involves the compilation of a "book". This book, in digital form, highlights various projects and student work that have occurred right here at South Side. We would gather the work samples. Dan Vos will polish them up and compile them in this beautiful digital iBook. What a powerful tool to share with new and/or prospective parents who are learning who we are and what unique learning we offer our students!

What does this involve from you?

Please know that we are allowing any and all work required by your colleagues, Karen, Amanda and Jenna, to be done during the work day. The month of May holds enough on its own. No one has space for more. They will be doing this work during the school day and have graciously agreed to do so for the good of the whole. Oh my! What can we say? Thank you Karen, Amanda and Jenna!

We need two items from you, please:

Would you please email several student projects or student work samples to Miska? These samples would be work students completed on the iPad. We're looking either for screenshots of work or links created by an app detailing student work. Ideally we're looking for 2 or 3 per teacher. When emailing the link or screenshot, would you please provide a brief descriptor of "WHAT" the project was and "WHY" you chose to use the iPad. We will incorporate these project samples into the iBook and share them with you as well. There are MANY amazing projects you may not even be aware that your colleagues have discovered and are using! I hope you benefit from this collection as well!

Secondly, we need several photos of students using iPads please. Again, two or three of your kids in any learning setting with an iPad in hand or nearby. This will be used in a visual portion of the book.

Wait. What are we asking from each of you?!?!

OK. In summary, we need:

• two or three iPad integrated student project links or screenshots emailed to Miska by Wednesday, May 24. 
• two or three photographs of students from ANY year demonstrating learning with an iPad in the photograph by Wednesday, May 24.

Please don't hesitate to talk with me if you have questions, concerns or feedback. I'm open to listening, learning and improving! 

THANK YOU!!!