Initiatives and Best Practices Take Over CGMSC!

Several CGMSC teachers and administrators attended the National Middle School Conference at the Indianapolis Convention Center in October. They registered for sessions on ways to use new technology, literacy, and brain research in the classroom. Many are following through by piloting new methods of learning. This fire has led to on-going discussions and encouragement for other colleagues to also try these initiatives. It’s an exciting time at CGMSC! As the old saying goes…”Watch Us Grow!”

8th Grade Teacher Tracy McMahen recently used Hip Hop music and texting to analyze a study of Shakespeare’s work. Talk about engaged students!

Problem Based Learning made the novel, Zach’s Lie, an interesting dilemma in Jeanne Schwartz’s 7th grade Language class. Students were placed in groups and asked to use this methodology to answer the question… Should 7 th grade students continue to read this novel? Presentations were given in a unique format and critiqued by special guests: Dr. Janet Boyle, Dr. Wendy Krueger, and Mrs. Julie Thacker. The power of this strategy is limitless and a good lead into learning communities at the high school!

6th Grade Social Studies teacher, Bryan Turner, has been challenging his classes to learn their Core Vocabulary with a target board, technology, and cooperative learning. Just watch the class percentages skyrocket!

Very recently, Jill Jennings and Jackie Baraso, used differentiated instruction by having their students do “Equations Around the World” – really the LGI- in order to study for their unit test. It was nice to see kids working and traveling together around the room!

CGMSC seventh graders spend almost six weeks of the fall semester on what they call the BIOGRAPHY PROJECT. They are required to select a subject to interview who was born in 1950 or earlier and write a biography of two-three pages about this person. In addition to a biographical essay, they also write a narrative about one event in the person’s life. On the evening of November 18th, the entire Green Team dressed to the nines and welcomed their families. Each student presented a brief statement about something they had learned. Each 7th grader presented with style and grace and made their teachers and families proud!

Each nine weeks, the Blue Team 6th Graders are asked to read a book of their choice. To celebrate, a “Coffee House” is held. Hot Chocolate and cookies are served as the children share their books. Incredible projects have been presented!

These are just a few of the many exciting things taking place at CGMSC! Check our website for more exciting photos. Next time we will share about our teachers that are working on Pod and Vod casting, use of iPods and whiteboards in the classroom, using Blogs for homework dialogue between students and teachers, as well as, the use of newly presented literacy strategies in the different content areas! Keep your eye on our building, and “WATCH US SHINE!”