Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Finch Robots on the Move

Dayton Avenue Students are working collaboratively in the Library Media Center coding Finch Robots.  The coding unit is a result of a grant we secured through Carnegie Melon University.  Cameron Capozzi, a 6th grade student stated, "Finch Robots are brain teasing fun and an interesting learning tool.  His colleague Aaron Vogt noted, "The fun never ends with these Finch Robots."  Not only are they engaging and fun the coding of the Finch Robots require critical thinking skills, vision, and social literacy.  Cameron and Aaron have applied sophisticated computer science coding into their project.  

3rd Grade Rain Forest at Dayton Avenue

Students in 3rd grade transformed their classrooms and hallway into the Brazilian Rain Forest as part of their social studies curriculum.  Teachers and students worked on hands-on activities that deepened their understanding of the rain forest and fostered collaboration.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

ESMPLC Supports Literacy and Technology Integration

Faculty and staff from across the school district are benefiting from the expertise of their colleagues.  The ESMPLC is designed to enhance the pedagogy of faculty and staff.  The PLC classess support district initiatives through coming together to learn from our resident experts and one another in a collegial setting.  Dayton Avenue faculty Jen Arroyo, Jean Marie Zambelli, and Erin Marone are facilitating PLC courses at Dayton Avenue this Spring.

3rd Grade Celebrates Earth Day

Students in Mrs. Defeo's class spearheaded an Earth Day Celebration for the entire 3rd grade.  The students were fortunate to be led in song by Junior-Senior High School History teacher the esteemed, Mr. Defeo.  This was a great way to demonstrate our pride for our environment and come together as community.


Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Writing Curriculum Through The Lens of 21st Century Skills

Sarah Cordova continued her collaboration with faculty and staff from across the district as we work to align writing curriculum in grades 2 through 6 with the 21st Century Learning Skills we believe are essential to student success.

Finch Robots Arrive At Dayton Avenue School

Dayton Avenue School secured a grant through Carnegie Melon University to pilot Finch Robots.  The Finch Robots were designed by the university to meet the 21st century demands of developing the next generation of computer scientists with an expertise in coding.  Boys and girls are learning the 21st Century Skills we believe every student should know and be able to demonstrate to include: collaboration, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, reflection, and synthesis as part of the Finch Robot unit.  Furthermore, students have been asked to "Begin With The End in Mind," as they identified a personal goal for the Finch Robot unit.  Individual goals were posted on a chart board for future reference.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Technology Integration at Dayton Avenue School

Students throughout Dayton Avenue School are integrating 21st century learning skills and technology into their daily lives.  Students are utilizing Khan Academy, Castle Learning, Xtramath, Classroom Dojo and more to support their learning.  Sixth grade students are utilizing the Dell 2 in 1 computers in Writers Workshop as they prepare their feature articles.