Panther Pride Sustainable Garden

On May 26, 2011 the West Ward Community along with City of Newark representatives, students and faculty from 13th Avenue School and other friends as Greater Newark Conservancy celebrates the opening of the West Ward Panther Pride Sustainable Garden.

Pre-K Mural

The Week of the Young Child gave the preschool classes a chance to celebrate the young learners and their families through a week packed with fun and interactive activities. The children ended the week by inviting the families in to take part in the creation of a collaborative mural. The children used various art supplies and clear shower curtains to make their creations come to life. The artists expressed themselves by adding many drawings including handprints, words, names, shapes and spring related pictures. The murals are now displayed in the front foyer and exhibits the creative mind of these preschoolers. Make sure to check it out! The children and families were very proud of their work.

SMART Table

Under the direction and generosity of Mr. Abdullah Ansari, Director of Network Services and Information Services Division, we received on loan a SMART Table to be placed in a K-12 environment. So what is a SMART Table? A SMART Table is a technological marvel housing a computer with special software, projector, USB ports, battery backup and access panels. In combination Smart Technologies has morphed these devices into a student friendly touch sensitive interactive and collaborative learning tool. Delivered on Monday May 2, 2011 you will find our demo table in room 222.

Ms. McCree classroom teacher has mastered the art of organized learning centers. Upon entering her classroom be prepared for 21st century learning; be prepared for monitored yet excited student clamor at the SMART Table learning center; be prepared to be overwhelmed by cooperative, eager and enthusiastic second grade SMART Table peer tutors; and as evaluators be prepared to be amazed and rewarded in support of SMART Tables.

SMART Table training was provided to both Ms. McCree and myself with a introduction to the SMART Exchange at http://exchange.smarttech.com/ The exchange is a unique web portal containing downloadable lesson plans, Standards-Correlated Lessons, professional development, forum for teachers to connect and more.

Teachers who have Interactive SMART Boards or Tables in their classrooms will confirm the fact that these tools are essential tools for 21st century learning and enable children to learn in a collaborative manner.

On behalf of Thirteenth Avenue School, our Administrative Team, Ms. McCree classroom teacher, and in particular second grade students of room 222, I personally thank you Mr. Ansari for inspiring a new wave of 21st century learning and empowering our children through access.

W.L. Huggins

Thirteenth Avenue School

Technology Coordinator

Whuggins@NPS.K12.NJ.US