Rising Middle School Parents Learn about Technology Balance
Today, an online group of parents attended this month’s PTA meeting to learn about, among many things, how their children will use and interact with technology during their upcoming middle school years.
In many ways, our students have been preparing for this transition the entire time they’ve been at KAS. They’ve been learning the necessary skills to successfully navigate an information landscape that offers opportunities and pitfalls. Luckily, at KAS, they have the room and the support to be curious and inquisitive, to make discoveries and make mistakes, and to learn and grow from both.
If you were unable to attend the online portion of today’s event, please be sure to check out the slides presented below and contact the KAS Office of Learning Technology if you need assistance navigating the digital currents.
MS Online Databases: BrainPop, FactCite, all GALE databases, Access World News, Research Rocket and Worldbook.
Explora Educator’s Edition provides lessons plans, curriculum standards, and other professional development resources.
Citations
storyvoice
EDpuzzle is a teaching tool used to place interactive content into pre-existing videos from a variety of sources, such as TED or YouTube, or into videos you have made.
Take part in the world’s first live interactive read-aloud show where authors, classrooms and families read, imagine and learn together.
Flipgrid is a website and app that allows teachers to facilitate video discussions. Students are organized into groups and then given access to discussion topics.
Middle School students can visit the library before school, during breaks, and after school. You may check out up to ten books at a time for two weeks. If you feel you need more, please ask!
In the library you will find areas for quiet study, considerate study, and conversational study. Computers are allowed for study, but only in the quiet and considerate study areas, with supervision. Cell phones are not allowed.
If you have a question about research or library resources, email Ms. Kristi at kbell@kas.tw, or come see her on one of your breaks. If you need help finding a book, help finding something new to read, or help checking out because you forgot your ID, please ask at the circulation desk!
See the links below for a curated listed of Middle School resources for you:
Citations
Fact Monster combines essential reference materials, fun facts and features, and homework help for kids.
StoryCorps’ mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.
TTribune consists of daily news sites for kids, tweens, and teens.
Wonderopolis is an informational site that helps kids ask and answer interesting questions about the world.
Science Journal for Kids aims to make scientific research discoveries more accessible to the general audience and particularly to children.
Everything the Library of Congress offers digitally, from various topics, interesting collections, and primary sources.
The Lab is a free, interactive platform for discovering millions of authentic digital resources, creating content with online tools, and sharing in the Smithsonian’s expansive community of knowledge and learning.
Ducksters provides a fun and educational web site with lots of interesting content.
Driven by cognitive science research, ReadWorks creates world-class content, teacher guidance, and integrated tools that improve teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
Congratulations KAS students! You’ve worked hard during the first half of the school year, and we hope you’re able to enjoy a well-deserved rest during our annual winter recess.
Our Middle and High Schools have both published their Semester 1 Academic Reports on KAS Engage at about noon today, Dec 24th. Parents may log in to view them. Students may also see their reports on their student portal at learn.kas.tw.
Whether you’re a parent or a student, please click on the Reports tab to see the Semester 1 report.
Parents, if you’ve forgotten your password, please click the Forgot Your Password? button to have a reminder link sent to you.
https://engage.kas.tw
https://learn.kas.tw
KAS is pleased to start offering you assistance with the purchase of a new laptop for your new Middle School student or new KAS student. By partnering with Studio A, one of Taiwan’s premier Apple resellers, we’ve secured special academic pricing and a free gift, as well as at-school delivery of your child’s new computer.
This program is open to all KAS students. Parents can place their order here, and they will be confirmed by a representative from Studio A. Their company offers simple payment options of credit card online, or bank transfer. Studio A will deliver devices to the school.
Supplies are limited. Orders placed in May will be delivered in July, in time for the start of school.
As a KAS student since Pre-K, Vivian has seen change in herself as a student as well as change in the school around her. She began her studies at the school its previous incarnation and was able to witness the transformation to its modern home as a rising G3 student. “I basically grew up here. I felt welcome by the community.”
Vivian recalls the small campus feel, but is quick to point out the social and academic opportunities that she’s afforded in today’s KAS Middle School have helped her find balance in new ways. When she’s not focusing on classwork, she enjoys ballet dancing and K-Pop. “My schedule can be really hectic. Relaxing or watching movies helps me to balance. The opportunity here to interact and socialize help me to break up my day.”
Most importantly, Vivian has fun learning at KAS. “My favorite thing is my friends. And my classes are exciting, whether it’s an experiment in science, a field trip, or a performance.”
Vivian’s advice to new students is that it’s OK to be overwhelmed at first. “Our Peer Leaders are very welcoming. It’s important to be who you really are on the inside. Take up an extra-curricular option to stretch your brain to think in new ways, and to meet new friends.”
(more…)Adriana is an outstanding Middle School student, and her story is coming soon.
Karley is an outstanding Middle School student, and her story is coming soon.
“Ask me, ‘Why?’ and let me discuss that with my peers. That’s what I love about my classes at KAS.” Christopher especially likes the way this gives him insight into other’s perspectives.
Christopher came to KAS in 2015. He enjoys the freedom that KAS gives him to explore many interests so that he can define success & balance on his own terms.
As a Peer Leader, he recommends new students find ways to make connections, in their studies and in life. It will help you find your “Why?”.
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