 Woburn Public Schools District Newsletter
August 28, 2009 |
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| Tips for Teachers
--Dr. Gary Reese |
 Teaching Vocabulary in the Content Areas? It's as Easy as π (That's the math symbol 'pi' for those less math inclined)! We all know that reading is important, but sometimes struggle finding an appropriate way to teach it in the content areas (ie. math, science, history). Developing language in the content areas is necessary for understanding concepts, communicating concepts, and making real-life applications. There are many strategies for developing vocabulary in the content areas. In this article, the Vocabulary Self-Collection Strategy (Haggard, 1982) will be introduced. In the Vocabulary Self-Collection Strategy, or VSS, students work in groups to generate the list of words from the reading selection that should be explored using their background knowledge and experience. (Thornhill, 2002) As a result, students are more invested in the learning process because the list is self-generated. The process works as follows:
Students are placed into cooperative groups and are asked to look for words in a reading selection that they think warrant further study (i.e., are important to the chapter or reading selection). The groups write down the words and discuss the possible meaning.
Groups take turns sharing words to create a class list. Words and meanings are placed on the board until all words have been shared. The teacher can contribute to this list as well. If groups are unclear on word meanings, glossaries or dictionaries can be used at this time to refine the definitions.
When list is complete, students record vocabulary list in individual journals. There are many ways that you can introduce vocabulary concepts into your content area instruction. Vocabulary Self-Collection Strategy is just one suggestion that students may find engaging. Good luck! | |
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| Greetings! |
As we reach the end of August, another school year is right around the corner. Many people have been working through the summer to prepare schools for the opening of the 2009-2010 school year. I look forward to my new role as Superintendent with great enthusiasm. This edition of the newsletter includes some information about the beginning of the school year.
Mark Donovan
Superintendent of Schools
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| Opening Days of the New School Year |
 The first few days of school are always an exciting time for everyone involved as we renew acquaintances and take on new challenges. Here is the schedule for the first week of school:
Monday, September 7: No School, Labor Day
Tuesday, September 8: All teachers report to their own buildings for meetings under the direction of their principals.
Wednesday, September 9:
8:15-- All teachers and paraprofessionals report to Woburn Memorial High School for our opening day district meeting.
9:30--Professional development workshops for staff
12:45--Teachers return to their own buildings. Individual principals or directors will provide the schedule for the remainder of the day.
Thursday, September 10: First full day of school for all students. The student school day schedule is listed below:
Woburn Memorial High School: 7:30 to 1:51
Joyce and Kennedy Middle Schools: 8:00 to 2:15
Elementary Schools: 8:25 to 2:40
Friday, September 11: Full day of school for all students. |
| Welcoming the Newest Members of the WPS Staff |
 This summer has provided us an opportunity to replace staff members who have retired or resigned with a new crop of enthusiastic educators. When principals and directors make hiring decisions, either Dr. Reese or I conduct final interviews. We feel extremely fortunate to welcome approximately 20 new staff members to our ranks. On Tuesday, August 25th, Mr. Finigan, along with other high school staff members, conducted an orientation for new high school staff members (see photo). On Tuesday, September 1, the district will welcome all of our new teachers during our traditional orientation session. During this day, our new staff members will have an opportunity to learn more about our school system and meet some of the people who help make our system operate effectively. Dr. Reese has added a few new activities to make this day an enjoyable one for all. |
| KIndergarten Teachers Plan for the New School Year |
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On Wednesday, August 26th, several kindergarten teachers met at the Malcolm White School to have some preliminary discussions regarding topics of interest for the 2009-2010 school year. Items of discussion included early literacy assessment (using DIBELS), screening instruments, and possible refinements of the kindergarten report cards. We would like to thank this group of teachers for gathering on their own time in an effort to strengthen the overall kindergarten program. | |
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| Our New Web Site (beta version) is Up and Running! |
 Through the efforts our Educational Technology Director, Barbara Henry, and David Mastronardi (also from the Technology Department) our new web site is now available. While the site is not yet in its final polished form, we believe that it will provide everyone with access to important information about our school system. The home page is based on the same technology as the Clapp-Goodyear information site that has been very successful over the summer.
(When the bugs have been worked out, www.woburnpublicschools.com will bring you to the new site.)
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| 2009-2010 School Calendar |
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| Clapp-Goodyear Merger News: Almost Ready to Go! |
As many of you know, the Clapp and Goodyear Schools are merging in anticipation of the construction of the new Goodyear School. l'm happy to report that the modular classrooms are just about finished. Furniture and supplies have been delivered to each room, and teachers will  be able to get into their classrooms starting on Monday, August 31. Again, we'd like to express our thanks to everyone involved in this project. The schedule was a tight one, but there was excellent cooperation among everyone involved. Personnel on both the School side and the City side deserve special recognition for making this project a success. As always, you can visit woburnps.com for more detailed information. | |
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Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. We'll continue to refine the format so that we can include as much useful information as possible. We'd like to spread the word about the Woburn Public Schools, so please forward this message to anyone who might be interested. Everyone is invited to click on the "Join Our Mailing List" button to subscribe to this newsletter.
Sincerely,
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Mark Donovan
Superintendent
Woburn Public Schools
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