Connected Summer Learning via Social Media

What do you get when you combine summer learning with Augmented Reality and the positive power of Social Media?! The answer is pure awesomeness…and students EVERYWHERE are welcome to join the fun.

We’re providing kids a unique way to stay connected this summer.  The poster below contains a very special Augmented Reality (AR) message.  Follow the steps on the bottom of the poster to see the drawing come alive, and to view a summer learning video from Greenwood Elementary School’s principal, Mr. Gustafson.  If you are in a pinch for time and don’t want to print the poster to experience the AR message, just click the image and a YouTube video will play. (It’s not quite the same experience…but you’ll get the important info.)

Connected Learning PDF

After students view the surprise augmented reality (AR) video they can begin creating their projects.  Projects can use any art supplies that parents approve of, but should highlight positive character traits like caring and citizenship.  Posters might include pictures of service-learning projects, cool graphics, or important quotes. So…bust out your markers, glue, and glitter and start creating!  After your child’s Character Poster is completed you can share it using our school’s hashtag.  Students love the chance to share their work with an authentic audience!

Take a photo of your child’s poster and Tweet it to me @GustafsonBrad then add #GWgreats to the message. This project is a fun way for kids to connect to a common project and make a difference over the summer.  We’re so proud of all our students do…and we can’t wait to see the creative work that is shared.

Summer Citizenship Challenge

One of the many things I love about my job as principal is the opportunity to connect with so many students and see first-hand how their learning and growth play out in different areas of our school; how students interact with each other on the kickball fields, in the hallways and at after school events is very important to me.  Just as our amazing staff takes great care to foster high levels of academic learning for our students, we also work very hard to support their overall development as people. 

I’ve heard it said that “everything that can be counted doesn’t necessarily count, and everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.”  There is no state standardized assessment or MCA that prioritizes being a good friend and neighbor, but a student’s character serves as the underpinnings of all they will do and who they can become.  We approach their learning with the understanding that their capacity in the areas of citizenship, respect and caring can be developed.  We thank you for your support and partnership in this as well.

Our school is continuing this partnership to promote positive character development in a fun family-friendly way.  The final character trait of the school year is Citizenship.  On May 31^st we’ll take some time to highlight what this trait means at an all school Character Assembly, and share an exciting summer citizenship challenge that I hope each and every family connects with.  Click HERE to print a copy of our Summer Citizenship Connect Four game!

Thanks for ALL YOU DO to invest in our students.  This awesome adventure called education truly takes a village, and we value your support!

Originally posted May 17, 2013

Inaugural Web Blog Posting

Mr. G soars into the Blogosphere scene!

It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…Wait…It’s a BLOG! Welcome to the inaugural posting of Java & G. I’m a few cups of coffee in to this marvelous morning and find myself prepared to share a highly caffeinated and informative update.

We have a lot of exciting things occurring at Greenwood this summer; here’s a pithy run down of updates and items to look forward to in 2012-2013!

Plans for a new addition are underway and we are hoping to break ground this fall and begin construction of four new classrooms and a new gymnasium.

Development of a virtual tour is being conceptualized. We hope to achieve the perfect blend of innovation and information so that families and prospective families can learn more about our school at a time that is convenient for them. Check back later to see where this exciting virtual project takes us.

We continue to enhance our communications with families and are delving into Facebook, Twitter and more. Your feedback is always appreciated, and we’re trying to meet families where they are at to convey important information while being responsive to your needs and input.

With a growing school comes the opportunity to grow our talented faculty! We are continuing the hiring process and have almost rounded out our team of “new recruits” for next school year. I can’t tell you how excited I am to share more about the team of teachers and support staff that we will have joining us next year. We’re lucky to welcome some VERY dedicated and caring professionals to the team.

Please be sure to check out the Summer Learning Bingo games on the school website. We have some really neat prizes to recognize the effort of students that choose to participate over the summer. A video podcast featuring “Mr. Math” and Mrs. Gibbons is also available on our Facebook page explaining the summer math and reading games. Check it out!

Thanks for an amazing year of learning and fun…have a great summer!

Originally Posted on May 31, 2012
Modifications made & some links/functionality may be missing.