Summer Reading

While preparing our summer reading letter for grade school families, I am thinking about the many reasons I want our children to read. While I do embrace technology and believe that learning can be enhanced in many ways by the use of technology in the classroom and at home, I know that the experience of reading cannot be replaced by any apps. It's the transformation of words that creates a picture in your mind and offers you an escape from your daily life, that makes the actual reading experience so unique.
The following infographic summarizes nicely the many reasons there are to read: Reading Matters
Our GSP library and your public library offer an abundance of ideas that will get you through summer.
If your child likes a little extra reward with his/her summer reading, the following resources are just 2 of many out there.

Beaverton Library Summer Reading

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program

Of course there is also our own GSP Ice Cream Party in September to look forward to, details will be send out to current grade school families tomorrow.
Happy reading!

"The more you know about something the less you fear"

As we are approaching summer I am getting ready to roll out our GSP summer reading program. We all know how important it is for our children to read, but let's imagine for a moment how life would be without books. The following story corps segment was on the radio this morning and it helped me to do just that: Imagine what possibilities arise once knowledge is accessible to you. I hope you have a moment to listen to the story of Storm Reyes.
Story Corps

Road Trip across the USA - brought to you by 4th grade

For the last few weeks our 4th grade students have been busy researching and learning about the states of the United States of America. To demonstrate their learning, this unit culminated in a road trip through the US.
Students prepared a power point presentation that summarized their findings about their particular state - and prepared a display for our own state exhibit. With the help of their families they added a culinary feature to their presentation, thank you parents!
While visiting the stations I learned so many things about the US, about state mottos, birds, recipes for salt water taffy and much more.
Student learning is most meaningful if students are fully engaged, identify with the subject and have fun.
This was a wonderful example of how to do all of this and more!
Thank you 4th grade for helping me learn something new!

Sprachdiplom - German Language Learning beyond Grade 5

GSP students earn top scores on Sprachdiplom

 

Not only do our students study hard they also actually sit down and take the test; even if it is scheduled to take place on a Saturday or during Spring Break. The ladder goes especially for our alumni:  Agnes Rehr-Zimmermann and Annalise Helm (photo, l.) both took the DSDII test, the highest level of testing and the equivalent of a German Abitur-Prüfung in December and followed through by taking the oral part in early January. Meanwhile we have received word that both passed with very good results. 

Congratulations!! Their German language skills now allow them to apply for a course of studies in Germany. 

Our high school graduates were then followed by a group of teenagers who took their written DSDI-test during our Spring Break on Sat. March 22^nd and went on with the oral part on Fri. April 11. Among them were Nicole Krenz and Bettine Rehr-Zimmermann (photo), Keegan Kaas, Isabella Amann, Jakob Hollenbeck and Miles Hoeckel. All of them were joined by alumni Gracie Closson, Hannah Smith, Daniel Sutherland, Ella Ansteth and Annika Peters currently enrolled at Sophie Scholl Saturday School as well as Jule Bauer and Anya Bennett from Gilkey Middle School.

As every year, our 5^th grade students all routinely took the A2 level test in all four categories, listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, and passed, as usual, with flying colors.

Last, but not least our own 3rd grade students participated in the earliest qualifying level for the first time. All students received at least three out of four stars on their diploma. Great job!

Inquiry and observation in the classroom

If you had a chance to visit our first grade classroom lately you probably saw quite a bit of observations and inquiry in action.
First grade students are learning about the life cycle of butterflies and are taking care of their very own group of hungry caterpillars. While they know quite a bit about this topic, they also have a lot of questions! Frau Wester facilitates learning by guiding students through observation periods and documentation of what they see in a journal. For some students this might be still with a focus on drawings and fewer words, while other students are eager to expand their writing skills further.
By making connections to the students' life, learning becomes more meaningful and fun. While the butterfly topic is fairly easy to connect with, we will continue to challenge ourselves to make increasingly meaningful connections between everyday learning and our students' experience outside the classroom.
All classroom teachers are currently in the process to plan our first IB units for early in the 2014/15 school year. These are exciting changes to come our way and I feel honored to be part of this journey and to learn together with you!

International Children's Book Day

Good morning,
today is International Children's Book day and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to the library!
The Beaverton library is an amazing source of book treasures for you and your child. In addition, our very own GSP library offers a great selection of German books to enjoy.
Of course there are many studies out there that prove the importance of reading to and with your child.In addition it is just plain fun! Our students enjoy library time twice a week and I love to see them curled up, immersed in a good book or sharing with their friends what they are reading.
So, to celebrate International Children's Book Day I encourage you to find some time to read together today!
Happy reading!

Caring

As we learn more about the IB primary year program it becomes more and more evident how substantial components of the program are deeply rooted in our GSP community.

Bukesa, Uganda soccer field

The IB Learner profile describes learner attributes that are considered essential to develop into productive learners and well rounded citizens.
One of the learner profiles is "Caring: I care about people, plants, animals and the earth. I help others and care for people and the world."
While we will formally introduce the learner profiles to students and families over time, we are also looking for opportunities to make that connection now.
When I saw our students rally for the Bukesa orphanage this week I witnessed "caring in action". With short notice our 4th grade students were able to collect supplies for Frau West to take to the orphanage. So last week Frau West left with 2 extra bags of soccer balls, cleats, and jerseys.I am sure that children at the Bukesa orphanage will put them to good use!
I am so proud to be part of our GSP community and all the things we can accomplish together!!
Thank you,