Phillips Recruitment Video

#LATEPOST

Here's a Spring 2013 Recruitment video me and a couple of students produced earlier this year.  The video was shown to potential students during the spring recruitment visits our Admissions Department conducted.   The video (photographs and video) was shot on iPads.

So proud of the narrator Tangela, she's such a nice young lady and the #1 ranked Junior.

2013 Spring Elementary School Recruitment Video from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Phillips Wins!

     Wendell Phillips Academy High School has been awarded the 2013 Chicago Public Schools 'Spotlight on Technology Award'!  The award was given during the CPS Leadership Technology Summit is the ”Spotlight on Technology” Award.  This year’s award honored four exemplary school-based educational technology programs in Chicago Public School. The schools were recognized for visionary leadership to support program development, use of educational technology to promote standard-based learning, innovative uses of technology for instruction and assessment, documented student engagement and motivation, adaptability to meet the needs of all students, high levels of replicability and sustainability, and connections beyond the classroom. 

     Phillips High School was recognized for their ”Behind the Paws” student news program. This program targets the students, faculty/staff, and Phillips support community. Students, otherwise known as crew members, create newsworthy stories that document activities that take place at the school. Crew members serve as anchors, reporters, script writers, sound technicians, set designers, and video editors of this popular weekly program. These students also use a host of technologies, such as iPads, MacBook Pro, and an iPad Spark Digital Microphone, along with the LMC Promethean Board to produce this show. Crew members meet weekly to critique shows/projects and create new meaningful ones. 

Behind the Paws - S1 E14 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

     The ”Behind the Paws” crew members also provide technology assistance for classroom teachers. Crew members assist in highlighting special projects such as classroom lessons/units, assisting with service learning projects, and creating weekly public service announcements on a number of topics. The crew members are also responsible for maintaining a Twitter account, @PhillipsHSBTP.   Phillips is very proud to receive this award!

So Proud!

My students continue to make me proud.  Their on-camera presence and interviewing skills continues to get better with each day.  Their camera and production work is wonderful is very precise and on point.

We needed a tele-prompter and Ariel and Kaylan created their own.

The students are looking for interesting news stories to Tweet using the
ABC and  CNN iPad app. All Tweets are posted on the Behind the Paws Twitter page @PhillipsHSBTP.

The students are interviewing Mr. Brown, Phillips High
School's Refocus Room Manager and Bowling  Coach

 

Behind the Paws Student News Program

"Behind the Paws" - S1 E1 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

     "Behind the Paws", is a new weekly student produced news program at Phillips High School.  The students will be responsible for editing and producing content presented on this program.  The tasks that lead to the development of such a finished product will include interviewing Phillips personnel, shooting video using iPads, writing stories, and editing video.  The goal of this program is to provide students with the skills to create new material and inform peers with Wildcat news, announcements and other school events on video.  
      I am really proud of my students; they have accepted the challenge of learning how to use iPads and editing software within a short period of time.  Their efforts should be applauded.  Please enjoy the video!

"Behind the Paws" - Season 1, Episode 1
Link:   http://www.phillips.cps.k12.il.us/ 
This Segment Includes:
Stories about the Academic Skills Center, John Byrne and Joi Tillman interview.

1st NOOK Book Meeting

Today, the students and I held our first NOOK Street Lit. Book Club meeting.  We met for an hour and discussed K'wan's "The Leak."  The students also enjoyed a 'healthy' book club meal of salad, fruit, granola and juice.  Our wonderful Spanish teacher Ms Carter joined the discussion and checked out a NOOK.  She is just as excited as the students to read the next book club selection by authors Ashley and JaQuavis.

Check out the pictures below from today's meeting.

Salad, fruit and granola

Bacon bits add a zing to a salad

The Spanish olives were a hit!

Our wonderful Spanish teacher, Ms Carter, joined the discussion!

The students discussed a healthy menu for the next book club meeting.

NOOKs in the Classroom - Part I

The day has finally come.  The NOOK Simple Touch e-Readers were introduced Ms Tillman's reading classes.  These students were selected because they are interested in reading books within the Street Literature genre.  The students are especially excited to be the first class at Phillips to use the NOOKs.   The NOOKs were awarded to the Phillips Library through the Chicago Public Schools Dept. of Libraries and Information Services VITAL Grant.  The Phillips library was one in five high school libraries in the district that was awarded this grant.

During the class period, they learned the nuts-and-bolts of handling the devices and etiquette during class.   The students used the Quick Nav Button to access the home screen and library then learned how to swipe and use the side buttons to turn pages.  The students really liked the note taking and built in dictionary feature and want to use them during class discussions.  According to the students, they said these features were, "fly", which means really good!

Ms Tillman and I were really impressed by the students in her 8th period class.  They suggested that they could compare and contrast notes taken by previous classes that had read the same chapters.  I suspect they would like to make this a 'mini' competition between classes.  I'm anxious to see how this will develop over time!   The highlight of the period was when the students read and discussed an excerpt from K'Wan's book, "The Leak."   The class period ended with a lively discussion on how the student's feedback will be valued by Ms Tillman and I.

Take a look at the pictures below of the class periods from yesterday and check back from time to time to see how we progress.

The students learn that their hands must be clean before using the NOOKs.

Ms Boyd uses a ELMO and Promethian board to demonstrate how to use the NOOKs

Reading Teacher Ms Tillman ensures that students are locating the correct book.

This student uses the library menu to locate "The Leak" by K'wan.

Students following along during class.

Ms Tillman demonstrates how to use the page turn buttons on the NOOKs.

This student is participating in SSR.

Ms Boyd assists students that need help.

This student is one of my avid Street Lit. readers.  His favorite author is Sista Souljah.

Ms Tillman's 8th period class.  These boys can't wait to start reading and discussing 'The Leak" this Friday.  Special thanks to Mrs. Jones who took this picture!

NOOK Simple Touch Tutorials

     Later today I will be giving a demonstration on how to use the NOOK Simple Touch eReaders.    After speaking with the collaborating reading teacher, I learned that the students are really excited and ready to read the loaded Street Lit. books on the device.   I checked online and found some cool videos on the Barnes and Noble website that are quite helpful.

 NOOK Simple Touch Tutorial Videos

Get Ready, Get Set, READ!

Yesterday the NOOK Street Lit. Book Club at Phillips met for the very first time.   The NOOKs were purchased through a VITAL Grant that was awarded to the Library Media Center earlier this year.  The students were selected because of their love of the Street Lit. genre and willingness to participate in a weekly discussion about the selected books.  During the first meeting, the students received a brief tutorial about the use of the device and reviewed the three required readings for the week.  One of the books that they will be discussing is, "The Leak" by K'wan.  The meeting wrapped up with the students planning a 'healthy' menu of fruits and vegetables for the next club meeting.

The pictures below describe the students excitement about using the NOOKs.  Stay tuned for another update from the NOOK Street Lit. Book Club.

Notice how my students can multi-task

I can figure this out!

We have three books to read!

We are reading 'The Leak' by K'wan!

I'm going to read these books by Monday!

Which One Should I Select?

At the beginning of the school year, two iPads finally arrived in my library.  These iPads were purchased through a Double Matching Grant I had won late last school year.  I had to delay the delivery due to the summer intersession and I didn't have a secure place in the library to store them.   I was really excited to try out the applications (apps), but I learned later that there are so many!  I was faced with the tough question, "Which iPad apps would be most beneficial for my students?"

http://ipadsincps.blogspot.com/ 

I first visited the iPads in CPS Blog which had a ton of information that was quite useful.  One of my favorite links on the website is, One Place for Special Needs.  This website is dedicated to provide helpful resources and support for the parents of special needs kids.   The website is run by Dawn Villarreal a mother of two special needs children.   The section on iPad apps is really helpful because Villarreal has researched these apps, provided a short synopsis of them and has broken them down by skill set.  The viewer can use her links on the website that redirect to the app store where screen shots can be viewed for further reading.  What's really cool about this site is that all of the apps that appear on the website have been researched and are alphabetized by disability and subject.  When you have an opportunity, just visit her website and see for yourself.

Freshman Lunch Period

When the students learned that iPads were coming to the library, they were excited.  One of the first questions that was asked by the students was, "Are you going to let us play Angry Birds?"  I had to stop and think about the iPad integration from a teenager's point of view.  Then I had to think about this for a longer period of time.   The educator in me wanted the kids to use the devices to complete homework and research.  Would it be problematic for kids to play games on the iPads?   Chicago Public Library uses gaming as a part of it's draw for the YOUMedia Center.  There are CPS librarians that are using X-Box Kinect to promote greater learning and physical fitness.  Finally, librarians have always had board games in their libraries.

Two Seniors Playing Chess

I finally came to the decision.  I would allow a 'healthy' mix of iPad research and gaming.  Now wait, before some of you send me hateful emails, please keep the following in mind.  High school students have a :20 minute lunch.  During this time they can read, study, research, enjoy magazines or socialize freely.   Most importantly, it's a time when they can relax and take a break.   I loaded a couple of popular games like Angry Birds on the devices.  The understanding that my students and I have is the games are for free time and definitely not during class time.  

Here's some of the cool things I have observed take place since integrating 'gaming' apps:

- A couple of members of the Chess Team use the iPads to practice during lunch periods and after school.

- Students enjoy testing their vocabulary by playing Scrabble by themselves or with a partner.

Senior Girl Playing Scrabble

- The video and picture taking has increased heavily.  Students enjoy using some of the Art apps such as Sketch Me to express their creative side.

- Kids that normally would not socialize with each other now do.  It's interesting to see kids that are from different social circles sharing, conversing and demonstrating how to use the iPad.

- Students that are introverted/shy are more social among their peer group.

Just Having Fun

Now please keep in mind, I'm still in the early stages of allowing this type of gaming to take place in the library.  I will revisit this decision at the end of the school year.  Through this ongoing process, I have learned that making the decision to purchase an iPad app is challenging.  It takes allot research, time and patience.   I'm just determined to identify the best apps that my students and teachers can use. 

Bye for now!

Security and Excitement

Several days after learning that I had won the VITAL grant, I began to think about the security of the equipment.  I have a back office that locks in the LMC but I still wanted the extra security in place. After speaking with my Principal, Technology Coordinator and School Engineer, the decision was made to install a metal door that would slide over the office door (see the picture).   Thank you Mr. Sota, Master of the Drill!!!

I'm now in the process of barcoding all of the devices.  This will help me greatly to maintain some order, accountability and my sanity when circulating.  I also see barcoding as a great way to track the usage of each device.  My hope is that this data can be included in my monthly report for my administration.

As you can see, two of my junior students are excited about the arrival of the NOOKs.  Neither have ever used this device and they are ready to get started after the first download.  Currently I have 15 students that will be attending the upcoming information meeting about the NOOK Street Literature Club at Phillips.

Stay Tuned!

A New Adventure!

I will never forget Superbowl XLVI.  It's not because of the New York Giants win over the New England Patriots.  It's not because Madonna performed during the halftime show.  It's also not because I was proud of my college dance troupe, The Southern University Dancing Dolls, performance with Madonna.  I will never forget this Superbowl because I won the Chicago Public Schools VITAL Grant.  Those who were present at the Superbowl party thought I had 'lost it' when I began screaming after reading my award email.   After many nights of writing and revising the grant proposal, the hard work paid off and I was awarded the grant.  

The CPS Department of Libraries VITAL grant supports the re-envisioning of high school library media centers to be hubs of 21st century learning in their schools.  This grant provides technology, ongoing training through personal learning networks, meaningful collaboration opportunities and program assessment.   My school, Wendell Phillips Academy, was one in five high schools in the district that was awarded the grant.  Some of the items awarded in the grant include:

• iPads
• NOOK eReaders
• A MacBook laptop
• A syncing cart
• Assorted iPad peripherals and covers
• Flip Camera
• Gift cards to purchase apps and downloadable books  

Dena Pavlovic

Over the next couple of months, I will be working with a number of teachers at my school to create and teach lessons that will support Common Core Standards through the technology that has been awarded.  The plan is to begin teaching these lessons after PSAE testing.  The teachers are excited and so am I.  

Today I attended the VITAL kick-off meeting where Lisa Perez, Network Librarian for the Dept. of Libraries discussed the nuts and bolts of the grant.  Grant awardees will participate in an online community that will support grant administration.  They will also be responsible for providing some data and student artifacts for further evaluation of the grant's success.  Overall, it was really nice to discuss and share ideas with the other librarians that were awarded the grant.  The presentation from Barnes and Noble Assistant Store Manager, Dena Pavlovic was really informative.   I now have a 'game plan' on how I plan to implement the use of the devices.  

Dept. of Libraries Staff and Grant Awardees

I am so excited about this grant and the opportunities that it will bring.  My students are excited that they will now have a Street Literature book club at Phillips.  My 'regulars' in the library are elated that there will be more iPads for circulation during the lunch periods.  My teachers are excited that they can use additional technologies as an extension of the lesson taught.  Most importantly, my students will have the opportunity to use 21st century technology tools independently prior to college.  For this, I'm grateful.  

Stay tuned for more posts about this grant as well as other events that take place in the Wendell Phillips Academy High School Library Media Center.