Page 44 – Catapult Learning

Lockerman Middle School Student of the Week

In the High Road classroom at Lockerman Middle School, a “Student of the Week” is recognized and announced at the end of each school week. The “Student of the Week” is honored with earning a certificate, a “Free Rotation Pass”, and their name remains displayed the following week on the “Student of the Week” classroom bulletin board. On November 9th’s Fun Friday, the “Student of the Week” was awarded to Xavier! Xavier is a 6th grader who displayed improvements in self-control and ignoring negative peer behaviors. This was Xavier’s first time this school year taking the “Student of the [...]

2018-11-27T12:00:05-05:00November 12th, 2018|

3 Tips for Effective STEM Instruction

STEM is an engaging, hands-on learning experience driven by inquiry-based learning. Students develop their skills in collaboration, problem solving, and critical thinking to tackle challenges and objectives. With growing career opportunities in STEM-related fields, and the applicability of those 21st Century skills across academic and career disciplines, there is increased attention placed on STEM instruction. Catapult Learning offers supplemental STEM programs and professional learning to support the implementation of effective STEM instructional practices and curriculum. We asked one of our coaches, Jodon Orimaco, to share a few tips he offers to the schools and districts he supports. 1. Organize [...]

2018-11-08T06:50:21-05:00November 8th, 2018|

Sensory-Friendly Movie Night Hosted for Special Education Students

Catapult Learning's High Road School of Wright City hosted a free Halloween-themed Movie Night featuring a sensory-friendly showing of “Hotel Transylvania" attended by 25 people, including students and family members. “During sensory-friendly movies, the lights are left on a little higher. This keeps the contrast of the bright colors on the screen from being so harsh. The movie volume is turned down a bit as well.” The story was published by 70 West Sentinel in Missouri. Read full article

2018-11-22T14:59:47-05:00November 7th, 2018|

How to Foster a Growth Mindset in the Classroom

Teaching isn’t simply about getting students ready for tests. As educators, we know our work goes way beyond that to prepare them for a successful life. In every classroom, teachers have the power and platform to become positive influences, even role models and mentors – especially for students who lack these examples elsewhere. Fostering a growth mindset is key to creating a healthy learning environment where students flourish academically, behaviorally and socially. It also helps them develop an understanding of how to think about and evaluate success. Here are three tips on how to promote this type of thinking in [...]

2018-11-05T14:19:27-05:00November 5th, 2018|

November 2018 Staff of the Month

High Road School of Hartford Primary’s Mr. Raynor Blanton has been selected as staff of the Month for November! Through a process where all staff in the building nominate a peer who exemplifies our CORE 4 values and has been an asset to the team, Mr. Blanton received the most nominations in the building. Mr. Blanton has been working with High Road for 6 years as a TA/ Paraprofessional. Staff members have reported that Mr. Blanton is encouraging and calm with all students and is a team player. Mr. Blanton often steps in after hours to help clean our school [...]

2019-01-20T20:55:22-05:00November 1st, 2018|

November 2018 Student of the Month

Steven Garcia, a 5th Grade student at High Road Hartford Primary School has been selected by staff to be the student of the month for November! One student from each classroom was nominated by staff and then staff members voted on which student exemplified the desired behaviors of a successful student. Steven is a blue student who works very hard every day. Staff members who work closely with Steven have reported that he “has become more vocal and able to express his needs.” In regards to his success, Steven reports that he is a good student who listens to [...]

2019-01-20T20:51:46-05:00November 1st, 2018|

Group Counseling Corner

Our group counseling sessions have been revolving around communication for the past couple of weeks. Topics have included formal communication, phone communication, communicating our feelings, and even communicating during stressful situations like a job interview! The students have done very well. They enjoy role playing these situations and are improving their communication with others in the class at the same time. Win-win! Interviews – Starting and Joining Conversations One way that we practiced starting and joining conversations was by having the students engage in interviews. This was a role play, so the students did not dress up or make it [...]

2018-11-27T10:27:42-05:00November 1st, 2018|

Thanksgiving Feast – 11/16

2018-10-31T22:30:29-04:00October 31st, 2018|

Staff Highlight Jill Fitzpatrick – Oct. 2018

Caroline County October 2018 Staff Spotlight Jill Fitzpatrick ~ Lead Teacher When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I knew when I was in 2nd grade that I wanted to be a teacher. My father was in education and I wanted to follow in his footsteps How long have you been a teacher? I am in my 28th year of teaching What’s the best thing about being a teacher? I enjoy my job immensely. I love teaching students with disabilities and seeing them experience success in school. What is your [...]

2018-11-28T15:06:36-05:00October 31st, 2018|

October Student of the Month – High School

Shelly was chosen as October's Student of the Month because of her unwavering commitment to her success in school. Shelly's attendance has improved significantly, and she routinely completes her in-class assignments without prompting, even going above and beyond by completing extra problem sets or helping her peers. Shelly, a Gold Level student, also volunteers multiple times a week at the Heart Center and has established herself as a leader. She has also recently taken on some on-campus jobs, and has not let these extra responsibilities interfere with her work. The High School staff is very proud of Shelly's accomplishments. [...]

2018-12-15T13:45:12-05:00October 31st, 2018|