Congratulations to Jessica Stewart, Art Teacher at Christenberry Elementary, who was chosen as Knox County's Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations also go to the following Art Teachers awarded Teacher of the Year at their schools.

Anna Boyd, Bearden High

Dwight Brown, Halls Middle

Kathy Coffey, Karns Middle

Lucie Gilot, Gresham Middle

Tammy Gray, KAEC

Tracy Riggs, Pleasant Ridge Elementary

Congratulations to Shellie Ayres, Art Teacher at West High, who represented KCS as a writer for the Visual Arts Standards Revision Committee. Her work will impact all art teachers and students in the state. Congratulations to Heather Casteel, Visual Arts Content Specialist, who was chosen as the Division Lead for the Revision Committee, leading the work for Visual and Media Arts for the state.

4th Tuesday Professional Learning

March session is NOT required. We will meet at Central High and work on Portfolio. There will be peer reviewers to assist, but teachers can also work on their own. Tiffany Eng-Szakacs will host an elementary art lesson plan swap.

The newest resources that have been added to the GT Tier 1 Resources Canvas page include enrichment resources on fractions, measurement, point-of-view, Civil War, and The Great Depresssion (just to name a few). You have access to these and much more by joining the Canvas course using the link below.

From the home page of this course, you can also view all of our department's upcoming offerings for PD. Find a topic and a location near you, and join us for some professional development to better meet the enrichment needs of your students!

Upcoming PD Offerings

Teaching the Advanced K-2 March 23, 2016 Ritta Elem. 3:45-4:45

Math Makes Sense: Nix the Tricks April 18, 2016 Christenberry 4:00-5:00

If you have any questions about accessing this page, please contact your school's GT coach.

Click on this link to enroll in the course:

https://knoxschools.instructure.com/enroll/DJYNKG

Then click "Enroll in Course".

Do you or your parents need ideas for enrichment apps? Visit knoxschools.org/gt (click Resources on the left) to access a listed of suggested enrichment apps and a multitude of additional resources that may be used by you and/or shared with your students' parents.

Thank you to the World Language teachers for providing support to their fellow teachers during the March System-Wide In-Service.  The following sessions were offered:

• Preparing for AP in Latin: Sandy Hughes
• New World Language Teacher Support: Valerie Schmidt-Gardner
• Using Canvas to Improve World Language Instruction: Korey Wheatly
• Using Technology for World Language Portfolios: Dr. Frank Chen

The TFLTA Regional Work Shop will be held at Hardin Valley Academy April 2, 2016. Several KCS teachers will be presenting and attending.  You still have until Monday, March 28th to register.

PE Portfolio

The countdown is on to complete the practice year for the elementary PE portfolio.  Thank you teachers for working hard!  The deadline to submit a portfolio is April 15.  8-9 KCS PE teachers will be portfolio reviewers for the State.  A big thank you to our 4 PE Portfolio Mentors:  Kara Monk, Josh Van Pelt, Renee Graham and Elizabeth Stone.Our fantastic portfolio mentors have led training sessions and provided one on one support to their portfolio team.

Thank You Presenters!

 Thank you to the PE, Health and Wellness teachers who presented and led sessions at our March 1 system-wide in-service:

• Lindsey Bridges
• Brenden Cleer
• Lori Cook
• Renee Graham
• Gina Legg
• Judy Lett
• Rachel McKinney
• Kara Monk
• Elizabeth Stone
• Josh Van Pelt
• Holly Walker

"Let's Move"

Let's Move will be Saturday, May 8 at Victor Ashe Park.  If you are interested in setting up a booth, please contact Ramona Dew, Coordinated School Health or Carolyn Perry-Burst, Nutritionist

KOC Sports Medicine Day

The KOC Sports Medicine Day is set for Saturday, April 23.  Mark your calendars for a great day with our KOC partners!  Be sure to register in two places:  with KOC (link below) and in Randa.  

 http://kocortho.com/sports-medicine-day/

The Office of Innovation and the KCS Magnet Department are excited to announce that we will have several representatives presenting at the Magnet Schools of America Conference in Miami, FL in May.   Sandy Morris (Green Magnet Academy) and Tressie Norton (L&N STEM Academy) will be presenting on the K-5 and 9-12 STEM partnership they have created this year.  They will also present this information at the state conference in May.  Casey Robison, Innovation Specialist, will share with participants how to allow students to shine at a district magnet showcase.  We are thrilled to share the great things happening in Knox County with magnet school representatives from around the country. 

Congratulations to Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy on a successful Legends and Legacy night in February.  Former and current students and teachers celebrated the life of Miss Sarah Moore Greene at an exciting event where fun was had by all in attendance. 

Be on the lookout for information about the Spring Dance and Arts Showcase coming soon about the event taking place at the end of April.  This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the arts at Beaumont Magnet Academy, Vine Middle Magnet Academy, and Austin-East Magnet High School.  

Do you have questions about a magnet school?  Email casey.robison@knoxschools.org for information.  

THANK YOU: To all social studies teacher leaders who presented at the March system-wide in-service, the social studies department extends our sincerest gratitude.

Civics PBL:

Friendly Reminder: Civics Legislation and Project Based Learning

T.C.A. 49-6-1028

1. Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, in conjunction with the social studies curriculum, all *LEAs shall implement a project based assessment in civics at least once in grades 4-8 and at least once in grades 9-12. The assessments shall be developed by the LEA and designed to measure the civics learning objectives contained in the social studies curriculum and to demonstrate understanding and relevance of public policy, the structure of federal, state and local governments and both the Tennessee and the United States constitutions.
2. The Department of Education may seek the assistance of appropriate outside entities, including the Tennessee Center for Civic Learning and Engagement, to assist it with the implementation of any necessary professional development on the use of project based assessments of civics learning.
3. For the purposes of this section, "project-based" means an approach that engages students in learning essential knowledge and skills through a student-influenced inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks.

The Tennessee Center for Civic Learning and Engagement (TCCLE) has available resources needed to meet the requirements of the new legislation. There are multiple standards-based resources to support this teaching and learning, including resources embedded within the curriculum, but you are also encouraged to peruse the resources offered by the Tennessee Center for Civic Learning and Engagement (TCCLE):

http://www.tccle.org/resources.html

Additional Resources:

Tennessee Blue Book

KCS Curriculum

See the Social Studies Schoolwires Teacher Websites for additional standards-based activities.

Professional Development Opportunities:

March 31 at SSPDTC Social Studies Critical Friends (Registration is open on Randa)

May 23-May 27 Grades K-12 Social Studies Content, K-2 Curriculum Revisions, and More! (Registration will open on Randa on May 2)

May 31-June 3 Grades 3-12 Social Studies Curriculum Revisions and Assessment Updates (Registration will open on Randa on May 2)

June 15 Building Better Citizens, Bearden Public Library (Six hours of unscheduled in-service credit available)

June AP PD Opportunities: TBD

July 25 Tennessee History for Kids Second Annual Tent Revival- this will be an inspirational day of teacher training, with more than 30 presenters on Tennessee history, civics, and economics! Visit www.tnhistoryforkids.org for additional information, including registration! Location: Franklin High School in Williamson County

The Knox County Schools Music Department is very proud to CONGRATULATE all of the Knox County High Schools and their band, orchestra and choral music teachers for having students selected to participate in one of the "All East Tennessee" Concert Bands, Orchestra or Choral Ensembles.  

Congratulations to the following high schools and their teachers for having students selected to participate in the upcoming Tennessee Music Educators All State Conference and Clinic.  The students will participate in one of the All State Concert Bands, Orchestras or Choral Ensenbels:

Bearden High School Band, directors, Megan Christian and James Wilson

West High School Band, director, Blake Garcia

Hardin Valley Academy Band, directors, Alex Rector and Chuck Brock

L&N STEM Academy Band, director, Jeremiah Gibson

Powell High School Band, directors, Richard Shaw and Tyler Dieterich

Carter High School Band, directors, Matthew McCurry and Kristin Arp

South Doyle High School Band, director, Steve Taylor

Farragut High School Band, directors, Keith Clupper and Michelle Clupper

Halls High School Band, directors, Eric Baumgardner and Ashley Waller

Central High School Band, directors, Lisa Burden and Chase Ramsey

Bearden High School Orchestra, director, Cynthia Wright

Harden Valley Academy Orchestra, director, Peggy Jones

Farragut High School Orchestra, director, Michelle Clupper

Karns High School Orchestra, director, Preston Davis

Bearden High School Choir, director, Mary Sexton

Carter High School Choir, director, Jessica Strutz

Farragut High School Choir, director, Kenton Deitch

Gibbs High School Choir, director, William Brimer

Halls High School Choir, director, Elizabeth Williams

Hardin Valley Academy Choir, director, Teresa Scoggins

Karns High School Choir, director, Caryn Marlowe

Central High School Choir, director, Angela Hahn

Powell High School Choir, director, Jim Kennedy

South Doyle High School Choir, director, Seth Maples

West High School Choir, director, Drew Carpenter

Congratulations to all of the bands and orchestras that participated in the ETSBO&A Concert Festival and to all of the choral ensembles that participated in the ETVA, J.B. Lyle Choral Festival.  All of our school bands, orchestras and choral ensembles gave an outstanding performance.  Thank you to all of the teachers for all of the work that you do every day to provide our students with a High Quality Music Education.

Upcoming Events:

KCS All County Orchestra Clinic and Concert, March 30, 2016, 6:30 pm in the Farragut High School Auditorium.

ETVA Middle School Choral Festival, April 7 & 8, 2016, at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church.

The Tennessee Music Educators Conference and All State Band, Orchestra and Choral Clinic and Concert, April 13-16, 2016, at the Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

KCS Elementary Honor Choir Concert, April 24, 2016, 3:00 pm in the South Doyle Middle School Auditorium.

State Concert Festival, April 28 & 29, 2016, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN.

FIFTH GRADE NUTRITION ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

Sponsored by: Knox County Nutrition Department, Bush's Baked Beans, Knox County Elementary Reading Department    

• Leyli Izadpanah - Blue Grass Elementary: Teacher- Kelly Masengill
• Sol Schoenbach - Beaumont Magnet: Teacher- Jacqueline Honeycutt
• Connor Davis - Bonny Kate Elementary: Teacher- Jessica Fachman
• Celina Sebae- West Haven: Teacher- Renee Riggs

Each winner will receive a bicycle donated by Knox County Schools Nutrition and a Helmet donated by Bush’s Baked Beans.

 A Barnes and Noble gift card will be given to the Classroom teachers of the winning students.

 Bush’s Best will also be donating a gift for all participants as well as a grand prize for one of the winning students and teacher.

Thanks and appreciation to the teachers and coaches who presented sessions for the March 1st System-wide PD   

We extend HUGE thanks to the following librarians who presented sessions as part of the March 1 systemwide inservice day:

Robin Bennett, Bonny Kate Elementary

Jamie Bevins, Sunnyview Primary

Jessica Carter, Karns Elementary

Craig Casteel, Christenberry Elementary

Karen Cragwall, Karns Middle

Rebekah Ellis, L&N STEM Academy

Ronda Foust, Hardin Valley Elementary

Janet Getz, Cedar Bluff Middle

Brendon Guilliams, South Doyle High

Mica Johnson, Farragut Middle

Sarah Ramsey, Central High

Jennie Randolph, Vine Middle

Angela Roberts, Hardin Valley Academy

Raina Scoggins, Pleasant Ridge Elementary

Greta Schanzenbach, A.L. Lotts Elementary

Suzanne Sherman, Hardin Valley Academy

Alli Shipwash, Copper Ridge Elementary

Brittany Witte, Farragut Middle

Congratulations to Valarie Cagle, Farragut High School English Teacher and Department Chair! Valarie was named KCS High School Teacher of the Year.  

Congratulations to Lea McMahon, Theater Arts Teacher at Farragut High School.  She has completed another short film, SuperMoon, and it will be screened next week in Alaska at the Equinox Women's Film Festival.  For the story about her work as film teacher and a filmmaker, please follow this link: http://www.wbir.com/features/sunny-days-ahead-for-supermoon-1/86875887

Thank you to the 62 Secondary ELA teachers who presented at the March 1 In-Service.  Many more participated in creating posters for the poster sessions and worked behind the scenes.  We could not have such variety of opportunities to share our collective wisdom without the efforts of the following people: Jennifer Smiddy, Qwynn White, Wendy O'Neal, Andrea Ensor, Tobey Nichols, Eric Johnson, Sarah Bateman, Kaitlyn Scanlon, Melanie Thomas, Kendra Perry, Hollie Nawrocki, Lindsey Stinnett, Sarah Lyle, Hannah Martin, Jessica Schwind, Kaitlyn Atkins, Lindsey Witherspoon, James Yoakley, Sandy Lanzoni, Laura Whittington, Morgan Rado, John Gass, Cindy Beeler, Heather Brittain, Kristy Starks-Winn, Chelsie Bennett, Karla Halcomb, Melissa Piercy, Michelle Lauber, Doug James, Glen Ellington, Julie Langley, Nat Scott, Sarah Scott, Anne Fine, Dedra Hall, John Cionfolo, Erin Powers, Jennifer Pace, Karen Rehder, Meshon Crateau, Tabitha Rawlings, Ami Coleman, Shannon Carver, Lindsey McSween, Beth Knight, Amy Evers, Judy Irwin, Luke Bell, Sean Blevins, Lindsey Kennedy, Linda Perry, James Anderson, Jill Black, Aleeta Johnson, Katie Reasor, Riley Brewer, Heather Green, Chad Hensley, Michele Abbott, Julie Claxton, Betty Blanton.

The full summer PD schedue will be released by the end of April, but there are some key dates already in place

Block Party- May 24th from 8:00 - 3:00 with Miah Dougherty as the keynote

In collaboration with the University of Tennessee Center for Reading, the Episcopal School of Knoxville, and our department, we will be offering an all-day workshop  on June 6th with Troy Hicks and Kristen Turner.  They have a new book out through NCTE on digital literacy: http://secure.ncte.org/store/connected-reading  Those who are able to attend will receive a copy of the book.  At this time, there is room for a librarian/media specialist and an ELA teacher from each school. More information will be communicated through department chairs as the details are finalized.

Also in collaboration with UTK, the Freshman Composition department is going to run a workshop for Knox County teachers to share the revised expectations for students at the university level.  Over the past few years, they have redefined their English 101 and English 102 course work.  Through a workshop style seminar, one teacher from each school can attend to work on developing a pieces that reflects the kind of writing that freshmen will be expected to demonstrate by the end of their English experience.  With small group settings, we will be able to gather in feeder patterns to discuss implications for the middle and high school experiences.

THANK YOU to everyone who presented on March 1 Inservice Day. Thank you for sharing how to use technology to impact teaching and learning. 

Visit our website www.knoxschools.org/edtech  for many resources to help support you in your role. 

THANK YOU:

To all PK -12 math teachers who presented at the March system-wide in-service, the Mathematics Department extends our sincerest gratitude.

Math & Arts Integration Update

Vine Magnet Middle Academy is offering an exciting opportunity for 6th graders on March 31, 2016 at 1:10.. Students will draw a life-sized grid outside and plot points by walking to the correct ordered pair, turning the grid into a human coordinate plane that will represent an African Mask as viewed from above. This mask will be a representation of what the 6th grade students have been designing and creating in their art classes.  The Math and CTE departments are collaborating with Vine Middle Magnet Academy and the Office of Innovation on this project and will video tape the process using a drone.

Day 2 for the Middle School Math Intervention Course

Day 2 of the Middle School Math Intervention Course will be Tuesday, March 29.  We had originally advertised the topic for this session to be Expressions and Equations.  After our conversations and reading the feedback, we will spend next Tuesday focusing on fractions.  

Teachers that attended Day 1 of the course can follow the same procedures for subs as you did last time and we will be meeting at the Reading Center next week, same time.  

The Reading Center is located in the Knox Central building: 1000 N Central St. next door to Three Rivers Market.  

Math Curriculum and additional Resources on Schoolwires

All PK-12th grade teachers are invited to submit lessons, activites, etc. for inclusion in the resource folders on Schoolwires. Please submit electronic copies to Gary or Anne at gary.petko@knoxschools.org or anne.stinnett@knoxschools.org. Thank you.

Need Mathematics support? We'll come to you

If a PLC or grade level team needs additional math support, please contact either Gary or Anne, and we'll be happy to support your needs!
Contact us at:

Gary Petko, gary.petko@knoxschools.org

Anne Stinnett, anne.stinnett@knoxschools.org

Carolynn Bilbo, Administrative Assistant, carolynn.bilbo@knoxschools.org

865.594.1736 (Office)