TO
at Algonkian Elementary
Mrs. Tracy Mayobre
www.tracy.Mayobre@lcps.com
• Get the Knowledge
• Find the Possibilities
• Defend your Ideas
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Use of the ETM Machine and Ecard System
Students earn money as they learn.
$ 1.00 - $ 6.00 for Center work
$ 1.00 - $ 10.00 for Enrichment
$ 1.00 - $ 2.00 for good behavior, team work, etc.
Withdrawals of $ 1.00 - $ 2:00 for missing binder or bad behavior
Withdrawal of $ 10.00 for a new Ecard.
Use of a registry to document earnings also keeps track of work
completed.
• Using the Ecard Rewards Chart students can spend money at any
time.
• Room is set up in zones so that students can independently locate
supplies.
• Contracts are used to define rules and boundaries so that students
can take risks within a less restrictive environment.
Computer Contract
Programs that need mandatory teacher permission:
According to county and school policies, students need teacher permission to have internet
access while using school computers. If you are working on a center contract that tells you to
use one of these programs, this considered ‘teacher permission’. These sites include, but not
limited to:
1. All Bookmarked sites
2. Internet searches to include: Google, Yahoo, Yahooligans
3. Google Earth
4. Google Image
Programs that need limited teacher permission:
1. Go Quest
2. MS Word
3. Pixie
4. Photo Shop
5. MS Power Point
6. MS Publisher
7. Timeliner
Any programs not mentioned above are subject to mandatory teacher permission. If the student
is working on one project and needs to switch to a different program, permission from the
teacher is needed.
I, ________________________________, understand the terms of this contract and will abide
by the rules pertaining to the use of computers in school. Any violation of this contract will
result in an administrative referral.
__________________________________
___________________________
Student Signature
Date
Center Time
Mon. & Weds.. - 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Thurs. – 9:15 am – 10:45 am
Enrichment Time
Mon. & Weds. - 11:45 am – 12:15 pm
Thurs. -10:45 am – 12:00 pm
LUNCH/RECESS
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Team Time
Mon. & Weds. – 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm
Thurs. – 12:00 am – 1:35 pm
Clean Up & Dismissal
Mon. & Weds. – 1:45 -2:00 pm
Thurs. – 1:35 – 1:45 pm
• Independent Study thru Contract work
• Learn to Earn
• Uses the theory of Bloom’s Taxonomy
• Uses the theory of Multiple Intelligences
• Levels allow for divergent thinking
• Self-discovery through interest levels
•Student/teacher conferencing provides for
clarification and assessment
• Provides task-based assessment
Level 1
Cells, Organisms, Plants
Objectives:
1.Students will investigate single cell organisms, plant seeds and spores through observing, comparing, and
classifying.
2.Students will investigate and correctly use a compound microscope to make observations and measurements
of cells, organisms and plants.
Activities:
1.Two scientists associated with the development and uses of compound microscopes are Sir Isaac Newton and
Robert Hooke. In the folder marked, Scientists, read about them and complete a biography book report on
each of the scientists.
2. Read the booklet, Cell Structure, in the folder marked, Cells. Complete the activity sheet in the folder
marked, Cell Activity.
3. Read the booklet, Pond Life, in the folder marked, Pond. Complete the activity sheet in the folder marked,
Pond Activity.
4. In the folder marked, Microscopes, read how to use compound microscopes. Choose six different prepared
slides to complete the microscope activity found in the folder marked, Microscopes part 2.
Level 4
Biomes and Ecosystems
Objectives:
•Students will learn the difference between a biome and an ecosystem through vocabulary,
internet sites and research.
•Students will create a project that reflects their knowledge of the subject.
Activities:
1. To get familiar with the vocabulary associated with biomes and ecosystems, complete the
crossword puzzle located in the folder marked, Crossword.
2. Using various resources, investigate a Biomes & a ecosystem. Write/type at least twenty
interesting facts . What is the difference between a biome and an ecosystem?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
3. Develop a food web for one of the biomes in the folder marked, Biomes. Use the
vegetation and wildlife lists that are stated on each of the biomes. You can also use the web
sites and information from Activity 2. Use the computer program, Inspirations, to design a
food web for one of the biomes in the folder. Examples of webs are shown below.
• Students complete packets – Levels 1 & 2
•Packets target math, language & reading skills,
problem solving
• Sequencing of skills provides for independent
learning
• Learn to Earn
Authentic Project-Based Learning
SYSTEMS
1. Allows for a variety of learning styles
2. "Real" world oriented - learning has value beyond the demonstrated competence of the
learner
3. Risk-free environment - provides positive feedback and allow choice
4. Encourages the use of higher order thinking skills and learning concepts as well as
basic facts
5. Utilizes hands-on approaches
6. Provides for in-depth understanding
7. Utilizes various modes of communication
8. Assessment is performance-based
9. The learning process is valued as well as the learning project
10.Students are responsible for their own learning
11. Students have ownership of their learning within the curriculum
12. Projects promote meaningful learning, connecting new learning to students‘
past performances
13. Learning utilizes real time data - investigating data and drawing conclusions
14. Learning cuts across curricular areas - multidisciplinary in nature
15. Teacher is a facilitator of learning- provides mini lessons
16. Student self-assessment of learning is encouraged
Q&A
1.
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Are there going to be any field trips?
No
2. What about volunteers?

Notices will be sent home when volunteers
are needed for special activities.

You may come to volunteer in the
classroom anytime. Please remember that
this is not a conferencing time, but a time to
get involved with your child’s learning.
3.

When are conferences?
Conferences can be scheduled at any time. Just
email me at: tracy.Mayobre@lcps.org.
 What

are portfolios?
At the end of the first semester, students will bring
home a folder filled with completed Center work,
Enrichment packets & Team Time work. A teacher
assessment and student self-assessment will be
included. Students should share work in that folder,
and remove the items from that semester. Please
return the folder with a signature. A second portfolio
will be sent home at the end of the year and you can
keep the folder.
5. What is the policy on missed work from the
classroom and homework on the day of
FUTURA?

The policy is in the handout located on my website.
Please feel free to view it. If you feel that your child’s
teacher is not aware of the policy, please address the
matter directly with your child’s teacher and share
the policy with them.
6. What if my child does not want to attend
FUTURA?

There is a withdrawal form on the county web site
under “Gifted” that the parent needs to fill out to
release the child from the program. Students enrolled
in the program will attend until that form is turned in.
7. Are there any supplies that my child
will need?


Most of our supplies are on a donation basis. A
newsletter will go home periodically to update
parents of events as well as needed supplies.
Many supplies that are needed are typically
common items such as tissues & paper towels.
Donations of supplies will be gladly accepted
throughout the year.
Please feel free to tour our room!