Common Core has arrived
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are underway for all students in Vermont and throughout most of the country. The aim of this multi-state initiative is to ensure that all students are held to consistent expectations that build upon our educational foundation and that will prepare them for college and career.
Sixth graders explore a cosmic sense of space
Throughout the week of Sept. 22, KES sixth graders joined fellow sixth graders from throughout the supervisory union to collaborate as they explored the various scales of viewing their place on planet Earth. Students learned to look at the world in new ways—from microscopy to astronomy to photography. Many thanks to the folks at Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock, our sixth grade teacher Amy Simonds, and all sixth grade teachers throughout Windsor Central Supervisory Union for offering this program to our students.
NECAP Science scores
Fourth graders throughout Vermont took the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) test in science last spring. NECAP Science assesses students’ content knowledge in the areas of physical science, earth and space science, and life science. Teachers use test data to determine future curriculum and instructional needs. NECAP Science scores indicate that 87 percent of Killington Elementary School fourth graders reached proficiency in the statewide assessment, compared to 43 percent statewide. Individual student test results will be shared with parents at upcoming parent/teacher conferences on Nov. 10 and 11.
Starbase Vermont promotes personal development
KES fourth graders’ participation in Starbase Vermont supports the fourth grade curriculum in an engaging manner, building upon earlier learning. The mission of Starbase is “to raise interest and importance of knowledge and skills in youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).” Starbase provides an exciting, hands-on, curriculum involving STEM, personal development, team building, and healthy choices. Established by the Vermont National Guard in 1994, Starbase receives federal funding from the Department of Defense.
Sixth grade spearheads energy awareness
By Peter Sell, KES 6th grade class president
This year, Killington Elementary School is participating in the Whole School Energy Challenge. We will be working with the Vermont Energy Education Program (VEEP,) to reduce energy usage and waste in our school.
The 6th grade is leading this effort and has formed a Green Team. Our first goal is for everyone to pack waste-free lunches and snacks. We can do this by using plastic containers, lunch boxes, and thermoses instead of bags and baggies we throw away. All of those Capri Suns are actually not recyclable, so they end up in a landfill! Our goal of packing a waste-free lunch and snack will begin this week!
Our school’s second goal is to reduce the amount of electricity we use. We can do this by getting rid of extra lights and by turning off and unplugging electronics when not in use. We now have a “Light Patrol” who will turn off lights when students are not in certain areas of the school.
Our third goal is to reduce, reuse, and recycle our paper and other materials. We can use both sides of paper, use scrap paper, and after we are done, we can recycle all paper. We will attempt to use less paper overall, as well. We will be setting weekly goals, so stay tuned!
