Minutes January 29, 2014

Mr. Johnston noted that children spend twelve years of their lives in schools and it is important that they become challenged. His example of a kindergarten classroom where two girls begin arguing as a teacher was about to begin lesson, required audience response to "what might you say?" A few moments for the audience to think and he gave the teacher's answer, "Do you need my assistance or can you solve this quickly?" The two girls looked at each other and responded, "We can settle it quickly." He gave a number of examples to help children feel engaged. They become children with stronger social imagination, more able to understand complex narratives. He addressed the issues of talking to children about characters in books rather than about the child. Focus on the characters and the child becomes engaged in reading in ideas that are interesting to them and in sharing ideas and seeking out others who have read the book. How do we want children to be? Compliant, reserved and do what they are told as children, but assertive, independent individuals when they grow up. Copies of Open Minds are available in the Chappaqua Library. The board thanked Mr. Johnston for his time and interesting ideas on engaging our children in more positive ways.

Dr. McKay explained that one of the reasons we invited Peter is because engagement is so very important. Project based-learning and authentic learning brings is what the iLab is about. She expressed her thanks to the Chappaqua School Foundation for all their work and time they have given to this project. This is the beginning of work that will continue across the district.

Eric Byrne introduced the panelists and noted that the most critical work about the iLab besides the design and construction is the teaching that will go on. To help us see where we are and where we will be going, we have a group of teachers, Innovation Fellows who have been work on the curriculum and new ways of teaching for this space.

Robert Rhodes, HG principal - We did a lot of thinking about time, space, technology and collaboration. How do people work together and what kind of space do they have?

Darleen.Nicolosi - Reviewed 21 century skillls. Technology is very adaptive and allows students to navigate in a digital world. She explained the five zones in this design space for a conference room with enhanced communication, a big space, small group spaces for communication and collaboration. It has given them the ability to utilize cutting edge technology.

Chris Louth, Staff Developer. How do we engage students in project-based learning. Project-based learning just like in the real world, gives the opportunity to continually rethink and revise.

Josh Block, Staff Developer, Math, Twentieth century skills are what we use to study how are companies creating new ides, collaboration, information fluency, are all part of what our students will need.

Teachers Chris Priziano, Nicole Diamente, and Steve Walker expressed their roles as teachers with this new space. We are preparing students not for school, but for life beyond. Collaboration is not division of labor but thinking and working together to achieve something that is more difficult that an individual could achieve. Teachers become coach to help students provide research for relevant question and do real in-depth research.

Jordon Chow, Senior. He has seen how technology has sparked collaborate atmosphere and plays a central role in learning and how to have instant access to research.

Eric Byrne explained that based on the number of teachers and students, more students will have access to it. It is not a lounge, but a classroom that has special Uses.

We welcome public inquiries, and in respect for each other's time, we ask that you limit your inquiry to three minutes. Board members may be contacted via email or phone.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at Horace Greeley High School, JointTown/School Boards Meeting - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.