Java with Jim

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Q: Why has the 3rd Grade Harry Potter unit been changed?

A: The Harry Potter unit was a supplemental, not required, unit of study that evolved over the past few years.  It had become highly thematic and grown larger than was originally intended.  This year, the 3rd grade team made the choice to choose another book as a supplemental theme of study.  They may go back to Harry Potter at some point in the future.

During the meeting, there were several positive comments from attendees in relation to the overall Blackwell experience.  Specifically mentioned were the Belonging event, PTSA sponsored events and the return of field trips.  

Q: How do grade levels know if they received a PTSA grant and what it was for?

A: Most grade levels submitted grant requests.  Funding for field trips is the most requested.  Teachers have all been informed if a grant was approved or denied.  PTSA will consider getting that information out schoolwide through their communication channels.  There was additional discussion and clarification about the process in general and what type of things are requested.

Q: In the past, there used to be so many field trips as part of the elementary experience.  Could there be more opportunities for field trips and what are the challenges?

A: There are several reasons why there may be fewer field trips than in the past. 

Transportation is a big hurdle.  Using district school busses is a $600-900 option; however, there is a very narrow window of time busses are available after doing all the morning runs, then starting back up again for afternoon releases of the secondary schools, so trips cannot be too far away or too long.  Using a charter bus is very costly, from about $2,000 and on up depending on length of travel.  Finally, the use of private cars presents its own risk vs. reward.  This option requires enough parents volunteer drivers, insurance requirements and managing student safety and booster seats required for most of our students.  

It's generally up to individual teachers or grade levels to decide if they have the capacity and time to manage and put together everything necessary to host a trip.  After Covid, we had gotten away from outside trips and instead began bringing experiences into the school, such as the Toymaker, guest speakers, etc.  Most grade levels do try to get in at least one field trip per year whether off campus or as an in school experience.

Q: Can parents to anything to support staff in arranging more field trips?

A: Yes, reach out to your teachers as they have the final say on what experiences will be offered as part of their grade level.

Q: What are the guidelines for video use in classrooms?

A: There is guidance regarding what content can be shown to enhance student learning and curriculum.  Our curriculums do use many multimedia elements. Aside from that, there are times when videos are used in class on special days (like right before break) or class parties and rewards/celebrations.  Any specific concerns regarding showing videos should be directed to teachers.

Q: Will there be any opportunities for Outdoor Education?

A: In the past, our 5th graders participated in a three day outdoor education camp.  This stopped after Covid and hasn't been offered again.  It's a big undertaking and current staff is focusing on providing in-school experiences as the norm rather than an extensive multi-day experience.  The time commitment for planning and then staying with students in an overnight camp experience is not one our 5^th grade team is able to commit. Our 4th graders explore outdoor education through their salmon unit and the opportunity to raise fish at school and participate in salmon field trips each year.

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