IB CONSULTATION VISIT AT CHANNING HALL: SUCCESS!

Here is a note from Sarah Yerman summarizing the recent visit from the International Baccalaureate Organisation regarding our work towards certification. Way to go teachers and staff!!!

IB Consultation Visit at Channing Hall: A Big Success

The School just completed a consultation visit on Monday and Tuesday conducted by Anne Evans, the regional program manager for International Baccalaureate (IB). She was very impressed with our school, the PYP faculty, and all of the work they have done. She said that our teachers were intellectually curious and recognized that not all schools are as fortunate. During our K-5 meeting and in Anne’s meetings with Heather and Sarah, she shared that she normally does not talk about assessment with schools when she comes for the consultation visit, but that we are very well prepared and ahead of most schools. She strongly recommended that we apply for authorization at the end of the school year and said she saw no reason why we would not be authorized.
She did have some recommendations; most of them having to do with just continuing to do what we are doing and completing several policies and essential agreements that are already scheduled to be completed this year. Some are specific to areas we need to improve but there are very few.
Many thanks and congratulations to the PYP faculty for all of their work, determination, and sincere desire to learn and grow!

What is IB - Math Night Wed Oct 14th

We would like to thank our K-1st grade team for doing such a great job on our first Celebration Night focused on math instruction. The evening started with a brief IB overview given by Mr. Matt. Mrs. Norman then educated our parents on how our math program ties in with IB. Parents then had the opportunity to sit with teachers and do the same hands on learning that our students experience every day. Math Their Way builds comprehension from concrete to connection to symbolic learning. It is a different, more in depth approach as it not only wants students to learn it but truly understand it. The developmental skills learned here will carry over to all subjects. Listening to our teachers explain this program I could feel their excitement and know that enthusiasm is felt by our students as well. I thought is was a great learning experience for all who attended!

BOARD MEETING REPORT- hot off the presses

The board met last night (4 hours ago). Here is a brief report of the highlights.

Ms. Sarah McPhee gave us the teacher presentation about the Antelope Island Field trip and how it integrated several subjects they were learning and presented it in the real world. This was yet another example of 'What is IB?' Check out part of her presentation.



Cindy Moody presented the activities of CHAPS. They have been doing a great job getting ready for Veteran's Day activities! CHAPS membership is only at 37%! Can it really mean that only a third of our parents are actively engaged in their children's education?

The major remaining portion of the meeting encompassed capital expansion plans. The board voted to NOT to implement a 9th grade for 2010 at the current location due to space and time constraints. The board DID approve moving forward with the new expansion. This will include building a 6-9th grade campus of 150 students in each grade by school year 2011. The board is HARD at work looking for land (Can you help with this?), working on bids and researching what will be the best facility. The board has solicited staff wish lists and visited countless schools to make sure we plan the best school for the best price.

Note: There has been some concern voiced that money will be taken from current CH programs to fund the new expansion. That is false! Funding for the new school will be through the new student allotments from the state, bonds and donations. NO money will be taken from the current facility.

Personal Note: Last night a group of 12 dedicated parents gathered after a long days work from 6pm -11pm for free, with hardly a break for pee after countless weekend hours of preparation for the meeting, sacrificing time with their own families FOR WHAT?
GLADLY, For our kids....For Your kids.........

Goodnight. KV

What is IB?

The International Baccalaureate program is icing on the state core curriculum that is used at Channing Hall to make our students so exceptional. But what is it? How does it work? Well click on the following trailer to the upcoming new mini series found only here on the Channing Hall Blog called; What is IB?

CHANNING HALL'S FIRST POSTED TESTIMONIAL

We are looking for Teachers, Parents and students to give us your thoughts and feelings of what makes Channing Hall so special to you. Is there a special incident that made you feel that this is what Channing Hall is about? How has Channing Hall changed your or your family's life? What kind of person has Channing Hall made you? What stands out about Channing Hall compared to other schools you have experienced?

We would love to compile these eventually onto one site for all to see. If your are bashful we will withhold your name. We can take these testimonials in writing or video or any other format you prefer. Just contact any board member to give us your testimonial.

Ashley Nuttall was the first who stepped up to the plate to give us an interview of why she thinks Channing Hall is special.