Channing Hall BLOG

Channing Hall Holiday Service Project - In Memory of Tomas

2011-12-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Channing Hall students over the last two years have been involved with Operation Christmas Child . Over the past two years CH students have helped send over 300 shoe boxes full of toys, school supplies and toiletries to children in need around the world. What is especially, touching about the project our students are doing, is that it was initiated last year through Melissa Young by Tomas Hollenbach (then in 3rd grade) whose passing we are mourning at this time. Tomas had brain cancer and over the last year his condition had been deteriorating. During this time his poor health but fighting spirit was a difficult but inspiring learning lesson for our students. Tomas exemplified our IB attitude of Caring and our Principle of our students having a sense of their unique calling by contributing to our global community. Even in Tomas's obituary his family carried on this spirit by asking memorial donations to be donated to Operation Christmas Child. Tomas has embodied what we are attempting to instill in our students and we hope they can carry this on in his memory.

Each box had a "card" inserted made by our students

Miss Young and CH students helping to make "cards" to put into the gift boxes

Cultural Awareness Luau

2011-10-11T22:16:00.000-06:00

Pacific Island Luau-

Despite uncooperative weather our 6th Annual Cultural Awareness Family Night, "Pacific Island Luau" was a great success! We had the largest turn out we've ever seen at this event, with everyone from babies to grandparents there to enjoy the night. Cultural Awareness is an important part of our IB studies at Channing Hall. Each year our student learn about the cultures of a different part of the world. We hope that through these experiences they will gain a better perspective and understanding of our similarities as well as respect for our differences.

Anticipation for the evening started early in the day with a traditional roasting of a pig, which was set up on the playground for students to see. The event also included performances from our own students, as they have been learning songs and dances from the Pacific Islands in both Music and PE We also had a museum of student's island themed artwork created in Art class. In addition to student performances we enjoyed a ukulele and singing performance from our Middle School teacher, Mr. Marsden, who lived in the Pacific Islands for a time and from Channing Hall's Tavake family who wowed us with they're dancing, singing and ukulele performances.

During the evening there was also a museum with Pacific Island artifacts on loan to us from the Utah Museum of Fine Art, an exhibit of Island information created by each classroom, Island crafts making flower necklaces and decorating butterflies. There was a tattoo table to teach about the significance of tattoos in the Island cultures. A traditional wood carver displayed his work and demonstrated how it's done. There were food tasting tables which included the roasted pig and other traditional meats, rice, fruits and drinks.

The finale of the evening was a wonderful performance by traditional island dancers who shared dances from many different cultures in the Pacific Islands. The performance was interrupted by rain and wind, but everyone scurried to clean up and move indoors where the performance continued in the gym. Those who stayed through the rain were wowed by the grand-finale Fire-dance!

A big thanks goes out the Cultural Awareness Committee; Shauna Brown, Cyndi Moody, Sueann Fraga and Michelle Crowley, the CHAP Board and the many parent volunteers who made this night a big success! We still have our Cultural Awareness World Travel Day to look forward to in the spring.

IB Learner Profile in Action at CH

2011-10-02T11:35:00.000-06:00

I had the opportunity to capture recent IB principles in play at our school. Sometimes it is hard to remember what those 10 are so I figured if we put pictures to them we can remember them better. Here it is.

Another 2010 Survey Example- CARING

2011-09-14T00:05:00.000-06:00

My Channing Hall student is also very caring and a great communicator. She spends lots of time reading to her little brother and involving him in her homework and school projects. I found her sitting at the kitchen table with her little brother, the other day. She was explaining the Koala bear to him. She had done a report on the Koala and was just setting her brother staight with the facts. When I asked her what she was doing she said " I am teaching my brother, so he will be smart and prepared for Channing Hall". Channing Halls program has given her the best start for education and successful learning, that will stay with her throughout her schooling. I feel the IB Attitudes make the students at Channing Hall better people as well as courageous, responsible and aware citizens of the world. They are our future and the leaders of tomorrow and Channing Hall gives them the opportunity to be the best they can be. Thank you and keep up the great work.

Just a couple more days to fill out the survey with your awesome Channing Hall student stories!

2010 Survey Examples- Open-minded

2011-09-12T22:44:00.000-06:00

Have you submitted your survey for Student Led Conferences? Here are some examples from last year's survey to help jog some IB attitude memories.

My Channing Hall student came home from school one day and told us about how unfair it was that the boys had had to come in from recess and clean the classroom in silence. The girls in his class were given the privilege of spending more time at recess while the boys had to clean without talking to one another. I knew that his class had been covering a unit on discrimination. My son was given an opportunity to feel what it was like to be discriminated against. It was a powerful lesson for him in which he had a chance to think more open-mindedly about other people's circumstances and rights in this world. I think it also made him more caring as an individual towards other people's situations. Our discussion at home about his recess experience lead to a discussion about how the Jew's were treated during World War 2, how women didn't have as many rights in our country long ago as they do now and how in other countries today there are women and races that are discriminated against still. The experience he had opened his mind to a world much larger than the one he had only been acquainted with prior to this experience

Several times, my Channing Hall student, when confronted with statements he didn't agree with from his friends stated that, "It's OK. We can believe different things."

Meet Our 2011-12 CHAPS Executive Committee

2011-09-08T10:33:00.000-06:00

CHAPS Executive Committee

Front Row: Annette Barney, Katrina Bullock, Summer Gordon

Back Row: Dawn Lords, Jennifer Darcy, Kalisa Jenson

CHAPS is integral and indispensable to Channing Hall and what it stands for. The parent volunteers put in tons of work to make some great IB related programs and are great examples of volunteerism and caring. Here is some info from them about their plans for the year and how you can get involved.

The Channing Hall Association of Parents and Students (CHAPS) Executive Committee is excited to be working with the Channing Hall community this year. CHAPS oversees many activities that occur during the school year.

This year’s CHAPS officers are:

Jennifer Darcy – President

Katrina Bullock – Volunteer Coordinator

Kalisa Jenson – Room Parent Coordinator

Annette Barney – Treasurer

Summer Gordon – Secretary

Dawn Lords – President Elect

During this school year we hope to get to know many of our Channing Hall families as we mingle together at the many activities we have planned. In the upcoming months please join us for many different activities. We are really excited about the Cultural Awareness family night coming up on October 10. Channing Hall will be exploring the Pacific Islands this year and our family night will be a good night to immerse your families in a new culture. In November, we will celebrate Veteran’s Day by honoring those who have fought for our freedom. Our committee will also be hosting a free skating night for all Channing Hall families and their friend on December 2 at Classic Skating. In January get ready to read, read, read to help our school earn a visit from a Jazz Player. This is just a small sample of the many activities we plan to have this year.

We look forward to working with you all this year and hope that your families come out and support the fun activities we have planned this year. Remember if you are looking for someone on CHAPS at an activity, we will be dressed in red so we are easy to find!

Introducing the New Board of Trustees

2011-09-01T23:17:00.001-06:00

2011-12 Board of Directors: Left to right- back row; Rachal Milford, Michelle Crowley (president), Heather Evans, Eunie Piper, Debra Didier. Front; Matt Haines, Karl Vizmeg.

The new board finally got together for a group photo. We all loved the idea of it taken in the CH playground. We feel it reflects the fun atmosphere and comraderie we enjoy during our meetings and work that we do for CH. We take our roles seriously but yet can enjoy each other's company and tasks at hand. The board is smaller this year, but the work to do is just as great. So we are looking for dedicated volunteers that might be interested in serving on some of our committees. It's a great way to get a better understanding of the behind-the-scene happenings at our school. Contact anyone of us or the administration if you are interested.

Champion Donor Plaque Updated

2011-08-31T23:41:00.000-06:00

Channing Hall Donors over $500- 2009-2011

We have the plaque updated with our 2011 donors from the end of last school year. I like to see the trend of increasing names each year. The value that CH provides to our children is becoming more apparent by the increasing giving we are seeing.

THANK YOU ALL WHO DONATED! (Check it out in the Lobby)

Everyone and every little bit makes a difference.

Let's keep up the trend for this year!

Welcome Back CHanning Hall Families!

2011-08-21T21:27:00.000-06:00

It's time to kick off a new year!

We had a partial week of school last week to ease us all back to learning and teaching. The excitement is in the air and determination to make another great year is palpable! We had our first board meeting of the school year Thursday and are very excited for this year. As one of our board members said, "We've tackled major things over the last 5 years, but now we can begin fine tuning what we do." It is really true. We have a lot of small improvements planned that alone may not have the flash of a new addition or field but we hope will add up to a great year for our students.

We want to return focus back to the students. And to begin with we want to highlight some examples of our students. Last year we asked you to give us examples of how our IB attitudes are being reflected in your children's actions. We got tons of great examples that have to be shared. Here are a couple to start with and we'll try to bring new ones up often here on the blog. Let us know what you think, or please share your examples. After all, we are all about the kids here at Channing Hall.

RISK-TAKERS

"My Channing Hall student believed that she had been teased for something she truly loves and believes in while at school. That night she put together a talk about respecting others beliefs, tolerance and understanding. This was something she felt so strongly about that she wanted to talk to the class about it. The next day, with the permission of Miss Winnie, she presented her thoughts to the class. I wasn't there to see it, but I'm sure she did a great job and I am so proud of my little risk taker(she was so nervous)."

"My Channing Hall student is a great example of the goals being met and exceeded. When she is afraid and doesn't want to try something new (a new food or a new activity) I often hear her say "I am a risk-taker and I can do this". More often than not she is surprised at how good a new food tastes or how exciting a new activity like a huge waterslide can be. Channing Halls program has given her the best start for education and successful learning, that will stay with her throughout her schooling. I feel the IB Attitudes make the students at Channing Hall better people as well as courageous, responsible and aware citizens of the world. They are our future and the leaders of tomorrow and Channing Hall gives them the opportunity to be the best they can be. Thank you and keep up the great work."

"I was standing with a group of friends at a church-sponsored party recently when a woman I know walked up and said that she wanted to share something. My Channing Hall student had been hanging out with six friends in a corner of the gym where the party was being held. They'd just been introduced to a new girl in our neighborhood--a girl not of our faith and from another country--and had chatted briefly. The girl now stood somewhat awkwardly on the edge of the group when a man who was photographing the party in action asked the girls to pose for a picture. All of the other girls clumped together, leaving the new girl standing 10 feet away and no doubt feeling doubly awkward. My Channing Hall student had her arm around on of her friends just as the photographer was to take the picture but upon noticing the girl, she asked the man to wait a second and walked over to her. My Channing Hall student asked the girl to come get in the picture, but the girl shyly refused. My Channing Hall student then hooked the girl's arm through her own and walked her over to the group of girls. They all posed for a picture with huge grins on their faces.

The woman who told me this story then paused and said, "She had no idea anyone was watching her, but I saw it all. I just hope that one day my (younger) girls can be so caring. That was truly awesome to watch."

While my Channing Hall student is caring by nature, I believe the IB attitudes confirm and encourage her natural tendencies. I really appreciate that Channing Hall stresses the importance of being a well-rounded human being as well as great academics."

CH Yearly Board Planning Meeting

2011-06-02T23:34:00.000-06:00

2011-12 CH Board of Directors


	Karl Vizmeg, Matt Haines, Heather Evans, Debra Didier, Michelle Crowly, Rachal Milford, Heather Shepherd, Einue Piper

Tonight we had the annual CH board retreat. As you can see the theme was the celebration of our 5 years of serving our children. The board for this coming year will be leaner than in the past. Three of last years board members are leaving: Deena Pyle, Angie Lylewhite and Greg Featherstone. We want to sincerely thank them for the incredible service they provided to our school. Unlike the picture shows this was a working meeting and below is the recap of the 4 1/2 hour "retreat". It is a recap of our past year and our hopes and aspirations for the next.

Channing Halls fifth year of existence has been tremendous! The year started out with completion of the 4000 sf addition to the West side. Then we got IB certification, a beautiful annual giving brick walkway and the most successful fund-raising campaign yet. Internally, in the boardroom (library) the not so evident- but significant- accomplishments included streamlined meetings, important policy updates, an Annual report, and most importantly maintaining our financial stability. Indeed, we were even able to provide the teachers with a much deserved bonus after having their pay frozen the last few years due to the recession.

Now for the next year. Under the professional moderation of Kathy Gowans, the new board brainstormed the needs and goals for the next year. We identified the basis of our success so far- financial responsibility, governing by policy, adhering to our vision statement and commitment to the IB principles. These, obviously, would be the core we will continue to focus on. But to continually strive to improve and provide more for our children we searched for further goals. This centered around encouraging more participation of our families in the learning experience of our students. The more parents are involved in their childrens education the greater the outcome- mentally and emotionally. To do this we will seek to improve our communication with the families so they know what is expected, what options there are and how to get involved. Parental involvement at school gives the message to our students that we care. If we show that we care what happens at school, they will care to do better.

We are looking forward to working with more parents on our committees and in the school. We hope to develop an informed community of responsibility, caring, and giving at Channing Hall.

Annual Giving Update 2011

2011-05-19T11:59:00.014-06:00

THANK YOU! THANK YOU ALL!

We had the best and funnest Annual Giving Campaign at Channing Hall this year! This was our fifth year since opening our doors and we wanted to do something special to commemorate the anniversary. So we decided to give our front walkway a face lift by adding a beautiful brick pathway with MEANING! The pathway would showcase our families, businesses and children as part of our Annual Giving drive.

Here is the chronicle of the events as they unfolded.
Eunie Piper and her great committee of volunteers (Wendi Whittaker, Stacy Conologue, Alicia Riddle, Nicole Hawkins, Michael Stout, Monique James, Karl Vizmeg) spent hours meeting and planning the events, mailings and the multitude of details needed to under take the month long fund-raising campaign.

Then there was the planning and work to place the 22o feet of brick pathway. To save significant labor costs and to engage our community in volunteerism we decided to do the pathway ourselves. The preparation day on April 30 started out challenging after 3 inches of snow had fallen overnight! But most of the volunteers showed up and began to work in the mud and snow with a great attitude. (Volunteers: Mike Stout, Jeff Milford, Eric Whittaker, Eric Hacking, Sanford Barrett, Nicole Hawkins, Lynda Shen, Bo Xiu, Juan Rios, Stuart Zeeh and Karl Vizmeg)

Volunteers started working early in the cold snowy morning

Special Thanks to Mike Stout's in kind donation of Cameron Dirt Works Excavator, truck and Skidsteer

With all working almost nonstop for 10 hours the base was finally ready

The following Friday (May 6th) there was a great turnout to lay all the bricks
Over 240 bricks were engraved!

With a lot of work, dedication, caring and community from our Channing Hall families we were able to raise over $60,000. AND able to leave a pathway (both literally and figuratively) for our childrens future.

IB Primary Years Program (PYP) Certification- Achieved!

2011-04-07T16:59:00.005-06:00

After many years of living and learning IB we have achieved certification! As many staff and students can attest it is not an easy process, but it is worth it! Our wonderful, thoughtful students prove it.

So what does this certification really mean?

The short answer is that we have implemented the IB philosophy successfully at our school.

The long answer is explaining what the PYP IB philosophy is. Here's a start:
The goal of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program is to develop learners who become inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers who are knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded and well-balanced.

Can you see your CH child demonstrate the above characteristics?

Answering this question is the next step. We need to see and demonstrate the IB principles in our children. Then we will have a succeeded.

Implementing IB is above and beyond the core state curriculum and it takes dedication from everyone- teachers, board, staff, parents AND children- to make it happen. Through this our students will have the best opportunity become great citizens.

Thank you ALL, who so faithfully worked on accomplishing this goal.

EXTRA! EXTRA! GET YOUR BRICKS HERE!

2011-03-29T18:16:00.003-06:00

This is the final week for annual giving. We have some sample bricks made up for you to get an idea of what you will get for your donation! They look really sharp and strong! They will leave a lasting impression-literally- for years to come! Come into the front lobby and take a look! Put your order in now! Fill in your donation forms and send them in with your students or drop them off.

Oh and your donation is not limited to just the brick costs, we are trying to raise money for YOUR school for YOUR kids to help THEM. There are no administrative costs in this fundraiser so all the money is going directly to benefit the school. There are not many charities that will give you such direct impact. Please donate to the best of your ability.

Thank You

5 1/2 in x 8 1/2 brick: $500

5 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in brick: $125 or 3 for $300

One Brick At a Time

2011-03-07T23:22:00.003-07:00

Forget about politics, Forget about the legislature, Forget about taxes (for now), Forget your anger, Forget your troubles..... BUT

DO NOT FORGET YOUR KIDS!

As you must already know it is Annual Giving time and this year it's being built one brick at a time!

In a short 5 years Channing Hall has made incredible strides and achieved wonderful things. Most of it has been due to parents like you and I. From the parent founders to all the volunteers to our great donors, we have done wonders for our school!

Take the opportunity to stamp your name on our school and continue to build it one brick and one donation at a time.

Thank you for all that you've done.................

Happy Valentine's- Teachers!

2011-02-14T10:59:00.001-07:00

A Valentine for my Teacher

Every day I come to school;
I spend a lot of time
Learning all the things you teach,
Which is the reason I’m
Sending you this Valentine;
It’s meant to let you know
I’m happy you’re my teacher
And I want to tell you so! Happy Valentine’s Day
To my favorite teacher!

By Joanna Fuchs

Cultural Awareness Family Night - Around the USA

2011-02-12T11:42:00.010-07:00

Wow! What an incredible turnout there was for our Cultural Awareness Family Night, Thursday! The gym was packed with activity, excitement, learning and laughter! This year the Cultural Awareness theme was the USA. It was evident that there was A LOT of work put into the events this year! The planning committee; Michelle Crowley, Shauna Brown, and Sueann Fraga worked tirelessly for months to make it happen. But you could also see that there were MANY other volunteers involved. Also, the teachers and students worked hard to make some great exhibits and to help this great cultural experience happen. This has been a very successful event every year which is rich in IB elements of international mindedness and real life education! And it keeps getting better and better!

Here are some images of the great night:

Great Job of describing the fun stuff in our region!

What a yummy way to experience the rest of our country!

A look at the other side of the country and it's rich history

An example of our indispensable volunteers!

Entertaining and educational experience from the "Spirit Eagle Dancers"

The whole night was a celebration of our patriotism for our nation

THANK YOU ALL FOR HELPING, LEARNING AND ENJOYING!

Parental Involvement With Child's Education-Priceless

2011-01-21T13:12:00.003-07:00

Parents are their child's first teachers. Why should that stop once our children start school? As a matter of fact I would argue that it is even more important. Research studies consistently reveal that high student achievement and self-esteem are closely related to positive parental participation in education. Parents AND teachers need to work together to provide the best for our children. To provide the best opportunity for our children's success, parents must find time to participate in their education and schools must provide the supports necessary for them to be involved. That is why at CH we expect parents to be involved. Yes, sometimes that is not easy-especially in these economic times. But we have single parents, working and going to school that are actively helping at the school.
Below is a list of 50 ways parents can help schools in their child's education. Please look at these wholeheartedly and become involved- for YOUR child's sake.

50 Ways Parents Can Help Schools

The Center for School Change (n.d.) lists the following ways that parents can become involved in schools:

Come to school to assist.

Share information with a student or class about a hobby.
Share information with a student or a class about a career.
Share information with students about a country you visited or lived in.
Tutor one or a small group of students in reading, math, or other area.
Help coach an athletic team.
Help check a student's written work.
Help put out a school or classroom newsletter (can also be done at home).
Help sew or paint a display.
Help build something (such as a loft in a classroom or new playground).
Help students work on a final exhibition or project (can also be done at home or workplace).
Help answer the schools' phone.
Help plan a new playground for the school.*
Help plan a theme-based presentation for students.*
Help present a theme-based program for students.*
Demonstrate cooking from a particular country or culture to students.*
Share a particular expertise with faculty (such as use of computers, dealing with disruptive students).
Help students plan and build an outdoor garden or other project to beautify the outside of the school.
Help coach students competing in an academic competition (such as Odyssey of the Mind, Future Problem Solving, Math Masters).
Help bring senior citizens to school to watch a student production.

Help arrange learning opportunities in the community.

Help set up an internship or apprenticeship for a student at your business, organization, or agency.*
Host a one-day 'shadow study' for one or a small group of students about your career in business or some other organization.
Go on a local field trip with a teacher and a group of students.
Go on an extended (3-5 day) cross-country field trip with a teacher & students.*
Contact a particular local business or organization regarding possible cooperation.*
Help to create a natural area outside the building where students can learn.

Serve on an advisory or decision-making committee.

Serve on the school-wide site council.
Serve on a school committee that reports to the site council.
Serve on a district committee representing the school.
Serve as an officer in the school's PTA.
Help organize a parent organization for the school.
Help design a parent and or student survey for the school.
Help conduct and or tabulate results of a parent survey regarding the school.

Share information or advocate for the school.

Serve as a member of a 'telephone tree' to distribute information quickly.
Write a letter to legislators about the school.
Write a letter to school board members about the school.
Go to a school board meeting to advocate for the school.
Go to another school to provide information about this school.
Help design a brochure or booklet about the school.
Help translate information from the school into a language other than English.
Help translate at a parent-teacher conference for people who don't speak English well.
Provide transportation to a parent-teacher conference for a parent who needs a ride.
Write an article for publication in a magazine about the school's activities.
Help arrange for a political leader (mayor, city council, state representative, member of Congress) to visit the school.

Increase financial resources available to the school.

Help write a proposal that would bring new resources to the school.
Donate money and materials to the school.
Arrange for a business or other organization to donate materials to the school.
Help with a fundraiser for the school.

Help other parents develop their parenting skills.

Help teach a class for parents on ways they can be stronger parents.
Help produce a videotape for parents on ways they can be more effective parents.
Help write, publish, and distribute a list of parenting tips.

Source: http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/envrnmnt/famncomm/pa1lk20.htm

How can I be involved in my child’s education?

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content2/How.Involved.html

Nothing feels better than being there to help your child grow.

Channing Hall helps set world record!

2011-01-13T22:00:00.005-07:00

Channing Hall last month helped set a World record in......Speed Stacking!

So how many people were needed to "stack" for a world record?
The final number being submitted to Guinness World Records® for "Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations in One Day" is 316,757 representing 1,627 schools and organizations from 25 countries. We helped make it happen!

Thanks to Rosanne Delaney who organized the activity. She has been incorporating stacking in brain gym to stimulate brain activity. Stacking improves hand-eye coordination and reaction time by up to 30 percent. Sport stacking helps students develop bilateral proficiency equal performance on both sides of the body. By increasing bilateral proficiency, a student develops a greater percentage of the right side of the brain, which houses awareness, focus, creativity and rhythm.

CH Christmas Card

2010-12-25T00:02:00.000-07:00

IB TOY STORY

2010-12-23T22:54:00.004-07:00

Here's a neat blog about an IB teacher in Australia using IB PYP inquiry around learning about and designing their own toys. I find this very relevant in this season of buying. It would be neat seeing our kids delving into the background of toys and their meaning a bit more. Maybe it might make them think just a little more about what they are getting in a couple of days. Just saying.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

Channing Hall Performing Arts- Presents:

2010-12-09T20:53:00.004-07:00

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
A two thumbs up for our own performing arts team tonight at Midvale Middle School. This was a hilarious, cute and enchanting musical that made the one hour performance, over, way too soon. Shelby Evans as Princess Winnifred (Fred) and Winter Brailow as Queen Aggravain did a magnificent job playing the lead roles in the musical adaptation of the story of The Princess and the Pea. Charming supporting roles by Nicholas Nord, Douglas Pahl and the rest of the CH cast made for an endearing time. Our 2nd and 4th grade boys loved it!

ONE MORE CHANCE! They will be performing again tomorrow night at the Midvale Middle School at 7 pm.

DON'T MISS IT! TAKE THE FAMILY!

IB Video on Middle Years Program

2010-12-06T12:27:00.002-07:00

Here's a great video explaining the MYP IB years and what we are working to accomplish. It accompanies the prior post on the PYP years. I'd love to make a similar video with our students since I know our student get it.

VIDEO EXPLAINING IB

2010-11-13T14:31:00.003-07:00

Here's a great video that helps explain in a simple but touching way what IB is and why we at Channing Hall are so dedicated to this method of learning. It's nice to see others around the world get it too. Its even more touching when we see the children get it and can reflect on what they are learning. Refer your family and friends to this when they have a question of what we are trying to accomplish through IB.

Veterans Day Video

2010-11-13T01:01:00.004-07:00

What a wonderful and touching Veterans Day celebration CHAPS put on! We had several veterans of Channing Hall family and friends come to the assembly so that we could honor them. It is was a touching and heart felt tribute for our children to experience and learn the meaning of serving, honor and respect. Thank you all who participated. For those that missed it check out some highlights on the video

.

SETTING AN EXAMPLE

2010-11-02T12:50:00.003-06:00

Rachal Milford, Heather Shepherd, Erin Moreno, and Jessica Lassiter

Ran but not pictured- Linsey Moffat

This past Saturday our Board Chair (Rachal Milford) and Head of School (Heather Shepherd) along with other CH parents ran the Halloween Half Marathon down in Provo. What a great example our leaders are showing to our kids at our Gold Medal school! Way to go ladies!

SAFE Howl-O-Weeeeeen!

2010-10-29T08:51:00.003-06:00

We hear many tips about making Halloween safe for our kids like inspecting the treats before they eat them and safe costumes, but what we don't hear as much is what parents and adults can do to keep our kids safe.

A Centers for Disease Control study showed that during Halloween, child pedestrian deaths rose 4 times the normal average during Halloween!

This is not meant to SCARE, but to encourage caution for our 'Boils and Ghouls'

Here's a few notable safety tips adults should take note of:

Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.

Parents and adults should ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters

Make sure children under age 10 are supervised as they cross the street.

Drive slowly.

Watch for children in the street and on medians.

Exit driveways and alleyways carefully.

Have children get out of cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side.

Spread the safety message.

WELCOME MR. KENT!!

2010-10-20T22:46:00.002-06:00

We are happy to announce Kent Fuller will be starting with us as Assistant Head of School November 1st. Yes, sadly that means our currant wonderful Assistant Head of School, Sarah Yermen is leaving. But we are not yet ready to say goodbye since she will be here for a couple more months to assure a smooth transition.

Mr Kent graduated from the U of U with degrees in Finance, Elementary Education and Educational Administration. He has a long background as principal in the Granite district. What's neat is that he has children that have gone through other Utah IB programs and is sold on the concept. He is on his way right now to an IB conference to get geared up for working at our school. He's invited us to stop in and say Hello once he officially starts in a couple weeks. Please give him a warm Koda welcome when you see him!

PUT A "CAP" ON DRUGS!

2010-10-19T15:19:00.003-06:00

This week is Red Ribbon Week and today students were encouraged to wear crazy hats to remind them and us to- Wear a cap to put a 'cap' on drugs. The Red Ribbon program is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of a drug free America.

In the ER I personally see to frequently young teenagers brought in that have had problems abusing various substances. Recently, I had a 13 year old who "passed out" in Walmart. An empty can of computer air cleaner was found next to him. He admitted that he had been "Huffing" for quite some time. Huffing and over-the-counter cough medicine abuse is a common way for young teenagers to start on a dangerous spiral to abusing more addictive and destructive drugs. I see WAY too many drug related problems that have devastated individuals and families. Please be vigilant of unusual behavior in our children to stop a problem early before it ruins the child's life along with the family's.

Way to go Channing Hall on bringing this awareness to our kids every year!!

DO YOU KNOW TECH?

2010-09-22T09:30:00.003-06:00

THEN WE WANT YOU!We are in need of some volunteers for our technology committee. Also, if technology is NOT your interest we are looking for volunteers to help in the Strategic planning committee and Annual Giving. Here's our Technology advertisement.

ARE YOU A TECHIE?

THEN WE WANT YOU!

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!!

COMMITTEE OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Technology engulfs our daily lives and therefore must also be an integral component in the education of Channing Hall students. The Channing Hall community must ensure technology becomes an integral part of a rich and flexible learning environment that prepares students for college, career and citizenship.

COMMITTEE PURPOSE:

To be a supporting partner with the administrative technology team in order to optimize current technology in the classroom. To progressively assist in funding and adopting appropriate technologies as they develop to maximize educational programs.

2010-11 GOALS

Meet with Channing Hall Administration and IT staff to optimize current technology and implement training programs.
Recruit "experts" to add to the committee who can help with development of long term technology plan.
Create 10 year plan to include budget and funding options in conjunction with Annual Giving, Grant writing and Finance Committees
Develop and fund telecommunication capabilities to help connect CH to the world IB community.

#4 is our most exciting goal for this year! We envision developing teleconferencing units that can be rolled into our classrooms to connect with other IB schools worldwide! We can hold classroom teaching in all parts of the world and experience how IB is taught in other international settings!

HELP US MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!

If you have any knowledge or motivation to learn this please sign up!

Do you know of someone not part of the school that can help with hardware, expertise, software etc? Please let us know or have them contact us.

Contact information:

Karl Vizmeg

(technology committee chair)

kvizmeg@pol.net

801 699-4367

Welcome back!!!

2010-08-18T16:31:00.005-06:00

Can you believe it? Summer's over and we are back to Channing Hall for our 5th year! We have some great projects coming up for our 5th year to celebrate our accomplishments. Speaking of which; how about the new addition and new field! The field is seeded, so now we just wait for mother nature to bring out the green!The playing field looks GIGANTIC!
The expansion is also 2 weeks ahead of schedule and should be completed by the first week of September. Hooray!The portables will be going away soon and we will be adding 9 new parking spaces there instead!

We're getting a great start to the 5th year already!

Let's keep it up!

Taking shape

2010-08-02T16:47:00.004-06:00

Dust is flying, nails are shooting, men are hammering! The expansion is in full force!
All's a whirlwind of activity at Channing Hall working towards completing this as close as possible to school start.
The rooms are being wired. The windows are in.

Even the new field is progressing. The fence is down and the land is about leveled ready for the sprinkler system. Next will be the hydro-seed, fencing and then the patient wait for the seeds of all our planning and hard work to show.

Expansion update

2010-07-14T18:52:00.004-06:00

The floor is in. The face is gone! GO! GO! GO!

Construction update

2010-07-08T23:28:00.003-06:00

Footers are in. Back-fill is in. Let's hope the construction accelerates significantly next week.

Keep tuned in.

Work has started!

2010-06-24T13:29:00.001-06:00

Here's a great sign! Digging of the foundation has begun. We expect it to ramp up significantly soon! Keep posted.

CHANNING HALL EXPANSION HEADQUARTERS

2010-06-21T22:38:00.004-06:00

The CH expansion you have been hearing about finally officially started today. Tune in hear to follow the progress.
Here are the general floor plans for the expansion. We are excited to have all that extra room! the CTE room will even have sinks!!!The second level will have two big rooms plus a breakout room and lots more lockers. We will be adding just a bit over 4000 sf.

The expansion is funded by an American Recovery Act loan, Special ED loan and by a portion of the Annual Giving donations. THANK YOU DONORS for helping make this happen!

FUN RUN 2010! .......FUN!

2010-06-02T11:56:00.006-06:00

Wow! What a nice day and what fun the kids had today! And this was all in the name of fitness and to help the school out. The kids ran thier hearts out then got to cool off with popsickles and a spraydown from Draper Fire. Thanks to all the hard working CHAPS parents for the hard work! THEY RAISED OVER $10000!!!! This money will all go back to the school to help with computer needs.

Heres some more fun pictures of the run.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

2010-05-08T18:10:00.003-06:00

ADIEU! FAIR LADIES

2010-05-06T22:19:00.008-06:00

Sad news! We have two incredible board members stepping down at this time that we must thank wholeheartedly for the tremendous work they have done for Channing Hall.

Holly Sonntag was a parent elected representative for the board and was held on after her elected term. In the relatively short time of service she has energized the board and been instrumental in many important accomplishments for Channing Hall. With her educators background, incredible intellect and boundless energy she lead a comprehensive search of all of our options for expansion. Her crowning achievement was to barter the deal for the new land purchase. She was able to haggle and deal with a stubborn property holder to pen a deal that was much lower than asking price and nearly half of what was offered several years ago. Her spirit, compassion and open-mindedness will be missed greatly. Holly, THANK YOU for all that you've done and who you are!

Alaina Gull, our Chair, also will be leaving and passing on the leadership of the school. She literally has been the seed and the nourishment for Channing Hall. She was an original founder with the vision for Channing Hall AND subsequently the guiding light. The countless hours and sacrifices she has VOLUNTEERED to accomplish what we now have for our children is immeasurable. From the initial organization, through the planning and building to following through for 4 more years to assure success, she had indeed made Channing Hall her life! The heart, the passion and the organization to accomplish this deserves our greatest respect and gratitude. The words THANK YOU cannot begin to express what we owe- but we hope its a start. THANK YOU, ALAINA!!!

2ND ANNUAL CHANNING 'HAUL' FUN RUN

2010-05-05T21:49:00.005-06:00

YEAH! It's back again this year! The 1st annual Fun Run was awesome and with all the great planning for this year I am sure it will be topped! Here are some pictures from last year's event.

This year parents and siblings are invited to run with their students and can buy a Fun Run t-shirt. There will be great prizes, music, fireman AND energetic young Channing Hall students who are learning about health and fitness! Funds will be raised to help pay for needed computer equipment. See your student's folder and the Friday folder for details.

Come show your support and cheer on your student June 2nd 8:30-11:45!

EXPANSION HERE WE COME!

2010-05-01T22:31:00.003-06:00

No more portables! Yay! We are going to expand the school! We've been trying to figure out a way to alleviate the crowding and thanks to some hard work from the board, administration and generous Annual Giving donors we have found a way to add on to the building! Loans and finance have lined up suddenly to make an expansion financially feasible and we are on our way!

The plan is to add 4 classrooms onto the West side of the building along 150 E. We are in preliminary stages of the planning so any suggestions you may have should be brought up at this time. We will be attempting to complete the project by the start of school this fall. We are very excited about this opportunity for our school! We'll keep you posted of more details of the project as it progresses.

WORK PARTY POSTPONED TO MAY 15TH!

2010-04-30T13:50:00.003-06:00

Due to rain, hail, sleet, snow, mud and cold the retaining wall and garden work parties have been postponed. Weather permitting, we will schedule the retaining wall party of 9 am Sat May 15th, break for a lunch and then have the garden work party at 12:30.

Thanks for all that had volunteered and we hope you and many more CH families will be able to join us on May 15th!

Overhaul the Land / Garden Work Party!

2010-04-23T14:30:00.006-06:00

WORK PARTY

Calling all able bodied parents! There will be a work party Saturday May 1st beginning at 1 pm (3pm for garden work)! We are in the process or getting the NEW field ready for grading and landscape work. But in order to get that going we need to do some clean up and build a retaining wall.
We need to continue this block wall for about 60 feet to bring up the elevation of the property for grading. Here's a list of what we need:

Parents to help with the wall
Parents to supervise the kids (families welcome) on the playground
Dump truck or trailer (if anyone has access to one)
Tractor with tiller or bucket
Gloves, shovels, rakes, picks and rakes
Topsoil (for the garden)
Access to retaining wall blocks?
$$$ donations!

GARDEN WORK PARTY

The first grade is working to improve their garden conditions. The garden work will begin the same day at 3 pm. So if the volunteers can stay longer to help that would be great. Else, if you can't make it by 1 pm come at 3 pm. We will be removing a large amount of the clay dirt in the garden and replacing it with more suitable topsoil.

Please bring the family and join the Channing Hall community for a bit of work and a lot of fun and socializing. Several board members will be present to talk to and have some of your questions answered. Light refreshments will be served.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Let me (Karl- kvizmeg@channinghall.net) know if and how many are coming or if you have any questions.

We hope to see you ALL there!

HAPPY SPRI-NTER BREAK AND EASTER!

2010-04-01T22:05:00.009-06:00

Make the best of it! HAPPY EASTER!

Borrowed from http://floatingrabbit.blogspot.com/2009/06/snow-in-spring.html

GREEN THUMBS AND MUSCLES NEEDED!

2010-03-24T09:24:00.004-06:00

We are in the process of fixing up the new property! Our goal is to grade the land, put in sprinklers and seed it this early spring! We are looking for landscapers to offer help in planning and implementation but will also need a lot of parents that have time and muscle to donate for trenching, raking and building a retaining wall. Supplies such as sprinkler pipes and retaining blocks would be great! Email me at: kvizmeg@channinghall.net if you know of someone that can help.

Now that we own it let's work on making it look better and getting some use out of it for our kids!

CHANNING HALL GLUE

2010-03-18T10:37:00.003-06:00

This is a personal reflection I want to share with our CH community and not a general board note. Since our last board meeting I've been reflecting upon why my family chose to be part of CH and why I feel so comfortable on the board.

To come to CH every family had to make an active chose to leave the default system of public education, get on a waiting list and having to drive their children to school. This was at least a little bit inconvenient. Yet all of us did it. Why? I am sure there are many reasons our families could list. But one commonality I believe for all of us is that we wanted something BETTER for our children. This I believe is our glue and bond. We CARED about our children's education enough to take an active role in changing the default option.

In our situation when considering CH as a place for our boys, we were looking for a place that had at least the potential for exploration of and tolerance for diverse perspectives. And I feel we've gotten that. There are many ideologies, beliefs and practices among our families that in many cases might be cause for a strained atmosphere or even rejection of certain members not following the norm. but yet I feel that there is an acceptance of this "diversity" at our school. The reason for this, I believe is that "glue" that we have in common- that we actively "care" about our children. We are able through this focus to accept each other for who we are and work together to achieve our goal- the best for our children.

And that is what is reflected on our board. Personally, as is glaringly evident by my appearance, I am obviously not a member of the norm in this community, So I was initially surprised and heartened that I would be asked to serve. But as I have learned about the members of the board, it has been evident that we are diverse. We have a rich mixture of varied beliefs, histories and experiences, some following the norm and others not. But yet we all have a common belief: And that is, that we want the best for our children at Channing Hall. Furthermore, our bond has been greatly cemented by the countless hours spent together on that single mission. And that, I believe is our hope for the CH community as a whole.

We hope that our family bonds can grow stronger through everyone's desire to help our children and our students. That is a large reason that there has been such a large emphasis on the level of participation- even over that of the amount of money raised- in our Annual Giving campaign. We hope that the CH community can demonstrate unity and support by participating in giving to our school. The amount of the giving is left up to the families, since that ability is as diverse as our beliefs. Give what you are able as a sign of our cohesion for our children.

ALMOST THERE!

2010-03-17T14:06:00.003-06:00

Happy St Patty's Day! Happy End of Annual Giving Day! Yes, this is the "official" end of the Annual Giving drive and we are at 60% participation (as of yesterday-the 16th).
This is good and bad.

The Bad: We have not yet reached our 75% family participation level to receive the matching $10000.

The Good: At this time last year we were farther behind in our participation level.

The other Good: The donor has extended the time frame to achieve the donation level.

The other Bad: The board will be calling those families that we have not heard from to beg for their participation.

We cannot leave the $10000 on the table so we must do everything we can to have over 75% of our families contribute to the betterment of our children at Channing Hall. And we wont apologize for that.

What are the chances we will reach the 75% goal today on the last day of the drive? Pray....

I PAY TAXES FOR MY CHILD'S EDUCATION

2010-03-14T20:14:00.004-06:00

It is a greater work to educate a child, in the true and larger sense of the word, than to rule a state. William Ellery Channing

Education is more than a luxury; it is a responsibility that society owes to itself. Robin Cook

Education is not the filling of a pail,but the lighting of a fire. Wiliam Butler Yeats

Yes. We pay taxes that go to education, but it is embarrassing that in Utah we would settle to invest the least of any state for our children. Let's not settle for the least at Channing Hall.

LAST WEEK TO GIVE.........!!!!!!

GRANDPARENTS DAY VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

2010-03-08T01:05:00.003-07:00

As noted earlier the Grandparents and Special Friends Day annual giving assembly was great fun and very inspiring. Here's a short 10 minute video of some of the highlights. Pass it on to family and friends who couldn't make it. It's not too late for them to donate to Channing Hall.

Thank You ALL who have helped our children out!

We are only 1 1/2 weeks away from the end of the drive. Please, Please help us out if you haven't done so to this point. We are getting nervous that we may not get to the 75% participation level to get the matching $10,000!

ANNUAL GIVING GRANDPARENTS DAY-SUCCESS!

2010-03-05T23:07:00.002-07:00

The first Annual Giving Grandparents and Special Friends Day at Channing Hall was tremendous and surpassed our expectations! Eunie Piper, the chair of our AG committee who lead a tremendous team had this to say about the event:

"Hi everyone!
I think I’m still on a high from today’s events. From the moment that the 1st graders sang their first words to “I’m Proud to be an American” to being awed by each of our wonderful and gracious speakers, to graciously receiving donations from our special grandparents--I was thoroughly taken aback of how wonderful our school was and so very thankful and grateful for each of you because you all made this inspiring event happen. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all your work to make this day happen! I’m amongst giants and the most wonderful parents ever!

Much love and adoration to each of you!"

I couldn't have put it any more eloquently. Thanks Eunie.

VISIT CH THIS FRIDAY!

2010-03-02T21:33:00.004-07:00

It's not too late to come to our "Grandparents" Day Annual Giving Assembly this Friday (March 5th at 2 pm). Come and see what Channing Hall is about. Everyone is welcome, not just grandparents.

There will be performances as well as short testimonials from our students and parents about why CH is so important to us. Board members and staff will be on hand to answer questions and you can take a tour of the school. And, YES, there will be the opportunity to show your support for the school through donations but nothing is required. And OH yeah, there will be some great refreshments.

Come and let us show you how much Channing Hall means to our children!

Hope to see you there AND BRING A FRIEND!

SCIENCE FAIR STARS!

2010-02-28T21:25:00.005-07:00

This week several of our Middle School scientists participated at the regional Science fair at UVU. Congratulations to our Charter School Science Fair winners. We had a great showing and our Wolves did a wonderful job of presenting their projects. They made us proud. The following students are advancing to the Central Utah Science and Engineering Fair (CUSEF) on March 23rd at BYU.

7th and 8th grade: Sasha McKee, Savanah Tiffany, and Jessica Darcy

6th grade: Laura Lords, Lexi Crowley, Meredith Larsen, McKalie Balding, Claire Olsen,, Cameron Kern, Nathan Levesque, Cooper Wiggins, Jimmy Pearson, and Tucker Johnson

Way to go scientists!

CALLING ALL BUSINESSES and FOUNDATIONS!

2010-02-22T09:36:00.005-07:00

Do you or a Friend have a business? Do you know of a business that wants to support education? Do you have a family foundation? Channing Hall would like to hear from them. We can offer businesses opportunities to bring awareness to them, support the local community and provide a tax deduction. Here's how.

1. We will be placing prominently located permanent plaques up at CH with the names of families AND business that donate $500 or greater. This is advertising that will not expire.

2. By donating to CH, businesses can prominently give back to the community that has supported them and help the education of future working residents for the area.

3. Channing Hall is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit- thereby allowing the business to in essence through tax deductions to give to the local community rather than to Uncle Sam.

4. Naming rights for significant donors are available, including library, gym, playground, future expansions etc.

So please donate or pass this plea on to the business you know!

OTHER WAYS BUSINESS CAN HELP.....

There are potentially other ways businesses may be able to help CH and gain tax deductions and good will. That is by donating services. Here are a few possible needs CH has that business may be able help.

Website production and hosting.

Landscaping/construction services.

Information Technology consulting

Computer services and equipment.

Athletic/playground equipment.

Educational software services.

Media/Journalism/printing equipment and services.

Fundraising/grant proposal services.

Here is a good site that shows even more benefits and advantages of donating services and expertise.

If you think that you can offer a donation or help out please contact any board member (see home website), reply to this blog, or even send in a donation card with your information.

CULTURAL AWARENESS NIGHT

2010-02-12T23:39:00.003-07:00

TOUR AFRICA!

We had a fun-filled educational Tour of Africa last night! This was a great production put on by CHAPS! What great parents we have! Check out the Channing Hall dancers! Who would have known....? Check out some of the nonstop happenings below!

We've got a great, fun family here at Channing Hall! Let's make it a generous one as well!

We are at 10% participation so far! This is good but We need 65% more participation to reach the 75% needed to for the matching $10,000!

Let's take a week off, contemplate all that Channing Hall does for our kids and return in a week, with our Annual Giving check in hand!

HAVE A HAPPY WEEK OFF EVERYONE!

Annual Giving Donor Recognition Plaque

2010-02-08T22:17:00.005-07:00

This year to give well deserved recognition we will be posting a permanent plaque with all donors above the $500 level! There will be Bronze ($500+), Silver ($1000+), Gold ($5000+) and Platnum ($10000+) levels of recognition. Plaques will be displayed permanently for the years to come. So if you are teetering on how much to give, take a look at these levels and reach for the level you'd like to be recognized for.In order to show that we value volunteerism as well. We will also be developing a yearly recognition plaque for volunteer hours donated throughout the year to CH. The hours have yet to be determined for each level.

This is just another way we want to show our appreciation for our helping families and friends.

The Count Down Has Begun!

2010-02-05T23:22:00.003-07:00

Here it is! The count down begins! It looks like a tall order but we can all do it together! We have 100% of the board and staff donating! Now it is your turn! By now you should have all received the newsletter with the donation card in the mail. Write down you pledge, write your check, put your students' names on the pledge card, drop it off at the front office and you are done! No more guilt, no more questions, just a sense of satisfaction that your family has done its best to help our great school!

Don't forget; $500 or more will get your families' name on a permanent "Wolverine" Giving plaque in the lobby!

ANNUAL GIVING 2010

2010-02-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

It is time. This is the time we ask the Channing Hall parents and community for money. Over the next 6 weeks until St. Patricks day we will unabashedly be asking you all to help support our children at Channing Hall. We will be raising funds to help support the 'extra' things that make Channing Hall so great now and to allow us to make it even better! Please look at this as an opportunity to make YOUR child's education better. Together we can help provide each child in our school that extra advantage to succeed in his or her future. Where else can you donate your money and know it will so directly impact your children? And by the way, Channing Hall is a full federal 501(c3) nonprofit, so your donation is tax deductible.

BONUS: If we reach over 75% of our families donating to the Annual Giving drive we will receive an extra $10,000 as a matching donation! To help us reach that 75% participation we are having a school competition offering prizes and incentives for each class that reaches 100% of its parents participating. Keep checking this blog in the weeks to come for updates on how we are doing and more information on the Annual Giving events.

ANNUAL GIVING SNEAK PEAK

2010-01-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

This week will be the kickoff for our Annual Giving drive. We have all kinds of great news, exciting events, and competitions in store for the next six weeks. And right here you can get the first glimpse of what we have in store! Below is a tape of Alaina Gull, Channing Hall Board president and Heather Shepherd, our head of school discussing the importance of Annual Giving at our Charter school.

Brain Gym at Channing Hall

2010-01-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

We had another great teacher presentation at the last Board meeting. This time Rosanne Delaney explained how Brain Gym activities are applied in the classrooms to stimulate learning. She brought up many great examples of how this cutting edge learning tool is being used by the teachers. Rosanne has been very active nationally and within the state to teach and promote Brain Gym concepts. We are fortunate to have such an enthusiastic teacher stimulating our children at Channing Hall.

While the Kids are at Play.....

2010-01-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

I hope you are all enjoying the long weekend with kids! But this is to show you that not everyone is playing on these days off. The administration and teachers were busy learning and getting inspired to give the best and latest in teaching to our children. This Thursday and Friday all the teachers were involved in an intensive seminar on Differentiated Learning titled, "Hope For All Students: Differentiating the Classroom With Research-Based Strategies". Dr Michael Shackleford, Professional Development Specialist provided training to our teachers about how to bring out the best in our students no matter what level they are at. He introduced the program with this statement; We must always first ask, What is in the best interest of the children?"

According to Ms. Heather the teachers were very engaged and the enthusiasm for the program was palpable. She noted that, "Professional Development really makes a difference, especially when it is someone that is a great speaker and has tons of useful information that can be directly applied to the students." She went on to explain, "To me it's revitalizing and reaches the core of why I am in education. I think many of the faculty feel this way too. Everyone I asked this afternoon told me this was meeting needs and provoking thinking and learning from within."

ANNUAL GIVING PLUG: This type of invaluable professional development costs money, but as Ms. Heather so eloquently explained, "According to studies the biggest indicator of higher student achievement is teacher professional development." In other words, motivating and giving our teachers the tools to do their best is one of the most cost effective ways of giving OUR students the best education. Let's keep this in mind when the ANNUAL GIVING drive begins in a couple of weeks!

Have a great weekend everybody!

p.s. Check out Channing Hall in the news again! Monster truck comes to CH! http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=9277496

TIME Management - New Years Resolution?

2010-01-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

HAPPY (belated) NEW YEAR! We are into the a new year and I figured this would be a good 'time' to publish a short Channing Hall "Time Management" video. Middle School history teacher, Mr. Marsden, gives some great pointers on time management for our students at Channing Hall. BUT, all of us can benefit from what he points out in his presentation, "Be KIND To Your Future".

I am excited about the prospects at Channing Hall for 2010! We have a lot of exciting events and developments coming up for this year. Stay tuned!

MERRY CHRISTMAS- From Channing Hall

2009-12-25T00:24:00.000-07:00

Our Channing Hall first graders sing "Silent Night" and wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.

Oh, OH! I hear footsteps on the rooftop. Good Night!

USING YOUR MONTHLY PLANNER- Susan Edmonds

2009-12-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here's yet another great segment from the "Approaching Learning" assembly. Susan Edmonds our 7th grade Language Arts teacher explains how to use your monthly planners. She gives some great advise AND at the end gives some great points on "The Keys to Success".
Check it out!

YAY! ! IT'S OURS!

2009-12-15T23:30:00.001-07:00

Have you heard? Channing Hall has just closed on the coveted property next to the playground! How many times have you driven by it thinking just how nice it would be to have that extra land? Well, after 4 years of trying to acquire the property the CH board has been able to close the deal! It is ours! It opens up many possible uses and options for us which the board is at this time considering. However, in the meantime, simply expanding the playground area will likely be the short term goal.

Shortly, we will be asking families of CH to step up and help begin paying off this purchase. Stay tuned for details once the Annual Giving drive begins in February.

How to Organize Your Materials- Lindsay Allen

2009-12-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a great presentation from middle school teacher Lindsay Allen of how to organize your materials. She shows some of her great talents AND examples of good and not so good organizers. Check it out!

This was taken from the "Approaching Learning" assembly last week.
Ms. Allen has a great bio which explains her philosophy about IB and how she follows it. Check it out HERE.

WHAT IS IB...?

2009-12-11T10:03:00.001-07:00

Here is the next installment to our WHAT IS IB...? program. Above is the board developed overview of what IB is at our school. This is as close as we could get to a one word description or synopsis of what IB is since it encompasses so much. Below, Sarah Yermen, explains this slide and gives some GREAT examples of IB at work at Channing Hall.

Stay tuned for more posts from the "Approaching Learning" workshop. It was a great lesson all parents and students can learn from.

Happy THANKS giving!

2009-11-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some reflections on our school on this Thanksgiving Holiday. At Channing Hall we have a lot to give thanks for!

We give thanks to the founding parents turned board members who have had the vision and audacity to take the risk of starting this school.

We give thanks for our Head of School who believed in the IB vision of the board to dedicate herself to setting up the school and hiring exceptional staff and teachers.

We give thanks to the administrative staff who fully support the Head of School and work tirelessly behind the scenes to develop and implement the IB philosophy and provide a safe sound learning atmosphere in our school.

We give thanks to our teachers and aids who from the start worked together to integrate a novel curriculum and philosophy with a positive attitude and can-do spirit.

We give thanks to our students who step up to the challenges we offer them and who give us a unifying goal to strive for.

We give thanks to our parents who give the extra effort of helping with homework, volunteering, donating and ultimately loving our students to want the best for them.

In a few short years we have ALL worked TOGETHER to develop a school from just an inspiration in a few parents to a top achieving school that continues to grow wonderful students preparing for an international future.

WE GIVE THANKS TO THE WHOLE CHANNING HALL FAMILY!

FIRST GRADERS SING "GOD BLESS THE USA"

2009-11-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Our final video from last week's Veterans Day Assembly is of the first graders singing "God Bless the USA". It was really touching and an excellent closing for the assembly. This video includes Ms Heather's closing remarks and acknowledgments as well. View all 4 videos and make comments HERE.

THANKS TO EVERYONE AT CHANNING HALL FOR HELPING HONOR OUR VETERANS!

THIRD GRADERS 'SIGN' PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2009-11-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

Here is the video of the first graders 'signing' the Pledge of Allegiance at the Veterans Day assembly. GREAT JOB!

HERE is the link to the site of this video AND all of the Veterans day videos.

CH VETERANS THAT VISITED US LAST WEEK

2009-11-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of the Veterans that visited us at the assembly and what they had to say. I apologize that the sound was not very good. Below is a low quality sample (site limitation) with the attachment to a better quality video below it.

We appreciate these veterans for visiting. They had some great things to say.

Click HERE for a link to a better quality video.

Veterans day video- We are all touched by a Veteran

2009-11-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the video of the start of the assembly on Veterans day. Ms Heather shows how we are all touched by a Veteran.

Stay tuned for more video of the Assembly. They'll be posted as I get the segments edited. Since the videos are so large they are not very good quality on this site. Here is an attachment to view and share this video in a clearer format.

CHANNING HALL GIVES THANKS TO OUR VETERANS

2009-11-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

The Channing Hall Veterans assemlby gave a great tribute to our Veterans. There was a lot of great love and work put in by staff and children to put this on. We thank the veterans that came to be honored at our school. Here are some You tube videos of what went on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6iSdwGG7z8
Sorry they are rather grainy. More and better videos will be posted in the next few days.

Thanks again to ALL of our Veterans for your service.

VETERAN'S DAY CEREMONY- TOMORROW!

2009-11-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that tomorrow (Wed Nov 11th) at 2:30 we will be having a Veteran's day program and everyone's invited. Some of the events will include: Third grade students doing the Pledge of Allegiance in sign language, CH related veterans will be recognized and the first grade will perform "God Bless the USA". We will post how it went afterwards if you can't make it.

IB CONSULTATION VISIT AT CHANNING HALL: SUCCESS!

2009-10-29T21:17:00.000-06:00

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

2009-10-22T21:13:00.000-06:00

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

2009-10-21T01:31:00.001-06:00

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?

2009-10-20T00:35:00.000-06:00

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

2009-10-18T10:53:00.000-06:00

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.