iRadeo is a free online radio streaming service. Just create a station, upload your audio files, add the embed code to your site, and iRadeo will stream your tracks. Set up a schedule in advance, or let users skip through songs. This could be used for classroom podcasting, or sharing students' oral projects.
Code Studio is a site for teaching programming fundamentals using an engaging and hands-on Scratch-based interface. Students progress through the lessons and apply prior knowledge to new coding problems. Different types of lessons are available for all ages of students 4 and up.
A public school student who graduates on or after January 1, 2016, must pass a basic civics test as a condition for receiving a high school diploma. Students enrolled in an adult education program must also pass the basic civics test as a condition for receiving an adult education secondary diploma. Students must correctly answer a minimum of 35 out of 50 questions in order to pass and can take the test as many times as necessary beginning in the 8th grade.
Every day for the past 25 years I have gone to work in Weber School District. It has been so much more than a job to me. Working with and knowing all of the wonderful students, families, administrators, staff, and business partners, has made the past twenty-five years of my life as rich and rewarding as I could have ever hoped for! Weber School District is a place where people really, really care for one another, champion each other's successes and support each other in challenging times. It has always been my goal to make the place that means so much to me a better place for students and staff. I have learned so much from all of you and truly value my experience. More than anything, I will miss the great people I have met and been able to work with every day. I consider every student I have ever known a friend, and every educator a valued colleague. Thank you for letting me be part of your lives and for being an unforgettable part of mine!
On behalf of the entire school district, we want to congratulate Reid on his appointment as superintendent of the Davis School District. For the past 25 years, Reid has served tirelessly as a teacher, coach, principal, CTE Director, Executive Director of Secondary Education and most recently as Assistant Superintendent and principal of Weber Innovation High. His influence and impact on students, teachers and our community has been tremendous! We are so grateful for his dedicated leadership and wish him the very best as he transitions into his new assignment.
This site from the U.S. Government contains great information on topics for elementary students about how our government is organized, how bills are passed, and how elections work.
Space Engine is a free space simulation program that lets you explore the universe in three dimensions, from planet Earth to the most distant galaxies. Areas of the known universe are represented using actual astronomical data, while regions uncharted by astronomy are generated procedurally. Millions of galaxies, trillions of stars, countless planets -- all available for exploration. You can land any planet, moon or asteroid and watch alien landscapes and celestial phenomena. You can even pilot starships and atmospheric shuttles.
In the new Common Core State Standards Initiative, college and career-readiness standards have been incorporated into the K-12 standards which will enable educators to better prepare students for the 21st century. The Utah State Board of Education gave permission for school districts to take time to implement training of the core to educators. The WSD Board of Education granted a full school day for the purpose of training, planning, collaboration and application of the new core. On September 30, elementary and secondary educators gathered together in several different locations across the district for general and subject-specific training and teacher development. The focus of the day was centered on speaking, listening, writing and comprehension of informational text across all curricular areas. Teachers have indicated that the Common Core training day was valuable and impactful. We are currently in the process of gathering more data from educators to help determine the level of effectiveness of the training and how to improve similar trainings in the future. We appreciate the members of the WSD Board of Education for their support in allowing educators this valuable opportunity for planning and preparation, collaboration with colleagues and opportunities for growth and learning.
"Weber School District is committed to provide educational experiences which motivate each student to become a lifelong learner, attain academic and personal potential, and enter the workforce with the necessary skills." This mission statement is our number one priority but it is noteworthy that in addition to providing academic excellence, we are also the second largest employer in Weber County, the first being the IRS. We have over thirty-three hundred caring employees that contribute a great deal to the community and economy of Weber County.
Thanks to all.
Recently, I finished re-reading Notebooks of the Mind, a fascinating book that explores how creative people think and examines the human mind working at its highest potential. In particular, one phrase caught my attention--"the legacy of distant teachers." The author, Vera John-Steiner, described the critical role that teachers play in shaping lives. I began reflecting upon the "legacy of distant teachers" who have impacted me. The list of memorable teachers was long; however, I do want to briefly mention one very special teacher—Janice Cashmore-Allen.
I opened the newspaper on New Year's Day to learn of Janice’s passing. I student taught with Janice 28 years ago at South Ogden Junior High School. Janice was a master teacher and the consummate professional. She was my friend and mentor and will be greatly missed. When I consider "the legacy of distant teachers" in my life, Janice is at the top of the list. Although no longer with us, Janice’s influence on my life continues. Therein is the legacy of a teacher!
Since becoming superintendent, I have been in dozens of classrooms throughout our district and observed numerous master teachers. Weber School District is fortunate to have dedicated, caring teachers and professionals who shape and impact children's lives. One paradox of teaching is that although typically occurring in large-group settings, the effects are always individual. Great teachers possess the capacity to connect with each student. These connections are held not in teachers' methods but in their hearts. Although the rewards of teaching are not always tangible, be assured that you will be among "the legacy of distant teachers" as your students reflect on those who have influenced them. I thank each of you for your great efforts!