Super User
Tuesday, 02 May 2017 00:00
3Blue1Brown
3Blue1Brown is a YouTube channel about animating math. Checkout the "Recommended" playlist for some thought-provoking one-off topics, and take a look at the "Essence of linear algebra" for some more student-focussed material.
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Link of the Day
Monday, 01 May 2017 00:16
May 2017 Superintendency Message
The end of each school year always brings a range of emotions—fond memories of cherished classroom experiences, friendships established, relationships built, the exhilaration of achievement and the pure exhaustion that comes from having given everything you’ve got to kids. And, of course, the anticipation of some much needed renewal and rest that June, July and August provides!
Several months ago, while attending a district athletic event, a man approached me and asked if I recognized him. Of course I did! I had taught him more than 25 years ago. While I hadn’t seen him since he left Wahlquist Junior High School, I easily recognized his smile, personality and sense of humor. Matt shared some extremely kind and appreciative words about his experience in our junior high English class. His comments touched me deeply. Once again, I realized the power that a teacher, or significant adult, can have in the life of a young person. If we’re not careful, that reality can lose its focus through the day to day rigors of a school year.
As an "old" English teacher, I love literature. One of the poems that has always resonated deeply with me is "O Me! O Life!" by Walt Whitman. It’s a short poem, so those who don’t yet love poetry can still read and enjoy it. In the poem, Whitman seems to lament that things don’t always turn out the way he wants and that life can sometimes feel as though we are merely "plodding" through. Bottom line—Whitman questions if his life has purpose and whether he’s made a difference.
Then come these powerful lines, or in Whitman’s words, the "Answer."
"That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse."
"That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse." I love that! What will our verse be? To me, our "verse" represents the tremendous impact we can have on the lives of countless students. That we can shape their lives for good. That we can help them develop their unique gifts and singular talents. And, we can prepare young people to make a meaningful contribution to the world. On behalf of the Weber Board of Education, I thank each of you for the "verse" you contribute, not only to our district but to the many thousands of children who attend our schools.
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Superintendent Messages
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Thursday, 27 April 2017 00:24
Suicide Prevention
Dear Weber School District Parents/Guardians,
Many of you may be aware of the current popularity of a Netflix series entitled, 13 Reasons Why. It is especially popular within our teen population. NASP (National Association of School Psychologists), USBE (Utah State Board of Education), and several national and local mental health/suicide prevention agencies, along with Weber School District, concur, and do not recommend this series to all students. More specifically, the series is not recommended for students who may be struggling with suicidal ideation and/or depression.
We are certainly supportive of heightening awareness about the public health crisis of suicide in the state of Utah. In 2015, suicide was the leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10 - 17. It is the second leading cause of death for ages 18 - 24 and 25 - 44, and the fourth-leading cause of death for ages 45 - 64. Overall, suicide is the seventh-leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10+. We feel it is important to provide information and resources aimed at fully informing you about this popular web-based series. According to Brooke Fox, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and author of "13 Reasons Why, and Its Unintended Consequences", the series "… is a suicide revenge fantasy." The main character, Hannah, completes suicide and Brooke Fox states, "Hannah received everything in death that she was hoping for: sympathy, deep regret, guilt, and ultimately—love. However, what the teen brain cannot process is the fact that Hannah is dead – permanently, and never coming back. The concept of the permanence of death is not solidified for a teen at this point in development. This makes suicide seem like an actual option if this can be achieved."
We realize our youth will view/engage in this series and conversations about its content will occur in our homes and schools – mainly teenager to teenager. So, how do we empower ourselves, as educators and adults, to combat the potentially dangerous themes perpetuated to our kids via this series? We strongly encourage you to have conversations with your child, as we are currently engaged in conversations with our teachers, counselors, administrators and school patrons. Review, utilize and share the resources accessible below/attached, and familiarize yourself with the article: "13 Reasons Why, and Its Unintended Consequences" by Brooke Fox, LCSW. Feel free to contact your child’s school counselor in order to obtain information and/or guidance, as well. Research indicates that talking about suicide with our kids does not increase the likelihood of suicide. Talking to your child about suicide gives him/her the sense that the topic is not "taboo" and opens up important lines of communication.
Below you'll find suicide prevention resources which provides several ways to "reach out" to trained mental health professionals. The SafeUT app allows users to anonymously submit a tip and/or speak directly with a crisis counselor affiliated with UNI (University Neuropsychiatric Institute – U of U Health). Each school in our district has promoted this valuable resource and encourages students and parents, alike, to download the app onto digital devices. The SafeUT app has literally saved lives in Utah!
See how the SafeUT app is being used in Weber School District
Here’s the link to the article:
"13 Reasons Why, and Its Unintended Consequences":
Check out these great resources related to suicide prevention:
We truly care about our students and are fully committed to the implementation of effective suicide prevention efforts in our district. We want each of our students to feel loved and supported as they progress through our schools and encounter the personal challenges related to this life. Addressing the needs of "the whole child" is foundational to The Weber Way.
Professionally,
Gina Butters
Weber School District
Student Services Director
5320 Adams Avenue Parkway
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Parents
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Sunday, 30 April 2017 00:00
Animal World
A global educational safari adventure for kids.
Saturday, 29 April 2017 00:00
Lyrebird
This is an impressive startup company that's developing software which allows you to copy the voice of anyone by feeding the system a 1 minute recording of them. Lyrebird compresses his or her voice into a unique key, which can be used to generate any sentence you wish. The product is not available on the market as of this posting, but check out the demos on the site for some cool examples.
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Link of the Day
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Monday, 01 May 2017 00:00
Autodraw
Google's Autodraw is like an autocorrect for art. Simply start drawing something, and Google will make suggestions about what you're trying to draw and provide some sketches to choose from.
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Friday, 28 April 2017 00:00
The Griddle
The Griddle is a puzzle blog updated Wednesdays with a variety of puzzle types. The puzzles are authored by David Millar and can include classic word searches, sudoku variations, Nikoli-style puzzles, and many others. Check out the most recent puzzles or dig through the archives from the links at the bottom of each page.
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Thursday, 27 April 2017 00:00
Goodreads
Deciding what to read next? Goodreads is the place to go. Tell Goodreads what titles or genres you’ve enjoyed in the past, and it will give you insightful recommendations. This is a great way to discover new books, and track what you've already read.
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Link of the Day
Friday, 21 April 2017 00:00
Roy Fire Department presents a fire safety assembly at North Park Elementary
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Around the District
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Saturday, 22 April 2017 00:00
Earth Day
Earth Day Network's mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day, Earth Day Network is the world's largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 50,000 partners in nearly 195 countries to build environmental democracy. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.
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Link of the Day
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