Christine Young, Stephanie Branson, and Alan David Spalding Drive Charter Elementary School (GA)
What technology-supported, project-based learning strategies can be leveraged to engage Title I students and provide adequate support to English language learners? A couple of years ago, educators at Spalding Drive Charter Elementary School in Sandy Springs, GA, asked themselves this very question, and after much effort came up with an answer. Under the leadership of Principal Christine Young, IT specialist Alan David, and technology teacher Stephanie Branson, the Spalding Drive Digital Studio was born. "The program began with a few digital cameras, printers, and printing supplies purchased through a Best Buy Teach Award grant," David says. In 2006-2007, a Technology for Teaching grant from Hewlett-Packard made additional equipment available to school staff. Charter school funding and Spalding Charter School Foundation fundraisers enabled the school to purchase 28 interactive whiteboards, 30 projection devices, six mini-DV cameras, and a good stock of digital still cameras and photo printers. Along with outfitting individual classrooms, equipment was used to create a mobile digital imaging lab. Thanks to these efforts, students and faculty regularly use video production, digital imaging, and video streaming to enrich and enliven their lessons. Typical student activities include using digital photography and video cameras to document work, create portfolios, and create visual projects for presentations that showcase their learning, while teachers use images and video clips to capture students' attention and illustrate complex concepts for English language learners. In addition, fourth- and fifth-grade students produce a weekly television program that is broadcast to the entire school, and participate in technology mini-courses, such as web page design and podcasting. "The Digital Studio program is resulting in a number of benefits, such as students' taking increased ownership of their education and learning to work collaboratively," says David, adding that students are demonstrating noticeable improvement in concrete subject matter as well. "We are seeing growth in students' academic skills in writing, language arts, and oral communication." To garner even more support for technology initiatives and community endeavors, increased parent participation is a priority this year. By attending Spalding's Parent University, a weekly series of workshops designed to teach parents about supporting their children's schoolwork, parents have opportunities to try out the innovations and see what they can do to improve their kids' academic performance and motivation.
Nov 2007
Twenty-four named Title I Distinguished Schools
To be named “Distinguished,” Title I schools must achieve Adequate Yearly Progress for a minimum of three consecutive years. Title I schools that achieve that goal are awarded a Distinguished Recognition Certificate. Twenty-two of the schools are receiving certificates for continuing their AYP performance while Paul D. West Middle School and Woodland Middle School are newcomers to the Distinguished Schools list.
In addition, all 24 schools will be recognized at Title I banquets hosted by the state Department of Education in October and November.
Nine Consecutive Years
A. Philip Randolph Elementary School
Seven Consecutive Years
Stonewall Tell Elementary School
Six Consecutive Years
Brookview Elementary School
Campbell Elementary School
High Point Elementary School
Oak Knoll Elementary School
Five Consecutive Years
College Park Elementary School
Dunwoody Springs Charter Elementary School
C.H. Gullatt Elementary School
Esther Jackson Elementary School
Seaborn Lee Elementary School
Mt. Olive Elementary School
Love T. Nolan Elementary School
Palmetto Elementary School
Spalding Drive Charter Elementary School
Harriet Tubman Elementary School
Evoline C. West Elementary School
The Show Choir sang for residents at Mt. Vernon Towers
5th Grade "Rap Rhythm & Rhyme".
An exciting and fun all day program to get our students ready for the Georgia Writing Assessment .
A visit from one of our "adopted soldiers" home from Iraq
Spalding students have "adopted" soldiers serving in Iraq. They have sent cards, small gifts, and letters to their soldiers. In return the Soldiers have sent the students items as well. A few of these brave young people have visited our school to surprise their student friends.
Shown is Staff Sgt. Michael Mooney, on a visit with a third grade class.
Sandy Springs dedicates "SPALDING DRIVE CHARTER SCHOOL PARK" February 2007
Wooded area next to the school is now a public park for all to enjoy.
( click thumbnail for larger images)
Kimberly Clarke Chemical Engineers hold an "in house" field trip for students
GPB Films at Spalding!
Georgia Public Broadcasting filmed a live web video chat link up between some of our students and two soldiers in Iraq.
Using a school web camera, our activ board and an lcd projector, students asked questions in real time to soldiers in Baghdad, while viewing them on the big screen.
GPB filmed a documentary on how soldiers lives in a war zone are different due to the internet.
Math Competition Rocks!
Our students participated in a first for our school-
a Math competition with With E.W. Oliver E.S., a Clayton County elementary school.
