Teacher version of "We Are the World"

On Jan. 4th for staff development, Fuentes staff members were challenged to question their beliefs and actions in regards to their teaching. At the end of a day full of multimedia experiences, groups were handed a Flip camera and sent on a creative mission. They were to film a short segment that represented what they gained from the day and communicate what their teaching beliefs were. The outcome included several musical performances, a puppet skit, and written messages accompanied with music. Viewing the taped performances set a perfect positive tone to end the day with.

DMS students talk to students in southern Wales.

DMS 6th grade students in Mrs. Hatcher’s and Mrs. Joseph’s World Cultures classes were able to participate in a cultural exchange video conference with students from Abersychan Comprehensive School in southern Wales.  The conference was facilitated by Distance Learning Coordinator Christi Rickert and Instructional Technology Specialist Holly Donovan. Students submitted their questions in advance via the school blog, then took turns asking and answering questions about each culture.  Students on both sides of the Atlantic had a fabulous time exchanging questions and showing their props.  One of the DMS students asked which video games were favorites in Wales.  A boy in Wales answered, “Call of Duty” and both rooms erupted in cheers!  That was one similarity that seemed to surpise and delight both groups.

A 5th grade history class at Buda Elementary school has written,  produced and created a series of videos to make history come alive! The series centers on the US Constitution and has 5 parts. The videos were planned and filmed in the classroom and edited by their teacher, Cynthia Farest. Students had to thoroughly prepare in creating the lessons in order to present them clearly. They are posted on the class website.

Videos teach about the history of the US Constitution.

Students participated in a videoconference with other 5th graders from throughout the district for an interactive lesson over the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Here students are analyzing a piece of art and then discussed it with other students at Kyle ES, Tobias ES, and Buda ES.