Expanding Learning Through On-line Teaching and Communication Capacity

Students will be introduced to the world of online learning while developing the skills needed to be an effective online learner. A license to implement Blackboard Learning System will be purchased. The e-Education software will enhance traditional classroom instruction, augment professional development initiatives, and increase parent-teacher-student communication. MTSD students, staff and parents will now have access to a tool currently used in universities and major business settings to teach, train and communicate. Four staff development courses and summer curriculum writing will be funded.  This enhancement to curriculum teaching and communication strategies will be implemented in HHS computer science classes during the 2004/05 school year with expansion to other curricular areas to follow.  Recipient: Connie Jaeger, on behalf of the MTSD Technology Department ($30,000)

 Mequon-Thiensville Assessment Program (MTAP)

Sixty (60) elementary, middle and high school teachers representing English language arts, math, science and social studies, fourth and fifth grade teachers in each of the buildings, and the elementary school principals will participate in this 8-session assessment training program. This represents phase III of the district assessment initiative, based on the Understanding by Design Model of instruction, which explores the question, “What is understanding and how does it differ from knowing?”  Staff members will gain insight into assessing student performance beyond standardized testing and expand their knowledge of authentic forms of assessment to differentiate instructional practices to meet the needs of all students.  Recipients:  Esther Silvers and Robin Schlei ($5,960)

Lewis Center for Educational Research (LCER)

Two Homestead High School science teachers will attend a five day summer training session, sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), to prepare them as program coordinators for the MTSD of the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) project.  The project enables students to operate and control a 120 foot space radio telescope located at NASA’s complex in Goldstone, California from their classroom in MTSD!  Students will engage in research contributing to the body of knowledge currently being developed by today’s leading NASA researchers. Program coordinators will develop curriculum and conduct in-service training for all teachers interested in utilizing GAVRT program materials in their classrooms.  Recipients:  Tracy Grace and Deb Peck  ($3580)

Author Visit

Fifth and sixth graders throughout the district will have the opportunity to further explore reading and writing techniques with nationally known author, Ben Mikealsen, reinforcing the critical and creative thinking skills encouraged in the district’s “Habits of Mind” initiative. In addition, his presentation will highlight his own experiences, particularly as a victim of bullies during his childhood.  Ben examines one of the challenges educators face:  “How to help children become the authors of their own lives.”  Parents will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Mikealsen during his week-long visit in our district. Books will be purchased for each of the elementary and middle schools to be used in book club and classroom discussions.  Recipient:  Nancy Slawson on behalf of Donges Bay, Oriole Lane, Range Line, Wilson, Lake Shore and Steffen PTAs & Schools ($5625)

Enrichment Trip

A partial grant will fund the district’s middle school Spanish teacher’s travel to Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Granada, and Sevilla, Spain in July.  The work of Santiago Calatrava, architect of the Milwaukee Art Museum’s addition, will be studied and integrated into the curriculum.  Art slides will be funded to enhance the eighth study of Spanish art.  Information garnered will improve instruction in the classroom by bringing Spanish culture to life.   Recipient:  Helen Caldwell ($600) 

Sound System and Production Capacity Upgrade

In partnership with the Homestead PTSO, MTEF will fund equipment to upgrade the sound system in the HHS television studio.  The existing equipment will be used to record student concerts and sporting events, resulting in more activities being broadcast on the district’s local cable channel.  Recipients:  Mark Roherty and Eric Bauer ($830)

National Middle School Association Annual Conference

A team of six middle school staff will attend the National Middle School Association Annual Conference in November 2004.  The conference will address the concept of building a professional learning community at the middle school level.  Topics will include assessment, differentiated instruction, literacy and research.  The information gained from the national seminar will be shared wit staff at both district middle schools.  Recipient:  Mike Dietz  ($4773)