1. The Art of Digital Images
    
2. eChalk 10: Creating & Refining Teacher WebPages for Secondary Teachers
    
3. Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement
    
4. Creating & Using Literacy Take Home Bags/Discovery Packs
    
5. History of "The Tarrytowns" and Nyack, an interdisciplinary approach
    
6. Effective Strategies for New Teachers
    
7. Hudson River Ecology
    
8. Basic Spanish for School Personnel
    

Basic Information

1. The Art of Digital Images
 

Highlights: This course will provide participants with a well-rounded look at the technologies available in the Ossining School District. Each lesson will focus on how educators can use computer programs and technology equipment to reach a wider range of student through visual aids.  Participants will use all of the basic Microsoft programs (Publisher and PowerPoint), as well as PhotoStory3 and Adobe Photo Shop. Participants will also have the opportunity to use different types of digital equipment, such as digital cameras and scanners.

            Some of the topics that will be covered are: creating digital portfolios, still-animation, enhancing digital pictures, creating videos, getting images off websites, and posting your work online. The focus of each lesson during this class will be based on using visual aids.  This class has been designed for all educators.  Anyone who works in a school setting will be able to use the techniques taught in this class.  A solid knowledge of using the basic Microsoft programs (Publisher and PowerPoint) is required.  Class is limited to 15 participants.

 Audience:   Teachers, Teaching Assistants, staff
Grades Pre-K to 12; Administrators; community members

Course Requirement:    Participants will create a lesson plan utilizing the technologies learned in this course.

Dates: Saturdays, October 3 and 17, 2009

Times:  8 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Deadline:  September 18, 2009

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)
 

Audit and Professional Growth fee:
Members:         $50*
Non-Members:  $60*
*These fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

2. eChalk 10: Creating & Refining Teacher Web pages for Secondary Teachers

Highlights:  In this course participants will learn how to create, expand and refine Teacher Class Web pages.  Teachers will create a web page for each class that is currently taught.  Included in class creation are the aspects of creating a profile with an image; uploading files, utilizing applications, creation of blogs, and bookmarks.  The teacher class page will display any and all announcements, assignments, (Calendar View), resources, and a discussion group.  Creation of web pages in HTML, assessments and surveys will be also covered.  Once publication has been approved, teachers will be able to place their class page web address onto their grade book assignments.  Course is limited to 12 participants.

Audience:  Teachers - Grades 6 to 12

Course Requirement:  Participants will complete web pages for each class taught utilizing all template tools available, and will present this during the last night of the class.

Times:    3:15 P.M.. - 6:15 P.M.

Deadline:  October 6, 2009

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit and Professional Growth fee:
Members:        $50*
Non-Members: $60*
*These fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

3. Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement

Highlights: Educators understand that students are affected in their quest for new knowledge by such factors as the knowledge and instructional skill of their teachers, the students’ interest in the subject, and the complexity of the new content.  However, research indicates that “. . . what students already know about the content is one of the strongest indicators of how well they will learn new information”; therefore, it is critical that educators begin to spend more time with focused instruction to build background knowledge."  This course will discuss and analyze principles outlined in the book, “Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement.”              Participants will learn how to use Robert Marzano's six principles to build the background knowledge of our students. Topics covered are use of academic notebooks connecting reading and writing, use of conversation, and direct vocabulary instruction through the use of specific words which cover content area in eleven different subjects.  Participants will integrate Marzano's principles within content area lessons and discuss how the strategies impact the students in their classes.
            This course will have the R.E.S.U.L.T.S. component built in.  It consists of 12 hours of sessions meeting with the instructor and 3 hours of independent study.  Between the November 5th and November 19th sessions, participants will be required to implement their lesson plans in their classrooms.  They will spend three hours completing their analysis, gathering data, samples of student’s work, and preparing a brief written report as to their lesson plan’s results.  Participants may include videos or any other materials that pertain to their lesson plan and its implementation.  This information will be presented to the instructor and course participants on November 19th.

*A materials fee of $20 will be charged to cover part of the cost of a copy of Robert Marzano’s book, “Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement.” 

Audience:  Teachers of Grades Pre-K to 12

Course Requirement:  Create and implement a lesson plan utilizing skills and techniques learned in this course, with a formal presentation at the final session.

Dates: Thursdays, October 22, 29, November 5 and 19, 2009 (snow date: December 3, 2009)

Times:   4 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Deadline:  October 8, 2009

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit and Professional Growth fee:
Members:         $50* plus $20 (book)
Non-Members:  $60* plus $20 (book)
*These fees are non-refundable.

Materials fee:: $20 check to be sent in with registration form (Payable to Ossining UFSD)

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

4. Creating & Using Literacy Take Home Bags/Discovery Packs

Highlights: In this course, teachers will explore the idea of using theme/content related books, games and activities to create literacy take home bags or discovery packs.  The purpose of creating the bags is to help build upon your home/school connection, as families participate in this wonderful at home experience. Literacy Take Home Bags/Discovery Packs are meant to supplement and extend the curriculum while providing opportunities to practice skills and knowledge learned in school.  Families will see what their child is learning in school and how they can help their child at home.  

Use of the computer lab will allow teachers to “make and take” what they have prepared for each bag.  We will research resources and ideas, work on putting these ideas together to form bags and ultimately create 5-6 literacy bags/discovery packs that can be used in the classroom.  We will also create an introductory letter/contract and a check- out system to help keep track of the bags/packs once they leave the classroom.  NOTE:  Participants should expect to provide supplies for their Literacy Bags/Discovery Packs. 

*All materials will need to be purchased by the participants based on the design of their packs.

Audience:  Teachers & Teaching Assistants,
Grades Pre-K to 8

Course Requirement:      Participants will create a lesson plan utilizing Take Home Bags/Discovery Packs

Times:   Tuesdays 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. and Saturday 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.

Deadline:  October 13, 2009

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit and Professional Growth fee:
Members:         $50*
Non-Members:  $60*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Materials:  Participants must provide supplies for their Literacy Bags/Discovery Packs.  *Suggestion of materials needed will be discussed at the first session. 

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

5. History of "The Tarrytowns" and Nyack, an interdisciplinary approach
 

Highlights: Explore the past of our neighboring areas, the “Tarrytowns” and Nyack.  Learn how to bring their history and environment to your classroom by integrating what you experience and learn.  These resources will enrich many areas of the curriculum!  Participants will hear about, learn, and visit various sights in the Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow, and Nyack regions, gaining knowledge and learning ways to utilize this information in their classroom curriculum to enhance student learning.  This course utilizes a multidisciplinary approach.  The course will be multimedia, as well as experiential, and includes field experiences on both Saturdays with lunch each Saturday different locations to fully experience and understand the history and culture of the region. 

Participants will be responsible for the cost of their lunch and should wear comfortable shoes and dress weather-appropriately.

Audience:  Educators & Teaching Assistants, Grades Pre-K to 12

 Course Requirement:   Participants will be expected to keep a journal, making entries for each field trip experience.  A written lesson plan utilizing information gathered in the course is required.

Dates: Saturdays, October 24 and 31, 2009

Times:   8 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Deadline:  October 9, 2009

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit and Professional Growth fee:
Members:         $50*
Non-Members:  $60*
*These fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

6. Effective Strategies for New Teachers

Highlights:  This course is specifically designed for teachers in their first few years of teaching.  Topics addressed will include: writing quality lesson plans, creating an inspiring learning environment, assessment techniques, classroom management, discipline strategies, organization, record keeping, home to school communication, and much more!

 Audience:  Teachers of Grades Pre-K to 12
 

Course Requirement:  Participants will create lesson plans for use in the classroom.

Attention newly hired teachers in the Ossining School District!

Look for a special money-saving coupon for this course in your Orientation Packet in August!

Dates: Saturdays, October 24 and November 7, 2009

Times:   8 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Deadline:  October 9, 2009

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit and Professional Growth fee:
Members:         $50*
Non-Members:  $60*
*These fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

7. Hudson River Ecology
 

Highlights: In this course participants will learn techniques and strategies to introduce the Hudson River ecosystem as a point of focus in teaching/learning environmental science.  A focus will be placed on the ecology unit of the NYS Living Environment curriculum.  Curriculum activities will include an emphasis on hands-on approaches and field trips that will increase student achievement with strategies to address diverse learning styles.  Included is a field trip experience to Croton Point Park.  Participants will be able to create a photo and/or video journal of their experience to incorporate into their lesson plans for classroom use.  Maximum number of participants is 12.

Audience:  Teachers of Grades Pre-K to 12

Course Requirement:    Participants will create a lesson plan to be used in the classroom.

Dates:  Saturdays, November 7 and 14, 2009

Times:    8 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Deadline:  October 23, 2009

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit and Professional Growth fee:
Members:         $50*
Non-Members:  $60*
*These fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

8. Basic Spanish for School Personnel

Highlights:   This is a practical beginner course for school personnel who wish to develop and improve basic skills in Spanish. It focuses on everyday situations that employees may encounter in educational settings on all grade levels. This course is designed for people who may have had no Spanish or up to the equivalent of one year of elementary Spanish. It emphasizes the use of Spanish in practical, everyday situations and provides a variety of opportunities to develop listening, speaking, writing and reading skills. It also enhances cultural understanding and appreciation of the Spanish-speaking population in the Ossining area.  Course is limited to 15 participants.

Topics covered will include, but are not limited to:

·    Pronunciation of the Spanish language

·    Key expressions

·    Basic language structure

·    Recognizing cognates

·    Fun expressions from traditional music

Audience:  Teachers of Grades Pre-K to 12, Teaching Assistants, Administrators and staff members

Course Requirements:  Active participation in class role playing, exercises and readings.  In addition, exercises will be assigned from a packet that will provide written and oral practice during the week.  Participants can choose to do the more basic or the advanced pages, depending on ability.  This assignment will be collected.  Punctuality and complete attendance is expected.  Please bring lunch. 

Dates:  Saturdays, November 21 and December 5, 2009 (snow date: December 12, 2009)
 

Times:   8 A.M. - 4 P.M.


Deadline:  November 6, 2009

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit and Professional Growth fee:
Members:        $50*
Non-Members: $60*
*These fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here