Latest News – May 18

Catholic Bishop Visits Holy Family Parish Yesterday

Holy Family Parish in ?Leadville? welcomed Bishop Michael J. Sheridan and Msgr. Robert E. Jaeger (Bishop and Vicar of the Diocese of Colorado Springs) to Confirmation held at the historic Annunciation Church on Sunday, May 17, 2015. Rev. Jesse Perez, Deacon Tony Werckman, and family and friends joined in the service which welcomed 30 candidates to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Congratulations! Photo: Leadville Today.

Leadville Schools: The Homestretch Toward Summer

It’s the homestretch for teachers, staff and students in the Lake County School District (LCSD). With graduation for Lake County High School (LCHS) less than two weeks away on Saturday, May 30, the busyness of education ramps up, as the final bell of the school year draws near. The last day of school is Friday, June 5. Details for each school can be found at the school district’s website, and below are some additional reports about what’s been happening in the hallowed halls of Leadville schools.

But first, here’s a Leadville Today Classic Video from last year’s Last Day of School Flash Mob Video from the parents of West Park Elementary School students. Great Job!
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Spring Art Show Raises Funds and Creative Fun for All

Earlier this month on May 8, the annual Spring Art show was held at the Lake County Intermediate School. As usual, the crowds were big for this once-a-year fundraiser that raises money for art programs in the LCSD. In addition to displaying the creative works of students from all grades, the art show sells pottery to raise monies, and there were activities the kids could participate in, making it a family-friendly fun night for all. Kudos to Erin Farrow, Amanda Good and Katie Anderson – the three incredible art teachers that make it all happen.

The annual Spring Art Show for the Lake County School District was held on May 8. CLICK to see more photos of the beautiful student artwork. Photo: Brennan Ruegg/Leadville Today.

Good News: LCHS Alum William “Dr.” Mundo

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First Graders: Animal Instincts and Habits of a Learner 

By Kate Bartlett, Lake C0unty School District

Last week, the first graders at West Park Elementary (WPE) School presented the results of a multi-disciplinary learning expedition about animals. The project focused on some of the Expeditionary Learning Habits of a Learner that all WPE and Lake County Intermediate School students have been working on. Specifically, the project emphasized the habit of Craftsmanship and the learning targets: “I can demonstrate consistent use of revision strategies by giving, accepting, and acting on feedback,” and “I can create my best work with creativity, skill, accuracy, and beauty.” 

Students worked in pairs to choose an animal, using classroom iPads and books. Photo: Lake County School District.

Students worked in pairs to choose an animal, conduct research about it and create and deliver a presentation to their class and invited guests. The areas the students researched about their selected animal included body, habitat, food, life cycle and fun facts. Using classroom iPads and books, students researched their animal to learn details and information. Then, they wrote a presentation to share with the class. Using public speaking skills such as eye contact, the students practiced their presentations and received feedback from their classmates. Some classes also created poems and digital stories about their animals. 

To go along with the research project, students completed a detailed drawing of their animal through a draft and revision process in art with teacher Katie Anderson. Students completed a draft, sought feedback from their classmates, and then did a revised version. Revision is a key element of Expeditionary Learning that teaches students attention to detail, persistence and precision. 

Students researched their animal to learn details and information. Photo: LCSD.

Each classroom approached the project a little differently. In Ms. Trelka’s room, for example, students wrote poems about their animals and also created digital story books using an iPad app called Little Bird Tales. They also used physical movements—such as using their hands to imitate the movement of the ocean—to internalize learning about animal habitats. 

The project has generated excitement and energy in these classrooms. First grade teacher Ally Duncan reported, “Even after the final presentations, we’re going to keep working on these projects. The students don’t want to stop.” The impressive work of these first graders is an excellent example of the level of student engagement and high quality academic work that Expeditionary Learning is bringing to the district. Please visit www.lakecountyschools.net for more photos and videos of these students’ excellent work.