Monday, February 29, 2016

Personalized Learning Event at #ISD2835


On April 25th, 2016 the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Public School District will be conducting a screening of the film, Beyond Measure.  This film focuses on a variety of settings that are "doing" education differently to meet the needs of today's learners.

Our current educational system is based on the Prussian model and was brought to the United States by Horace Mann in 1843.  This industrial model is no longer relevant for today's learners.  Sir Ken Robinson appropriately states the following:

"The fact is that given the challenges we face, education doesn't need to be reformed -- it needs to be transformed.  The key to this transformation is not to standardize education, but to personalize it, to build achievement on discovering the individual talents of each child, to put students in an environment where they want to learn and where they can naturally discover their true passions."

At Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton we are committed to personalizing education for our students so that they may uncover and ignite their individual talents.  Whole child personal development should drive the work of a district not achievement scores gleaned from a one-time assessment.

The start of this conversation for our district will be with this film, Beyond Measure.  All families are encouraged to attend this event to gain a deeper understanding of personalized learning.  There will be a facilitated discussion at the conclusion of the film with a Q&A session to follow.  Here is a sneak peek:


Important Information:

Where: JWP Auditorium (110 E. 3rd St. Janesville, MN 56048, Enter Door S1)

When: Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:00 pm

Cost: This is a free event.  In addition, typical movie theater concessions will be available for purchase.

Child Care: The National Honor Society will provide child care services during the screening.

Sign Up: If you are planning on attending, please click here so that we may properly plan (one registration per attendee).

You can learn more about the film by clicking here.


Friday, February 26, 2016

Former #ISD2835 Student is Making a Worldly Impact

Kayla Sveen, Former JWP Student
Mr. Sveen's daughter and former JWP student, Kayla Sveen, is soon to experience a unique opportunity.  Currently Kayla is student teaching in Flandreu, South Dakota.  In the very near future she'll be taking her talents to Belize for a two week teaching adventure.

In preparation of this experience, JWP's 5th grade students gathered a collection of books for Kayla to share with her students when she arrives.  The 5th graders also composed letters to be shared with students.  It is the hope of JWP 5th grade students to connect with Kayla Sveen and her students via Google Hangouts upon her arrival in Belize.

This is a great example of how our students' educational experiences are evolving.  Quite literally, our students can take their learning to a global level using our new technologies.  This is also a fine example of the many ways our teachers are integrating technology as a way to leverage real world learning experiences.

A special thank you goes out to our 5th grade teachers and their students for the efforts they put forth to make this all a possibility.

To follow this experience closely, you can click here for a blog that highlights Kayla's experiences.




Tuesday, February 16, 2016

JWP = A Supportive Community


Rural school districts are dependent on their communities to provide a plethora of support.  The Janesville-Waldof-Pemberton School District is fortunate to reside in a supportive community.  Janesville, Waldorf and Pemberton have supported this school district since its inception in the fall of 1989 through bonds, referendums, monetary donations, time and effort.  Each gesture has and will continue to be appreciated.

Two specific organizations have worked diligently throughout the years to provide additional support above and beyond what is already in place.  The Booster Club and Parent Teacher Association have provided the district with a variety of needs, such as, indoor and outdoor batting cages, SMARTboards, iPads, blocking sleds, and many other items.  These two groups filled with outstanding volunteers have worked relentlessly to ensure our children are provided with the tools they need to build on their successes.

Please come out on March 12, 2016 at 6:00 pm to support the Booster Club's first ever Bulldog Night Out at the Purple Goose in Janesville.  This event is being conducted to raise additional funds to provide continued support of our programs at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton.  Highlights of the event are as follows:
  1. Beverage Tasting
  2. Silent Auction
  3. Live Entertainment
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or at the door for $25.  If you are interested, you may purchase tickets at the JWP District Office, Purple Goose, selected school events or online at www.bulldognightout.com.  

We hope to see you at this event to support our outstanding children!  Thank you Booster Club for your dedication to the children of the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Public School District.  You are appreciated!