|
April 2007 News Letter
|
SCIENCE WORKSHOP
We conducted our second science
workshop at the Hopi school in February 2007 after generous
contributions were received to purchase kits for
surveyed to determine the level of interest
in having a kit and their commitment to using one in their class.
The kits were matched with the state science standards for
each grade level.
| Mr. Don Harvey, Chief Administrator for the school expressed his appreciation to the foundation for the gift of the kits and our continued interest in their school. The teachers showed a high level of enthusiasm in the workshop and look forward to using the kits in their classrooms. One teacher, who had not ordered a kit, requested one for her class. |
 |
ART CONTEST
Hotevilla-Bacavi Community School was unable to employ an art
teacher for this school year so the foundation offered to assist by
conducting an art contest for the students. The contest was held to
encourage students to practice their skills and to improve their
competencies in the use of color and design in composing a Hopi
Christmas scene or a traditional Hopi scene. Parent permission was
obtained to be able to publish the entries.
The contest was conducted during Oct-Nov with over 80 entries
received. Prizes were
awarded at an all-school assembly where the students were
complimented on their participation and encouraged to continue to
practice their art. Mrs.
Sinquah was thrilled with the amount of participation and the
quality of the work entered.
 Third grade Art Contest winners at HBCS |
After many years of working to get the new
building at
Science Curriculum Delivered
Bob Montgomery and Selinda Miller
had been working on the new science curriculum for HBCS and a draft
copy was delivered to Mrs. Sinquah in February.
The curriculum guide correlates the new science kits with the
Arizona Department of Education standards and calls for teaching
strategies, types of assessment, vocabulary, and resources for the
teachers to use. A
follow-up workshop with the faculty will be conducted in May, 2007.
The guide will provide direction for the
teachers to teach science to their students to help prepare them for
the state testing. The
Foundation has plans to help build the curriculum for other subjects
as resources and time permit.
We were able to interview almost all of the teachers about
the use of the science kits.
We were greatly encouraged to see evidence of their use.
One teacher commented, “I have one ADHD student that has
become a leader in the class because he likes the hands-on science
so much. He is really
focused.” Another
teacher said, “My students have enjoyed learning science from the
kit. The kit is so well
organized and contains everything we need to do the experiments.”
Early Planning for October/November
Service Program
Ray Coin has asked The Friends of
Hopi Foundation to consider sponsoring two service programs at the
schools in October and November of 2007.
Due to the fact that the previous sponsor is no longer
offering this type of program, something should be done to continue
having people come to continue this valuable program in the schools.
The Foundation would be able to offer similar tax deductions
as were previously available.
It is hoped that we can tweak the assignments at the two schools so that specific work with the neediest students can be accomplished. Both schools are now using the same reading inventory testing program that identifies where students need the most assistance. Ray is working on building a budget and making arrangements for this program. We will be sending further details to you as they become available.
Contributions are Always Welcome
Funds are going
to be needed for purchasing additional science kits and other
programs at the two schools.
Some have made donations in memory of someone or for
birthdays and anniversaries. Lois McClintock of