Roycemore School Weekly Newsletter
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Guest Blogger:
Elizabeth Shutters
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Why We Code
By: Elizabeth Shutters - Director of Curriculum & Innovation
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The third graders were just introduced to
Sphero Mini
, a small spherical robot that can be controlled with an iPad. As expected, they were very excited to try it. Cries of “That’s so cool!” and “I want to use one of those!” were heard as soon as the box was opened.
After having some time to explore what the robot does, the students were given a task: using coding blocks, program Sphero to roll in a square. This required a bit more thinking. Students had to plan what their program would be, thinking about what steps it would take to create a square. They had to break down the problem and sequence the steps correctly. They had to work together to find a solution. When (not if) they didn’t get the code correct, they had to ask questions, learn from their mistakes, and keep trying.
Our third graders weren’t just controlling a robot: they were problem-solving. Though their “problem” was to make a simple square, we know that technology and computer programming will increasingly help us to solve
big world problems
, from improving health care, to storing energy, to cleaning up the ocean. Today’s students will be the individuals who use technology to solve these problems. Whenever we can give Roycemore students a chance to practice such problem-solving skills, we take it, whether that be third graders creating squares with Sphero, Middle Schoolers planning their
personal passion projects
, or Upper School students creating apps to promote zero waste during the
Creative Jam
in November.
Computer scientists, educators, and other professionals have realized the power of the problem-solving skills gained from computer coding. Though
computing jobs
are
the #1 source of new wages in the US
, these skills are not just important for those who will someday be computer programmers. All students benefit from the communication, collaboration, and creative thinking involved in coding activities...
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Coming Up on the Calendar
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- Wednesday, December 11th - Upper School TV and Game Night, 3:30pm
- Thursday, December 12th - FREE Yoga at Roycemore, 5:00pm (All Ages and Abilities)
- Friday, December 13th - Hour of Code Celebration, 3:15-4:30pm, RSVP Here
- Thursday, December 19th - FREE Yoga at Roycemore, 5:00pm (Last Yoga for 2019)
- Friday, December 20th - Wassail, 2:00-3:15pm, All School Event
- December 23rd - January 3rd - Winter Break (No School)
- Monday, January 6th - Classes Resume
- Monday, January 6th - First Day of January Short Term (Upper School Students)
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- Dec. 11th - US Girls Basketball vs Willows Academy at Home, 5:00pm
- Dec. 12th - MS Girls Basketball vs CMS, 4:00pm
- Dec. 12th - MS Boys Basketball at Chiaravalle, 4:00pm
- Dec. 13th - US Girls Basketball vs OLT at Home, 5:15pm
- Jan. 8th - MS Girls Basketball vs CMS Away, 4:00pm
- Jan. 10th - MS Girls Basketball vs Willows at Home, 4:00pm
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Save the date for Roycemore's Early Childhood Expo on January 11th. This event is open to the public along with current families. There will be STEAM activities, crafts, snacks, story time, and lots fun things to do. Spread the word and feel free to invite neighbors and friends. This event is free and open to anyone with young children.
Early Childhood Expo at Roycemore
Saturday, January 11th
9:00-11:00am
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Hour of Code Event This Friday!
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This week is Computer Science Education Week and we will be offering coding activities school-wide in classes all week, culminating in an Hour of Code Celebration for students, families, and faculty in the Multipurpose Room on Friday Dec. 13th. The Hour of Code is a global effort to introduce computer programming to millions of people.
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Shutters at 847-866-6055 or
eshutters@roycemoreschool.org
.
Hour of Code Event
Friday, Dec. 13
3:15 - 4:30 pm
Please Note: Children attending who are not in
EDP should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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The Community Service Club has organized a Toys for Tots collection here at Roycemore. All families are welcome to participate by donating new unwrapped toys in one of the many donation boxes around the school.
Toys for Tots Collection
New and Unwrapped Toys
December 2nd - 10th
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Roycemore School is delighted to welcome Illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara to campus to talk with students in Kindergarten - 4th Grade about her career as an illustrator and her new book,
Freedom Soup
. This is a book about the celebration that takes place in the kitchen each year as a Haitian family makes their traditional New Year’s soup and shares the story of how Haitian independence came to be.
If you would like a personalized copy of her book, please return the order form by Thursday, December 12th.
Illustrator Visit
Jacqueline Alcántara
Friday, December 13th
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Attention Roycemore Families!
Be sure to check out the updated Media Center website for book recommendations, library schedules, eBook links, and more.
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Chipotle is giving back to Roycemore and you can help! The Chipotle located at 711 Church Street in Evanston is donating 33% of all orders to our school when they are shown the Roycemore Flyer.
Chipotle Fundraiser
Tuesday, December 10th
4:00-8:00pm
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Upcoming FAN Event: Tonight!
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How do we raise a happy, confident kid? And how can we be confident that our parenting is preparing our child for success? Our confidence develops from understanding and having a mastery over our emotions and helping our children do the same. Author and educator Jennifer Miller, M.Ed. offers valuable guidance on a wide range of topics, including:
1) How to identify the temperaments your child was born with so you can support those tendencies rather than fight them;
2) How to align your biggest hopes and dreams for your kids with specific skills that can be practiced, along with new research to support those powerful connections;
3) How to identify and manage those big emotions (that only the parenting process can bring out in us!) and how to model emotional intelligence for your children
4) How to alter challenging patterns we fall into responding to turnaround even our toughest moments into teachable ones.
Confident Parents, Confident Kids:
Raising Emotional Intelligence in Ourselves and Our Kids
Jennifer Miller
Dec. 10th at 7:00 - 8:30pm
Location: North Shore Country Day School
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City of Evanston Holiday Card Contest
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Mayor Hagerty's Holiday Cards are now on sale! Designs from the four finalists chosen for the City of Evanston Holiday Art Contest are now available for purchase. Congratulations again to Roycemore's very own Lenora in 5th grade, for being one of the contest winners.
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The
Wilmette Community Band
holds concerts throughout the year and is made up of musical volunteers from the community. Their holiday show is this Friday and will feature a variety of winter and holiday favorites. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for one of our very own Roycemore staff members who will be performing with the band that evening.
Holiday Concert
Friday, December 13th
7:30pm
Trinity Lutheran Church
3637 Golf Rd., Evanston, IL 60203
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