Jane Schlabaugh

 

Lynn Yoder, Dick Yoder-Short, Darvin Yoder

 

Josh Tyson, Aaron Gingerich, Paul Kessler, Tony Miller

 

Ranee Brokaw, Gloria Yoder, Pam Gerig Unruh, Bonnie Smith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Just what do the teachers DO on “In-Service Tuesdays” anyway? Twice a month while students sleep in or catch up on homework from 8-10 AM, the teachers gather to learn together. At times we have homework; other times we share presentations and information with each other; there’s often cooperative group work. Sound like a classroom experience?

We usually try to tackle a specific topic or need each year. In the past those topics have included Alignment & Assessment to Iowa Standards; an introduction to the Iowa Core; concepts and tools for the teaching of spelling; reading and discussing John Roth’s Teaching That Transforms; studying the Mennonite Confession of Faith, and others.

This year Technology, (particularly all things Google), is the emphasis. After becoming a “Google school” and acquiring our own domain [iowamennonite.org], all of us are working to incorporate as many of the Google tools as possible to keep our learning opportunities current. Classroom websites, shared documents, paperless classroom assignments, collaborative online projects, and better school-to-home communication include some of the enhancements we’re implementing through the Google initiative.

“Beth (Litwiller) Swantz ’81 graciously conducted our first in-service and has been instrumental in helping us through the Google Apps for Education process,” said Jane Schlabaugh, technology coordinator. Since that initial August meeting, the faculty has been finding their own niches within the Google world. “There are SO many opportunities for education in the cloud that the only way we’ll siphon through them is to help each other learn,” said Schlabaugh, who provides instruction and support through the learning process.

Class websites are one way for parents and students to keep on top of homework, class activities, and messages from the teacher. Current websites can be found here or by going to www.iowamennonite.org, clicking on the Academics link and scrolling down to Google Apps & Sites.