Quick Links: 

Item 1:  Reading Spring Institute 2012:  At A Glance Agenda:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_zg8Xz_aNt5aVlBV0hZbjhUWnl1cVR1WTU5RlRSdw

Item 2:  School Site Visit Overviews:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_zg8Xz_aNt5QW5hVjYxc3dTZmFvYnVpcEd2Q2E3Zw

Item 3:  Concurrent Session Overviews:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_zg8Xz_aNt5Z09FTnZNaUlRcU9temhwd3lSWmpMUQ

Transportation Information:

We are so pleased and excited that you are going to be able to attend our Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Spring Institute!

Hotel Accommodations:  Marriott Courtyard Boston-Woburn:  800-321-2211

Reading Spring Institute Shuttle: 

We made arrangements for a shuttle to pick up from the Marriott Courtyard Boston-Woburn hotel to drop off at Reading Memorial High School and back as needed for the April 12-13^th.

·       On Thursday we plan to have registration and a continental breakfast beginning at 7, with the opening session of the Institute beginning at 8, at Reading Memorial High School.   

·       The shuttle bus to the school will be at the hotel around 6:30-40 AM. 

·       It might be a good idea to let the front desk that you plan to take the Reading Spring Institute shuttle.

·       The Marriott Courtyard Boston-Woburn hotel does not have its own shuttle service. 

Transportation from Logan Airport

From Logan Airport to the hotel, use the Logan Express transportation (information from their website is below).  There are signs in the Airport terminals indicating where the Logan Express pick-up area is located.  

·       Look for the green and white Logan Express bus to Woburn.

·       You will purchase the ticket for riding the Logan Express at the completion of your trip via Cash or Credit Card.

·       You may purchase a roundtrip or a one-way ticket. 

·       The Woburn Logan Express will drop you off at the Anderson Regional Transportation Center (ARTC) in Woburn, MA. 

The hotel is approximately 3 miles from the Anderson Transportation Center.  When you get to the Anderson Transportation Center you should take a cab.  There are usually cabs waiting and the cost is about $10. 

Neither the hotel or transportation center has a shuttle service.  The transportation center usually deals with the Woburn Cab Company (781-933-5000); if you need to call.

More information about Logan Express is available twenty-four hours, 1-800-23-LOGAN (TTY: 800-262-3335).

http://www.massport.com/massport/gtu/Logan Express Lines/Woburn.aspx

Woburn Logan Express is located at the Anderson Regional Transportation Center (ARTC) in Woburn, MA .

The ARTC is located off Route 93 at Exit 37C (this is one exit north of Route 128/I-95 on I-93).

Logan Express stops at all airport terminals. Scheduled times for departing Logan are shown for Terminal A. Departure from other terminals is a few minutes later. Travel time is approximately 30-45 minutes. Be sure to allow extra time during rush hours.

Fares
Adult One-Way Fare: $12.00
Adult Round Trip Fare: $22.00
Senior (65+) One-Way Fare: $11.00
Senior (65+) Round Trip Fare: $20.00
Children (under age 12 with adult): Free

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_zg8Xz_aNt5aVlBV0hZbjhUWnl1cVR1WTU5RlRSdw

Blueprint for Excellence Spring Institute 2012

Institute Agenda:  At-A-Glance

 All events will be held at Reading Memorial High School unless otherwise noted.

Review the Concurrent Sessions via the following link: 

Spring Institute Concurrent Sessions

Here are just a few of the sessions available for your professional development institute. 

   Session:  “What An Audience Greater Than One” Means for New Teachers.

"New teachers must balance many demands, from learning curriculum to mastering classroom management.  With the many challenges new teachers face, it can be daunting to undertake big projects.  However, with guidance from experienced teachers and a few key techniques for planning and managing projects, new teachers can successfully design projects that will inspire and challenge students to create work for an “Audience Greater than One.”  Come to this workshop to learn successful projects."

   Session:  "Using Google Earth in the Classroom: A World of Possibilities”

With Google Earth’s easy-to-use technology, students have instant access to the world.  More than just a geography tool, this software can be used in multiple subjects at all levels.  Join us for an interactive session in which you will learn how to use the basic functions of Google Earth.  Teachers will share examples of lessons they have implemented in middle school social studies and science classrooms.  Authentic student work will be highlighted.

Session:  Strategies for Teaching Comprehension and Fluency

The ultimate goal of reading is comprehension.   In order to comprehend effectively (especially in more challenging, upper-grade texts), students must be able to read fluently, so that attention can be focused on creating meaning.  In our presentation, a Reading Specialist and a Fifth grade science teacher will share some strategies and resources for teaching comprehension and fluency. 

Whole class and small group resources will be shared, as well as some technology integration tools. 

Session:  Teachers Teaching Teachers: Professional Development that Makes a Difference!

We at Parker Middle School are learning how to learn with and from one another to improve instruction and engage students. Come join us to hear about how we have developed professional learning structures that have helped us integrate technology into classrooms and make teacher and student work public. We will also share how this process has shaped our culture and shared accountability for student performance.