Fall 2011

Meet the Teacher Natalee Mapp Buffalo Trail FUTURA Center

What Does FUTURA stand for? F acilitating U nderstanding T hrough U sing R eal life A pplications

Developing the Intellect through Inquiry and Investigation

What is F.U.T.U.R.A.? Problem Solving Critical Thinking Creative Thinking Evaluative Thinking

Buffalo Trail FUTURA Center Serving: Tuesday – Buffalo Trail 4th Wednesday – Buffalo Trial 5th Thursday – Pinebrook 4th Friday – Pinebrook 5th Our class is rooms 245.

Transportation Students are transported by bus from Pinebrook Elementary to Buffalo Trail Elementary and back. FUTURA Center

Tentative Daily Schedule 8:45 Take Bus to FUTURA center 9:00 Arrive at FUTURA center 9:15-9:45 CPS-Creative Problem Solving 9:45-11:45 CSI-Class Systems Investigation 11:45-12:03 Diversion & Restroom 12:03-12:33 Lunch 12:35-1:35 IDC-Interest Development Centers 1:35-1:45 Exit Pass, Reflection and Clean up 1:45 Take Bus back to base school Students are actively working/learning the entire time they are in FUTURA. There are no specials to break up the day.

Expectations Have an acceptable level of productivity Development and use of planning strategies Utilization of problem solving techniques Application of core content learning to projects and products Flexibility and Critical thinking Collaboration with fellow students Perseverance and task commitment Maintenance of proper classroom decorum

Systems

Essential Understandings of Systems Systems have design. Systems can change. Systems have boundaries. Systems have function. Parts of systems interact.

Interest Development Centers Goals:  To provide FUTURA students with opportunities to both satisfy and elicit their intense curiosity.  FUTURA students have the opportunity to choose activities based on interest and learning style while working at their own individual pace.  Students learn task commitment and time management skills.  Reflect on individual accomplishments and set goals.

Lunch Students may bring their lunch from home or buy at the FUTURA center. Lunch accounts are interconnected with your child’s base school. Please make sure they have money on their account if they plan to buy lunch when at FUTURA. Please send your child with a nutritious and “nut free” snack. Students are welcome to bring a water bottle.

Your Attendance Is Important To Us! If your student is going to be absent, please also call Buffalo Trail Elementary at

Binder Your child is responsible for bringing their binder each week. Communication is important in FUTURA. Please review your child’s binder each week. FUTURA

Parent Conferences Parents can request a conference by calling Buffalo Trail Elementary or ing me at:

Assessments 321 Thoughtfully analyzes and interprets the assignment with meaningful connections. Thoughtfully analyzes and interprets the assignment. Superficially evaluates assignment with little elaboration.  A performance assessment is given at the end of each semester. (late January and June)  Informal assessments are ongoing. These will be in your child’s FUTURA binder with major projects/centers work.  Students are often asked to complete self-assessments on various products. This allows them to reflect on their learning.

Homework Policy Home School Homework - Students have two days to make up any missed assignments. At home, FUTURA students may need to: Continue FUTURA research Bring in materials for certain lessons

Thank You For Your Support I look forward to a great year of FUTURA. Please feel free to visit the classrooms after the presentation. Mapp – Rm 245