A tip of the H.A.T.S.: A vision comes to life
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January 23, 2013 |
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Students at
Naples Magnet School explore a range of
opportunities that integrate multiple
aspects of learning in H.A.T.S. |
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By Reenie Doolin
Third Grade Teacher
Naples Magnet School
The effectiveness of high quality education is
evident in all schools in Boundary County School
District 101. As teachers follow
scientifically-based research curriculum with
high standards, we see a variety of high quality
education in each school. This article will
specifically address the Naples Magnet School
with its unique enrichment program.
“Today we have H.A.T.S.,” a teacher announces as
an eruption explodes with enthusiastic students
showing excitement and unbridled energy for what
is to come.
With overwhelming success, the H.A.T.S. program
has enhanced learning with a variety of classes
and enriched learning.
For the past three years, Naples Magnet School
has added cross-age special enrichment classes
focusing on Humanities, the Arts, Technology,
and Science (H.A.T.S.). Sometimes a school theme
will align with the classes such as physical
health or social skills.
The well planned classes incorporate the Idaho
State Standards, problem solving skills, and
provide a challenging, differentiated, and
enriched environment for learning. Three
principles from brain research are emotional
safety, appropriate challenge, and
self-constructed meaning, which prove what we
already know: kids are not the same; they learn
in different ways, that they respond to
different kinds of incentives.
Differentiated instruction is responsive to
students’ varying readiness levels, varying
interests, and varying learning profiles. This
is apparent during the H.A.T.S. classes.
Students are offered choices for each eight-week
session.
The students are grouped by interest, not grade
level. A variety of classes are offered each
session with support from staff, P.T.S.A.,
community members, and South Boundary Fire Chief
Tony Rohrwasser and staff. Some classes have
included CPR/First Aid, many technology classes
including Claymation, Power Point Beyond Basics,
Microsoft Word with Integration and Intricacy,
Photo Editing and Manipulation, Technology
Educational Games, Young Scientist, Physics, and
Photography.
Other classes include Drama, Piano, Primary Art,
Passion to Paint, Publishing, Science, Creative
Writing, Juggling, Beading, Guitar, Book Making,
Dance, Card Making, and Surprise, with a
different guest each week.
With highly qualified teachers, staff, and
support from the community, H.A.T.S. is a Naples
“Vision Comes to Life."
It is about the kids!
The time and effort putting together this vision
of learning has made a difference for our kids.
We want to thank all the people in Boundary
County, businesses, volunteers, and
organizations for any and all contributions in
supporting our school.
You have made a difference in the lives of our
children. Ask a child attending Naples Magnet
School about H.A.T.S. and wait for a smile.
Reenie Doolin grew up going to Naples
Elementary School. She has taught 34 years
grades K-6 in Washington and Idaho; She has a
Master’s Degree in Administration, Curriculum,
and Instruction. Her favorite memories are
teaching with her mother, Donella Kramer, at
Naples. |
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