NDES is excited to jump into a new mathematics program in grades kindergarten through five this school year.
Bridges in Mathematics
NDES is excited to jump into a new mathematics program in grades kindergarten through five this school year. The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation and open exploration. It taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful.
The Bridges in Mathematics program was introduced to the faculty last spring and in-service was provided to prepare teachers for implementation in the classroom. Teachers have set up a unique “Number Corner” in their classroom as part of the program to allow concepts to be seen throughout the day.
Teachers have been very appreciative of the hands-on approach that Bridges in Mathematics has in the classroom
“The two things that I appreciate the most about the program are that is it centered on the students using manipulatives to solve problems and that it continually spirals back to different concepts rather than touching on something then moving on to the next topic quickly,” says Mr. Siegel, second-grade teacher.
First grade teacher, Mrs. Gardner, is also fond of the new program and has shared, “I love that the students are interacting with each other on a daily basis to solve problems.”
The school looks forward to the continued successes of our students as the Bridges in Mathematics program is fully explored and developed this year.
Kindergarten Spotlight
There are always exciting things happening in kindergarten at NDES! This year the kindergarten teachers are Mrs. Wachob and Mrs. Biro. They are most excited to be in their new classrooms on the first floor with all of the primary grades.
Already this year they have enjoyed enrichment class with Sr. Barbara, where they watched three monarch butterflies hatch in their classrooms. In math class, they have discovered how they can usepolydrons, unifix-cubes, pattern blocks and geoboards with bands to sort groups of objects. They are working hard to be “bucket fillers,” use good manners and take care of their friends at school.
Mrs. Wachob and Mrs. Biro love their new crop of kindergarten students and can’t wait for a wonderful year of learning, laughter and love.
Geauga County Fair Success
Congratulations to novice 4-H participants Ava Intelisano, an eighth-grader, and Anthony Intelisano, a fifth-grader, who participated in this year’s Geauga County Fair with their pygmy goats.
