#miched Archive

The #michED chat is a grassroots effort dedicated to giving teachers, students, and parents across Michigan a bigger voice in the conversation about education in our state. We welcome all voices through a variety of projects, media, and social networking. We’re trying to address educational issues through apolitical conversation, spreading ideas and stories of success from Michigan classrooms across the state, and helping teachers and students regain the courage to connect and demonstrate that schools in Michigan are creating amazing opportunities for learning. We want the face and voice of education in Michigan to be a mural of shared experiences and positive examples of connected learning.

Wednesday January 30, 2019
8:00 PM EST

  • techsavvyed Jan 30 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Good evening #michED Welcome to our special #snowday chat! Please introduce yourself and tell us from what frigid corner of the state you're from.
  • MaryEllies_ Jan 30 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Good evening #michED friends! I'm Mary from Northville, MI! Currently sitting next to my fireplace with about 5 blankets and 2 sweaters
  • DreaWeiner Jan 30 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Drea Weiner checking in from the warm Traverse City. #miched
  • Ellyssa17866727 Jan 30 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Hello #michED ! My name is Ellyssa and I am from Grand Rapids!
    In reply to @techsavvyed
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Hello #miched crew! Tara, checking in from GR. Also next to the fireplace with blankets! I teach 8th grade math @Creekside_MS in Zeeland.
  • mpetty39 Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Hi everyone. I'm Mike from Lapeer. #miched
  • raeleevandenbe1 Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Hi #michEd I am Raelee and I am also from Grand Rapids.
    In reply to @techsavvyed
  • techsavvyed Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Ben checking in from St. Joseph, where we're warm after a scare with furnace issues this morning. #michED
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Welcome to the chat! What do you teach? #miched
    In reply to @Ellyssa17866727, @techsavvyed
  • Katelyn62387936 Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Hello! #miched I am Katelyn. I am joining from Grand Rapids!!
  • Kidsmathtalk Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Hi everyone Desiree, math coach #miched
  • maegansneller Jan 30 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Hello #miched! My name is Maegan from Grand Rapids! Glad to join my first chat!
  • Kidsmathtalk Jan 30 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Thank you! So glad I remembered to hop on! #miched
    In reply to @techsavvyed
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Looks like GR is represented well in the #miched chat tonight! We are all in need of an activity after being locked up inside! Brrr!
  • techsavvyed Jan 30 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Time to get chatting. We follow the Q and A format, so please make sure to add your answers with the appropriate number for each Q. #michED
  • DreaWeiner Jan 30 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Welcome to #miched!
    In reply to @maegansneller
  • CaileyDenboer Jan 30 @ 8:09 PM EST
    Hi! My name is Cailey DenBoer. I’m a future teacher studying at Montana Western. I’m excited to see what this #MichEd has to offer.
  • corytimmer Jan 30 @ 8:10 PM EST
    Count me in! Cory Timmer, special ed teacher, Zeeland #michED
  • techsavvyed Jan 30 @ 8:10 PM EST
    Q1: We had some rather famous #snowday announcements this week in Michigan, including the Schwartz Creek viral video. How do your schools conect with parents/students on snow days? #michED https://t.co/oBtpquOjtZ
  • MaryEllies_ Jan 30 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A1: Our superintendent reaches out via Twitter and Email to inform families about snow days. I send updates through #ClassDojo about projects/reading activities students can do at home :) #michED
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A1: Our district, @zeelandschools and supt. @CalDeKuiper use many tools! Social media, Email, local TV. (Im sure I'm missing some!) We add it on our @Creekside_MS Instagram account. #miched
  • mpetty39 Jan 30 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A1) We use Facebook and SchoolMessenger. There was some buzz about doing a fun video this week, but it didn't come together in time. Our elementary principal challenged parents to post pics of kids reading. #miched
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A1: Both of our middle schools have done fun videos over the last couple years. @Creekside_MS just did one for the first snow day this school year. https://t.co/NjvLtQPFwo #miched
  • CaileyDenboer Jan 30 @ 8:14 PM EST
    A1: What a great video! I’ve never heard of a snow day here in Montana. I remember my dad driving me to school while plowing the highway in fourth grade. #MichEd
  • corytimmer Jan 30 @ 8:14 PM EST
    This was our shot at a video! Creekside Middle School Snow Day https://t.co/vJd2RLbMf8 via @YouTube #miched
  • Ellyssa17866727 Jan 30 @ 8:14 PM EST
    A1: I am a student at Cornerstone, and they connect with us via email, social media, and news "school closing" lists! #miched
    In reply to @techsavvyed
  • mcculloughmg Jan 30 @ 8:14 PM EST
    A1 We use Apptegy to hit social media, our app, website, email, text, and calls. Trying to push for a creative launch if there is another day! #michED
  • Katelyn62387936 Jan 30 @ 8:14 PM EST
    A1: Our school connects on email and all social media to spread the news to parents. They connect to students via text messages, email, and portal. #miched
  • matharguello Jan 30 @ 8:15 PM EST
    I’m late, but Michiah from @tkschools signing on! I teach 8th math at TKMS in the GR area #miched #michedchat
  • MaryEllies_ Jan 30 @ 8:16 PM EST
    Friends in #CEP810, there is a great chat starting in the #michED chat right now! We're discussing ways to connect with parents and families on snow days ❄️ Learning some ideas already!
  • matharguello Jan 30 @ 8:16 PM EST
    A1: At TK, they have been posting to the Facebook page and mostly just telling kids to stay safe, perhaps issuing some fun “challenges.” I personally sent my kids a math challenge to show me they tried when they get back, if they’re so inclined. #michedchat #miched #snowday
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:19 PM EST
    A1: Here's a good one from Benzie, MI earlier this week. https://t.co/oUjpbQhx8Q #miched
  • mpetty39 Jan 30 @ 8:19 PM EST
    I heard a math teacher from a nearby district was teaching with Facebook Live and Google Classroom. She told the kids to watch for it last week. Probably not exactly fun for them, but it shows she values learning! #miched
  • techsavvyed Jan 30 @ 8:19 PM EST
    Q2: How are you connecting with your students during this extended #snowday Do you like to keep them engaged, or encourage them to enjoy their time off? #michED
  • posickj Jan 30 @ 8:20 PM EST
    A1 This was our attempt in Merton, WI. Nothing like Schwartz Creek, but we did use a Johnny Cash song. https://t.co/tG5R0FYwk2 #miched
  • posickj Jan 30 @ 8:21 PM EST
    A2 Many students follow our Instagram account. I might do something tomorrow to challenge share what they're reading. #miched
  • MaryEllies_ Jan 30 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A2: I send out a few ideas on Class Dojo but I like to have kids enjoy their days off! When I was in school, we didn't have the ability to be constantly connected and snow days were like little winter miracles! Just like us, kids can't pour from an empty cup! #michED
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A2: As a whole school, we've posted #crksnowday challenges for our middle school via Instagram and Twitter. Things like reading, board games, creating something, etc. #miched Not a ton of participation.
  • Katelyn62387936 Jan 30 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A2: I am still a student in college, so I do not currently teach students. However, my teachers connect with me by email assignments to turn in online, and some of them just encourage me to enjoy my time off. #miched
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A2: Personally, I finally reached out to my adv. geo class yesterday and hopefully moved them forward. They had watched a vid for #flipclass so just needed to practice. Sent them a @Classkick review today. #miched
  • Kidsmathtalk Jan 30 @ 8:24 PM EST
    One of our schools has a FB page and all day pictures and videos of students and teachers reading have been posted. So wonderful to see! #miched
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A2: I plan to send something to my reg 8th math kids via @edmodo sometime this evening or tomorrow morning. It will be an entire week tomorrow that we've been out so need to get those brains rolling! #miched
  • CaileyDenboer Jan 30 @ 8:25 PM EST
    Q2: For the purpose of expecting different challenges I might face as an educator.. I would connect with my students via Class Dojo or a similar program. I would encourage them to read, read, and read in their down time! whatever they enjoy. #MichEd
  • mcculloughmg Jan 30 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A2 We've done snow day challenges, some successfully some not as much. #michED
  • Kidsmathtalk Jan 30 @ 8:25 PM EST
    That's a cool idea to combine the platforms. Anyone hear of people using Google Hangouts today? #miched
    In reply to @mpetty39
  • jerryjedtech Jan 30 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A1. long time away from #miched TV helps.. Lol
    In reply to @techsavvyed
  • conrad_chris Jan 30 @ 8:26 PM EST
    Hi #miched. Late to the party but I'll try to play catch up. for a little. Chris from Allegan checking in.
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:26 PM EST
    All great ideas! Yes, reading is a must! #miched
    In reply to @CaileyDenboer
  • conrad_chris Jan 30 @ 8:28 PM EST
    A2: I wasn't expected a full week so far off. Usually I want my students to enjoy their days off. Also, in my district I can't count on Ss having internet in their houses. I usually budget for days off so I still feel good. #miched
  • techsavvyed Jan 30 @ 8:28 PM EST
    Q3: So some people have been saying it. Do you feel days off like this should be e-learning opportunities, or focused on enjoying (or for some just surviving) a #snowday ? #michED
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:29 PM EST
    I teach in a flipped classroom environment. (videos for hmwk w/ me explaining content & then we practice in class together) and @classkick is an interactive whiteboard app/site. Ss can help each other, Tchs can help Ss. It's awesome! #miched
    In reply to @raeleevandenbe1, @Classkick, @Classkick
  • SIGOBL_MACUL Jan 30 @ 8:30 PM EST
    Join @ammarcangelo and @kylemaginity at #macul19 as they discuss implementation of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality into the classroom! Attendees will explore the integration of VR and AR with students. Register here rhttp://buff.ly/2RRb2rH #miched
  • VIPKidTeacherIN Jan 30 @ 8:30 PM EST
    Just finished teaching classes with #VIPKid! If you want to make money teaching from home, click here to get started: https://t.co/Kz81GVk1AI #1to1techchat #FLEDchat #EarlyLang #scchat #122edchat #ATchat #miched #workfromhome
  • posickj Jan 30 @ 8:31 PM EST
    A3 I find it difficult to require things of our students and staff when they aren't at school. They may need to take care of their family members and are just trying to get through the day. But there should always be a little time to read. #miched
  • Ellyssa17866727 Jan 30 @ 8:31 PM EST
    A3: I feel like e-learning can be extremely beneficial to an extent, but days off are also for students to enjoy, be with family, participate in a hobby of theirs, rest, and catch up. #miched
    In reply to @techsavvyed
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:31 PM EST
    A3: With a snow day here and there, I am OK with just enjoying it and surviving it. With 5 off in a row, it's time for some e-learning if Ss are able to be connected. #miched
  • MaryEllies_ Jan 30 @ 8:32 PM EST
    I teach 1st graders and I'm always wishing we had more time for cooperative play! #Snowdays are an opportunity for students build their social skills through creative and imaginative play with friends and family #miched
  • mpetty39 Jan 30 @ 8:32 PM EST
    A3) I'm not in the classroom right now, but if I were teaching at the HS level I'd tell students to expect some sort of activity for class if it looked like multiple snow days in a row were possible. It's important they see how tech solves problems. #miched
  • CaileyDenboer Jan 30 @ 8:32 PM EST
    A3: I would want my students to still be academically engaged but also enjoy down time. Time designated for both? #MichEd
  • conrad_chris Jan 30 @ 8:32 PM EST
    A3: Snowdays in MI should be enjoyed. We constantly question traditional math HW, so practice without support isn't in my plans. My district doesn't have consistent home internet. I don't want to push ahead and have a handful of kids that fall behind because of that. #miched
  • glbspringer Jan 30 @ 8:32 PM EST
    A3: I would like to be able to use e learning INSTEAD of making up days at the end of the year #miched
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:32 PM EST
    If you ever want to see it in action, let me know. My classroom is always open. If you need observation hours for any of your college classes, come my way! Zeeland isn't too far from Cornerstone. (on good roads) ;) #miched
    In reply to @raeleevandenbe1, @Classkick
  • jerryjedtech Jan 30 @ 8:32 PM EST
    A2. We tried this.. First time but seemed to get some students engaged.. Staff too! Check out @MuskegonSchools’s Tweet: https://t.co/TZAXNwmzh8 #miched
    In reply to @techsavvyed, @MuskegonSchools
  • bigkxcountry Jan 30 @ 8:33 PM EST
    Help-I’m creating brown lunch sacks full of math games to be given out at kindergarten roundup. I need a cute name for the brown bag of games. #michED #flipclass
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:33 PM EST
    So true! 8th graders need this play too! #miched
    In reply to @MaryEllies_
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:37 PM EST
    #miched
    • matharguello Jan 30 @ 8:36 PM EST
      A3: that being said, I am happy that the schools have made staff and student safety a priority this week, and I am happy my kids are safe and warm. #michedchat
  • techsavvyed Jan 30 @ 8:38 PM EST
    Q4: This week is anything but normal when it comes to #snowdays in Michigan and much of the midwest. How are you or your district planning to help students re-enter next week? #michED
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A4: Honestly - no idea. Good thing I have another day to plan for it. ... We have a 1/2 day on Friday for PD in the pm so if we are back to school, it will be nice to ease back in with a half-day. #miched Need ideas here!
  • techsavvyed Jan 30 @ 8:40 PM EST
    A4: I know a LOT of districts in my area were set to start 2nd semester this last Monday. My daughter was actually scheduled to take her last mid-term exams...and now will have to wait until Friday or Monday. #michED
  • wmchamberlain Jan 30 @ 8:41 PM EST
    Why don't schools go over the summer and take off December, January and February so we don't have so many problems with snow/ice/cold? #miched
  • hannahkitchen55 Jan 30 @ 8:41 PM EST
    It’s usually all business, especially at the college level. If we had our president do something like this, it would be awesome! #michED
    In reply to @techsavvyed, @Ellyssa17866727
  • MaryEllies_ Jan 30 @ 8:41 PM EST
    A4: We will be spending a LOT of time Friday and Monday reviewing #PBIS expectations! Along with this, we will be spending a few days reviewing what we were working on prior to all these snow days! #michED
  • posickj Jan 30 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A4 All staff is wearing blue (our school color) on Friday when we return to school and we'll be greeting them outside before they enter to let them know we missed them and are glad they're back. #miched #MertonProud
  • mpetty39 Jan 30 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A4) We have had only two regular days of school in the past two weeks. There are a lot of questions about how we're going to get back on track. We were doing NWEA and a pilot M-STEP test too. #miched
  • CaileyDenboer Jan 30 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A4: Like any extended break, easing back in can be difficult. I would make sure to stay on task and have high expectations of my students! #MichEd
  • conrad_chris Jan 30 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A4: I'll probably introduce myself as their teacher. Ask if anyone did anything fun while trapped at their homes and review what we were learning about. We were at a good break before we left anyway so I hope we'll be good. #miched
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A4: We had planned a Super Spirit Week for this week to beat the mid-winter blues but we'll be pushing that back to next week. Hopefully that will get them excited to be back all next week. #miched
  • hannahkitchen55 Jan 30 @ 8:44 PM EST
    Exactly! Our president is super down to earth as it is, I know all of the students here really look up to him, but seeing him with shades and singing would be a HIT #michED
    In reply to @techsavvyed, @Ellyssa17866727
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:44 PM EST
    8th grade math. ... I know I will be reviewing what we did last week but I should probably take some time to just listen to them. #miched
    In reply to @MaryEllies_
  • glbspringer Jan 30 @ 8:44 PM EST
    @wmchamberlain because last year we had 2 days off for heat #miched
  • jerryjedtech Jan 30 @ 8:45 PM EST
    Really tough question Ben. We also are in the midst of exams which makes things even more difficult. When does second semester start now? We are serving lunch tomorrow for those that need it at our HS so that will help bring our community together and connected #miched
    In reply to @techsavvyed, @michEDchat
  • techsavvyed Jan 30 @ 8:46 PM EST
    Q5: With Michigan currently in a State of Emergency, and many students going without their usual school-provided supports, had anyone found a way to still serve meals or deliver support? #michED
  • corytimmer Jan 30 @ 8:48 PM EST
    A4: After Christmas, asked Ss for a peak and valley of break...Interestingly, they shared both, but their peaks were short and to the point as they thought of a valley. Allowed for all Ss to share and also let us move on. #miched
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:48 PM EST
    A5: I know @bdavisHPS had students and parents in earlier this week. I heard the downtown @ymca in GR is feeding GRPS students tomorrow. @h2hfeedkids has plans to connect with families they serve Th/Fri as well. #miched
  • glbspringer Jan 30 @ 8:48 PM EST
    A5: I saw 2 larger districts in our area serving meals or at least sack lunches. #miched
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:49 PM EST
    This is a great idea. Not too long, yet gives the Ss time to talk (or write) depending on how you want to do it. #miched
    • corytimmer Jan 30 @ 8:48 PM EST
      A4: After Christmas, asked Ss for a peak and valley of break...Interestingly, they shared both, but their peaks were short and to the point as they thought of a valley. Allowed for all Ss to share and also let us move on. #miched
  • blocht574 Jan 30 @ 8:49 PM EST
    Students should learn how to assign themselves homework! #miched #mschat https://t.co/pEKG8sT4NR
  • blocht574 Jan 30 @ 8:50 PM EST
    Schools need the support of the culture around them! #miched #colchat https://t.co/H2XeS14fh3
  • CaileyDenboer Jan 30 @ 8:51 PM EST
    Q5: I never even considered this. A lot of students in Montana rely on free and reduced lunch programs. I would imagine my community/school here in Dillon would come up with something. #MichEd
  • blocht574 Jan 30 @ 8:52 PM EST
    A5; A few schools in metro area are open for lunch pick-ups #miched
  • MaryEllies_ Jan 30 @ 8:55 PM EST
    A5: I am not sure if our district does this but working in a Title 1 school, I know that many of our students rely on the Free & Reduced lunches provided. I hope there are facilities in the area open for food pick ups :( #miched
  • techsavvyed Jan 30 @ 8:55 PM EST
    Q6: Last question! Share one way you're helping yourself or encouraging your students to beat cabin fever! #michED
  • conrad_chris Jan 30 @ 8:55 PM EST
    A5: In our area we have warming stations (several churches), but with the number of unplowed streets (I've seen a plow once on Monday, once on Tuesday, none today) to keep the main roads "flowing" it is just dangerous to be out. I will be mindful of this when Ss return. #miched
  • EduGladiators Jan 30 @ 8:56 PM EST
    💪🏾 February is Black History Month + starts a {NEW} #EduGladiators series! Join the Core Warriors SATURDAY focused on Putting in the Work for Equity & Diversity! #KidsDeserveIt #champforkids #weteachun #suptchat #wcpsschat #FLedchat #miched @LHBLovesEdu @Demetrius_Ball @MrConn32
  • conrad_chris Jan 30 @ 8:57 PM EST
    A6: Lots of play and reading with my son. With that it's time to bedtime read to him. g'night #miched. Glad I could chat for a little tonight.
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:58 PM EST
    A6: Personally, I have tackled some cleaning projects. My donate pile is huge but everywhere I can take it is closed! Reorganizing the storage room & guest/craft room. So much crap! #miched
  • tmaynard5 Jan 30 @ 8:59 PM EST
    A6: Trying to help my own kids stay busy with reading, crafting, making videos for their cousins bdays, board games, cleaning, re-organizing too! #miched
  • MaryEllies_ Jan 30 @ 8:59 PM EST
    A6: I just started my @MAET grad school program at @michiganstateu! This week has been SUPER helpful to catch up on course work for my #CEP810 class! #michEd
  • GeorgeHistory Jan 30 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Hey everyone! Siena Heights University is going to lead a special edition of #WorldGeoChat on 2/7 at 8 pm EST and we are talking teaching strategies! Please swing by and help us all learn! #TLAP #sschat #sstlap #MichEd