Fall 2011

Meet the Teacher

Natalee Mapp

Buffalo Trail FUTURA Center703-722-2780Natalee.Mapp@lcps.org

What Does FUTURA stand for?

Facilitating

Understanding

Through

Using Real life

Applications

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 timethey are in FUTURA. There are no specials tobreak 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 thinkingCollaboration with fellow studentsPerseverance and task commitmentMaintenance 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 703-722-2780.

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 703-722-2780 or e-mailing me at:Natalee.Mapp@lcps.org

Assessments

3 2 1

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 researchBring 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