BYOD - Quest Conference Presentation

Once again, a team of staff members headed out last week to share the exciting, progressive work that is being done at Sagonaska with other teachers and educators at a conference.  The conference this time was the impressive, Quest, hosted by York Region District School Board.  The theme of the conference this year was "Deep Learning in a Digital World" and local and international participants came together to consider a dynamic cultural shift in teaching and learning strategies that will help ensure students are prepared for post-secondary learning and changing employment environments.

Sagonaska's team shared a presentation called "Beyond BYOD - How Fluent Use of Personal Devices Shifts Past Engagement to Deep Learning" and although the staff lead the workshop, it was the videos and the voice of the students that inspired all the participants.  We shared examples of how we are teaching our students to first become literate and then fluent with their devices, in order for them to share their learning in transformational ways.  We know that technology use is essential for our students with Learning Disabilities to share with the world what their true capabilities.

If you have a Drop Box account, you can scan the QR Code above and view the presentation as a PDF (unfortunately the videos will not play) but I have included one of our favourite clips from the presentation.  Watch the video below and see what our students think about a Bring Your Own Device policy and what it means to them.

November's Wellness Challenge - Nutrition and Body Image

Research studies show that what people eat can impact their mood. When you are eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, your body and mind are able to perform better and handle life’s challenges. When we feed our body less nutritious foods or starve ourselves, we have less physical and emotional energy to cope. If our bodies are not getting the proper nutrients, we find it difficult to stay active. Energy creates energy…you need to use energy in order to create more of it.

Society has programmed us to believe that the most important attribute of our bodies is how they look. Some people think they need to change how they look in order to feel good about themselves. Focusing on unrealistic external perfectionism directly impacts our self-esteem. A positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle (such as exercising and eating right) are a great combination for building strong body image.

This month we are going to explore nutrition and discuss body image and the impact it has on our thinking and feeling. 

October's Wellness Winners

As October ended, we celebrated some very special students at our Wellness/Terrific Kids Assembly last Friday.  Our focus for October was Mental Health and although we know learning disabilities and mental health concerns are two completely different things, know that students that do struggle in school can be vulnerable to mental health problems.  At our assembly last Friday, we celebrated all of our students for facing their challenges head on and being proud of their accomplishments and successes.  Some very special students were recognized for being especially strong and positive over the month of October.  Here are the winners of our October Wellness Challenge!

Way to go Ryan J, Maggie H, Caleb F, Evan G, Abbie A, and Will W!

Two Month Reflections

Twice a year our students have meetings to review their progress and discuss their transition back to their home schools.  In the fall, these meetings are generally teacher-led, but the students do have an opportunity to demonstrate their growth in both reading and technology use and reflect on their time thus far at Sagonaska.  In the spring, these meetings are student-led and the focus is on the student advocating for what they need to be in place for them in their regular school in order to be successful. 

The first round of review meetings are happening right now, and our students are sharing some very positive and honest messages about how Sagonaska is different from their home school.  I asked the students to write down their thoughts about Sag to share with prospective students and families that may be interested in the program.  Here is what some of our secondary students had to say:

Haley

Sagonaska is different than my home school, because I get extra help with my work and a better understanding of everything I am learning. The teachers at Sagonaska also get to know you a lot better than other teachers would.

Some positive changes I have noticed about myself is that I am a lot more confident and my reading has improved a ton. Some things I like about Sagonaska are all the teachers and staff. They are all really friendly and want you to improve in your subjects. One major challenge about attending a res school is not seeing my family and friends everyday.

Janine

Something different about my old school and Sag is I use my technology in school and the class sizes are smaller. Some changes I've noticed in myself is that I am more confident at school and I can self advocate better. I feel able to ask for help when I need it. I like Sagonaska because I can use in technology in class.

One of the challenges from being at a residential school is being away from home.

Jake

Compared to my old school, we use more technology here at Sagonaska. I think I’ve changed since being here because now I hang out with people and I'm less shy. I like the teachers and the counselors because they help me and push me to learn. It's more independent and fun.

Amber

Sagonaska is different from my home school because Sag helps me go back to basics and the teachers actually care about if you don't get it and they help. I’m really excited and happy to be going up in my reading level. I like that I’m getting to know everyone better and that I’m getting help with my LD. One of the challenges of being at a residential school is that I miss my friends at home.

Kayla

I really like it here at Sag because I use all of the tech because it really helps me. I also like the really nice teachers because I feel like they understand me. I also have made a lot of friends. I like all of the things that we have done inside of class and outside of class in residence. I feel that at the end of the year it is going to benefit me in the long run and help me for the future. I also love how the classes are smaller so I can get all the help that I need here at Sag.

Josh

Sagonaska Is different than my home school because it helps me to learn how to use my tech more. I am helping people out more with tech if I know how to do it. I really like that being here makes you more independent. One downside is that you are away from your family for a week.

Great Apps for LD Learners

All of the students and staff at Sagonaska use personal, mobile technology to support our learning and to help us organize and navigate our daily routines and lives.  People are always asking us what apps are best for students with learning disabilties.  There are no magic apps out there that work for each and every student, and technology is changing at such rapid pace, but we do our best to share apps with our students that help them to demonstrate their knowledge in alternate ways.  These apps, along with many of the built-in assistive features, help our students share their true potential and level the playing field for our learners.  Check out this graphic created by Geoff Mortaley, our assistive technology advisor, to see some of these applications or contact us to learn more about how we use personal devices in our classrooms. (see contact information below)

geoff.mortaley@ontario.ca

anne.truaisch@ontario.ca

Halloween Door Decorating Contest

If you scare easily, you may not want to look at the pictures posted below! This year we had our first spooky, terrifying, frightening, Halloween Door Decorating Contest!  Although we did have four winners, each class deserves an honorable mention for the incredible finished products.  Judge for yourself which door scares you the most... then scroll to the bottom to find out who our judges picked!

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And the winners were......

Ms. McGilly (Door 1) - SCARIEST

Mr. Mortaley and Ms. Westacott (Door 7) - MOST CREATIVE (tie)

Ms. Miller (Door 10) - MOST CREATIVE (tie)

Mr. Hayes (Door 2) - FUNNIEST