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Traphagen School continues to engage in professional development sessions

Snapshot from Traphegan professional development.
Traphagen School continues to engage in professional development sessions

Traphagen teachers and teaching assistants engaged in professional development (PD) led by 4th grade teacher Ms. Hawkins and 6th grade teacher Ms. Roberts. They continued to build on the math engagement work that has been developing collaboratively as a school community.

In this portion of the math PD, faculty were asked to think more deeply about a math topic, identify the content vocabulary needed to understand the topic, and explain what engagement should look like for students in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Our teachers and teaching assistants worked collaboratively, shared aloud, and reflected on the work they did together—and how they will apply what they learned today to their instructional practice.

Snapshot from Traphegan professional development.
Snapshot from Traphegan professional development.
Snapshot from Traphegan professional development.
Snapshot from Traphegan professional development.
Snapshot from Traphegan professional development.
Snapshot from Traphegan professional development.

 

The image shows a classroom setting with a group of young students sitting on the floor, engaged in what appears to be a learning activity or discussion. The classroom is filled with various educational materials and displays, including a large screen displaying the number "10".
Traphagen kindergarteners use math tools to compare numbers

Ms. Genie Ernst, a kindergarten teacher at Traphagen School, conducted a hands-on math lesson last week in which students demonstrated their understanding of comparing greater numbers. Using math tools such as number paths and ten frames, students worked collaboratively to solve problems, listened attentively to one another, posed thoughtful questions, and explained their reasoning. The lesson highlighted both student engagement and the development of strong foundational math skills.

A group of students are engaged in various activities in a colorful and vibrant classroom setting, with a map and other educational materials visible in the background.
Traphagen sixth graders learn about theme and begin analyzing "The Lightning Thief"

Mr. Shane Davanzo, a sixth-grade teacher at Traphagen School, is teaching his students about theme and how readers determine the theme of a story by examining several key elements of the text. He used Pixar short films as an engaging instructional tool to model how themes emerge through characters, conflict, and resolution. Students then worked in small groups to identify the themes of the Pixar clips, applying the strategies they learned during the lesson. They are now using this understanding to analyze the theme in "The Lightning Thief" and will continue to apply these skills in their independent reading books.

The image shows a classroom setting with students seated at desks, engaged in various activities, and a teacher standing at the front of the room, interacting with the students.
Traphagen fourth graders analyze poem and complete graphic organizer

Ms. Megan Carlisto, a resource teacher at Traphagen School, is working with a group of fourth-grade students to analyze a poem and identify how the author uses sensory details to create meaning and establish mood. She modeled the strategy for students and then provided structured opportunities for partner work, during which students collaborated to complete a graphic organizer while examining the poem “Laundromat.”

Danaija Burton posing for the camera with a class.
Author and Traphagen graduate Danaija Burton reads to second grade class

Traphagen graduate Danaija Burton visited the second graders of Traphagen School last Friday. Danaija graduated from Traphagen 17 years ago and has since authored a children's book entitled Boys Can Cry. It teaches the reader about the power of affirmations and the acceptance of each other's differences.

Students reading in class.
Class 5CB at Traphagen School learn through small-group instruction to support students' reading comprehension

Ms. Cortijo-Brewer, a fifth‑grade teacher at Traphagen School, plans with intentionality and care to meet the diverse needs of her students. She regularly uses small‑group instruction to support students’ reading comprehension. In addition, she incorporates modeling, anchor charts, and timely, specific feedback to guide students toward deeper understanding and increased independence as readers.