The mission of the Bridgeport Public Schools and its supporting community is to graduate every student college ready and

prepared to succeed in life.

 

 

 

 

 

This week marks the first implementation of the new Full Options Science System (FOSS) in Bridgeport’s elementary schools.  Throughout the month of September, first through fifth grade teachers will participate in FOSS training workshops at the Discovery Museum. 

 

“The FOSS science kit provides teachers and students the opportunity to become completely immersed in hands-on learning,” said Aresta Thompson Director of Science/Life Skills.  Each kit is designed with all the materials needed for the activities of a 8 to 12 week period, or the equivalent of one marking period.  Each kit contains booklets for each student, teacher manuals, an instructional DVD, master assessments, and more.  There is a specialized kit for each grade level which focuses on a grade-appropriate theme.  FOSS themes are as follows:

 

With comprehensive training and a step-by-step guide, FOSS kits equip teachers to teach science in a more effective, focused manner.  “There is a desperate need for science in elementary school,” said Science Curriculum Specialist Martha W. Council.  “Hopefully this program will alleviate any hesitation teachers have about teaching science in the classroom and will help them feel more comfortable.” 

 

Each training class consists of a small group of no more than 25 teachers.  Each teacher will participate in one day of training.  This week first grade teachers receive the training. 

 

The program is already receiving positive responses.  “I’m excited because we’re getting everything we need to teach science,” said Blackham teacher and 20-year teaching veteran Robin Esposito.  “It will be nice to have a complete program with our own materials.  This kit gives us great ideas for the curriculum.”  Esposito’s student teacher Kimberly Turiano, a senior elementary education major at SCSU, agrees.  “The program gives us direction as to what to cover and helps give a focus.  I think this will give me more confidence in teaching science,” she said.

 

Longfellow first grade teacher Mandy Delfino enjoys teaching science and looks forward to using the FOSS in the classroom.  “I love that science is hands-on and there are a lot of activities that involve the students’ curiosity,” she said.  “The materials provided will help us go farther with the curriculum.  It will also help financially, since now I won’t have to spend so much money out of pocket for materials.”  Delfino is confident that the FOSS kit will help students become excited about learning.  “I find that most students learn through experience and when they engage in the activity the material sticks with them longer,” she added.  “It’s great for children to be able to go home and share what they are learning with their families.  The students will be excited to show their parents what they made in class, and this leads to a good response from parents.”

 

The constant theme throughout every kit is the scientific method.  “These kits are designed to help students become aware of the fact that we use the scientific method every day and show them how to apply it,” Council said.  “By learning the scientific method at a young age, the process will become more innate for students as they continue learning about science in middle and high school.” 

 

Thompson believes there is a need to show students the avenues to making science fun while helping them succeed.  “The FOSS kit prepares students for life. They learn how to make informed scientific decisions as they grow up,” she said. “It is important for all of us to realize that education is a great equalizer of opportunity.  In this day and age we need to have a society that is scientifically literate.”

 

This is the first year of the four-year FOSS implementation.  Teachers will receive a new kit each year, which will culminate in a full year’s worth of kits, one for each marking period.  The goal of the training program is to allow teachers a full year to practice using them effectively. “Teachers need time to become familiar with the kit and hone in on their skills.  Soon they will become experts and scientists,” Thompson said.

 

The Science Department would like to thank Superintendent Dr. John J. Ramos for his support in the swift implementation of FOSS.  “He has been an advocate of science, and we appreciate his desire to help student succeed,” Thompson commented.  Special thanks are also given Discovery Museum Director Linda Malkin for her collaboration efforts and for providing the facility for training.

 

 

 

 

 

The Harding Habitat for Humanity Club is hosting its first fundraising event of the year with the Bridgeport Bluefish on September 8 at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard.  The club is selling tickets to this Saturday’s Bluefish game, which will start at 6:05 p.m.  Tickets are $10, and $5 of every ticket will support the Harding Habitat for Humanity Club. 

 

Harding Habitat Club members will throw out the first pitch and special announcements about the club will be made throughout the game.  The fun will continue with fireworks after the game. 

 

To order tickets, please call the Bridgeport Bluefish Ticket Office at 345-4800 and be sure to mention the code HHHC 0908.  For more information, call 203-416-1711 or email fmoura@bridgeportbluefish.com. 

 

The Harding Habitat for Humanity Club appreciates your support.