MSMS Summer Photo Camp "focuses’ on Woburn Center!

On July 9, 2014 By Patrick LarkinIn Marshall Simonds Middle SchoolLeave a comment

Despite the fact that most students are away from our classrooms this summer, there are still a number of activities happening around the school district this summer! Check out the great photos that our Marshall Simonds Summer Photo Camp students took after just one day of camp!

I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

The post below originally appeared on the Mrs. Rogers’ MSMS Beam Blog.

After only ONE day of camera and Photoshop orientation in the classroom, MSMS students, taking part in our Summer Photo Camp, took to the streets of Woburn Center to shoot street photography images. Who knew there were so many salons and barbershops in downtown Woburn? The friendliness of barbers made it easy for students to interact with them and their patrons and students were invited inside to do some “shooting.”

Additionally, folks walking around running errands made for excellent photo subjects. After an hour walking up and down the center streets, students returned to the classroom to begin the typical workflow: upload photos, save to desktop folder, preview, select favorites, tweak lighting in Photoshop and/or desaturate, print, email and then format SD card for use the next day!

Today’s blog post features students’ favorite works in black and white.

Neil P’s Couple Walking (grade 8)

Madison G’s Getting a Trim (grade 7)

Sarah S’s Barbershop (grade 7)

Julia F’s Dog Walker (grade 9)

Abby F’s Snip, Snip, Snip (grade 7)

Aurora G’s Vintage Cash Register (grade 7)

Jordan C’s Barber Shop Register (grade 9)

David S’s Waiting for Customers (grade 6)

Christina P’s Barber Pole (grade 7)

Another Fox News Clip On The Mazing Work Of Our MSMS Staff and Students

On June 13, 2014 By Patrick LarkinIn 3D Printer, Jourdan Marino, Kevin Kille, Marshall Simonds Middle SchoolLeave a comment

http://WFXT.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=778407;hostDomain=www.myfoxboston.com;playerWidth=645;playerHeight=362;isShowIcon=true;clipId=10257081;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlay Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

Fox News Clip From Last Night Highlights The Amazing Work At MSMS – Check it Out!

On June 11, 2014 By Patrick LarkinIn 3D Printer, Jourdan Marino, Kevin Kille, Marshall Simonds Middle SchoolLeave a comment

http://WFXT.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=838169;hostDomain=www.myfoxboston.com;playerWidth=550;playerHeight=315;isShowIcon=true;clipId=10254258;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlay Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

What do our middle school teachers think about the iPads?

On June 4, 2013 By Patrick LarkinIn Burlington Public Schools, iPads, Marshall Simonds Middle SchoolLeave a comment

Reposted from the Marshall Simonds Middle School Help Desk Blog:

Mrs. Barkley (Spanish)

What is the best part about having the iPads?	Variety of lesson plans
What is the worst part about having the iPads?	Sometimes technology does NOT work
How are the Ipads helpful in the classrooms?	They give the students and teachers a variety of teaching and learning strategies
What apps do the kids use most?	Study Blue- flashcards, Google Drive- paragraphs, Evernote- notes & projects
Do you find that the students get distracted easily by having the iPads on them?	Sometimes
What do you use the iPads mostly for?	Teaching Tool
Do you think the iPads were a good addition to the school and the students education?	Yes
Do you prefer having the iPads in class or not at all?	I prefer to have them as an everyday option
Do you think the iPads would be more helpful if the students could take the iPads home?	Yes, I think it would be easier, 8th graders especially if they could take them home
Are there any apps that you have used previously that are NOT on the iPads that you think should be on them?	Fruit Ninja, Scrabble, and Boggle
Overall what are your thoughts on the iPads?	I think that they can help students stay organized and more engaged

Mrs. Cerretani (Science)

Best part of having the iPads?	Google Search
Worst part about the iPads?	Secretly getting on the internet
How are they helpful in the classrooms?	Notes
What app do the kids use most?	Notability
Do you find that the students get distracted easily by having the iPads on them?	Some
What do you use the iPads mostly for?	Notes and Search
Do you think the iPads were a good addition to the school and the students education?	Limited use; too much tech is not good for anybody
Do you prefer having the iPads in class or not at all?	Not at all; over used, don’t need
Do you think the iPads would be more helpful if the students could take the ipads home?	Take the iPads home
Are there any apps that you have used previously that are NOT on the iPads that you think should be on them?	None
Overall what are your thoughts on the iPads?	Useful

Mrs. Dearden (Art)

Best part of having the iPads?	Search – Resource – Tracking
Worst part about the iPads?	No printing
How are they helpful in the classrooms?	Research and tracking
What app do the kids use most?	Safari
Do you find that the students get distracted easily by having the iPads on them?	Some
What do you use the iPads mostly for?	Research
Do you think the iPads were a good addition to the school and the students education?	Yes
Do you prefer having the iPads in class or not at all?	In class
Do you think the ipads would be more helpful if the students could take the iPads home?	Not necessary
Are there any apps that you have used previously that are NOT on the iPads that you think should be on them?	None
Overall what are your thoughts on the iPads?	Lucky kids

Mrs. Hewitt (Language Arts)

Best part of having the iPads?	Something New/ Challenge
Worst part about the iPads?	Feeling like I want to be the best with the iPads
How are they helpful in the classrooms?	Used in so many different ways
What app do the kids use most?	Notability and Google Drive
Do you find that the students get distracted easily by having the iPads on them?	Not Really
What do you use the iPads mostly for?	Writing Process
Do you think the iPads were a good addition to the school and the students education?	Yes, because it is making Burlington stand out
Do you prefer having the iPads in class or not at all?	I prefer and can NOT see class without them now
Do you think the iPads would be more helpful if the students could take the ipads home?	There are positives and negatives; but over all it would be good
Are there any apps that you have used previously that are NOT on the iPads that you think should be on them?	No
Overall what are your thoughts on the iPads?	It is a good thing mostly because we all learn from it and it is helpful and makes us more flexible

Miss Mirabella (Spanish)

Best part of having the iPads?	Quia
Worst part about the iPads?	Distractions
How are they helpful in the classrooms?	Hands-on
What app do the kids use most?	Safari
Do you find that the students get distracted easily by having the iPads on them?	Few kids
What do you use the ipads mostly for?	Vocab
Do you think the iPads were a good addition to the school and the students education?	Yes
Do you prefer having the iPads in class or not at all?	In class
Do you think the iPads would be more helpful if the students could take the ipads home?	Yes
Are there any apps that you have used previously that are NOT on the iPads that you think should be on them?	No
Overall what are your thoughts on the iPads?	They are helpful

Mrs. Molina (Family Consumer Science)

Best part of having the iPads?	Instant access to information
Worst part about the iPads?	Distractions
How are they helpful in the classrooms?	Helpful to get questions answered quickly
What app do the kids use most?	My fitness pal
Do you find that the students get distracted easily by having the iPads on them?	No
What do you use the iPads mostly for?	Resource
Do you think the iPads were a good addition to the school and the students education?	Can be if it is used properly
Do you prefer having the iPads in class or not at all?	Rather have it
Do you think the iPads would be more helpful if the students could take the ipads home?	Yes, a lot more helpful
Are there any apps that you have used previously that are NOT on the ipads that you think should be on them?	I do not know
Overall what are your thoughts on the iPads?	When used for the purpose of educating and not just used to be used than it is helpful

Mr.Pearl (Language Arts)

Best part of having the iPads?	Research
Worst part about the iPads?	Distraction
How are they helpful in the classrooms?	Debate,Research
What app do the kids use most?	I do not know
Do you find that the students get distracted easily by having the iPads on them?	Yes, a little
What do you use the iPads mostly for?	Research
Do you think the iPads were a good addition to the school and the students education?	Yes, to a degree
Do you prefer having the iPads in class or not at all?	In classroom
Do you think the ipads would be more helpful if the students could take the iPads home?	No
Are there any apps that you have used previously that are NOT on the iPads that you think should be on them?	None
Overall what are your thoughts on the iPads?	Good Start

Mr. Powers (Language Arts)

Best part of having the iPads?	Research
Worst part about the iPads?	Games
How are they helpful in the classrooms?	Storage
What app do the kids use most?	Evernote
Do you find that the students get distracted easily by having the iPads on them?	Yes
What do you use the iPads mostly for?	Notes/ writing/ research
Do you think the iPads were a good addition to the school and the students education?	Good for the future
Do you prefer having the iPads in class or not at all?	In class
Do you think the ipads would be more helpful if the students could take the iPads home?	Hopefully
Are there any apps that you have used previously that are NOT on the iPads that you think should be on them?	None
Overall what are your thoughts on the iPads?	Useful and distraction

Mrs. Tate (Math)

Best part of having the iPads?	Easier to move around the classroom
Worst part about the iPads?	None
How are they helpful in the classrooms?	Note, organization, making learning fun
What app do the kids use most?	Notability
Do you find that the students get distracted easily by having the iPads on them?	No; I could take the ipad away if someone was distracted
What do you use the iPads mostly for?	Notes
Do you think the iPads were a good addition to the school and the students education?	Yes, helps organize and more freedom
Do you prefer having the iPads in class or not at all?	In classroom
Do you think the ipads would be more helpful if the students could take the iPads home?	Yes
Are there any apps that you have used previously that are NOT on the iPads that you think should be on them?	Dictionary
Overall what are your thoughts on the iPads?	They are helpful and fun

Mr.Vitale (Math)

Best part of having the iPads?	Share folders and submit homework
Worst part about the iPads?	Distraction
How are they helpful in the classrooms?	Yes
What app do the kids use most?	Notability, Evernote, Google Drive
Do you find that the students get distracted easily by having the iPads on them?	Yes
What do you use the iPads mostly for?	Notes, some worksheets
Do you think the iPads were a good addition to the school and the students education	Yes, because it changes responsibility
Do you prefer having the iPads in class or not at all?	Prefer
Do you think the iPads would be more helpful if the students could take the ipads home?	Yes
Are there any apps that you have used previously that are NOT on the iPads that you think should be on them?	No
Overall what are your thoughts on the iPads?	Good enhancement to school

Checking Out Some Art Work In Our Middle School

On March 28, 2013 By Patrick LarkinIn Burlington Public Schools, Learning in Burlington, Marshall Simonds Middle School, QR codeLeave a comment

As I have mentioned before, one of the favorite aspects of my job is getting into classrooms and seeing some of the neat work that students are doing. One thing I wanted to share today comes from Ms. Phillips’ Art Students. The two pictures below are from a sixth grader who was working in photoshop with a drawing she had originally done on paper (shown immediately below).

Then on the enhancement (shown below), the student took a background from a a real image and put it as the background on her drawing.

The second neat thing I took away from Ms. Phillips’ students was their use of Quick Response (QR) codes on their artwork. If you are not yet familiar with QR codes, you can see one on the leg of the football player on the right side of the picture below and another on the right-bottom corner of the image at the bottom of this post. Scanning these QR Codes brings viewers of these pieces to the blog of the artist where you can read their reflections on their work.

Marshall Simonds Middle School 1:1 iPad Program Details

On January 8, 2013 By Patrick LarkinIn #BPSChat, 1:1, iPad Integration, iPads, Marshall Simonds Middle SchoolLeave a comment

Thanks to BPS Director of Technology Integration Dennis Villano for the great overview of our Middle School 1:1 program that will begin next month!

MSMS iPad.003

Marshall Simonds Middle School will soon be Burlington’s second full 1:1 school. The BPS EdTech and IT Teams have been preparing for the deployment to students. Here are some important details about the initiative.

All students in grades 6-8 will be assigned iPads. Students will be using iPad 2s. Students will not be taking iPads home at this time. The MSMS iPads will be fully managed by Burlington Public Schools. The iPads have been set up using Apple’s Configurator program. Students will not be able to install or delete apps. Students will also not have access to the iMessage app. Safari will remain as the web browser for all devices since the iPads are staying at school. Burlington will be providing cases for all student iPads. Parents and families will not be asked to purchase insurance for student iPads.

Marshall Simonds teachers have been working on developing digital content and materials. Teachers have also selected curriculum based apps to be installed on student iPads. Although student iPads will have just over 40 apps installed during the initial deployment, we have always believed that any 1:1 program should not focus on just the device and apps. iPads and 1:1 environments provide students with constant access to powerful digital learning tools. These tools can be used to help create engaging content and lessons. Burlington continues to focus as much as possible on what we call Foundational Apps. We are also committed to having students and teachers use cloud based apps and services.
MSMS iPad.002
Foundational Apps provide students and teachers with powerful digital content creation, distribution, and storage. Students can use these apps to complete assignments and return completed work to teachers. While not all classrooms will be paperless, the workflow provided by our Foundational Apps can enable teachers to use digital forms of content as much as possible. These apps serve as the basic workflow for students and can be used in any curriculum area.

Please see the BPS EdTech Apps blog for a complete listing of MSMS apps. Click on the Middle School category tab to see all the apps being installed on MSMS iPads.

One of the best aspects of the Burlington High School 1:1 program has been how BHS students have take an active role in the learning process. Students have been involved in every step of the program from initial planning to daily classroom best practices. The 1:1 program has given students many opportunities for leadership in the program. A great example of this is the BHS Student HelpDesk.
Marshall Simonds will also have a similar program to the BHS Student HelpDesk. Each homeroom will have two Student Tech Leaders who will assist with the iPads and iPad Cart Management. Students will also the opportunity to be part of a new MSMS Student Tech Crew that meets during activity block periods.
MSMS iPad.013

The MSMS iPad program will have the added benefit of some great new classroom technology. Marshall Simonds has recently completed a major renovation as part of a Massachusetts School Building Authority project. Every MSMS classroom has been outfitted with new wall mounted LCD projectors and AppleTVs during this project. Teachers also have access to the Reflector app for iPad mirroring. AppleTVs and Reflector provide MSMS with an outstanding technology infrastructure driven by a student centered classroom.

All MSMS students will receive their iPads during introduction sessions. These sessions will be similar to the iPad Driver’s Ed sessions that we have completed during the deployment of all BHS iPads. Students will learn about responsibility, care, foundational apps, workflow, and expectations.
MSMS families were welcomed to a special 1:1 introduction night on Monday, January 7. Here are some key points if you missed the event:
MSMS iPad.016 MSMS iPad.017 MSMS iPad.020

Please continue to follow this BPS EdTech blog and the Marshall Simonds Middle School blog for more details and information about the 1:1 iPad program. We will also have posts about upcoming Parent Technology Events and family learning opportunities.
Dennis Villano, Director of Technology Integration

Marshall Simonds 1:1 Information Event Next Monday

On January 2, 2013 By Patrick LarkinIn iPad Integration, iPads, Marshall Simonds Middle SchoolLeave a comment

The BPS EdTech Team is excited to announce a technology information night for Marshall Simonds Middle School families. The event will provide important information regarding the upcoming 1:1 iPad program at MSMS. All students in grades 6-8 will have access to iPads while at MSMS during the school day. We will be discussing student responsibility, classroom workflows with the device, foundational apps, and how the devices will be managed.

Please join us on Monday, January 7 at 7pm in the MSMS cafeteria. Members of the BPS EdTech Team and MSMS staff will be providing details about the program and answering questions.

1:1 iPad Plans at MSMS Taking Shape

On December 6, 2012 By Patrick LarkinIn iPads, Marshall Simonds Middle SchoolLeave a comment

Originally posted on the Marshall Simonds Learning Commons Blog:

-By Mr. Dexter, Library Media Specialist

On Monday’s Professional Development Day, Marshall Simonds teachers were presented an overview of the 1:1 iPad plan by Assistant Superintendent Patrick Larkin, Director of Technology Integration Dennis Villano and the BPS Ed Tech Team. Beyond logistical details, the teachers were given time to learn about foundation apps and load them onto their iPads. Andy Marcinek and Tim Calvin, who both work at BHS as Educational Technology teachers provided MSMS staff with vital insight on how the 1:1 environment can provide teachers and students with a more engaging learning environment. The staff also had the benefit of learning from BHS Help Desk students Sidd Chhayani and RJ Dalton .
MSMS has had the advantage of being on the cutting-edge of technology for many years, so this transition will be a smoother one compared with many other schools. Dennis Villano mentioned during his presentation,

“Teachers at MSMS have always been willing to try new things.”

The foundational apps mentioned during the PD day were:

Evernote

Explain Everything

Dropbox

Notability

Drive

The iPad is simply another tool to add to the teacher’s toolbox. It is very exciting to see the potential of the 1:1 environment starting to take shape. I am sure this exciting learning environment will have its growing pains, but I am very excited about what is to come.

Please Vote For Our Seventh Graders Who Made PSA

On November 14, 2012August 8, 2017 By Patrick LarkinIn Burlington Public Schools, Marshall Simonds Middle School, R-WordLeave a comment

Our Marshall Simonds Middle School seventh graders who made a Public Service Announcement on the use of the R-word have been entered into a contest sponsored by Lightspeed Systems. The winner of the “Together we do amazing things” contest will win $1,000 for their school. Please take a moment to vote for our students here.

If you missed the video when it was initially posted last month, please check it out by clicking on the link below.

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Great Work By Some Of Our 7th Graders

On October 16, 2012 By Patrick LarkinIn Marshall Simonds Middle School, Public Service AnnouncementLeave a comment

Marshall Simonds Middle School 7th Graders, Erin and Spencer helped Joshua Lee create an important video made to end the use of the word Retarded or the “R-Word.” These three students created the video below to educate their peers in the power of this negative words. The class of 2018 all viewed the video at brunch last week and then had the opportunity to sign a poster to pledge to not use the R-Word and recognize it as ignorant and hurtful. MSMS encourages you to share this video with your friends and family. Together, we can make a difference.

My Un-Learning Journey

Category: Marshall Simonds Middle School