Olivia Porter

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Recent Posts

When am I Ever Going to Use Algebra in Real Life?!

Posted by Olivia Porter on 11/29/16 8:00 AM
by Claudia Lee, Secondary Mathematics Teacher

Pushing a greased elephant up a hill – some people think it would be easier to do that than to do algebra.  

Why is that?  

Maybe they think they don’t have the “math gene.”   You know, the one that allows you to find that ever evasive “x”?  Even the letter x is mysterious.  Think about it.  It’s not the most commonly used letter in the alphabet, and just saying the letter seems to have a negative connotation.  

There are those that think they’ll never find x – they think it’s constantly on the move like a fugitive, trying not to be discovered, hiding in dark alleys and behind dumpsters.  But what if we changed our thinking?  What if instead we thought of it as that poor little helpless puppy who just wanted to be discovered?  Wouldn’t you do anything in your power to find it?  

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Recap: November Field Trips

Posted by Olivia Porter on 11/18/16 1:00 PM

PA Distance Learning families traveled far and wide this week to attend History field trips across the state.  We learned a ton of stuff, but thought it would be neat to break down some of the coolest facts: 

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Mindfulness: An Inner Tool for Thriving in School and Life

Posted by Olivia Porter on 11/15/16 8:00 AM
by Susannah Azzaro, Business Technology Teacher

A few weekends ago, I participated in a workshop entitled Sustainable Compassion for Educators presented by the non-profit, The Courage of Care Coalition.  The mission of Courage of Care, as stated on their web site is “to empower both personal and social transformation by providing deep contemplative training coupled with powerful tools for systemic change. We support individuals, organizations and communities in realizing a more courageous, caring and equitable world.”  ("Courage of Care Coalition")

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Topics: Tech & Teaching

Student Government Gives Voice to Students

Posted by Olivia Porter on 11/8/16 1:00 PM

Mrs. Devlin and Mrs. Al-Amoudi have taken it upon themselves to lead Student Government this year, and the election results are in!

I had the chance to chat with some of the students who were elected into office.  They are full of a variety of great ideas, but I noticed one consistent goal coming from each of them: a more involved student community where they can speak and by heard. 

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Use Free Tech Tools to Boldly Go Where No Language Class Has Gone Before

Posted by Olivia Porter on 10/31/16 10:00 AM
by: Angela Berger, World Language Teacher
 
 
 
A couple of weeks ago I presented at the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association conference in Erie, PA. If you have never attended a conference for your content area, I highly recommend doing so!  I found it to be a wonderful experience. I met other language teachers who are just as passionate about sharing a love of language with their students as I am. I was able to exchange ideas, learn new things and I came back to my school feeling invigorated ready to try out some new tips and tools on my own students.
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Topics: Tech & Teaching

The Power of Heroes

Posted by Olivia Porter on 10/28/16 2:00 PM

As Red Ribbon Week comes to a close, we want to take some time to talk about heroes.  At PA Distance Learning, we believe having a hero can make a big difference for kids, as well as for adults!

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