This year, five teachers from GAMS participated in the NECSD Convergence Cohort. Aimee Bulson, Nancy Gross, Megan Mata, Hilda Santana, and Anita Spencer-Smith met regularly with colleagues from other schools in the district to learn ways to “shift learning” in their classrooms. Led by Director of Information and Technology, Jennifer Cronk, the GAMS “Shift Squad” transformed their classrooms into student-centered learning spaces with flexible seating, embedded instructional technology and lessons designed to encourage student creativity and build confidence.
In January, GAMS teachers shared some of their favorite new learning apps and ideas with the rest of the GAMS staff at a Technology “App Tasting.” Jeannie Ciccone, Cynthia De La Cruz, Jesse Goodglass, Rachel Holzapple, Anthony Ortiz, Amanda Pucino, Kelly Purdy, and Helen Zoutis joined the “Shift Squad” to facilitate sessions that highlighted the ways that they are using technology in meaningful ways every day in their classrooms. All GAMS staff got the opportunity to learn about three different apps and many immediately tried out these new resources in their classrooms thanks to the enthusiasm of their colleagues in sharing these innovative ways to teach and learn.
In order to provide GAMS students with opportunities for rigorous and innovative learning, GAMS teachers made great use of Donors Choose, with 205 projects funded this year. These projects brought supplies for Fine Arts, thousands of new books, furniture and flexible seating, and new technology into GAMS classrooms for immediate student use and enjoyment. Staff innovation, collaboration and action brings the school motto, “Together We Can Do Great Things!” to life every day at GAMS!
