CyberFair Project ID: 7698

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International Schools CyberFair Project Narrative
Title: Follow the Leaders Who Live by the Code
Category: 1. Local Leaders
URL: http://www.wmtps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=1019441&pageId=6282403
Bibliography: http://www.wmtps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=1019441&pageId=4965842

School: Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School
    Hewitt (West Milford), New Jersey, USA

42 students, ages 7-8 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 18, 2014. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): 2006

Classes and Teachers: Mrs. Archer, Media Specialist and Mrs. Hammell's and Mrs. Harris' third grade classes

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://

Project Overview

1. Description of Our Community

At UGL School, our third grade classes are set up like communities. Each person is assigned a job with daily responsibilities that must be fulfilled. Teamwork is crucial and everyone must contribute and do his/ her part. All of the students, teachers, staff, parents and the principal abide by our Code of Conduct: Be Here; Be Safe; Be Honest; Be Respectful; Always Do Your Personal Best. These guiding principles help us reach our goals and make UGL a peaceful and happy place to go to school.

2. Summary of Our Project

We wanted to extend our learning beyond the walls of our classroom to discover how our Code of Conduct could be valuable in the world outside our school. We invited fourteen leaders from our school, town, and state communities. We feel that these leaders are shining role models. We wanted to find out how these leaders incorporate the principles of our Code of Conduct in their daily working and personal lives.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:none

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6

E. Additional comments concerning your computer and/or Internet access (Optional):

As the Media Specialist, I am in charge of updating our school website. I designed the web pages and input all of the students' writing and photographs onto the website. We have recently switched over to a new web host. I learned many new technology tricks while working on the CyberFair project.

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

Fortunately, all of the local leaders that we invited made time in their busy schedules to come and visit our school. We set up 45 minute to 1 hour interviews. Snowstorms caused us to reschedule a few times, but the leaders were so kind and accommodating. I think that it's important to think about all of the foreseeable problems and head them off at the pass. We had fourteen interviews and we divided the workload between the two classes. Organization was the key to preventing a lot of problems. I prepared and printed all of the interview questions ahead of time. I also sent the questions to our leaders ahead of time, so that they could come with well prepared responses. Each student was responsible for taking notes on one question and we had a few students taking back up notes, so we didn't miss anything. Since listening and taking notes and quotes can be challenging for third graders, I may videotape the interviews next time.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

Inspiring leaders model how they live the Code of Conduct and use it in their personal and work lives

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

Our CyberFair Project complements what students are learning in their classrooms about communities and local government. We also connected the project to our schoolwide character education program. Through the words and actions of real leaders, students come to understand the true meaning of responsibility, caring, respect, compassion, and diligence. Students honed their communication skills, particularly their listening skills. They learned how to synthesize information from the interviews and apply it in a meaningful way to their daily lives.

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Project Elements

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

Students conducted in-person interviews, which made it more intimate and personal. They took notes with pencil and paper. Next time, I may videotape or audiotape the interviews so that students can listen to the recordings. I documented the visits with a digital camera. Next time, I may have students take the photographs. Our principal did post the visits on Facebook and Twitter. Sharing the project on our web page is quite valuable and we hope that it will encourage others to try CyberFair.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

CyberFair has certainly made UGL School a very exciting place to be. We were thrilled that all of the esteemed guests made time in their extremely busy schedules to visit us. By sharing their lives and work with us, we all gained a new appreciation for all the hard work these dedicated leaders put into helping our community. Our CyberFair project will serve as a much-deserved tribute to thank these leaders who selflessly serve our community. As the leaders shared with us, it was wonderful to see the spark in students' eyes as they realized that they can make a positive difference just like these leaders.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

We hope that our CyberFair Project serves as a tribute for the leaders who serve our community. We better understand and appreciate all of the things that these leaders do for us. Through our website, we can help others come to appreciate these leaders and get them a well-deserved pat on the back. We are interested in comparing and contrasting our local leaders to the leaders in other countries. We are more aware of the people who work in our community and this project has opened up new relationships. Students feel more comfortable around these local leaders and they feel reassured that someone is out there to help them, protect them, and take care of them. We feel that we have leaders who are acting on our behalf and in our best interests. When we're out and about in our community, we recognize these leaders and feel comfortable talking with them.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

Great BIG THANK YOU to all of the local leaders who visited UGL School. Principal Novak; Dr. McLaughlin; Mrs. Oakes; Mrs. Commoreto; Mr. Daigneault; Mayor Bieri; Chief Storbeck; Chief Ryan; Chief West; Ms. Lippner; Mrs. Maynard; Assemblywoman De Croce; Assemblyman Webber; Senator Pennacchio

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View our CyberFair Project (Project ID: 7698)

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