Coupla Things v34 (5/23/14)

Post date: May 23, 2014 10:51:2 PM

Dear Parents and Kids.

This was parent appreciation week and there are some beautiful letters awaiting many of you in my room. But the appreciation that I/we feel should not be limited to a timeframe or card -- you are the life-blood of DCS and the big reason why the school works. Parenting well asks the most of us and gives only occasional and subtle indicators of success, so it really is an endeavor of faith and trusting one's instincts. Thank you for doing such amazing works daily, weekly, and throughout life so that the world can be made better by the amazing kids that you help to create.

Science: The nature of vision and anatomy of the eye dominated the first part of the week. It is easy stuff to teach and opens us up to a variety of easy activities and demonstrations about things like depth perception, eye dominance, and optical illusions. The kids also got an earful of information about vibration, sound, and the anatomy of hearing. Next week we will squeeze in a bit about the other control system (endocrine) which leads us right into the unit on human growth and development. Thanks, by the way, to the dozen of you who have responded to the "opt-in" email and/or letter that went home yesterday. I'm hoping that the videos, discussions, and QnA sessions will have a great tone, be useful to the kids, and really help them to develop/solidify positive views on themselves and their incredible current stage in life.

English: On Monday we read an article on wildfires and had some discussion questions. By the middle of the week, I decided to stop waiting for the 10ish stragglers to finish and publish their InfoGraphics. I've given scores to the ones who completed the assignment and entered 0 for those who haven't. When you get a moment, take a look at some of their infographics -- some kids did a great job and created documents that adhered to the nature of an InfoGraphic and taught great stuff about an area of personal interest.

Other Stuff:

Ballet: Audrey's ballet was beautiful and I was very glad that the 30 kids came out to see and support her and the art. Individual interests and talents are varied in our class, grade, and school, and I think that it is great when those things get shared and appreciated.

Beach Trip: The seventh grade beach trip is in its infancy, as far as planning goes. Ms. Vatannia got the date on the calendar and she, Jennie, and I have barely scratched the surface of what is needed to make this trip happen. If any of you are interested in helping with parts, please email me or Roseanne or Elizabeth (lest it all fall on their strong but overworked shoulders). Here is a link to a scant G-doc that has only cursory information, but might be a good place to house plans as they grow. Let me know if you want editing access.

Camping Trip: As Roseanne mentioned in her email this week, the kids have taken on almost all of the planning for the camping trip. I've stepped in a few times just to provide some hints and organization, but they have done the rest. I did make some changes to the itinerary and pasted it below since the paper version is now out of date. The biggest thing for you to remember is to pick up your kid at the Winchester LightRail station on Wednesday 5/28 at 1:15. They'll be tired, they'll be dirty, and they'll be all yours. :)

Itinerary:

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

12:00 Kids, Chris, Alan, & Noel gather in room 25

12:05-12:25 Walk from DCS to Williams & Saratoga

12:33-1:01 Bus 25 to Meridian & Fruitdale

1:06-1:22 Light rail from Fruitdale station to Paseo De San Antonio station

1:22-1:35 Walk to San Fernando & 7th

1:35-2:25 Highway 17 express to Scott’s Valley ($5)

2:30-3:25 Shop for dinner & breakfast ($100 for the group)

3:30-3:35 Bus 30 from Scott’s Valley to Graham Hill Campground ($2)

3:40-4:00 Check in and set up at campsites (29, 30, 34, 37)

4:00-6:00 Play games and hike trails

Sometime in the afternoon, Rich & Tarek arrive in cars with all of our gear (stay overnight)

6:00-7:00 Dinner (spaghetti, salad, french bread)

7:00-10:00 Camp activities & night hike to observation deck

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

8:00 Light breakfast & kids pack up camping gear (parents drive it back to DCS)

8:30-10:45 Walk Eagle Creek Trail to San Lorenzo River, then to Felton

10:45-11:30 Early lunch at Taqueria Vallarta in Felton

11:37-11:50 Bus 35 from Felton to Scotts Valley Transit Center ($2)

12:15-12:55 Bus 17 to San Jose Diridon ($5)

12:58-1:11 Light rail to Winchester station ($1.75)

1:15 Parents pick up @ Winchester Station

Budget

Memorial Day, no school -- May 26

Room 25 Campout -- May 27 and 28

Talent Show -- May 28; rm 25 misses it :(

Last Middle School Dance -- May 30

Step-Up Day -- June 2

Last day of selectives -- June 6

Field Day & BBQ -- June 13

Room 25 Potluck! -- June 13

7th Grade Beach Day -- June 16

Last Day of School -- June 18

Thanks for a great year so far, and reply if the urge overcomes you (and I hope it does).

Chris