Coupla Things wk35 (5/27/17)

Post date: May 26, 2017 4:49:12 AM

Hello My Wonderful Room 25 Family,

I just took a look at my past few newsletters and realized that I had slipped into an "information only" mode, forgetting to embellish with my personal thoughts. So, at the onset of this email I want to just loudly restate my appreciation of this group of kids and my growing love for them and their families! The year is ending all-too-soon. The kids are embarking on new adventures and so their visual field is facing decidedly forward right now, as it should be. I too am excited about where they're headed and proud of the preparations they've made, but I also know that I'll feel a vacancy as soon as they leave and will miss everyone tremendously.

1. Human Growth and Development: I'm putting this a the first newsletter item this time, just in case you didn't catch it in last week's newsletter. Topics and comments (and questions) related to this "sex ed" topic come up all year, but now, during this "health week", there will be a more structured format for discussion. Parents, please browse the videos and/or images if you want, and let me know if you have questions or concerns. Here is the page on my site.

2. Rafting: I'm getting more and more excited about this upcoming trip, but not without a bit of concern as well. The campsite we're using is new to me, as is the rafting company, but the most important difference will be the once-in-a-decade river flows. We'll do our best to keep the kids knowledgeable and safe, and I'm sure that the river guides will do the same. The kids will just have to show constant good judgement and good observation skills. Here, FYI, are the boat groups, the tent spreadsheet and meal plans.

3. Graduation document: Your kid's started their personal reflection document at the end of last week and I hope that they have developed into the meaningful pieces that they are meant to be. Guidelines are on the graduation page of my site. We are hoping that they can all get printed at home and turned in before the kids go rafting, giving the graduation committee adequate time to laminate and/or mount each for display in the church lobby during graduation.

4. Middle School Dance: This Friday evening is the last middle school dance. Although the kids will likely be tired from the rafting that day, I do predict and hope that they will come to the dance and enjoy their evening with the other middle schoolers.

5. Maker Day: I just want to do a quick promo/recap about the trip to the Maker Faire in San Mateo last Friday. There were so many interesting things to see, people to watch, activities to do, and conversations to have. This is sure an exciting time and there shouldn't be a single inactive or unengaged imagination in our class and school.

Coming Up:

May 29: Memorial Day (no school)

May 31: Talent Show (morning)

May 31 to June 2: 8th grade rafting trip (leave 5/31 at 11, return 6/2 at ~7)

June 2: Last middle school dance

June 5 & 6: Schoolwide musical (Charlie Brown)

June 5 to 8: Health week

June 8: Last day of selectives

June 9: Field Day

June 13: Maker Day at DCS

June 15: Graduation practice (9 to 12) and ceremony (5:30 to 7:00)

June 16: Last day of school