This week, students delved into the subject of child labor laws through the engaging "Just a Game" lesson provided by think law. They explored the story of Jackie Coogan, a child actor whose experiences led to the enactment of the Coogan Act. Additionally, they discovered the case of an 8-year-old who was recruited to an eSports team. Please discuss these cases with your child and encourage them to share their thoughts on what laws should be in place to protect children involved in eSports. 

in addition to learning about child labor laws, students had the opportunity to dive into episodes 4-5 of "The Unexplained Disappearance of Mars Patel" podcast. Please ask your child  to share their impressions and thoughts on the podcast thus far. Encourage them to recount the key events, characters, and any mysteries that have unfolded. Their reflections on the podcast would undoubtedly spark intriguing conversations and enrich their learning experience. 

As we're laying the groundwork for our upcoming mock trial, students have already selected the subject of their criminal trial and submitted their preferences for the top three roles they'd like to assume. Please ask your child to elaborate on their choices, detailing why they are interested in each role. Understanding their reasoning behind their preferences will offer valuable insight into their interests, strengths, and enthusiasm for participating in the trial. It's inspiring to witness their proactive engagement in shaping their learning journey through these decisions! 

If you or someone you know has a career in law, we warmly welcome you to visit our classroom and share your firsthand experiences with us. If you're interested, please feel free to reach out to me via email. We would greatly appreciate your willingness to contribute to our learning environment! 

Students in my current rotation are set to engage in March Mammal Madness. Since 2013, March Mammal Madness has asked the question, “Who Would Win?” when two animals encounter each other in an absurdly complex and wonderfully nerdy way… a simulated tournament within a structured game universe!!! 

RULES of the MMM Game Universe

• Combatants are arranged in a four-division, single-elimination tournament.

• Combatants have assigned seeds 1-16, with “1” being the best-ranked combatant and “16” being the worst-ranked combatant in the Division.

• Unless otherwise stated on the bracket, a single combatant at peak performance condition represents the species.

• To be defeated, a combatant perishes on or retreats from the “field of battle.”

• The field of Battle in the first three rounds is determined by the combatant’s seed. The better/lower seeded combatant has HOME HABITAT ADVANTAGE, and the worse/higher seeded combatant is the visitor.

• Field of Battle in the last three rounds- the Elite Trait, the Final Roar, and the CHAMPIONSHIP, the battle location is randomized among 4 possible habitats. 

Each student has been provided with both a physical and digital version of the bracket. Parents are encouraged to join the excitement by following the competition and filling out their brackets. All necessary details can be found via the link provided (left) and across various social media platforms.

Dan Brewer and Emma Tillery did an AWESOME job representing OMIS GRC at the Shelby County Showcase of Schools yesterday. They shared their favorite Think Law court cases and Mock Trial experiences. Way to go, Dan and Emma! We are proud of you! 

Wow! What an exciting month January was! I want to give a huge shoutout to all the dedicated volunteers who made our Kids Convention the most spectacular yet! We sincerely hope your children had a fantastic time!

In our classroom, students have been actively involved in preparing for their Mock Trials, which are set to occur during The week of February 26. Please take a moment to inquire about your child's role in the trial.

Additionally, students have been captivated by the mystery podcast "The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel." Please encourage your child to share what has unfolded in the story and their predictions for what might happen next.

Students have also had the incredible opportunity to explore the immersive world of virtual reality in class. Ask your child to share their favorite activities and experiences from this exciting venture!

This week, students were immersed in the intricate world of negotiation and settlement while dissecting the intriguing "Lights Out" Think Law case. The case, a compelling narrative revolving around Mark and Kathy, a couple in Plantation, Florida, and their Christmas lights, provided a rich backdrop for students to unravel the complexities of legal intricacies. Please ask your child to explain the details of the case and to tell you about the settlement and negotiation process. 

Fourth graders were given the chance to explore Makey Makey, fostering engaging discussions and creating a dynamic learning environment. Encourage your child to explain the workings of Makey Makey and to share potential ideas for utilizing this technology. 

I extend my sincere gratitude to all the parents who joined us for Parenting Week. I understand the challenges of balancing work commitments with school events, and your presence was truly cherished. It brought us a lot of joy to have you participate in some of our favorite activities.

In my GRC classes, students are diligently preparing for an upcoming mock trial. Please engage your child in a discussion about the upcoming trial by asking them the following questions:

1. What role have you been assigned in the mock trial?

2. How are you planning to prepare for your role effectively?

3. What aspect of the mock trial are you most enthusiastic about?

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education!

GRC students continued their exploration of real-life legal cases, delving into another captivating example this week – Winter v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 555 U.S. 7 (2008). In this case, the Natural Resources Defense Council (Plaintiff) initiated legal action against the U.S. Navy (Defendant) with the aim of halting the deployment of naval sonar in its training programs, citing concerns over potential adverse effects on marine mammals. This legal saga began with a preliminary injunction granted by a federal district court against the Navy, a decision subsequently affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court. Please engage your child in a conversation about this case, inviting them to share the intricate details and the outcomes they've gleaned from their study. It promises to be a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of law and environmental protection, as well as ethics.

Exciting news to share! I recently learned that I've been granted a full year's access to Tynker Coding's premium subscription. For those who may not be familiar, Tynker is an engaging and educational platform that empowers learners of all ages to dive into the world of coding and computer programming. I encourage you to connect with your child and inquire about their coding journey with Tynker. Their experiences and insights are sure to offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of digital creativity and problem-solving.

During our interest exploration and choice time, students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse range of activities. They delved into the world of coding with Ozobots, honed their strategic thinking with chess, and unlocked their creative potential with Makey Makey, among other enriching experiences. Ask your child which of these activities resonated most with them, sparking their passion and curiosity.

Friday's class was graced with a special guest, Ms. Audrey Channell, a seasoned attorney hailing from the Shelby County Public Defender's Office. Her presence added a layer of depth and insight, making our class visit both engaging and exceptionally informative. 

Next week, we are embarking on the exciting journey of preparing for our Mock Trial. If you or someone you know is passionate about the field of law and would like to engage with our students or contribute to the planning of our trial, your involvement would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to reach out and let me know how you'd like to participate. Your expertise and enthusiasm would be a valuable addition to our Mock Trial experience.

This week, Mrs. Ottinger's GRC class engaged in Root Cause Analysis, which is a method of examining a problem in depth. The lesson involved a brainstorming session on how to tackle the underlying causes of individuals participating in risky and/or unlawful social media challenges. In the upcoming week, students will delve deeper into the problem and examine various perspectives on the matter. 

Ms. Phillips' and Ms. Ethridge's classes received a visit from Luke's uncle, Jack Carney, an experienced attorney who shared his knowledge and expertise with them. I would love for all of my classes to hear from real experts in the field of law. Please send me an email if you know anyone who would be interested.

5th-grade students started analyzing the 16 characters and sorting through clues in our book study of The Westing Game. 4th-grade students learned about the artist Johannes Vermeer and began reading the mystery Chasing Vermeer. 

During student choice time, students enjoyed activities such as Pixar or Imagineering in a Box, Makey-Makey, and coding. Please ask your child the following questions:

1. What do you think is the root cause of people (especially teens) participating in dangerous and/or illegal social media challenges?

2. Tell me about the book you are reading in Mrs. Ottinger's class.

3. What is your favorite part of Pixar or Imagineering in a Box? What is the most challenging?