Coupla Things v0 (8/8/14)

Post date: Aug 22, 2014 11:32:31 PM

Dear Parents of Room 25 8th Graders.

As those of you that endured last year with me already know, each Friday I write a "Coupla Things" newsletter in which I try to give you an idea of what is happening in class, alert you to upcoming events, and elicit some discussion about various topics. So, tonight, here is version 0 as an introduction to the year, to me, and to the future!

My Summer Recap. I spent the first few days relaxing and recharging, then got to work on some construction/repair projects around the house. We live in the Santa Cruz mountains in a "house" that was built as a summer cottage in 1928. This is our 20th year there and the remodeling and rebuilding that I did during those first few years is already in need of improvement (or in some instances, completion). During much of July I took the family (wife and 3 daughters) on some urban "transit & trails hiking" (itinerary) along the beautiful California coast, and then wilderness the annual backpacking adventures to the most amazing parts of the sierras. Here is this summer's photo-a-day thing that is still incomplete. Lastly, I helped instruct a "STEM" workshop for middle school science teachers around the county and explored some books and curriculum for this coming year.

Overview & Intentions for The Year: Eighth grade is an important time and should be a strong culmination of the kids' years here at DCS as well as provide the tools needed for happiness, success, and comfort in high school. The curriculum is all intriguing to me (and hopefully the kid), including a fantastic range of topics in physical science, an understanding of US history and government, and an exploration of classic literature, claim-evidence-reasoning papers, and extensive reflective writing. In addition to the classroom activities, I am hoping to take the kids on many field learning experiences as well.

Further Introductions: Last year I asked parents to fill out a form as a way to provide me with any information about themselves, their kid, and this school that might help me be the most effective. This year, I'd like to remove the restraints of such a form and just ask that you reply with anything that you think might be valuable for me to know in order to best work with/for you and your kid. If any of you are curious about me and where I come from, here is a good run-on sentence summary: Born the youngest in a family of 6 from post WWII European immigrants, I lived in Berkeley in the 60's and Atherton in the 70's, San Diego for college, and then back to the Bay Area after some fun jobs in Tahoe, Hawaii, and the Yosemite area. My first real job was 20 years of teaching 7th grade science at Kennedy Middle School in Cupertino (where I met Dale). To keep myself always learning, I got a Masters in Instructional Technology, a single-subject (high school) credential in science, an authorization in Industrial Arts, ran technology workshops for teachers, and became a Google Certified Trainer. I arrived home, here at DCS, in 2010, and will stay put until I retire from this awesome career. For a more personal perspective, you can browse the "Awkward Q & A" page of my site.

Upcoming Events:

August 11, 12, 13, 17: Teacher training days

August 16: Cloud 501 training (9 to 10) and parent work day (10-2)

August 17: Teacher work day

August 18: First day of school (early dismissal)

August 23: School Barbecue

August 27: Parent 101 at Westgate Church (7 to 9)

September 1: No School (Labor Day)

September 3: Selective Sign-Ups for 8th graders

September 22: Fall Portraits

September 29: Selective start

October 3: Room 25 to Ropes Course

October 24: Teacher Learning Day (no school for kids)

October 25: Fall Festival

October 27-31: Fall conferences

October 30: 8th Grade to "Sweeney Todd"

November 11: Veteran's Day (no school)

November 24-18: Thanksgiving Break

December 11-12: Room 25 to Balclutha, Age of Sail

December 22 - January 9: Winter Holday

​I am eager to get to know all of you and to spend this schoolyear with your kids.