Post date: Nov 04, 2014 5:38:52 AM
The was a wonderfully busy weekend, and I couldn't muster the self control to get this weekly newsletter done before it ended. So here is the first-ever late edition!
Recap of last week:
On Monday Pooja and Lavi explained Diwali to us and hosted some fun activities and projects. We made clay lamps, dressed up, adorned ourselves with bracelets, played a board game, and ate cool foods. This year has been full of those kind of parent-created moments that add diversity and a sense of family to school life!
On Tuesday I had the kids sign up for newsela and I showed them what the service does (adjust the reading level of a variety current events articles to match the reader's preference) and on Wednesday we worked on the next entry type of vocabulary collections -- haiku. This weekly vocabulary process is ongoing and should be yielding a great personal dictionary (there should be 12 by now; 4 "personified" words, 4 "stickman" words, and 4 "haiku" words. The Wednesday parents and I quickly and casually check student progress as much as possible each week, but I will be collecting comp books in a week or two for scoring. If history serves, there will be some kids who will have all of the components done well and on time, others that will have most of it done, and all-too-many that will be far behind and have to sacrifice quality and true learning for last-minute cursory for-points-only work. Parents, please take a look at your kid's vocab collection book and the table of contents on its opening page(s).
Conferences: How odd is it that after a week of academics in the mornings and many hours of conferences in the afternoons, I could feel invigorated and renewed? Exhausted, yes, but the kind that comes from running a long race well and completely enjoying the stride and scenery along the way. During every one of the half-hour (sometimes longer – sorry ‘bout that) conferences, I was constantly impressed by the kids’ candor, maturity, and (usually) comfort. Thank you to all of you who let me get a glimpse of the interactions that make up family dynamics -- it explains a bit more about why these kids are so amazing!
Coming Up:
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 Holiday
January 20-23: SanFrancisco Trip
January 23: Middle School Dance
February 6: Selectives end
February 6: Family Dance