Post date: Nov 14, 2016 3:21:8 AM
Hello Again.
The best thing to assure that I miss a deadline (especially one that is self-imposed) is to give me more than enough time to complete the task -- like a day off! That explains why this email is going out late Sunday night.
This coming week will be busy with trips and tying up loose ends.
1. Silicon Valley Innovation Challenge at SJSU on Tuesday. Quite a few kids have not turned in the photo release -- I read off the list on Thursday. Drivers are AnnaMaria, Isabelle, Parthavi, Sheila, Marie.
2. Angel Island: Bonnie has been preparing the kids for this trip each morning for the past few weeks. Here is a letter/doc that she sent to me to forward to you. I've put that info, along with the driver-chaperone list on an Angel Island page of my site which also has links to the Living History @ Angel Island site and the extensive teacher-parent-student manual. This trip takes the place of the Tall Ships overnight on the Balclutha that 8th graders have done in the past because it ties in more closely with the Slavery & Civil War Era Intensive. Chaperones are AnnaMaria, Cristina, Marie, and Alena, with Jim/Laura and Aislin driving as well.
3. In social studies this week I want the kids to learn more about various forms of government from around the world and throughout history. From there we will discuss the type of government the founders of this country created ("if we can keep it" as Ben Franklin said) and what basic human rights and freedoms they wanted to create and protect.
4. In English, the kids will continue their collaborative stories and modify them as needed so as to give them a good flow and style. During book club time on Wednesday, Amy Heumann will come in and discuss a unit that she will lead which will involve book club groups as well as a writing process and some Tuesday-Thursday lessons with her. Parents/kids, if you have copies of any of the following books, please send them in between now and Wednesday: Truesight by David Stahler, The Giver by Lois Lowry, The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, Snow in August by Pete Hamill, Stargirl by Spinelli, Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt, and The Chosen by Chaim Potok
5. Science: When asked, "when is the whole science experiment thing due" I've skirted a single-date response and often told the kids to make sure that they are posting their progress on the paper chart in the room and moving purposefully towards the completion of the next step, whatever it may be. As of tonight, the chart shows that 9 kids are done, two of which have presented to the class. Realizing that this level of open-ended project management doesn't work for all, I've decided to go back to a single due-date for the written components: November 30.
Other science topics of late (and upcoming) include air/fluid pressure, atmospheric pressure, buoyancy, and the characteristics of flight.
6. I have seen great growth in many of the kids in the class and am very happy that they continue to become more and more invested, attached, and appreciative. As we approach the holiday season as well as the one-third way point in the year, lets be sure to get the most out of our time together. We should be laughing and learning constantly each day, exploring and traveling at least once a month, and making sure that this whole year is a great worthy adventure.
With love,
Chris