Post date: Jan 15, 2018 6:0:38 PM
Dear Families of Room 25:
The "days left" counter on my website says that we've passed the half-way point in the year; 152 have passed, and 150 to go. This, of course, reminds me again that the time I have with this class and they with each other, is as valuable as it is limited.
Recap:
I can't readily recall the specific topics or accomplishments of that long-ago last week of school. I do, of course, remember appreciating the good wishes, kind gifts, and fun last-day food and party. One thing that is standing out is the I.D.K. projects and process. Kids are finding that their research is leading to new realms and questions, and they are beginning to teach each other things in 1:1 and small group settings. Another thing that the kids were working on before break was the "Gift I Gave" essay. Inspired by this video, each kid will be writing an essay about various aspects of significant gift giving. Last thing to recap would be the viewing of the "Sherlock Holmes" movie and the student's choice of the mystery book they will read for the upcoming months worth of literature circles sessions. Parents, please help your kid find a copy of their book before this coming Monday.
Coming Up:
1. Tomorrow the 8th grade classes will begin the daily rotation schedule for their second intensive. Room 25 kids will go to Bonnie's room to participate in her "Primary Sources & Civil War" intensive about which I've heard good things.
2. During our daily hour of homeroom time we will be doing mostly physics, finally finishing up the "Forces and Motion" topics. As you may recall, this will involve nightly textbook reading so parents please check in with your kid about the topics often just to see what they are learning and wondering. I've put a calendar at the top of the physics page of my site to help keep us (mostly me) on track if possible.
There, only a "couple of" simple things to tell you about this time. Enjoy the rest of your day and think of MLK, and spread the hard-earned hope of equity in this great land.
Chris