Post date: Mar 05, 2016 11:29:37 PM
Hello from the wild and wet Lexington Hills! We've had strong winds and huge rains for the past 18 hours and the rock slides across our little steep road have blocked access for most of the day, but the power is still on, giving me a chance to write about the events of the week.
English:
1. I had the kids start a reflective essay on the topic of screen-time this week. They read an article in Scholastic's Scope magazine and then, during the week, used an essay kit to document, organize, and expand their ideas. I'll go over those packets this weekend and then the kids will be writing the essays early next week (due Wednesday).
2. On Wednesday the kids learned about some of John Steinbeck's books and then chose one that they will read and discuss in book clubs over the next 4 weeks. If your kid doesn't already have the book (electronic or physical copy), please help them to get it by Monday or Tuesday. We're hoping that each kid will have read about 10% of their book book club by meetings.
Science:
1. Our class is under the competent and active tutelage of Mr. Dan Dowling as they delve into various topics in chemistry including density, elements, reactions, bonding, atomic structure, and the periodic table. Their first activity is done (liquid density) and the lab report completed.
2. The big project for the next 3 weeks will be their project for the first part of this year's science fair. The kids and I came up with some project options that should get them more engaged and invested. I'll help the kids with project choice and the written parts during class, but much of the work will probably be done at home.
Social Studies:
The history and culture lessons of SF dominated our previous week, so last week was a bit social-studies light.
1. There have been some casual discussions about the political events and the election process and this coming week I'll have the kids explore some aspects of the world of debates, nominations, parties, primaries, and the general election.
2. Current events for the coming week will be the ol' "engage your table in a discussion" process, but I'll be elevating the caliber a bit by having the kids put their topics, summaries, discussion questions, and links online.
LapsForLearning: We had a last-minute surge of donations and that is great! I don't think and we had 100% participation, but some kids and families really stepped up and helped to fund our school's most important educational experiences -- field trips. Thanks for your generous philanthropy and for your alumni-level of funding for us to use next year!
Things To Discuss With Your Kid:
1. Check (with them) the assignment sheet nightly, PowerSchool weekly, and these newsletters occasionally
2. Steinbeck book progress
3. Science fair project
Here's that expanded calendar:
March 7 (Monday) Kate Nickerson will be meeting with the class about this to elicit ideas and plan out the process of making a great room 25 "basket" around a chosen theme.
March 14 (Monday): Pi-day & Google Tour
Math activities until 10:15 then we'll head off to Google for a tour and some first-hand exposure into the projects, products, and culture of Google.
March 15 (Tuesday) Advanced Woodshop Class to Home Depot
March 18 (Friday): Staff Development Day
No school for students, great times for us teachers.
March 23 & 24: Evening and morning science fair exhibits
This year, science fair is split into two separate events. This portion if for kids to share their "trifolds" describing their scientific investigation. They did an "effect of this on that" experiment in the fall, and this round has wider scope and a more tangible form of reporting.
March 25 (Friday): Middle School Dance
March 31 (Thursday): Family Game Night
April 4 to 8: Spring Break
April 27: K-5 Science Fair exhibits
May 2 to 6: Spring Conferences
May 6: Middle School Dance
May 7: Spring Auction
May 16 to 19: Standardized Testing
May 27 (Friday): Staff Development Day
June 8: Science Fair (design challenges)
June 10: Possible room 25 pool party at lrcc
June 16: Last Day of School