Post date: Mar 15, 2014 4:24:59 AM
Dear Parents and Students,
I'll start the newsletter with the upcoming events section this time, because they are more significant, actually, than the usual recap of the week.
First Things First:
1. I'm taking a hike Los Gatos to Lexington Reservoir, and back (map) on Sunday (day after tomorrow) from 10 to 2 for anyone who wants to come. Meet at the Los Gatos Library at 10 and we'll go from there. All 7th grade families invited.
2. The CalCoast Walkabout, Part 2: With the exception of just 3 kids, all have returned to me the "Information and Permission Sheet" (had the picture of the GG bridge at the top), so I'm confident that you are aware that the trip is next week, and that the kids need to be at the Winchester LightRail Station at 7:20 AM on Tuesday. The kids and I revised the packing list a bit, and they received a printed copy today. Please have/help them pack this weekend so that they can bring their overnight bag to school on Monday in order to estimate the overall volume needed in the support van. The chaperones are meeting at school on Saturday at 1:00 to do some final planning, and I'm feeling good about this whole adventure. We do have 1 empty bed in the male dorm, if any more dads want to go along, by the way. Lastly, if your kid's group hasn't already done so, please help/push them to finish their docent document and print 12 copies before the end of the day on Monday -- I'm depending on them to teach a great deal about our trip to their peers (and curious bystanders).
3. Yosemite: April 7 to 11. Two sheets should have arrived home today: a pink form and a blue packing list. Having comfortable clothing on a high-altitude outdoor trip like this can really matter, so please adhere to the packing list closely. There are some pricey items listed (jacket, boots!) so I encourage all of you to attend the gear swap that will happen right after school on the 24th, 25th, and 26. I'm not sure who is in charge of it, if anyone, but I do know that the success of the event is contingent upon someone contacting current 8th grade families as well as all DCS alumni so request that they send in outgrown gear.
Recap of the Week:
Science: This week was all board games -- phase 4 full-on. They look and function great, and today the games were beta tested. Each group has some refinements to make, based on user feedback. I was pleased to see every group engaged in their neighbor's game.
English: We did a bit more with the "Standard Deviants DVD on grammar, early in the week. The word-source for Wednesday's vocabulary routine was pairs of easily confused words. Today, I asked the kids to choose an item from these lists or this one to use for their animal book final project. I'll post the timeline for that project, as it emerges.
Social Studies: Japan chapters are done now (the test was on Monday and scores are on PowerSchool). Starting a few days after the Walkabout, my homeroom class will be doing history with Mr. Vevea in room 19 each day for a while, as I teach science to his students. I'm hoping that the current events routine continues, and I'm fairly sure that the kids can run the whole affair by themselves.
School Improvement Projects: Big progress on the drinking fountain(s!), planters, and benches. I really think that it is valuable for kids to help the school and learn very practical skills like concrete mix-pour, landscaping, plumbing, and carpentry.
Coming Up:
Los Gatos - Lex Loop Hike: Sunday, 3/16/14 10 AM to 2 PM
Winchester Station -- Tuesday 3/18/14 at 7:20 AM
Walkabout, Part 2 -- Tuesday 3/18/14 to Thursday 3/20/14
Staff Learning Day -- Friday, 3/21/14
Yosemite Gear Swap -- Monday 3/24 to Wednesday 3/26
Yosemite Bag Check -- Monday 3/31 in homerooms
Science Fair -- Friday 4/4/14
Yosemite Week -- Monday 4/7/14 to Friday 4/11/14
Diversity Conference -- April 11
Spring Break -- Monday 4/14/14 to Friday 4/18/14
Jumba Fundraiser -- April 25
Spring Auction -- May 3
Room 19 Walkabout -- May 13, 14, 15
Memorial Day -- May 26
Step-Up Day -- June 2
Talent Show -- June 11
Field Day & BBQ -- June 13
Last Day of School -- June 18