Post date: Apr 13, 2014 6:49:8 PM
Dear Room 25.
Yosemite: Our week in Yosemite was a great joy for me, and I hope that the kids felt the same way. I appreciate that some of you read the daily summaries that I posted along the way. I'm sorry that there weren't more pictures, but getting even one off of my phone and uploaded to the doc took about 15 minutes through the scant wi-fi or network. Alan (and other parents, I'm sure) have taken some fantastic pictures, many of which have been uploaded to Dropbox. The DCS Board sent out the "Social Media Policy" last week, though, and it only allows photos of kids to be accessed via SmugMug; as soon as I can get access and transfer photos, there will be lots to see.
Current Projects & Assignments: There are a few things that the kids should be working on these days. First, each kid (or pair) was expected to participate in the Science Expo and the write-up for their projects (bridge, tower, catapult, experiment) should be done and turned in by Friday 4/25. Second, although they all have determined their own due dates, everyone should be working on a cumulative project for their animal book. Third, the "InfoGraphic" project should be well underway, with a topic chosen and a draft completed. In science the daily homework routine continues.
Spring Conferences: During the week that we were in Yosemite, the rest of the school held conferences each afternoon. If you and your kid want to meet together one afternoon in the near future to discuss accomplishments, challenges, or anything else, please email me and we'll work out a day and time together. These should be student-led and emerge from mutual agreement/enthusiasm -- there were a couple of awkward "why do I have to be here" moments in Fall conferences and I'd like to avoid that this time.
Spring Auction Donations: Gina sent out an email last week about our class' basket for the Spring Auction -- hiking/outdoors theme! I'm pitching in an REI gift card and a Bay Area Hiking Trails book. Please remember to send in some kind of donation (cash or object) so that our basket is worthy of our class' amazingness.
History-Science Switch: As many of you already know, Jennie Hare is the new teacher for room 19! Those kids and their families are very fortunate to have such a fantastic person and enthusiastic, creative, and knowledgeable teacher. Our room will benefit as well, because Jennie and I plan to continue the after-math class switch that was started last month, during which I will teach science to room 19 kids and she will teach history to our class. We will, of course, plan our curriculum together and integrate the subjects wherever natural.
Forty One School Days Left: All year I've had the feeling that our time together is the greatest gift that we have, and that I want to appreciate and honor it. I'm still wondering how to satisfy that weird little obsession of mine. I want us to do something great for ourselves (class campout?) but also something greater that ourselves (community/school/social labor/service?) but I don't know exactly what it is or how to proceed. If any of you have an idea, regardless of how far-fetched, please let me know. I'll discuss this with the class tomorrow as well.
Calendar:
Spring Student-Led Conferences -- optional and by appointment
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
Love,
Chris
--
Chris Heumann
cell: 408 482-2394