Post date: Apr 05, 2013 9:34:23 PM
Happy Friday Everyone!
For those headed to DC, have a great trip and say 'hi' to POTUS for me! For those of us staying local, it should be a great week of sleeping in, enjoying time off, and spending lots of time outside.
Thanks: First thing that I want to convey in this email is just how much I appreciate where I work and who I work with/for. Every week I continue to be astounded by the generosity of the parents, the positive and playful demeanor of the kids, and the amazing experiences that the teachers provide at all grade levels. The specifics for this week included fantastic demonstrations by Andy Leary & Thomas Zscherpel, a water filter donation by Orna Berryman, and today's breakfast buffet organized and executed by Vonny, Suds, Robin, Jonathan, and all who donated food and supplies.
The science expo will happen on the friday that we return (gasp) and I get the feeling that most of the 8th graders will need to do some work on their projects during the coming week. The purpose of the expo is to give kids more experience with the scientific method and/or engineering practices, but it should also be fun. For 8th graders this is ol' hat so I'm hoping that the kids add a new level of challenge and complexity to make it worth their time (plus, the projects will be scored and entered into the gradebook, but not extra credit).
Speaking of grades, today marks the end of third quarter. This would be a good time to view your student's grades (PowerSchool) carefully and make sure that performance is matching (mutual) expectations. In science the grade distribution has been trending upwards for the past few months and I have been very impressed at the efforts and growth of so many of the kids. Others haven't taken the steps necessary to break non-productive patters and develop strategies, practices, and attitudes that best lead to success -- I have faith that eventually they will.
Conferences were also a great experience this week. The casual format and confident kids made for some wonderful conversations. Since this will probably be the last time that the kids can do conferences like this, I'm glad that so many took advantage of the opportunity. For me, it was very valuable to see the work that kids have been doing in the other three subjects as well as hear their explanations of effective teaching and learning strategies. This school is very conducive to growth for all of us!
Construction Project: Every year since I started at DCS I have tried to give back to the school by working with the kids to build some feature that will add personality and appreciation to the dirt swath that is middle school alley. My first year it was the water fall, last year it was the redwood benches and garden border rocks, and this year I'm hoping to get a drinking fountain built. The details are on the projects page of my website, and if you are willing to help out with donations of labor, money, and (plumbing/masonry) skills, please let me know.
Check Your Calendar:
April 18 and 19: Schoolwide science exposition
April 22-23: STAR ELA, History, & Science Tests
April 25: "Being Ernest" at Mt. View Center for Performing Arts
April 30 & May 1: STAR math
May 6: Asian Art Museum
May 14: DeAnza Planetarium
May 20, 21, 22, 23: Cal Coast WalkAbout (I'll send out a separate email about that this weekend)
May 27: Memorial Day
June 10: Graduation
June 11: Last day of school