Post date: May 03, 2014 4:57:25 AM
Hello Everyone. I think that my energy/attitude was on five day time-release because by Friday at 5:00 I have run out. I do hope that a few hours of landscaping, ceramics, and music this weekend will get the ol' spirit back in alignment.
Science: After a quick review of the circulatory system first thing in the week, the kids spent science time learning about digestion. The parts and functions diagrams and explanations went well, but the biochemistry of enzymes, acids, and alkali presented more of a challenge. Today was probably the most fun part of science because the kids measured the chemical energy in some foods (peanuts, marshmallows, croutons) by burning and trying to capture most of the energy to heat water. They gathered data from their very crude calorimeters and we'll consolidate that data and do some analysis on Monday.
English: Three noteworthy things happened during English time this week. First, the kids got time to work on their various (current and outdated) writing projects (animal book project, infographic essay, their own infographic, sci expo write-up, and vocab redos). Second, there were two times when I could read parts of a book to the class and show the first few scenes in the movie (Bridge to Terabithia). Then, towards the end of the week the kids selected the books that will be the focus of the next 4 BookClub meetings. Today the book clubs met to devise their group's reading schedule and interact with their books a bit. Please, if possible, try to get your student a copy of their book.
Class Camping Trip: Thanks to Alan and Gina, four adjacent campsites have been purchased, so the detailed planning can get underway. The kids have chosen their work groups, although not all kids received their first choice. Next week you should hear some more details and requests from them about things like tents/tarps, meal suggestions, driving help, and paperwork requrements. My goal for this trip is to have the kids deal with the details and be responsible for almost everything on this one -- they certainly have the trip experience and ability to take over those jobs.
Eighth Grade Classes: Speaking of students taking on important/authentic tasks of responsibility, the idea that I had about having the kids suggest 3 balanced classes for next year, about which I conversed with some of you, has been vetoed by the rest of the 7th/8th teacher team. Although my idea only involved having the group of student volunteers create some suggested lists (not placing themselves or matching groups with teachers), it raised big concerns will my colleagues and so I've backed off. The teachers will be creating class lists but eliciting input from the students in some form.
Last Thing: There are various school-improvement projects that need revitalizing and follow-through beyond what I can muster. The new redwood benches, the stone drinking fountain, the extension to the red shed. Anyone willing to coordinate the completion (or just next steps) for one of these? One particular specific need is for a parent with some masonry experience who could help us set the stones around the drinking fountain into mortar. Any takers?
Calendar:
Spring Auction -- May 3
Room 26 to Headlands -- May 7, 8
Room 19 Walkabout -- May 13, 14, 15
Sleeping Beauty Ballet (yay Audrey!) -- May 23
Memorial Day, no school -- May 26
Room 25 Campout -- May 27 and 28
Talent Show -- May 28
Last Middle School Dance -- May 30
Step-Up Day -- June 2
Field Day & BBQ -- June 13
7th Grade Beach Day -- June 16
Last Day of School -- June 18
Chris