Post date: May 03, 2015 7:5:24 AM
Happy Sunday!
By this phase of 8th grade I am able to confidently hand over lots of class/curriculum control to the kids. For about half of the academic time during last week, I simply posted a to-do list and left the kids to choose their own order, duration, and intensity of work. This class has gelled well lately and are able to work hard, play well, and get the most out of our remaining time together.
Here are three highlights:
1. During the month of May, each kid will be working on three different big projects. First, each kid can choose to do a TED-style talk, or create an educational poster, or infographic. Second, each kid will also conduct some "skills training" sessions for their peers, teaching them how to do some physical task and providing practice and feedback. Third, each kid (if they want to) will work on some sort of school improvement project. Details on all of those things is under the "projects" page of my site and I'm sure that more details will be forthcoming.
2. Historical fiction book clubs have passed the half way point, and their documents show a great deal of work. I'm pushing them to go beyond plot and look for themes, symbols, messages, and social commentary in their books. This has been tough for two of the groups because some kids in the group aren't keeping up with the reading. Please check in with your kid regarding their reading schedule and push them to keep up with it.
3. The causes and costs of the Civil War are our current topic in history. The discussions have been great, videos effective, and readings tolerable. The kids who took the DC trip over Spring Break have been able to understand things easily and add a great deal to the lessons. These kids can understand the political, economic, and social conflicts that set the stage for that costly war and even relate some of the issues of that time to issues and attitudes of today.
Coming Up:
1. The Spring Auction is May 9th and our class "basket" is somewhere between non-existent and skimpy. Marina and Gina have brought in things (yay you two) and Michelle has sent out requests/reminders but the response has been less than impressive or equitable. If contributing has slipped your mind or gotten off of your to-do list, please take a bit of action and help out. The barbecue theme is an easy one for which to find something to add, or you can always just pitch a check or cash into the envelope and we'll do the shopping all at once.
2. On Wednesday we are going to visit the Santa Clara County Courthouse to get a tour from an assistant district attorney, meet with a judge, and (hopefully) sit in on a case. We will be taking VTA to get there and I'm hoping that it won't inconvenience you to pick up your kid at the Winchester Station (instead of DCS) at 1:15. I think that Elizabeth will be sending out a message about that. Also, the kids can bring lunch that day or get something from Subway, PitaPit, BajaFresh, or AsianExpress while we are downtown.
3. The DCS graduation ceremony is an incredible experience. The venue (Westgate Church) is beautiful and the program is usually filled with student talent and meaningful moments. I'm hoping that many of the kids will consider being a part of the ceremony by being a speaker or musician. Mrs. Leftwich will send out forms about that early next week and I hope that our class shows off their talents and perspectives.
Recap:
*Ask your kid about their skills-training and school-improvement project ideas.
*Check with them about their reading responsibilities for book clubs.
*Contribute to the class' barbecue basket for the Spring Auction
*Mark your calendar to pick up your kid at Winchester Station at 1:15 on Wednesday.
Calendar
May 6: Courthouse trip
May 9: Spring Auction
May 15: No school for kids
May 29: Middle School dance
June 3 to 5: Rafting the South Fork American River
June 10: Maker Day
June 12: Field Day
June 18: Last day of school
June 19: Staff work day