Post date: Apr 28, 2012 4:16:33 AM
This will probably be one of the shortest weekly emails that you've gotten from me. Not because I've been afflicted by a newly acquired gift for brevity, but instead, simply because the week's academics were ousted by a variety of other (worthy) events -- S.T.A.R. testing, TheatreWorks play, and a spontaneous lively game of almost-authentic GaGa ball. Regardless, it was a good week.
Recap of the week:
English: Our academic week started with vocabulary exercises on Wednesday. The kids selected lists from a 9th grade curriculum and learned the words via a variety of online activities. Then, promptly ended today with a class-set of saved up newspaper crossword puzzles and intermittent attention to the WordPlay movie. As stated, it was a short week.
Science: Just as we began the chapter on sound waves with the biology of the ear, we began the chapter on light with the biology of the eye. In addition, I showed a few minutes of "Science Frontiers" (Alan Alda) about some intriguing hemisphere studies and the relationship between vision and language. The chapter covering the electromagnetic spectrum (22) was quite long and complicated in parts, but based on what I heard during the review session today as well as what a saw of the tests at first glance, the students have learned it well.
Next Week: The most important thing due for next week will be the two-part assignment for the autobiography books, due (for most students) on Tuesday May 1 during English class. Other notable events include math STAR testing on Monday and Tuesday, preparations for DC & CalCoast trips during core, and a trip to San Jose for a modified version of the Avenue Q musical.
Lastly: My ongoing appreciation to all of you in this wonderful place. The students, teachers, administration, parents, and support-staff at DCS comprise the most amazing community, one which should (and does) provide a model of success for other educational communities.
Chris