Post date: May 17, 2014 5:35:26 AM
Dear Parents,
This time of year feels like easing into fifth gear in a convertible on the beautiful straight-aways of The PCH -- smooth sailing with those awesome views, coastal breeze, and sun-drenched skin. The kids are all so easy to work with as they (and I) have matured and come to know each other so very well. Although not all of the work is getting done and in, most of the kids are working and thinking most of the time, and I've come to be content with that. Take for example the camping trip-planning sessions, during which the groups are engaged and autonomous; using me as a consultant, sounding board, and occasional task-master. They have really taken on every aspect of this one and it shows me just how far they have come this year both as individuals and as a group. MY experience regarding this upcoming camping trip has been quite different; my enthusiasm and go-for-it attitude (and actions) are causing problems in the parent community, I hear. I really work hard at being approachable, transparent, and candid and I am hoping that all those concerned will do the same for me. Please tell me, in the most unveiled and assertive way you can, if I'm causing more irritation than enjoyment/value by doing all these trips. Ok, back to the kids... the class climate is healthy and most are learning lots and (I think) liking it.
Recap:
Science: The "Supply System" packets have mostly been returned with positive comments from you parents (thanks for that), and we are well into the "Control Systems". Muffie Waterman did a presentation to the class on the brain on Wednesday, and I've walked them through the functions of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla as well as the parts of a neuron, electro-chemical transmission process, and the characteristics of a reflex response. Next up are the senses (eyes and ears) and then on to the endocrine system.
English: I gave the kids a common reading assignment this week and a writing assignment as well. The reading piece was from Scope magazine and told the story of a 13 year old who climbed Mount Everest (article and questions). The writing piece, which should be done by Monday, was supposed to be a one-page one-hour on-the-spot task using one of 12 possible "mystery" prompts. The duration has exceeded an hour, of course, but I'm expecting the kids to have them done on Monday. The "Wordy Wednesday" category this time was first name alliteration words. During book clubs today I noticed a wide disparity between groups and individuals regarding what kinds of conversations the parents could catalyze and what the kids could get out of it. Those kids who aren't keeping up with the reading schedule to which they agreed are holding their groups back and causing much time to be wasted. Others are doing exactly what should be done in lit-circles; we (parents, peers, and I) appreciate that very much.
FAQ:
1. Why aren't you putting more grades into PowerSchool for English these days. Answer: Most of the things to which I give a numerical score are those that can be graded relatively objectively and are developed on a fairly level playing field. Many of the book projects and essays get "completion credit" or some curved scoring scale, but admittedly there have been few of those during this semester. I hesitate to add point values to many things because, especially in English, the result is the further bi-polarization in the gradebook. There is a big cluster of kids getting A's and B's and an all-too-big cluster of kids getting D's and F's. When I add scores for an assignment I notice that few students overall grades change. Instead, the high cluster's percents going even higher and the low cluster's percents getting even lower. I don't quite know what to do about this, so I simply don't stress grades in ELA and try to give kids formative feedback along the way and hope that their level of internal quality control increases with experience and age.
2. Why doesn't my kid enjoy reading anymore? Answer: Wow, do I wish that there was a good answer to that. I only have opinions. Part of me thinks that our high-input culture has overpowered reading as a pastime and relatively few kids have the patience, imagination, and calm that is required to get great things from great literature. In my family I am the least enthusiastic reader, but even as such a great deal of their enthusiasm for books, characters, plots, themes, and humor certainly does rub off on my. Another possibility is that they just haven't found the "right book" for where they are right now. Most 7th graders have outgrown the books that thrilled them in elementary school but haven't yet found those that will grab them right now. Summer reading lists are abundant and perhaps somewhere on one of them is that great book for your kid. Finding it should be a task of mutual responsibility as well as excitement.
3. What are the class arrangements for next year? Answer: Rachel, Jennie, and I will be working on that quite a bit during the next few weeks. We will be trying to create classes that are different from those that currently exist and are balanced in many factors. The 8th grade teachers (probably Susan Leftwich, Dan Dowling, and me) will also be involved in the process as well. Then there is the question of "how and if the kids will rotate between teachers and rooms next year". I can't answer that one with any authority or specificity either, but it could range from completely self-contained classes to subject area rotations; or it could be the "precepts" scenario, which are a combination of both that was the 8th grade classes did this year.
Camping Trip:
Each group has contributed to a progress report to you that I'm hoping you will read. There are still many details to work out and barriers to overcome, but I am confident that they are on track for our 5/27 departure. The suggested donation is down to $35 (buses, food, and campsites), but all students are welcome to come regardless of contributions -- I've found a way to cover any discrepancies between money donated and money collected.
Calendar:
Sleeping Beauty Ballet (yay Audrey!) -- May 23
Memorial Day, no school -- May 26
Room 25 Campout -- May 27 and 28
Talent Show -- May 28; rm 25 misses it :(
Last Middle School Dance -- May 30
Step-Up Day -- June 2
Last day of selectives -- June 6
Field Day & BBQ -- June 13
7th Grade Beach Day -- June 16
Last Day of School -- June 18
Love,
Chris