Post date: May 31, 2014 11:20:59 PM
Happy Saturday All.
The camping trip worked out just as planned -- well done, kids. Everyone was prepared, helpful, and traveled and ate very well. The campground was almost empty and so we could play games, hike, and explore without undue constraint. I especially liked the evening hike to the observation deck and the stories told along the way. On Wednesday morning we had a leisurely breakfast and pack-up time so consequently we had to hustle on the redwoods and river hikes to make it to Felton to catch the bus. I do apologize again to have kept you parents waiting for an extra 45 minutes to get your kids from LightRail. I was also impressed that the kids (and i) could jump right back into the school routine on Thursday and Friday. The efforts, experience, and generosity of Alan, Tarek, Noel, and Richard were crucial to the success of the trip and we all owe them a huge "thank you".
In science, the glands and hormones took center stage this week; a natural lead-in to the sessions on human growth and development that will dominate our time next week. That, along with the lessons on genetics, should keep science interesting for the next 12 days left. I don't have a good sense yet of how vocal/vulnerable the class will be during those potentially awkward topics, but I'm hoping that they will be casual, honest, and useful.
In English we'll be choosing new lit-circle groups and books on Monday and then zooming through their self-selected books in a bit more than a week. We'll also, as I wrote about on Thursday, be covering some coming-of-age stories and engaging in discussion/reflection about that timely genre. I would like to acknowledge that some aspects of these topics (in both science and English) might be sensitive ones, and I don't want to tread into territory that you (parents) feel should dealt with at a later age or are meant to be family-only. Please feel comfortable expressing your concerns and comments with me at any time. Next week I hope to use "Stand By Me" as the springboard for discussion. Please, if you have time, take a look at this discussion document and add comments or concerns in your have any -- especially regarding the language issues in "Billy Elliott". What is not a big deal and worth overlooking to me, might be of great concern to others, so I need your input as I venture into this new area.
Room 25 Potluck Gathering: On Friday, June 13 from 5:30 to 7:00ish, we'll be having the class potluck. LisaC and Roseanne are organizing this and I am sure that it will be a great time to reflect upon our year together and perhaps to discuss your preferences for next year regarding schedules, curriculum focus, and excursions.
Seventh Grade Beach Trip (Monday, June 16, 9 to 5): After the teachers and class coordinators posted the Jooner's volunteer sign-up sheet online, I was so proud and impressed by how quickly and completely the room 25 parents stepped up and filled in spots. We have all the driver fields filled (except a back up, which I forgot to include in the form), and a bunch of people bringing equipment and food to cover our class and much more. This is going to be a fantastic day!
Calendar:
Step-Up Day -- June 2
Last day of selectives -- June 6
Field Day & BBQ -- June 13
Room 25 Potluck! -- June 13
7th Grade Beach Day -- June 16
Last Day of School -- June 18
Love,
Chris