Post date: Sep 10, 2016 6:9:39 AM
Happy Saturday, All!
I'm writing to you from the parking lot of the school where my middle daughter is taking he college entrance exams on this nice foggy Saturday morning. It really wasn't too long ago that she was doing her 8th grade year with me at DCS and this realization highlights just how important it is that I make the best of the limited time I'll have with your kids this year. I want them to work hard, feel good, and have a really fun time (in that order)!
Social Studies: In addition to the daily current events discussions within table groups, we watched the rest of Dances With Wolves, discussed Native American peoples, culture, and stereotypes. This weekend the kids are writing their reflections there-of. The kids also wrote questions about Plains Indians and answered each others'. Next week we'll get into colonial life and the tensions and developments that would lead up to our preference for independence as well as learn about the job of the presidency.
Science: We're still working on science skills through a variety of activities including "Habits of the Scientific Mind", use of a triple-beam balance, and using acute observations skills to differentiate between objects (ask you kid about the Jibberfidgets, TechnoSeats, and Rallyworts thing that we did on Thursday). This weekend they should be performing the apple preservation lab in your kitchens and writing up the lab report using proper format.
English: The "My Name" essay final products got turned in on 8/31. Tuesday night I went through the bundle of papers that each kid was to save during the writing process and turn in (two on-paper edited drafts, outline, and brainstorming sheet), and it was quite a disheartening scoring session. I felt that the instructions/expectations, although explained on the website and in class quite a few times, were not carried out. Eleven kids were missing all of those components, and only about 4 had all of them done in the way that was asked of them. When I posted scores and passed back the scored papers, I think that the class realized that there is a high level of accountability in this class, despite it's casual atmosphere. I predict that our next go at this essay writing process (and not just product) will be much better (that next writing assignment will be a photo essay, by the way)
Parent Presentations/Activities and Invitations: These are turning out great! The kids have learned about flowers, affordable housing, swimming, and emergency preparedness so far and there are more great things to come. I do appreciate the respite you are providing for me but more importantly, I value the education that the kids are getting, the questions they are asking, and the new interests/knowledge that may be triggered by your presentations.
Helen Cox has also invited the kids to come to the cabana club -- check out the invitation on this page. AND, cuz our class is just that amazing, we have also been invited by Taran's family to a movie night on Saturday 10/1 (see invitation forwarded by Missie).
A Concern of Mine: I have noticed lately that there are some things about the class atmosphere, freedoms, & activities are being more expected by the kids than they are appreciated or reciprocated -- almost being abused and taken for granted. I've been noticing the trend (but hoping for it's cessation) since school started, but it became most evident to me when I realized how often (and for how long) I have to get kid's attention while giving instructions. Although I encourage the kids to feel relaxed in class I do expect that the kids will play their part and live up to their responsibilities. So, what bothers me is that some (and really just about 8) kids are showing too little self-responsibility or personal initiative and aren't finding action(s) that perpetuate the positive climate in the room. Perhaps over-familiarity between them and immaturity levels in some are causing the sibling-rivalry flavor to some of their interactions, but the result is draining the energy/enthusiasm from this whole-class parent. Said bluntly, the kids are acting more as takers rather than givers. I spoke with them quite honestly about this on Tuesday and about possibly pulling back on some of the "givens" until a get a greater sense of reciprocity and peer-to-peer generosity and mutual support. I want them to appreciate and value what they have in their class and their school and chill-out on the apparent sense of entitlement and detachment from responsibility. Don't get me wrong; things aren't bad, but they aren't great yet either -- and I want them to be.
On A Positive Note: I'd hate to end this week's writing on the downer note of that previous paragraph, so let me sum up by saying that I have high hopes and high expectations for this class in so many realms, including academics, peer relations, personal challenge, self responsibility, social awareness, and even community service -- we have immense potential and capacity and I have no intention of letting anyone settle for anything less than the best of what they are.
Action Items for Parents:
1. Check the daily assignment sheet with your kid each evening, take a look at grades online once per week (after PowerSchool access letters get sent home), and discuss newsletter items once in a while, if possible.
2. I'm hoping that each of you will participate in an anonymous text-message distribution list called Remind. If you subscribe (by sending a message that says "@dcsrm25" to 81010) I will be able to text all of you at the same time, and I promise to do so only rarely and in time-sensitive situations where email won't suffice. Right now I don't have an entry for parent(s) of Amiri, Jason, Ken, Lena, MicHael, Neha, Rhema, or Taika.
3. We have 3 chaperone/drivers volunteering to go on the Walkabout (Colin, Bill, Jim/Laura), but I need 2 or 3 more (10 kid-seats total).
4. RSVP to Helen and/or Alena regarding pool & movie invitations.
Calendar:
-September 10 (Saturday): Rm 23 Flea Market
-September 12 (Monday) Parent 101 (7 to 9)
-September 20 (Tuesday): Picture Day
-September 21 (Wednesday): Student council elections
-September 23 (Friday): Teacher Learning Day (no school for kids)
-September 24 (Saturday): Pool party
-September 26 (Monday): Selective & Parent Workshifts start
-October 1 (Saturday): Movie & potluck at Taran's cul-de-sac
-October 3 (Monday): Room 25 to Ropes Course -- this might have to get delayed
-October 10, 11, 12: Room 25 Cal-Coast Walkabout
-October 14: Middle School Dance
-October 21 (Friday): Teacher Learning Day (no school for kids)
-October 24-28: Fall conferences
-October 29 (Saturday): Fall Festival
-November 1-4: Rm 29 in SF (changed intensive rotation)
-November 11 (Friday): Veteran's Day (no school)
-November 15 (Tuesday): Innovation Challenge
November 17 & 18: Room 25 to Angel Island
November 21-25: Thanksgiving Break
December 3: Star Party
December 16: Early dismissal & Christmas break starts
So, enjoy the rest of your weekends and please reply, if just to say "got it" :)