Post date: Sep 22, 2016 10:59:18 PM
Dear Room 25 Families
First of all, I want to express my appreciation for a few things:
1. Thanks to those who replied to my "how is homework check going" question in last week's newsletter. Hearing your comments and suggestions always helps me mull over what to do next to make things as good as I can. I appreciate the dialog.
2. Thanks to Helen Cox for hosting the pool party yesterday. I learned a new pool game and had a great time getting to know a few kids better in that small-group environment. In that same vein, thanks in advance to Alena and family for hosting the movie night and potluck this coming Saturday. These kinds of things are what cultivate community and connected kids!
3. Again, but even louder, I want to thank the many parents who gave the gift of their time and knowledge to the class via a set of fantastic presentations on a wide range of engaging, interesting, and informative topics. You have helped open eyes, elicit curiosity, and provide models for the many special-interest presentations that the kids will do (and view) all year.
4. Thanks, kids, for your hard work. The unrelenting routine of daily homework, aggressive accountability, and a fast pace class has been a hard adjustment for many of you, but I am very impressed by the signs of resilience that I'm seeing from most. Learning does involve some level of disequilibrium and discomfort, yet growth made now will serve you well for quite a while! With mostly good results, I've pushed you kids hard to be responsive and productive, agile, and active. Eighth grade is a crucial one, and it is my hope that when you leave DCS in only a few months, you will be able to hold you values, strengths, and passion for learning as well as be extremely well prepared to thrive amidst the academic opportunities challenges of high school.
Recap of Last Week:
Thursday was the last day of more than a month of mostly unencumbered afternoons for homeroom activities and incredible flexibility. We've used the time to do extra in-depth activities, play games, learn from parents, read quietly a bit every day, and get loud and rowdy when needed as we get to know each other and learn how to work best together. Although I am very much looking forward to the selectives which start next week, it has been nice to have such extensive homeroom time.
Science: The biggest and hardest topic of the week was learning use of dimensional analysis to do a variety of unit conversion problems. I put the lesson off for a day due to a gut feeling that I had that the kids (and I) just weren't ready to embark on learning this challenging but valuable skill; the lesson on Tuesday and practice on Wednesday and Thursday did go well and the worksheet that I just scored today shows that most kids understand the process. I'm making a measurement quiz for them to take tomorrow for me (and them) to know how well the knowledge and skills have actually set into their minds.
English: Each kid should now be done with the entire process of writing their photo essay (topics on this chart). Tomorrow they will share theirs with the class if they like, and then turn in the edited draft(s?) and final product. I'm very eager to read these autobiographical pieces and view their great photos. I was very impressed by the interactions I saw in class while they were doing peer editing. There were quite a few pairs (and groups of 3) who seemed well engaged and heavily invested in making improvements to each others essays; not just to the grammar and word-choice issues, but more importantly, to the flow, organization, and intangible things that can make a writing piece go from "ok" to "good" and maybe even to "great"!
Social Studies: During current events time the kids show their article on the monitors hanging on the wall and use the summaries and discussion prompts that they should have entered onto this spreadsheet on the night before their day to present. This process is working for most and I have been impressed by the level and duration of a few discussions last week. In addition to that, the kids hopefully learned something about early colonies from watching John Green's Crash Course US History Episode 2 at home and completing for Smartee's during my fill-in-the-blank notes. This week we will be learning more about the 13 colonies by comparing the depth, tone, and facts presented by two very different text books.
Coming Up:
Science Packets: This week marks the end of the first unit in science, which involved a test on Monday and packet formation on Tuesday. Those packets, which are composed of all the science work so far and a cover sheet that shows the scores as well as comments from the student and myself will come home for your perusal and signature. These packets will be a valuable routine component of the parent-student-teacher triad of communication and accountability .
Parent Workshifts: Next week also marks the onset of the classroom workshifts. Please know that I strive to make the best use of your time, talents, and preferences and that I know that what makes our school truly exceptional is the energy and devotion that you put into it. If you ever feel underutilized or uncomfortable in your classroom job, please let me know so that we can work out something better. I appreciate honesty and a casual relationship between us. Here is the job list as I understand it:
Daily Tasks Team: Mon=Karina & Sheila, Tues=Sally, Wed=Debbie, Thurs=Alma, Fri=Brian
Writing Coaches: Marie, Aislin, Tara, Isabelle, Sharina
Book Clubs: Cahn, Helen, Jim, Kristin, Anna-Maria
Intensives: Parthavi & Alena (physics), Maina & Cahn (Constitution)
Resource Management: Sarah (books/periodicals)
-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
-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
--
Chris Heumann
cell: 408 482-2394