Post date: Sep 26, 2015 1:46:46 AM
Hello Room 25 Families.
Greetings from the hills of Ashland, Oregon. I drove up here Thursday after our awesome ropes course trip in order to spend time with my dad on his birthday. During the long drive I kept replaying the memories of our afternoon up in the redwood trees and brainstorming ways that I can feed/foster the amazing thirst for adventure, camaraderie, and achievement that exists in our class of incredible kids. We are headed for great times together.
Friday 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.
Next week also marks the onset of the classroom workshifts for you parents. Please know that I strive to make the best use of your time, talents, and preferences and that I know that what makes out 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: James, Dionna, Susan, Melissa, Stacy
Writing Coaches: Jane, Angie, April, Marcy
Book Clubs: Susan, Joan, Leo, Violeta, Roseanne
Intensives: Dianne (physics), Moira (Constitution)
Resource Management: Mae & Christine (books/periodicals), Wayne (computers)
Science Experiments: This past week your kid began their Fall experiment. It is simply a "Effect of ____ on ____" scenario that involves experimental design, measurement, data collection and analysis, and communication. They will be doing most of the work at home and using class time to keep up with paperwork and share results, confounds, and devise improvements. The whole process should last about 2 more weeks and along the way I'll ask them to share their progress with you via a Google doc to which you will be invited this coming week.
Me As A Reader: Since the middle of this month the kids have been sporadically working on the components of a "Me As A Reader" essay. They should have finished a draft and peer edited it this week, and over the weekend they are expected to read it to you, elicit suggestions for improvement, and be ready to turn in the components (pre-write, draft, edits, final) on Monday.
Lastly, I want to thank the dozen 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 helped open eyes, elicit curiosity, and create community.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Chris
September 28 (Monday): Selective & Parent Workshifts start
September 30 (Wednesday): Student Council Elections
October 10 (Saturday): Gala at JCC 6:30 to 9:30
October 16 (Friday): Teacher Learning Day (no school for kids)
October 17 (Saturday): Fall Festival
October 20: (Tuesday): Picture Make-Ups
October 26-30: Fall conferences
November 11: Veteran's Day (no school)
November 16 to 18: Cal Coast Walkabout
November 23-27: Thanksgiving Break
December 4 (Friday): Middle School Dance
December 18 (Friday): Early dismissal
December 21 - January 10: Winter Holiday
January 18 (Monday): No School, MLK day
January 26 (Tuesday):8th grade class photo
February 5 (Friday): Semester 1 ends