Post date: Oct 11, 2014 3:43:15 AM
Dear Room 25 Family,
Happy Saturday all, and I hope that the weekend is going well. In room 25, another great week has passed us by with continued progress and good feelings. For me, the highlight of the week came on a Friday again. This time, the kids' maturity and heart came through as Brian voiced some concerns about how things are going in the class and then facilitated an excellent discussion where everyone's views and contributions were heard and written down. We'll add a bit more and make some decisions together on Monday.
Science: I could squeeze in some science on three class periods this week. The topic of the chapter and discussions/demonstrations are on fluid pressure. The kids drew a diagram of objects at various altitudes and undersea levels, showing the cause of pressure. Thomas brought in a "leaky" plastic tube that we filled with water to demonstrate pressure at various levels. Next week we'll do some activities that give kids more hands-on interactions regarding buoyancy and the Bernoulli effect. I'm hoping that the kids are keeping up with the textbook reading at home as well -- there is a test on Thursday.
Social Studies: During the 6 weeks of subject area intensives, we'll change the current events process. Starting this past week, the kids are to find, read, and document an article or topic of their choosing and then have a discussion with you or other adult about it over the weekend. On Mondays they turn in the paperwork to me and the process starts again.
The National Park research project, which was started a few weeks ago when we were studying US geography, has stalled out (my fault for not giving time or more explicit directions or a timeline) -- we will get it rolling again this coming week. Another thing that needs to get squeezed in is the sharing portion of our European Explorers Reunion. The kids have all researched one of the explorers and will next give us a first-person glimpse of their character, goals, and impact on the cultures of the Americas.
English: Great things are happening during our kids' ELA time with Ms Leftwich as they read and analyze Of Mice and Men. In addition to that, the kids have been collecting words for upcoming vocabulary exercises. Lastly, the book club groups met again on Thursday to get further into their books. If your kid doesn't have their book yet, please help them to get a copy. I have a list of the libraries that have copies of the books, thanks to Colleen. The group of parents facilitating the discussions are to be greatly commended; I've heard good things from parents and kids alike and I really appreciate what they offer!
Conferences: In a few weeks we will have student-led progress and goal-setting conferences. I am very much looking forward to spending time with you during those afternoons! Please open this document and fill in a time spot with your kid's name. Here is a page on my site that has a bit more info about Fall Conferences.
Oct 22 Parent Meeting: The second of our parent meetings will be an all-8th grade session in the Anderson cafeteria. During this session we will hear from some members of the resource specialists and possibly some parents about how to best work with students. If you would like to contribute your comments you are certainly invited. Each student learns and behaves in individual ways and we as the adults who interact with them can always benefit from a better understanding of kids' needs as well as specific effective strategies.
Class Jobs: There are still a few class jobs that are unfilled, including the all-important overnight field trip coordinator as well as the celebrations coordinator. If any of you are willing to take on either of those jobs I can assure you that I can help to keep your work load low and enjoyable! Anyone interested can let me know or contact Michelle Damore. Also, I am sure that Gina will be putting the word out requesting volunteers to assist with our dry-ice bubble art booth at the Fall Festival, so I urge you to pitch in there as well.
Upcoming Events
October 18: Down Syndrome Buddy Walk (link)
October 22: 8th Grade Parent Meeting #2
October 24: Teacher Learning Day (no school for kids)
October 25: Fall Festival
October 27-31: Fall conferences
October 30: 8th Grade to "Sweeney Todd" @ MVCPA
November 11: Veteran's Day (no school)
November 24-18: Thanksgiving Break
December 11-12: Room 25 to Balclutha, Age of Sail
December 22 - January 9: Winter Holiday
January 20-23 - SanFracisco Trip
February 6: Selectives end
February 6: Middle School dance
As always, I'd love to get a quick reply.
Have a great weekend and I'll see you Monday -- if I can shake this untimely cold!
Chris