Post date: Sep 04, 2017 5:2:25 AM
Dear Room 25 Parents and Kids,
Before I forget... could each kid bring in an apple or two on Tuesday? One for making pie and the other for a science experiment.
OK, this week we settled into some of the weekly routines and got more into to the academics. I've gotten to know the kids more and have seen the quality of their efforts and reaffirmed the creative power that is DCS. These kids each comes with a distinct set of attributes, and we have twenty six strong individuals with some tight clusters of friends. The "for the good of the group" level is still fairly low but I'm optimistic and will continue to push individual accountability and build group cohesion.
Recap of the Week:
Here are a few things (in no particular order) that you and your kid can talk about:
1. Increasing Sentence Complexity: A simple worksheet that helps kids add description and voice to even the simplest sentences. Samples.
2. Travel Plan: Transitioned from US geography to local geography -- and seeding possibilities for kids growing independence.
3. Each-one-teach-one about Native Americans and their adaptations to the the land in which they lived. Students' notes/questions
4. Dances With Wolves: We're watching about half of this movie to get a Hollywood-enhanced positive view of Native Americans & plains geography.
5. Curiosity Slides: started this year-long process, made the first slide and spreadsheet, and embedded them onto the "About Us" page.
6. Name essay is almost done and all the components will be turned in Tuesday (pre-write, outline, edited drafts, final copy)
7. Scientific Method learned (and critiqued).
Field Trips: The first two trips are both amazing experiences. The first is the team building and ropes course adventure at Mount Hermon, near Scott's Valley on October 16th. I think that we have drivers! With a redwoods hike in the morning, we'll make it a full day.
The Cal Coast Walkabout is a 3-day trip (November 27, 28, and 29; $150) that explores some great trails and places along the coast between Santa Cruz and Marin. For many kids in previous years (and certainly for me) this trip has been a highlight of the year -- check out the itinerary and maps.
Current Events: There is so much going on in the world that our kids should be aware of and understand. Much is complex and concerning, but we shouldn't shy away from complexity nor turn a blind eye to the troubles and needs of others. The daily current events process that I require of the kids is an attempt to have them find an issue or event that piques their interest, learn about it, and facilitate a 5 to 10 minute discussion with their peers. This page on my site has details and resources, but parents, I'm hoping that you will help by discussing things with your kid and help them to live up to the intention of the process.
Assignments, Assessments, and Grades: So now I have some questions for you: How is the daily work load so far and what is your (and your student's) opinion regarding grades? Let me elaborate... The days go by fairly quickly and I give the kids a lot to do -- just take a look at the assignments list -- about sixteen different projects/assignments gone by already, including one fairly significant essay writing endeavor. I've been giving them daily assignments that should take about 40 minutes each evening, but I want to be sure that the work is of reasonable complexity and visible value. So my question is really about the meaningfulness of the work, ease of independent completion, and the time-demand it is placing on the kids, you parents, and the family dynamics -- any input about those things will be valuable to me. As vocabulary and reading quizzes enter the routine, things will get a bit more challenging, so I just want to get some feedback on the current status of the time/effort/attitude factors.
Thanks, Parents. I didn't mention it in last week's newsletter, but I really appreciate all the supplies and offers for help that came in during the opening weeks of school. The workday and parent meeting gave me a great feeling about our class community. I'd really like to thank the parents who have come to class to teach/show/play something as well as those that are still on the schedule (coffee & pies Tuesday!). I will love, support, challenge, and work hard for your kids throughout the year, and yet I'll depend heavily on your feedback, support, and talents as well -- team effort. Thanks, in particular, to Teresa who is in the throws of workshift and school job recruiting & shuffling.
Lets Review:
1. Class cohesion is growing and we're doing a good amount of work already.
2. Please read your kid's name essay and suggest improvements & edits. Also, they may need prodding to study for the vocab quiz on Tuesday.
3. Help your kid to be well prepared to lead their current-events discussions.
4. I'm hoping to get your feedback about workload and grades
Upcoming Events (subject to change):
-September 4: (Monday) No School (Labor Day)
-September 6: (Wednesday) Buddy classes start (we're with Jimmy Kim's 5th grade class)
-September 19 (Tuesday) Parent 101 at DCS (7 to 9)
-September 14 (Thursday): Picture Day
-September 22 (Friday): Teacher Learning Day (no school for kids)
-September 23 & 24: 8th grade camping trip
-October 2 (Monday): Selective & Parent Workshifts start
-October 16 (Monday): Room 25 to Henry Cowell Redwoods and Mount Hermon Ropes Course
-October 13 (Friday): Middle School Dance
-October 20 (Friday): Teacher Learning Day (no school for kids)... and Amy's birthday!
-October 21 (Saturday): Fall Festival
-October 23-31: Fall conferences
-November 10 (Friday): Veteran's Day (no school)
-November 20-24: Thanksgiving Break (all week)
-November 27-29 (Monday to Wednesday): CalCoast Walkabout
-December 1: Middle School Dance
-December 13-14: Angel Island "Living History" overnight with Bonnie
--
Chris Heumann
cell: 408 482-2394