Post date: May 22, 2017 6:5:26 AM
Writing Benchmark #2: Monday morning the students will do their second writing benchmark of the year. The purpose is to demonstrate their growth as writers as measured by the middle school's six traits of writing rubric (link). Thanks to the efforts of our team of writing coaches and the hard work done by many of the students, the quality, organization, voice, and power of their writing has improved quite a bit.
Phoenix Award: Every year the 8th grade students nominate, by anonymous ballot, those two students in their grade that readily and routinely exemplify the philosophy, practices, and spirit of our middle school (things like integrity, curiosity, teamwork, passion, generosity, kindness, and diligence). The winner(s) are given a plaque and special recognition at the graduation ceremony.
Rafting Trip: As I mentioned in last week's newsletter, we are gearing up for the 8th grade river rafting trip. Whitewater Adventures has sent us some information which Damian Romard has forwarded to you and it looks like Kristen will probably be our class chaperone (and driver). This week we will ask the kids to organize themselves into tent groups and portions of boat groups. I'm sure release forms will be coming soon.
Graduation Plans: Kelley Reinhardt and Debbie Lew sent out an informative email tonight, giving all the details for the graduation ceremony and after-party. The rehearsal will be on that same morning and Laura may be putting out an email asking for driver volunteers. I've asked VTA for a ClassPass for that day, in case we decide to take bus 57 there and back.
Vasona: Every year I host a "boating and barbecue" event for DCS alumni at Lake Vasona in Los Gatos. This doc has details. If possible, please mark your calendar for Sunday, July 9 from 11 to 2 -- hope you can join in!
Human Growth and Development: During the weeks after the rafting trip, the 8th grade classes will be participating in "sex ed" lessons that focus on a variety of topics listed below. This page on my site has links to two of the videos we show ("Teen Dreams" and "Life's Greatest Miracle"). If you have any questions about what usually gets discussed (and how and in what depth), please let me know.
Typical categories of questions or discussions:
Female reproductive anatomy (external, internal, changes @ puberty, variations)
-vulva, labia, clitoris, hymen, vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries
Male reproductive anatomy (external, internal, changes @ puberty, variations)
-testicle, epididymus, vas deferens, Cowpers, prostate, seminal vesicle, urethra, erectile tissue, penis, foreskin, circumcision
Acne and skin health
-epidermis, dermis, sweat gland, oil (sebacious) gland, hairs, erector muscle
Puberty
Menstrual cycle
Wet dreams
Breast development
Masturbation
Pregnancy and birth
Birth control
Disease types, prevalence, and prevention
The media (magazines, sites, pornography, discussion boards)
Privacy, trust, and social issues
Sexuality, asexuality, and the diversity of sexual expression & identity
Sexually transmitted diseases
And many, many "what if?" questions from students