Post date: Sep 23, 2017 7:8:36 PM
Hi All. Things are going well in room 25. It's still important to be working on class cohesion and group-over-self attitudes/actions, but things are on the upswing and we've got lots of time and important experiences ahead of us.
1. Parent presentations are done and I hope that each of you felt welcomed and appreciated by me and by the class. As I said a month ago, please consider this as a well-earned and guilt-free "excused" from a class workshift if you ever need it during the year. I can even cover yard or curb duty for you.
2. 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 = Andrea, Tues = Diane, Wed = Hoda, Thurs = Craig, Frank, Tafesse
Writing Coaches: Jane, April, Ellen, Craig, Andrea
Book Clubs (Mondays): Pooja, Joel, Shilpa, Barbara, Teresa
3. The "Nature of Science" unit is done now, so early next week the kids will be doing a packet formation process. Those packets 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, and they will come home for your perusal and signature by the end of the week. Work packets like this will be a valuable component of the parent-student-teacher triad of communication and accountability .
4. Bonnie Malouf will be returning to school on Monday and I hear that there is a potluck breakfast in the works. If you would like to contribute, Andrea McPhearson has put together a sign-up sheet at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054caaa82ca4f94-celebrating.
5. During current events time I have been impressed by the level and duration of a few discussions last week. We even listened to a bit of NPR's news summary show called "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me". Additionally, the kids also hopefully learned something about the three regions of the colonies by doing an "each one teach one" using two very different text books, a video, and a Kahoot game.
6. The photo essays are done now and if you have time, please take a look at a few. Many are well written, interesting, and educational!
Thanks, as always, for reading my weekly ramblings. Let me know if there is something I've overlooked or am unaware of that can help the class run even better.
Chris
Calendar:
-October 2 (Monday): Parent Workshifts start and Bonnie's welcome back potluck
-October 9 (Monday): Selectives begin
-October 9 (Monday): Chemistry intensive with Mr Dowling starts (calendar)
-October 11 (Wednesday): Information Meeting for upcoming middle school parents
-October 13 (Friday): Middle School Dance
-October 16 (Monday): Room 25 to Henry Cowell Redwoods and Mount Hermon Ropes Course
-October 20 (Friday): Teacher Learning Day (no school for kids)... and Amy's birthday!
-October 21 (Saturday): Fall Festival
-October 23-31: Fall conferences (sign-up chart)
-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
-December 23 - January 14: Winter break