Post date: Jun 11, 2011 6:16:49 AM
This is the last of my weekly writings to you and, strangely enough, I think that I will miss it. Since I was in middle school, writing has always been a good vehicle of introspection for me, but this year I found it to be a great way to maintain interpersonal connections as well. Many parents told me that, although they didn't reply, they browsed the newsletter each Friday and got a good sense of what was going on in the classroom and why. I'm glad to hear that.
Recap of the week:
English
Daily grammar sheets replaced daily edits as the students completed paperwork on apostrophes, titles, clauses, as well as hyphens, dashes, and parenthesis. During book clubs the parents gave their groups reading quizzes to confirm that the students had read their books well. I appreciate the work that those 10 "bookmoms" put into that as well as all of their outstanding efforts all year.
There was one other (much more important) assignments for the week -- the writing of an "I Am" poem that will be posted in the foyer at Westgate Church during graduation. Most of those that have been turned in are well done and show just how good the students can reflect and write about themselves. Whenever time allowed, I read parts of an incredible book called "The Power of One" to the students and showed the 1999 movie version with Morgan Freeman. It is the story of a boy's experiences in South Africa, his ways of coping with harsh realities, and his efforts to abolish apartheid. Besides having an excellent message, this book is also on the summer reading list for English classes at Mitty.
Science:
The big accomplishment of the week were the pair-to-pair peer-teaching sessions on the nature of sound and light. Students read material, organized lessons, planned demonstrations, taught the material, and performed assessments. Nothing thrills me more than seeing everyone in the room fully engaged in teaching and learning! Next week, small groups of students will demonstrate experiments from the Lab Book and I am really looking forward to that!
Graduation:
The venue is beautiful and will serve well to honor the important achievements of the students and exciting milestone of the event. Our practice sessions today went very well thanks to the organization and experience of Mrs. Stuart and Mrs. Leftwich. It will be a special evening that we get to share together.
Conclusion:
You have heard me, time and again, gush with praise, appreciation and awe regarding your students, this school, and the culture that it has created. To do it again during this last letter might be a tad bit of overkill. Let it suffice to say that I know how blessed I've been and I will never take it for granted. I'll be planning some meet-ups during the Summer, mostly just to avoid the heartbreak that would accompany a permanent good-bye.
Have a wonderful weekend and reply if you like.
Chris