July 5, 2018

Happy Summer Break!

Here's a posting of Teen Writing Workshops (next week) available through the Santa Monica Public Library. I know many of you would love these offerings! Go with a friend. :)

Teen Creative Writing Workshops

Attention, aspiring teen writers! Be inspired by and learn writing techniques from published authors of books for youth. No registration required; come to any session you like. Notebooks and pens provided, or bring your own. Snacks included. Space limited; please arrive on time.

Tuesday through Thursday, July 10-12 / 3:00 pm (2 hours)

Grades 6-12 / Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard / Activity Room in Youth Area

• Tue, July 10: Crafting Memorable Characters with Aminah Mae Safi, author of Not the Girls You’re Looking For

• Wed, July 11: Action-Adventure Historical Fiction with Eric Pierpoint, author of The Secret Mission of William Tuck

• Thu, July 12: Writing Memoir and Biography with Planaria Price, author of Claiming My Place: Coming of Age in the Shadow of the Holocaust

June 5, 2018

Summer Reading (for SAMOHI). See here.

Also, the Santa Monica Public Library has several summer reading programs. This is from Ivy Weston, a Teen Services Librarian:

The Santa Monica Public Library has lots of activities planned! Do crafts, take ukulele lessons, come to Family Game Night, be inspired to write in creative writing workshops led by published local authors, and learn about the next session of Tech Teens, a leadership group for high school students interested in technology.

And don't forget our summer reading program for incoming 6th-12th graders. Teens can read whatever they want and earn prizes. Signups start this Saturday, June 9 and continue throughout the summer. We will also give away copies of Born a Crime to incoming 9th-12th Samohi students but have very limited copies this year due to it being a hardcover book. We'll run out probably within the first week, so don't delay! But also don't despair, because we have lots of copies in the catalog for checkout. For the giveaway copies, we have a strict rule of one copy per family, and we ask that students pass their copy to a family member or friend when they've finished reading it.

View the Teen Summer Programs calendar at smpl.org at the right-hand side of the homepage, but clicking the Summer link next to Teen, under the text that says "Monthly Calendar PDF." For more details about the summer reading program, see smpl.org/Teens and click the summer reading link to the left. (For younger kids at home, you can go to https://smpl.org/kids.aspx and click the summer reading link at left.)

The Prospective Tech Teen Information Session is listed in the Teen Summer Programs calendar as well.

Happy summer reading. (But, let's celebrate first!)

--ggmc

May 26, 2018

Important information as the end of the year wraps up!

I am...

+ diligently assessing student Writing (and Partnerships) via GoogleClassroom during this Holiday Weekend.

+ updating Illuminate (all should be accurate and correct on Tuesday, 5/29).

+ awarding extra credit (ClimateFest and Citywide Reads activities) as they come in...Due electronically on June 3.

+ coordinating the 8th grade "Rock Garden." (Ask your child about this.)

+ facilitating the planning of the Onyx Core 8th Grade Promotion (tickets distributed on Wed. 6/6).

+ assisting with the loose ends related to the 8th Grade Dance (Thanks to this year's parents who made it happen last year!)

Students should be...

+ checking GoogleClassroom and Illuminate

+ meeting me after school on Tuesday (until 4:30) or Wednesday (until 3:20) if there is an issue

+ sharing the middle school wrap-up checklist (salmon colored paper along with reading and writing resources)

+ documenting the last books/reading for the Million Word Club (due on Friday, 6/1 to be recognized at Promotion).

Students could be...

+ reflecting on middle school reading and writing portfolios that were sent home (lilac colored paper)--Did you see this?! It was so fun passing back 6th grade work (7th grade is the Who Am I.)

+ locating a copy of the book Born a Crime for the SAMO Summer Reading program.

Thanks for a great year! I may not post again, as to stay above water...I'll see you at the Onyx Core Promotion Ceremony!

Review information sent home at the beginning of the year and posted here on the website:

http://www.lincoln.smmusd.org/promotion.html

May 25, 2018

Here is some more summer enrichment, "Writing in the Middle", for students offered through my UCLA Writing Project. The UCLA WP programming for teachers is excellent and I would expect the same for students. Let me know if you participate in this July 9-20th program!

May 18, 2018

Tomorrow is Santa Monica's ClimateFest hosted at St. Monica's. This event clearly connects to the research you did in your Global Climate Change group. You then presented to a 6th/7th grader for knowledge creation (and practice before your Community Service Presentation).

Now, deepen this knowledge and earn some rare Extra Credit! Just like the SMPL Farewell to Manzanar Citywide Reads programming, all you need to do is: participate, validate, summarize, and offer a supportable opinion of the activity in which you were involved. Your one page write up is due May 23.

Have fun and see you there!

-ggmc

May 11, 2018

Over the next week, I hope to pass along a few summer enrichment opportunities.

The first, here, is from Nadia Cross the Education Coordinator at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust. (LAMOTH are the folks who brought the Survivors to our English classes early in second semester.) She writes:

The Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust offers summer workshop opportunities for middle and high school students in our Voices of History programs. This summer, we are offering three different workshops for students to learn about Holocaust history and remembrance, engage in intergenerational dialogue with local Holocaust survivors, and create art reflections in various mediums, including visual and multimedia art projects, original theater performances, and documentary films.

2018 Voices of History Summer Workshops

June 18-22: Visual Arts Workshop--In partnership with Milken Community Schools

July 9-25: Theater Workshop--In partnership with Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts

July 26-August 10: Documentary Filmmaking Workshop

I have pdf flyers for each of the workshops, so please email me. Or you can learn more at LAMOTH.

-ggmc

May 8, 2018

Breaking ("bad") news--- Farewell to Manzanar author Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston will not be able to discuss her memoir with us at Lincoln, as previously planned. Instead, the public librarian has offered us a block of reserved seats this Saturday at her 2:00 talk at the SMPL titled "An Afternoon with Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston." This even opens the Santa Monica Reads city-wide book program (16th year). Please email me if I can include you in our block of reserved seats. I do need to get back to Ms. Weston by Thursday.

-ggmc

ggies-mclaughlin@smmusd.org

April 30, 2018 - I can't believe May Day is tomorrow! See my most recent blog below...And way below was a public shout out (picture) to our Vocabulary.com leaders. But, you've been over taken by the dark horse, Ethan N! Ethan (6th period) is leading as of Monday morning. -g

April 28, 2018

I hope you all are well. I wanted to let families know that I was thankful that virtually all students seemed to put out a best effort on the ELA Performance Task test. (They will finish it in the next block.) They know how I feel about these tests (ask them). At the same time, I will be examining the data in August. I will continue to remind them to put out a great effort, yet what's most important is to end our time together on a high note. Help me encourage them to:

• take advantage of opportunities (Congrats to our brave, bold, cool Spoken Word Poets on Wednesday)

• don't ignore challenges (See below the class leader board for the Vocabulary.com contest, as of 7:15 am!!!)

• implement the "plan" (7A) and reach those New Years Goals, both articulated in the IN

• enjoy the Million Word Club book of the "month"---a book into a movie

• give a great effort in the class and independent reading of To Kill a Mockingbird (We will pick it back up on Wednesday)

• best your "Best Self"---Make yourself proud, as well as your parents!

I'm off to cheer on the "Botball Nerds"(my affectionate name for Ms. O'Brien's cross-core team of engineers who, in my mind, will create a better world!) We will cheer them on at the middle school tournament in Burbank , after the Arts and Literacy Festival at Virginia Park (our family does have preferences and priorities!).

-ggmc

April 18, 2018

Tomorrow is a big day--8th Grade Community Service Day and Open House!

I've been impressed with students' hard work and process to prepare for this culminating presentation. (The rubric is revised. See me if you want a hard copy before Thursday.)

I also want to advertise that our Santa Monica Public Library has announced the 2018 Citywide Read. Drumroll, please.... Farewell to Manzanar

As you are aware, students finished an independent reading of her memoir set in 1942. We are also excited to hear Ms. Wakatsuki speak on Monday, May 14th during Homebase (12:05-12:40)! If you'd like to be our guest, please let me know so I can make arrangements.

April 18, 2018

So honored to hear the Madrigal Choir this morning. I hope this video works! ...Doesn't. Grouch. Will show it in class. :0

April 12, 2018

Maybe it's too much (personal) information, but it's been a tough transition back to school. It's been an odd week of juggling--wrapping up Global Climate Change and the reading of Farewell to Manzanar; supporting the Community Service Presentation, introducing two contests; updating the Million Word Club and revisiting the 8th grade Writing Standards (1st, 2nd, and 3rd); and learning about sexual assault (4th, 5th, and 6th this week and the other periods next week), all while the cement truck is rumbling outside of our classroom!!!!! Is it Friday, yet?!!!

The last weeks of 8th grade present many challenges, especially staying productive and positive. So, in an effort to model viewing a partially filled glass as "half-full," here is some positive news:

• Over 25 students have proved they have read 1,000,000 words or more (The MWC challenge ends on June 1)

• 5 students have read over 2,000,000 words!

• Mr. Moe has accepted over a dozen students' evidence of 50-75-100 hours of community service for the end-of-the year honor (deadline on Friday, 4/20).

• I'm excited and energized by the students who accept challenges and opportunities beyond our classroom:

* 1st Annual Spoken Word Poetry Jam (via flipgrid) on March 17th (See GoogleClassroom 4/10)

* Pechakucha entry for the Sustainable Santa Monica contest (see p. 7 of the Santa Monica Seascape posted on

GoogleClassroom on 4/9)

• Most students are working diligently on their Community Service Speeches and Presentations to be delivered on 4/19!

• Over 85% students "Met" W.8.1 Argument writing Standards in the last revision. (I'm still assessing those that weren't turned in correctly over Spring Bring and hope to have this work done soon.)

• 4th, 5th, and 6th Period students maturely listened and asked a lot of questions from the professional educator from Roads to Respect. I wanted to leave you with this picture, as it is extremely important information about how to help a friend:

As your child's teacher, I was impressed with their voluntary discussion of uncomfortable topics such as sexual harassment and sexual assault. I told them, from my perspective, that I felt uncomfortable; so if they did too, they were not alone. I also added that it is often the most important conversations in life are uncomfortable. They had so many questions, many unanswered. (1st, 2, and 3rd Period students will have the program next week.)

As a parent, I hope they come to you to seek answers and perspective, not their friends or unreliable sources on the Internet. I am not suggesting that you bring up..."So, what did you learn in English class this week?" as this will surely stall any conversation with a parent and a typical teenager! I'd just suggest that you bring up the fact that I wrote about Roads to Respect in the blog and mentioned that kids asked questions. Ask them what kinds of questions others asked. This may open up roads of communication. :)

See you next week at Open House. (It's so early this year.)

g-

April 2, 2018

I hope you are enjoying your break filled with rest, recreation, and reading!

I am accomplishing all of the above. If you get a chance, please check GoogleClassroom for some book recommendations and to double-check your essay submission (too many of you didn't follow directions before Spring Break).

...And, breaking news...The Million Word Club book for April is (now) a book that has been made into a movie. I am enjoying reading a Wrinkle in Time with my girls. I also look forward to viewing Ready Player One to see if it meets my hopes and expectations after reading the book a couple summers ago for SAMOHI. I hope you pick a book that you have not read and have not seen the movie. Read, then view.

Below is a decent resource to begin "shopping" for a book that was made into a movie:

• https://www.listchallenges.com/best-books-made-into-movies

For those of you who want a challenge, pick a "Classic" book that has been made into a movie. Maybe even consider reading something set during the Great Depression, as this is the context for our class reading of To Kill a Mockingbird beginning mid-April.

Enjoy the rest of your Break!

-ggmc

March 20, 2019

There is so much (too much?!) going on! I feel compelled to drop some information in your hands...

• Community Service Hours are due Thursday to your Homebase Teacher. (50-75-100 to GGMc by April 20th)

• I'm so proud of students' Global Climate Change presentations. (Show off your hard work to your family!)

• Here's the movie trailer for Omoiyari: a Songfilm by Kishi Bashim. This short is connected to the Japanese American "Day of Remembrance." (Sorry I can't embed the link. Cut and paste it into your browser.)

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/omoiyari-a-songfilm-by-kishi-bashi-music-film#/

• Classmate Antonella B is asking for volunteers who would like to help with her March for Our Lives Community Service Project

https://event.marchforourlives.com/event/march-our-lives-events/search/

She'd like your help after school on Thursday. Or, she hopes she can count on your help Saturday (March 24th) morning. Just passing along information.

• Let's make it a priority to revise the Argument essay before Break. We'll wrap up Farewell to Manznar after Spring Break. Expect our postponed Quiz on Tuesday, April 10th to wrap up Parts 2 and 3, the whole book.

• Make sure you visit our "Good Citizens of the 8th Grade Community" GoogleClassroom page if you'd like to get a head start on your Community Service Presentation on April 19. (Class code: anorpjy)

"That's it!" Take care. Have a safe and restful Spring Break!

-ggmc

Passing along yearbook information from our amazing Parent Volunteer Yearbook Advisor:

*Yearbook Needs Your Photos!

If you have pictures of students at Lincoln Events please upload them via the Pictavo Community App http://community.pictavo.com/. This is a private, password protected app that allows students or parents to upload images directly to the yearbook advisor to be considered for the yearbook. These are all reviewed by an adult before they are placed in the book by the students in the yearbook club. The yearbook club didn’t start until mid-year, so we are in need of images from events, spirit days and dances that were held in the early part of the year.

*Class Favorites Voting:

This year we are doing class favorite voting online. Every student may vote 1 time and must sign in with their SMMUSD email to prevent double voting. Only 8th grade will be pictured in the yearbook. Please vote for students in your grade only: http://bit.ly/lms2018yearbook Vote by March 9th for your submission to be counted.

*8th Grade Tribute / Recognition Ads (1 per family)

Early Bird Pricing: $30 until February 28^th

Purchase deadline: March 16^th $40

After March 16^th a $20 late fee will be applied.

After March 23^rd no tributes will be accepted

This is your opportunity to include your child in these 8th grade yearbook traditions!

Tributes are a great way to celebrate your child's graduation from middle school. It is a 1Ž4 page ad placed in the back pages of the yearbook. Send them off to high school with good wishes and memories! Be creative - you can do a photo collage, a poem, an illustration, or anything else you can think of. One Tribute Per Family Per Student.

You must design your own tribute through our yearbooks design website. www.PictavoCommunity.com You make an account, click on your school, choose Recognition Ad this takes you to a design page that allows you to upload your photos, choose a template and create the tribute. Everything is customizable using the editor. Once you are happy with it, then submit and pay online. All tributes are approved by the yearbook staff before they are included. The online layout service is only available ‘till midnight of March 23^rd.

You can also choose to design your own tribute and upload it yourself to the website. It must be submitted in a JPG format at 300 dpi sized at 3.8” x 5” **You will NOT able to upload PDF or WORD files.

*YEARBOOK SALES

While the tributes are for 8th grade families... the YEARBOOK IS FOR ALL students.

ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK EARLY AND SAVE!

YEARBOOK SALES OPEN - CLICK HERE TO PRE ORDER

Preorder by Wednesday April 18^th for $40 (regular price $50)

or PRINT, COMPLETE and SUBMIT this form to the office.

Questions regarding yearbook sales? Click here

March 7, 2018

Community Service hours are due Thursday, 3/22. I'm so proud of those who have "finished" and, especially those, who continue to serve communities.

Here are two "last hour" options to fulfill the 8th grade requirement:

Venice Heal the Bay Clean-Up, March 17th, 10AM-12PM

https://healthebay.org/events/category/heal-the-bay/nothin-but-sand/list/

LA Marathon, March 18th

https://www.lamarathon.com/race-weekend/volunteer

Good luck, but mostly THANKS!

-ggmc

February 28, 2018

Grades are updated for the first six weeks of the new semester. (Report cards distributed on Friday or Monday.) Realize that this progress report is a "snap shot" of your student's dedication to the class and learning.

Generally, students posted solid marks due to good studying on three different tests/quizzes, great enthusiasm for the January Book Club (poetry/graphic); and follow-through with different homework assignments that have been used to prompt self-reflection, wrap-up learning from the day before, set up learning for the next day, or just reinforce good reading habits.

I am especially impressed by the students who took advantage of the three different extra credit opportunities. I rarely offer extra credit because it really is extra work for me and students who are dedicated don't "need" extra credit. Yet, I believed in the three extra credit offerings:

1. Theater review of "Once on this Island"

2. Letter of gratitude to the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust classroom guest and

3. A summary of the New York Times article which gives credit to the Gullah Geechee people for the song "Kumbaya."

Great job, dedicated students! ...I'm going "off the grid" for NatureBridge #2...See you next week!

-ggmc

February 27, 2018

Some of you are aware that our school's Builders Club has "adopted" the Good Shepherd Convalescent Home. This school year we have made them Holiday and Valentine cards. The best experiences has been delivering them (12th and Arizona).

Cecelia, the Activities Director, called me just now to ask if there are any students who are interested in a regular after school volunteer commitment. The club made such a positive impact, her residents are asking for more visits! She is hoping that a few students could be counted upon to interact with the residents via reading, storytelling, game playing, etc.

Please call her directly if you are interested in helping after school.

323-363-8951

I'm excited for my NatureBridge trip #2, but disappointed I'll miss this free event!

Go and learn about food waste. Then, tell me all about it!

-ggmc

February 25, 2018

A lot on my mind...

I hope you read Dr. Drati's message about Walk-outs and School Safety Plans see http://www.smmusd.org/

NatureBridge packing...I am packed! I think it would be wise if everyone added a small plastic bag for dirty laundry and consider bringing a spare pair of tennis shoes. (Did you see the forecast for Malibu? There is a threat for rain. No one wants wet feet!) ...I know this may be difficult for you, but all electronics and phones must be left at home. Let's unplug so we can enjoy nature and each other!

This week--I'm so excited about everyone's learning in our classroom. We have secured 6th or 7th grade audiences for your GoogleSlides informative presentation on "What is climate change?" Apply your excellent research, communication, and design skills to work as a team this week. (See GoogleClassroom. I posted the assignment packet.)

English 9HP -- As I spoke about at Back to School Night several months ago, I work tirelessly to help students meet and exceed the challenging ELA8 Standards. Our class is designed so that students are ready for the next challenge in high school--9HP. I believe your child will be ready for the 9HP challenge if your child ...

has accepted the Million Word Club challenge,

applies reading and writing instruction,

is a dedicated student who is regularly prepared for class,

meets deadlines,

is developing critical thinking skills,

has goals of earning a spot at a fine college/university,

isn't over-scheduled,

and desires this challenge, then... she/he should "sign up!" for 9HP.

The SAMO form is due this week. We know a fair number of students will be on the field trip. Just make sure that the form is turned in ASAP!

Enjoy your chilly Sunday and see you soon, students!

February 20, 2018

I hope you enjoyed a restful and warm three-day vacation from school. As I suggested on Friday, students, this week will be "busy," so please read on...

NoRedInk capitalization quiz today. You were assigned the practice/learning exercises last week. I hope that you demonstrate an improvement from the initial diagnostic test. Good luck!

Mid-week- Understanding the similarities and differences between Argument (W.8.1) and Informative (W.8.2) writing which includes crafting claims and planning some writing. (See below about ordering the panoramic picture that will be taken tomorrow, Wednesday.)

Friday- Stage for learning in English class for NatureBridge. This jigsaw project centers around the students who will not be learning "on the Trail" (those who elected not to attend NatureBridge). All students, including NatureBridge campers, will research and contribute to an Inquiry-based learning project. This project will/can be accomplished with afforded class time. (No student will be assigned "extra work" or punished for attending or not attending the outdoor, science education learning experience.)

NatureBridge- Did you start packing, as advised during Friday's assembly during Homebase? If not, or if you need reminders, I will try to embed the presentation here again for your viewing. (I think you must be logged into smmk12 to view it. Hopefully it works!)

Let's have a great week!

8th grade Panoramic Photo

Wednesday February 21^st - 1st period

If students did not pick up order forms from Homebase teachers on Friday, they may pick them up on Tuesday. Students need to bring order forms with payment to turn into the photographer on Wednesday morning. Be sure students dress appropriately.

Or pre-order online with Cornerstone code: LincolnMSTDP

February 8, 2018

While I know that middle school students can be prone to procrastination, I am a bit worried that I have a list of over 40 students in our core who have not shown their Hombebase Teacher any (zero) hours of community service. As you are aware, 12 hours of community service is an important element in our 8th grade curriculum as we discover What does it mean to be a good citizen of the society? "Community Service" is a long established program at Lincoln.

Please check in with your child about his/her progress toward the 12 hour requirement due on March 22 with the formal Homebase presentation on April 19.

If you need more information, please access helpful information offered on our PTA website

http://www.lmsptsa.org/?page=8th2017

as well as the students' GoogleClassroom (anorpjy)

Additionally, there are many researched-based studies that expose benefits of helping others. Here are just a couple links (cut and paste into your browser) for your exploration:

• https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/12/altruism-for-a-better-body/422280/

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/volunteering-may-be-good-for-body-and-mind-201306266428

Thank you for supporting these conversations at home. Next month we will begin crafting together the oral and visual presentation.

Kindly,

GGMc

P.S. And better yet, volunteering can help one's self-esteem!

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/01/13/577463475/helping-strangers-may-help-teens-self-esteem

I'm a ding-dong and can't spend another minute trying to fix the picture! Sorry.

Reflection: Post-LAMOTH Survivors and Visitors, Friday 2/2

I need to publicly express my pride! As you know, yesterday our school hosted Survivors and guests from the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust (see link below to the free museum). Students were able to hear, first-hand, the life story of someone who during this horrific time period.

I am so thankful for the handful of students who donated their time to prepare for our visitors. A team stayed after school on Thursday with Ms. Wilson to literally disinfect the rooms, with the purpose of ridding the surfaces of any flu virus. The next morning, Julia and Masha posted signage as well as prepared a white rose tied with a hopeful yellow ribbon for each guest.

I am proud of the foundational knowledge we created in class. Though we are not fully Holocaust-literate as we only have consumed the play adaptation of "The Diary of Anne Frank" and read a handful of poems. Their background knowledge, often augmented by their own free-reading and/or religious education, definitely contributed to their thoughtful questions. Their collective behavior was exceptional which is especially noteworthy because they were required to simply listen for about 40 minutes, non-stop. (I am thinking that maybe my day-to-day classroom experience might be easier if I aged 35 years and dressed a less casually--ha!)

Even staff, teachers, and parent guests made arrangements to accept my invitation and filled the back of our classroom. Former teachers remarked on their past-students' maturity, manners, and development! I felt that the entire school was behind our efforts which began at the gate with our Security team and was positively punctuated by the students.

Through each witness, it was clear learned so much about being courageous, how various people chose to be "Upstanders" and, most importantly, the power of education. One student asked our 6th Period speaker Michele why she decided to share her life story just about 10 years ago? She remarked, "...because 6 million others can't. People must remember what happened."

I am confident that students will not forget this day in English class. I hope the words expressed will resonate with each student when they are faced with moments that require courage. A Survivor's courage is a cousin to the courage we all need to make it through a personal difficulty and the courage needed to stand up for what is wrong. I am hopeful.

Kindly,

ggmc

http://www.lamoth.org/

The Last Week in January-

Congratulations to our actors and technicians in their great performance of "Once on this Island!" Please turn in your theatre review to GoogleClassroom by Thursday. The production really was amazing and a true example of a family affair with so many parents helping the students' hard work come to light. I was so impressed with the performance this afternoon!

On Monday, ask about the student choice options for the January Book Club. (It's reinvigorating to try something new and stretch!) You will have all class period Tuesday and some of Wednesday to prepare with your partner (or a team of up to 4). You will orally present the work to the class on Thursday.

The Part 2 vocabulary test on Literary Terms and Devices is still on Tuesday. Keep studying those vocabulary cards!

Students should have about 600,000 words recorded for the Million Word Club challenge. Ask to see the Million Word Document as well as the current online reading we've been doing via the online NewsELA platform.

On Friday, a Holocaust Survivor will be sharing her/his witness during class. Prior to this event, we will spend some time discussing what to expect and the types of questions that are encouraged. Please ask about this unique classroom experience. And, as another invitation, please email me if you would like to be on the guest list to attend our class period. (I do need a parent volunteer to pick up and deliver lunch to us and our Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust guests and Survivors. Please email me if you have some time on Friday around 11:30 am. ggies-mclaughlin@smmusd.org)

Please know that teachers are working hard in their preparations for the NatureBridge outdoor education learning experience. Curriculum is set for the "trail," and we are collaborating to create cross curricular learning related to scientific concepts back in the classroom. An electronic packing list has been sent/offered in the past weeks; I also provided hard copies this week. Let's start (borrowing) and packing!

Finally, we are working towards meeting two eighth grade writing Standards, W.8.2 Informative/Explanatory and W.8.1 Argument. Smart phones and social media are some of the compelling topics we are reading about. I wanted to pass along a parent resource I discovered from Harvard's Education department. Though my own children are younger, I appreciate the perspectives offered in the resource. Cut and paste the url into your browser:

https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/17/12/social-media-and-teen-anxiety

Thank you for signing up for remind. I hope you find the service and this blog informative.

Just a quick, public declaration of good luck for our dedicated talented Onyx (and Jade) Core classmates...

Nerea C., Lilianah B., Julia L., Chloe S., Sophia C., Jenna B., Dora F., Mallory N., Johanna J., Brennan J., Emilia S., Jordyn F., Alani A., Isabella G., and Keegan F.

"Break a leg" Drama Club kids! (This figurative idiom will be on Tuesday's test!)

Support your friends and classmates this weekend. Buy your tickets by cutting and pasting this url into your browser:

https://lincolnptsa.site-ym.com/store/ListProducts.aspx?catid=583609&ftr=TIX

Happy New Year, Parents and Guardians!

We've spent the last two days transitioning from Break into an academic focus.

Reading:

It is likely that you should see and sign your child's Million Word Club documentation. In addition to texts we read and write about in class, the typical 8th grader has read over 7 books this year, totaling 500,000 words or more. Ask your child what she/he has picked to read this month, January.

Writing:

I spent a significant amount of time over Winter Break assessing and providing feedback on students' W.8.2 Informative Horror revision paragraphs. Most students made significant improvements from the original draft to the last; I was so impressed. You can ask to see the feedback on GoogleClassroom.

For a bigger picture of your child's writing progress, please view (and click on) the W.8.2 and W.8.3 writing assignments listed on Illuminate. A successful 8th grade writer is posting the "3" (or better) rubric score, "Meeting Grade Level Standards." If your child is still in the "2" range, please support me by encouraging her/him to see me in after school writing conferences. I've asked her/him to work with me. Your support may be that extra push.

January, in general:

In the next week we will finish an in-class reading of "The Diary of Anne Frank." We will spend a bit more time learning from additional texts about what life was like during World War II. We will culminate Collection #5 "Anne Frank's Legacy" with a Holocaust Survivor visiting our classroom to tell his/her testimony. This valuable experience will be on February 2 in English classes. If you are interested in joining us, please email me. It is fair to say that an opportunity to hear a Survivor's first-hand story, will not be available in the very near future.

February

NatureBridge, our outdoor education enrichment trip, is quickly approaching! Participants received an email before Winter Break. PTA is working hard, behind the scenes., regarding payment and cabin assignments. Teachers are working together to form Trail Groups. Please be alert and aware of the packing list (offered on GoogleClassroom and in the aforementioned email) and the permission slip to be distributed at the end of the month. Thanks being on top of the payment with PTA and being patient as we work on organizing the first trip of this kind at Lincoln!

Finally,

Grades are posted and final. I am so impressed with students' dedication to learn and achieve. We have just one more semester to help students prepare for high school. For me, that means I will be applying some "tough love" which means I will not accept late work, absent students must set up time with me to clarify what was missed during class, and students must always "Listen. Try Your Best. And, be organized" (my mantra).

Here's to a great, new year!

-ggmc

December 17, 2017

Dear Families,

As I finish writing our end of year test for tomorrow, I wanted to take the some time to reconnect with you. As I explained at Back to School Night and in my earliest blogs, I intent to use the blog as a way to connect school and home. The middle school environment is very different from our elementary schools, as it should be in many ways.

What I yearn for, though, is a chance to develop relationships with the families that support my work in the classroom. I regret not being able to initiate contact with many of you, as it is nearly impossible with the sheer volume of students and families I serve. Please know that I so appreciate all you do behind-the-scenes to support the academic and social emotional work we attempt at school.

Thank you for being the "cheerleaders" as your child. For the last week I have been encouraging your child to "finish strong" as if the first semester has been a long-distance cross country race with some hills and obstacles. The race is almost over, with the finish line just off in the near distance; please know that this teacher is coaching each of them through the finish chute! (I will take the whole of Winter Break to update grades on Illuminate, though I hope to spend most of my time with my family.)

As for the Winter Break, please "READ your brains out." By the end of December, students should have read, recorded, and evaluated at least six books for a total of 500,000 words or more. (Students- Share your Million Word Club Documentation.)

Also, please limit screen time. I heard a disturbing National Public Radio piece this morning about Smartphone usage associated with teen depression and suicide. Cut and paste this URL in your browser:

https://www.npr.org/2017/12/17/571443683/the-call-in-teens-and-depression

I need to spend some time to wrap my mind around the referenced study. Please don't be surprised if you hear more about this in the second semester, as I think the study is worth reading, digesting, and discussing in class. Smart usage of the Smartphone, with simple boundaries like the nightly phone charge is in the kitchen instead of the bedroom, can be one way to reduce the possible harm this tool can cause. Please know that I am not preaching nor judging, I am just providing information in the spirit of connecting school and home. :)

And, finally, I wish you the very best during the Winter Break filled with love, family, rest, (hopefully some good reading), and great food!

All the best,

Gretchen

December 6, 2017

No School (again) on Thursday. See the message from our Superintendent here:

http://www.smmusd.org/

I know how exciting all this seems. I fondly remember "snow days" growing up in Colorado, meeting up with friends at the "big hill" for sledding, and finishing off the day with some hot cocoa. But, our current school cancellation is not the same. Air quality is very poor.

Please learn more about smoke and air quality here:

https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=smoke.index

I just want to insist that our students are safe--stay indoors with better air, keep windows closed, and drink a lot of water. I also suggest limited screen time (we can get caught up with the media and/or zoned out with our media), so read your book. All this reading "counts" for the Million Word Club, by the way. :)

Take care Lovelies.

-ggmc

P. S. I posted an opportunity on GoogleClassroom too!

November 29, 2017

Please ask your child about the "Science of Happiness" video I shared on Monday. Here's the link (cut and paste it):

http://soulpancake.com/portfolio_page/science-of-happiness/

For further reading, Miss A, a wonderful instructional aid on our campus, shared with the faculty an LA Times article perpetuating the positive effects of expressing gratitude...

Finally---Thanks, students, for your feedback on my rough draft friendly letter. I took your "too much" and "too wordy" advice. I'm almost ready to polish it off. Thank you! (Yours doesn't need to be done until Friday's class and you have time to work in class tomorrow. :)

With gratitude,

ggmc

November 15, 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I regret to inform you that the student progress reports will not display Citizenship, Work Habits, or special remarks in English class. I take great pride in providing this feedback to you and students. However, the Illuminate system did not save my work...I'm so frustrated and must "let it go."

As always in Illuminate click on each assignment to learn more. You will have a more clear picture of the assessment or work collected.

On positive note, most students have adjusted well to 8th grade, accepted new challenges, and are working hard. I am constantly reminding the kids:

"The process matters.

Listen.

Try your best.

Be organized.

Everything we do should lead toward success, or the letter grade you desire.

If mistakes are made, learn from them," and so many other encouraging words that the students might find annoying.

I am a big cheerleader who doesn't expect perfection, just a best self.

Again, I am sorry that I couldn't provide more information on the progress report (to be sent home on Friday)...Ask to see 7A and & 7B in our Interactive Notebook. This self-reflection could be a good springboard for conversation.

Please be in contact with me if you need more information.

Kindly,

Gretchen

November 8, 2017

Dear Parents,

I am preparing to meet both my daughters' teachers for elementary school conferences which makes me think about you. It is not possible to meet with each of you (some might argue it's not developmentally appropriate either), but I sometimes wish I could. I just want to publicly acknowledge that your support at home makes a big difference in the classroom--learning, citizenship, attitude, and so much more. Thank you for encouraging learning!

-g

November 1, 2017

I hope you had a happy and safe Halloween. Students (and teachers with kids) were quite tired today. We still discussed important Elements of Fiction vocabulary and reviewed some important writing skills (quote, paraphrase, and summarize) to set the stage for Informative/Explanatory writing (W.8.2).

Presently I am assessing Collection 1 compositions related to culture and belonging. Most students chose to craft a narrative about "fitting in" while a handful tackled informative writing related to a topic discussed in class.

During the next week or so, we will be working through texts in Collection 2, "The Thrill of Horror." If you would like, ask about the Halloween reading of Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart." :)

I will be out of the classroom at a California Association of the Teachers of English conference. I know I don't need to report to you about my absences, but I want you to know that I am leaving important reading and learning with the students and a substitute. I hope to return with a good substitute teacher report with good class behavior and quality work completed.

Thanks for making an effort to stay in the loop!

-ggmc

October 13, 2017

8th Grade Activities Reminder - Please return the manilla envelop of information (Fulcrum, NatureBridge, payment information, etc.) to your Homebase Teacher no later than October 19th. We are so excited to start new 8th grade experiences at Lincoln!

October 16, 2017

I hope families are well. October is a busy and long month. Please make sure that you return the 8th Grade Activities envelope to your Homebase teacher on Thursday so we can begin planning forward! (A big thanks goes out to our team of 8th grade PTA parents who are helping us collect the information for the two field trip learning experiences!)

October 11, 2017

Per family feedback, I've decided to utilize "Remind" to alert students of any vital homework news/changes.

I mainly plan to mainly use the service to alert you that I've updated the blog.

Please sign up to stay informed!

https://www.remind.com/join/ggmcc

(Due to provider site issues, the "link" above won't link directly to Remind. Kindly, copy and paste it into your browser.)

Gretchen

October 9, 2017

Dear Families,

I want you to know that I am not ignoring the world in which we live. In fact, my awareness of this world is fully present in everything I think about presenting in class. I must admit that my silence make be speaking more than my actions, specifically not teaching about current events such as the tragedy in Las Vegas.

In defense, I often view our classroom as a sanctuary or a reprieve. I believe our young minds are happy that their electronic devices must be "off and away." There's an adult mandated excuse that they can't attend to their feed, news, group texts, and oftentimes depressing breaking news.

I also struggle with presenting students with reputable, age appropriate sources. Much of what is readily available is not credible or the reliable source is above the students' reading comprehension level. NewsELA can provide appropriate leveled reading, but this source doesn't usually provide breaking news.

Finally, I understand that some families may worry that teachers' beliefs may clash with families' beliefs. Please trust that I do my very best to frame the issue, pushing and supporting students to understand both (all) perspectives.

To that end, we are going to set aside our textbook in order to do some foundational information literacy learning. Through gameification, everfi.com, students will be taught/reminded of what are reliable sources as well as other real life applicability learnings. So, when your child states she/he has homework that involves playing a game (Tuesday-Thursday), please know it's "real."

Thanks for listening!

-ggmc

October 7, 2017

Please make sure you read to the bottom of the October 5th blog. (Also, the information within the blog make give more of a context to the progress reports that were sent home on Friday.)

Finally, we have some very talented 8th graders. I really want to encourage our students to submit an original piece for the PTA Reflections contest. The deadline for submission to Ms. Pomatti is quickly approaching, but there is still time!

-g

October 5, 2017 (5:53 pm)

Dear Families,

If you are reading this blog on Thursday, then your child followed through with the "homework" to share my blog with you. I hope you've checked in once in a while. If you haven't, please read previous posts about Illuminate pointers (September 28) and the "growth mindset" (September 19) in relation to feedback offered on the first 8th grade writing piece.

Since these posts, we've been busy! Ask to see the following:

1. English Interactive Notebook (especially page 7B), as I've illustrated the behaviors and efforts of "Good" and "Excellent" qualities connected to the Citizenship and Work Habits marks on the progress report. Engage in a conversation about habits and tendencies that can be improved over the next 12 weeks and those that should continue.

2. Our GoogleClassroom site. You'll find it informative about the day-to-day when we are "on" and using technology.

3. Our current Multicultural Book Club work. Our next step will start with valuing unique individualism and then connecting ourselves to our 8th Grade Essential question: What is a good citizen of the community?

4. The Million Word Club Documentation (which includes a list of all books read since this summer) and your child's free-reading choice for October--Mystery/Detective/Horror.

Thanks for reading this long-winded blog!

If you got this far, could you please now sign your child's Binder Reminder (it should be filled with recorded homework) at the bottom of 10/5. Next to your signature, please write an (unexpected) encouraging reminder to your child. One of the many messages was simply, "Do your best. That's all we ask." (I did this last year and parents wrote the sweetest things. I even "caught" kids flipping back to that date in the Binder Reminder when they needed a pick-me-up.)

Kindly,

GGMc

September 28, 2017-

Just to keep you aware, the grading period is ending tomorrow. For the teacher, it means "dig deep" time to finish assessing work that was completed during this six week period. For the students it may mean panic time.

Families--There is no reason to panic.

The first weeks of our course is about establishing good homework routines, rewarding effort and follow-through, and (in my case) assessing where students are as readers and writers so I can help them Meet or Exceed the Standards.

With that being said, grades should be updated in Illuminate by Tuesday, October 3. Please click on each assignment to learn more. Then, ask your child about the work. Encourage him/her to come in before or after school to inquire about a possible clerical error. Finally, please email me if you still have questions.

It's typical to have some struggles along the way as the final year of middle school is about supporting independence, learning from mistakes, and being held accountable. These great habits will pay dividends in the future--high school, college, and career!

Thank you so much for using Illuminate as a tool ,and for being patient as I spend the last hours giving feedback on student writing.

-Gretchen