July 12, 2019

Dare I suggest that summer is half way over?!

I hope you have been enjoying your time away from school. My summer has been filled with travel, family, reading, library programs, a bit of work, To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway (so lucky to experience this), and a bit of sadness. Here's a link to our former student Tyler Skaggs' Lincoln visit n 2016 and the moment of silence at the 2019 All-Star Game. (I am not a People Magazine reader, but thought this is a good curation of the last couple weeks of news.)

Tyler was one of the most dedicated students I've taught at Lincoln. More importantly, he was a good person and a friend to many. He'd be very proud of Lincoln students who try their best, learn from mistakes/challenges, and "dare mighty things." With that, I challenge you to read more this summer and maybe even take a risk to submit a fan confessional video about your experience with SMPL's summer reading book The Hate U Give. Please browse the SMPL tab above.

:)

-ggmc

June 3, 2019

Dear Families,

I sent home Close Readers and Performance Assessment workbooks in the last couple weeks. Tuesday, the IN and middle school portfolio(s) will go home. Students were instructed to not be short-sighted and throw all that work away, as "one more assignment" is due this week. If a student chooses NOT to complete this with you, then this last assignment can’t help one’s final grade---I won't enter a zero, though. The grade will be "blank"--it doesn't hurt or help one's final grade. (See GoogleClassroom.)

Please find some time in your busy schedule to review the contents of the portfolio(s). Students may want to locate their Who Am I? binders and, if possible, examine any work that is stored electronically—smmk12.org account.

I hope you see evidence of growth! Please show the Middle School Portfolio Reflection (to be checked and returned) on Thursday, June 6.

Thank you,

GGMc

June 1, 2019

I just heard that there is a change to the 9HP Summer Reading requirement. (The website---link below--is not updated.)

9HP students are not required to read Kindred, but the text can be the "free choice" text. Instead, 9HP requires a reading of Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals.

Just keeping you in the loop!

-ggmc

May 28, 2019

Summer Reading (for SAMO and Santa Monica Public Library)--

Thanks to Ivy Weston from the Santa Monica Public Library who spoke to our classes about the SMPL Summer Reading program that begins on Saturday, June 15th. Sign up at any branch and claim your copy of SAMO's all-school read, The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir by Thi Bui An (while supplies last). We also learned about the 10/20/30/40+ hour incentive program that runs through August 24th. In the mean time, claim your free copy of the "adult summer reading book" (my label, not the SMPL's) --The Hate U Give. Join in discussions and activities related to this all-city selection during the summer months. Here are two important links:

• SAMO Summer Reading - http://www.samohi.smmusd.org/reading/

• Santa Monica Reads - https://smpl.org/SMReads.aspx

By the way, in between wrapping up To Kill a Mockingbird and preparing for 8th Grade Promotion, I am reading Melinda Gates' The Moment of Lift. All literate humankind should read her data driven-supported view on how important it is for communities to support women and girls. Such important work!

-g

May 20, 2019

It was my pleasure meeting many of you at Open House. I am sorry if I missed you. As you know from my blog and my colleagues, I slipped away for a music performance at Roosevelt. I wanted to make sure I follow-up about the Close Reader and Performance Assessment texts that were listed on the Open House handout when you walked into our room--

If you didn't pick them up on Thursday, here is what I wrote and communicated in class:

TAKE HOME-

Close Reader, a textbook reading resource we used during first semester.

This could be some “summer reading” to curb the infamous “summer slide” that some people claim happens between one grade to the next.

Performance Assessment, a workbook of writing prompts.

Again, this could be a resource for those who want to practice writing during the summer. At Lincoln, our 8^th grade team crafts most of our writing prompts rather than use a workbook.

Thanks again for all your support this year. Your kind gestures during Teacher Appreciation week mean a lot too.

Kindly,

Gretchen

May 8, 2019

I hope to reconnect with you tomorrow night at Open House.

Please tour our room (there will be a handout at the door) and then meet me in the 500s for some cookies and lemonade. I am hoping I can chat with you at the beginning (6:00 or toward the end, 7:30) as I am zipping over to Roosevelt for a few moments in the middle for my daughter's band performance.

In between, be sure to visit the Book Fair for some fun summer reading selections as well as a few copies of The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir by Thi Bui An, SAMOHI's required reading.

That's if for now...I hope to see you tomorrow night.

-g

May 5, 2019

It was great hearing good friends Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give) and Nic Stone (Dear Martin) be real at the 2019 YallWest festival at SAMOHI. If you were not able to make it, they inspired us to be Dreamers and RISE. They spoke about four important words related to dreams:

Resiliency - "Be strong," Thomas advised. She revealed that she faced 200 rejections with her first writing that led up to H. U. G.

Integrity -"Be you" and "Don't use other people just to get what you want"

Self-love/Self-care - "Ask for help when you know you need it" and "Love others"

Excellence - "Define excellence for yourself and you determine if you achieved it."

I was inspired and wanted to share this wisdom with you!

Hey, tomorrow is one last round of State Testing. You can do it! ...Come on by before school. My girls and I harvested a healthy snack from a former student's mulberry tree this weekend. If you have never tried a sweet and delicious mulberry, you should come by our room early. See you soon!

-ggmc

April 29, 2018

Hope you had a great two-week Spring Break! Most students returned to school re-charged, well-read, and ready to tackle the reading of To Kill a Mockingbird (TKM).

As you know, we started TKM last week (and then stopped). But we picked up the classic text again today. Students were charged with providing more thoughtful and thorough responses to study guide questions. These questions will help them understand the basic plot so that we can lift up and explore the issues in the text. Please let me know if I can support any readers. Our school library does have a few subscriptions to the novel....Just let me know.

State Testing is upon us. Just so you know I have stressed the importance of doing one's best. I explained that they have been preparing as readers and writers for the ELA segments since they've been reading and writing. This was in an effort to take an edge off of the anxiety I was sensing. On the whole, though, students seemed to put forth an effort today. If anything, the test was "long and boring." Day two will include the ELA Performance Task (short answer and then a multiple paragraph composition based on the text/passages.) Then we can breathe!

Breathing, or mindfulness, can be a particularly useful tool this time of year. As a sixth-grader, students were introduced to mindfulness and guided through practice. We also have "Mindful Mondays" during Homebase. Reminding them of their breath can be a helpful echo at home.

Encouraging more Million Word Club reading (and updating of the list) is another way parents can help at home. Students have just one last month to prove 1,000,000 words for the Million Word Club honor at the Promotion Ceremony.

Other exciting opportunities:

• Makerspace Pop-up Club will be lead by YOU classmates (join us Wednesday after school in the Library Classroom)--Listen to the PA announcement about making your own cloth reusable bag.

• The Environmental Stewardship Club is seeking any help in our final phase of planning for our garden restoration (See O'Brien or GGMc)--We'll plant later this month.

• See the 8th Grade Good Citizens of the Community GoogleClassroom for a posting on Promotion Speech/Performance tryout info. (Tryout day to be determined later in May.)

• The very last day to submit your record of 50-75-100 hours of community service is tomorrow, April 30th.

That must be it for now! Take care and bring your personal headphones (if you don't want to borrow the school's for State Testing!)

-Ms. GGMc

March 28, 2019

We've been so busy!

Curriculum-

• Learning from the in-class synthesis argument essay on "Should we buy products made with the use of child labor?"

• Practice with Reasons, Evidence, Introduction paragraph, and body paragraph with other "high interest issues"- pay kids to go to school; napping allowed at school; banning texting and walking; video games as sports; and etc.

• Database and online research strategies

• Inquiry-based research on a pressing societal issue (Research Teams are gathering Reasons and Evidence for "both sides" of the issue)

and now...

• Time and support to craft a quality Community Service Presentation (3-5 min. speech with a visual aid)

Dates/Deadlines-

• 12 verified hours of community service given to a non-profit or human service organization--passed--3/21

• any "late work" (unfinished work from Feb. or March) MUST be complete before Spring Break, April 5

• Million Word Club book for April due on the 2nd--Bring a "book into a movie"

• Complete and polished Community Service Presentation for April 3 (in Homebase all day)

• 50/75/100 Hours submitted to GGMc by April 30th. (See GoogleClassroom on 4/3 for more information.)

SPRING BREAK!!! - April 5th @ 12:50 until Monday, April 22nd (Earth Day)

February 26, 2019

Students,

You now know I am seriously committed to preparing you for for high school and beyond. Sometimes I forget that writing effectively is not just about the essay, but about expressing a truth or something in this world you are trying to understand. I highly encourage you to journal or take a chance at developing a narrative that explores and expresses your thoughts about this world. Maybe you might even want to hone and polish your craft!? Here is a list of contests/organizations/journals who are seeking the youth's voice:

(This post was prompted by a humble, hard working student who is working on a screenplay all the while balancing school, family, and friends!)

I truly believe in each of you!

February 20, 2019

Next week---

What are you reading for your nonfiction text in February and March? Interested in learning about the meatless movement?

The City of Santa Monica is encouraging individuals to reduce their carbon footprint by consumption less meat. Learn more about the Meatless in March movement.

Also, maybe you want to go see Eating Animals? This free event is brought to you by the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and the Environment, American Cinematheque and Sustainable Works at the Aero Theater, right up the street!

6:40, February 27th!

February 15, 2019

So much has been going on....!

Today students finished a 1 hour and 40 minute in-class argument essay. They had to read four reliable sources and state a claim in response to the prompt Is it okay to buy products made with the use of child labor?

As you might be aware, students are reading a self-selected nonfiction text. Your children have chosen some contemporary, engaging topics such as net neutrality, refugees, vegetarianism, opioids, etc. as well as some time honored topics such as engineering, homework, mindfulness, media, etc. Students will be reading as much as they can on this (or other) nonfiction topic through March.

13 of my 28 students in Homebase have documented 12 or more hours of Community Service for the 8th Grade Promotion requirement. Verification of the 12 hours is due on March 21st.

The grading period ends next Friday, February 22nd. Please see me after school if you have questions about Illuminate.

I am encouraged by all the student buzz about what SAMO classes. Please know these were my exact words: "I prepare all students for the Honors English path. If you are keeping up with our work, come to school ready to achieve, apply what you are learning in class, learn from your mistakes, and build on your strengths then take that challenge. But you should also consider all the other challenges you face next year: bigger campus, more opportunities/distractions, athletics, performing arts, clubs, etc. Take on only what you can healthily handle, please."

That's it for the soapbox lecture....Please check the other tabs---Makerspace and Santa Monica Public Library....

Enjoy your three-day President's Day weekend. Hard workers---We deserve a break!

-ggmc

January 24, 2019

Go support your friends and school in the musical production of Momma Mia! They have worked so hard. Here are your classmates in the performance:

• Zaara A. Kylie R. Kaine Z. Aika H. Rylee C.

• Josie K. Winter S. Teddy Rob. Lauren R. Emily B. Olivia B.

Get tickets here! (There should be some at the door, too.)

Because I believe in supporting the arts and our students, I'll offer some (rare) extra credit. Here's a snippet of the information I will post on GoogleClassroom and remember the information I stated in class about access to this opportunity.

EXTRA CREDIT-

Enjoy the show paying particular attention to all aspects of a theatrical production such as sound, lighting, acting, singing, dancing, props, stage direction, etc. (Brainstorm P.A.S.S. before you view the production and begin writing!)

Then, write a thoughtful, specific, one paragraph theatrical review of the performance. (Be critical, but remember these are your peers who are not professionals and have worked hard to entertain an audience.)

Due by Tuesday, January 29. (Share will smmk12 on GoogleDrive.)

January 18, 2019

Happy Friday and three-day weekend---a respite from school, but a chance to give back to a community!

Use the following link to find volunteer opportunities in your area. https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community/mlk-day-service

Enjoy hope your weekend!

-ggmc

P. S. 12 Hours of Community Service are due on March 21, 2019.

P. P. S. - It's come to my attention that Verizon users will be charged for Remind usage. How can we problem-solve and get around this obstacle? I don't want anyone to be charged for information!

January 8, 2019

Happy New Year!

Our first day back, we spent the period getting reacquainted, setting some New Years Goals, and updating our Million Word Club documents.

Students should have 500,000 words verified at this point if they are on track for reaching the Million Word Club goal by June 1. The majority of students in our core are honored for this hard work. Don't fall further behind so you too can be honored at 8th Grade Promotion.

As you may well know, we will be reading comics/graphic novels AND poetry this month. Devour the graphics and savor the poetry. At the end of the month we will do a very unique and the most popular book club from last year.

Tomorrow we will take the next steps for our Social Justice book club---topics into themes. Bring that December book, as directed.

Then, we will finish off the week by crafting a letter of gratitude to be sent into the world to spread some light and happiness. Finally, bring that stationary and a stamp from home!

I am hoping for great rest of the year filled with learning and achievement. We can do this!

Kindly,

GGMc

P.S. First semester grades are FINAL as of Wednesday. Please turn in those missing reflections you learned about today (8 of you) and take the test before school (1 more person who was supposed to see me after Wrable today, but didn't!).

REPORT CARDS will be printed for FRIDAY.

December 19, 2018

The results are in....Drum roll, please! ...

2nd Period was lit for the test. They won the class average by beating 6th Period, by 1.1%!!!

Revised "plans" for Thursday and Friday in-class:

• Finish our "Life in World War II" revision and reflection (+ / 36)

• Reflect on Collection #1

Let's write our gratitude letters in the new year...Too much to do before the Break. :)

-ggmc

December 17, 2018

This is the home stretch of the first semester! Like a challenging cross country running race, there is one more hill to take on before the finish line, the Writing Terms test (Wednesday). Pay attention to this analogy, it will be on the test just like the other identified literary devices we've been discussing in class (see your "accident scenarios" handout). The test will be about 60 points, so keep reviewing your vocabulary cards.

Other important information that I will post and discuss in class:

• Last chance/make-up Capitalization Quiz #2 after school on Monday

• Last chance/make-up Book Club (characterization in the Memoir/Autobiography/Biography) after school on Monday

• 1 hour of Community Service available, Tuesday

• After school help available on Wednesday (revision of "Life for Jews during World War II" paragraph)

THURSDAY is the very last day to alert me if you find an error on Illuminate. I will correct it immediately, and I will be updating late work this week.

• Reflection on Collection #1 due in class, Thursday

• Bring stationary (stamp, envelope and card/paper) for Thursday and to send on Friday for the gratitude letter.

We are sending these letters of gratitude on Friday!!!

You can finish strong!!! All your hard work can pay off.

-ggmc

December 11, 2018

Though I haven't blogged for a while, I've been updating other areas of this website--the Makerspace Club and Santa Monica Public Library tabs. I hope you are finding this extended communication helpful.

Since I am planning on reading a text about global climate change for December's Social Justice reading, I wanted to share this a Sustainable Works (an environmental education organization) opportunity with you. The organization is providing a free screening of Climate Warriors at the Aero Theater tomorrow.

If you don't have too much (ELA) homework, then register and join me!

November 16, 2018

Three major updates:

• Progress Reports went home today. It's important that you know this is your child's progress towards meeting the Standards, being prepared for class, and demonstrating learning/skills. Students- Please reflect on how your Citizenship and Work Habits are impacting your performance. (There are five more weeks until the end of the semester when the grades are final.)

• A Roads to Respect letter was sent home today. Please ask to see the bright pink letter.

• Sad NatureBridge (in Malibu) news from me and a note from Ms. Culpepper:

Dear 8th Grade Families,

Our 8th graders were originally scheduled to attend a field trip to NatureBridge in the Santa Monica Mountains the week of February 25, 2019. As you are aware, the Woolsey fire destroyed many structures, nearly 100,000 acres of land and claimed three lives. Camp Shalom, where we would have been staying, suffered extensive damage and will be unable to accommodate NatureBridge programing. Our scheduled trips are officially cancelled. We are currently working with our district to determine how and when refunds to those families who made contributions will be processed. More information will be communicated once all the details are confirmed. I thank you in advance for your understanding, patience and flexibiity.

All the best,

Florence Culpepper Richardson

November 9, 2018

Dear Families,

The last few days have been very emotional, professionally and personally.

I just left school filled with gratitude for well-behaved students during our field trip at SAMO. There was a bit of immaturity around Anne and Peter's relationship; but apart from those "cringy" moments in the play, our students showed maturity as audience members. I applaud their collective positive contribution to a very meaningful day.

Please ask your child about the performance. Which "character" met your expectations? Which one, if any, didn't? Why do you think Anne's story is timeless? Why do you think Anne believed: "In spite of everything, I still believe people are good at heart"?

I need to end this blog on on a positive note, as I just learned some of my colleagues from Malibu High (my first four years of teaching) have lost their homes. I can't imagine how our sister community is feeling right now, as their neighborhoods are burning.

I've shared this message with a few of you, but I feel compelled to pass along a hopeful message:

"Goodness is stronger than evil./

Love is stronger than hate./

Light is stronger than darkness./

Life is stronger than death./..."

Desmond Tutu

Let us feel a sense of hope, especially during times that feel so dark.

Kindly,

Ggmc

November 7, 2018

I was finally able to release scores for the Elements of Fiction test. With dozens of students earning A's and B's, I feel as though it was a fair test. But I do recognize it was a challenge to show understanding of the vocabulary term, not just memorization. I do not believe in "re-takes," but I do believe that students can show learning and understanding even after "the test."

First, review your test answers (see email sent to smmk12).

Do you want to earn back one point per missed question?

For any question (or statement) marked wrong and not already explained with teacher feedback, you may:

1. Write down the question/statement.

2. Record the correct answer.

3. Then, explain why that is the correct answer.

11/9- Thanks to a "good citizen" of our ELA community, I am now aware that one question (dialect) was marked wrong for everyone---sorry! The answer is TRUE. For an easier fix on my end, I will just adjust the total points to 62 points, not 64. (Your average will improve!)

DUE: December 1, by "conference appointment" after school. (Sign up on the clipboard.)

-ggmc

November 5, 2018

"I Voted!" 2018

It's been a very busy month of juggling a variety of demands--

Collection #1 Culture and Belonging readings,

drafting of a narrative (or informative essay) that will be returned with feedback to prompt improvement,

the Mystery/Detective/Horror plot line Book Club, and

intense literary vocabulary lessons, quizzes, and final test.

Next:

• Class reading of the play adaption of The Diary of Anne Frank

• Thursday--4 hr. Community Service check in Homebase (Be rewarded with a raffle ticket to win a gift card for your early investment in this 12 hour project)

• Thursday--permission slip due in ELA for the staged reading of the Diary of Anne Frank The cover letter and permission slip were sent home Friday, November 2. Students can download copies from their Good Citizens of the Community GoogleClassroom site.)

• Friday--End of Grading Period 2

October 18, 2018

The Great Shakeout was today. When engaged in emergency preparedness conversations in class yesterday. It seemed like kids were earnestly wanting to understand what to do in an emergency (not just "waste class time" with "What if..." questions.) I encouraged kids to talk to their families about emergency plans. Here is a Great Shakeout resource. Also, I found this "plan" offered by "Save the Children, Inc." particularly helpful for my own family. If you ask "How was school today?" I hope you get something out of them about the earthquake drill and/or emergency preparedness!

-ggmc

https://secure.savethechildren.org/atf/cf/%7B9def2ebe-10ae-432c-9bd0-df91d2eba74a%7D/STC_GetReadyGetSafe_ParentOneSheet.pdf

October 16, 2018

Just a quick update:

You've probably realized that homework has been "light." I have broken down the 34 word "Elements of Fiction" vocabulary into smaller chunks. Responsible students have been studying nightly. There will be a pop quiz later this week or early next week. Be prepared!

Also students have been digging into their self-selected mystery/detective/horror book; be finished by 11/1!

I wanted to pass along the information that, on Saturday, SMC's football half-time show features Rivers Cuomo (there are some 8th grade old-soul Weezer fans out there) who is playing with my former Lincoln student Jason Pitts!

If that's not up your alley, then check out the powerful book turned into movie "The Hate U Give" in movie theaters now!

Take care,

ggmc

September 26, 2018

As you might be aware the first grading period is quickly coming to an end on Friday, 9/28. Realize that the first grades in ELA 8 have been mainly marks that connected to participation, effort, and responsibility.

I am working hard to assess student writing (Final Newspaper News), but I'm not sure if that assessment will be entered into Illuminate by the time report cards are printed. Please know that we discussed, again in class today, the importance of advocacy if something is incorrectly inputted into Illuminate.

But before meeting with me after school it's important to remember:

• Click on each assignment to learn more (often I will describe the work and when it will be posted)

• Z = student did not turn in the work and has a 0

• X = eXcused (rare) so the assignment will not help (or hurt) the overall average

• Blank is NOT missing, a zero. A blank score means that I have not assessed the work yet. Please click on the assignment to learn more.

Thanks for your support at home. I've spent a lot of time breaking down assignments, clarifying for understanding, and creating routines.

Your child has been adjusting, drafting, creating habits, and reading (multicultural book) this month. As a lead up, we are working to understand and show our individual cultural identity. We'll start that Book Club on Friday, and then quickly dive into a self-selected "Mystery/Detective/Horror" on Tuesday, October 2nd!

-ggmc

September 18, 2018

Because we, as parents, ask these kinds of questions:

How was school? What did you learn? Do I need to know anything new?

We get these kinds of monosyllabic answers:

Fine. Nothing. No.

I want to help facilitate meaningful exchanges by connecting school and home. Hopefully this blog will allow you to ask more pointed questions, be more aware of 8th grade deadlines / opportunities, and keep you generally informed about our curriculum.

I am offering (rare) extra credit if both the student and parent/guardian is signed up for Remind. I will not to flood your phone or inbox with redundancy or insignificant information.

Thank you for your partnership. Please sign your child's Binder Reminder indicating your registered name for Remind, so I can enter the extra credit.

Thanks and enjoy your holiday!

-ggmc

September 17, 2018

Thank you for attending Back to School Night! My last slides related to this hope for you, as my partner in your child's education---

Please be a "cheerleader, advocate, and communicator" in an effort to help your child during this last year of middle school.

A lot of communication has been sent home in the past two weeks. Too many students have not shared the following letters with parents:

• Community Service Letter - Tear-off slip was due on 9/14

• Nature Bridge Letter - Last day to turn in (mark "Yes" or "No") is this Friday, 9/21

• 8th Grade Activities Letter - Important information about all end of the year activities, privileges, Promotion, and etc. (This was supposed to go home today, 9/14, in Homebase.)

Please be in touch if you have any questions.

August 31, 2018

Susan G. Komen Foundation (an organization that battles breast cancer) will host a yoga event at LMU on September 8. Eddie Herndandez, the Development Manager, is looking for volunteers to fill a few spots. He writes:

"Since they’re in 8^th grade, we would request that they have an adult to accompany them. We’re looking for 15 volunteers to cover these shifts. So it would be 5 per shift.

SHIFT 1: 8AM-12PM

SHIFT 2: 11AM-3PM

SHIFT 3: 2PM - 6PM

Let me know if any of your students are interested or if you have any questions.

Thanks!"

You can contact him at ehernandez@komenlacounty.org

Please let me know if you are indeed signed up to help out. You can start your 8th Grade Community Service requirement (12 hours) early. Let me pass off the contract and hours sheet to you. :)

-ggmc

August 24, 2018

This is a "shout-out" to the (13) parents and students who signed up for Remind. They obviously referenced by green Welcome/Course Letter.

I am also testing out the blog...

Here's more information connected to the Picture Day flyer that was offered in Homebase today:

Parents can order online if it’s easier. There is a link on our website (and on the flyer). Online Code is: F18LincolnMS

Enjoy your weekend; we made it through the first "week!"

Kindly,

GGMc

Reminder- Be ready to show your classroom supplies on Tuesday. On Monday, you should let me know if you need anything.

August 2018--

Welcome to my blog!

My intention is to use this platform as a tool to connect students and families to our ELA 8 class, Lincoln Middle School, and our wider community. (Think of it as the electronic, 24 hour accessible, "weekly folder" cover letter that was sent home back-in-the-day by a wonderfully communicative elementary school teacher!)

I intend to post on a "as needed" basis, but regularly. So as to not miss information, I will utilize the app Remind to alert you of a new posting. (Please follow the directions on the Home tab to sign up.)

Thank you, in advance, for supporting my efforts to best prepare your child for high school and beyond!

-ggmc