August 14, 2020

I just sent my last Remind--

"Sending you good energy in these last days of summer." - Positivity makes a difference; this I believe!

"Be brave by accepting challenges."--It may tempting to default to what is easiest. If you have the health and heart, then you should take on challenges your teachers present!

"It's courageous to ask for help too." --Asking for help shows determination. Be a communicator and reach out to the trusted adults in your life.

"Do good." -- Though I want you to behave properly in this world of current uncertainty, I hope that you will do some good work for the betterment of all people. The cheesy High School Musical song runs through my head when as I think about typing "We're all in this together..."

"You can make a difference." --Your generation can right our current status of inequalities and injustice. Work for good. We need you to lead the way.

Love ya,

ggmc

May 17, 2020

It's been "two months" since I posted that picture of the hopeful rainbow on St. Patrick's Day. I remain hopeful as we wrap up our time together in ELA 8.

I'm looking forward to our live Zoom tomorrow, as announced on GoogleClassroom (5/13). Just as a reminder, here are the details:

*Plan for a required 10 min. Zoom meeting on Monday, 5/18 (Log in early and wait patiently!)

AM - 9:30 - 9:40

1st - 9:45 - 9:55

2nd - 10:00 - 10:10

3rd - 10:15 - 10:25

4th - 10:30 - 10:45

5th - 10:50 - 11:00

It's my intention to "see" each kid, give a pep talk, clarify the long-term Pandemic Journal assignment, point us toward the last three weeks of learning, and clarify any questions. More details about tomorrow's "lesson" will be posted on GoogleClassroom Monday morning by 9:00 am.

For the rest of May, we will spend a little more instructional time and individual practice understanding theme. I am taking a bit of risk using "The Marigolds", a short story set during The Great Depression, by Eugenia Collier. I believe that the resolution will resonate with students, and it will help me segue to our final lessons with hopeful morals.

By now you are probably aware that SMMUSD published the grading policy during the COVID-Pandemic. (I've offered that link below.) Administration has also sent along communication. In an effort to prevent any information "lost in translation," here it is cut and pasted again:

Middle school: 6^th – 8^th grade

Teachers will assign “Credit” (CR) or “No Credit” (NC) and will provide ongoing feedback on assignments and student work to students and families on progress during grading period 6.

The “Credit” (CR) or No Credit (NC) grade will not be calculated in the grade point average (GPA). Students are expected to participate during distance learning to the extent their circumstances allow. Students who participate in distance learning and earned a passing grade of A, B, C, or D during grading period 5 will be issued a “Credit” (CR) for the semester grade. o Students who do not participate in distance learning may earn an incomplete (I). Students who were not passing at grading period 5 may improve their grade for grading period 6 and the semester to a “Credit” by demonstrating progress toward mastery of essential standards as determined by their teacher. If students who were not passing at grading period 5 do not demonstrate growth during the distance learning period, a grade of “No Credit” may be issued, at the teacher’s discretion.

In my own words: If a student is safe and healthy, I expect each student to participate in the learning opportunities (Monday and Wednesday). If so, I will be able to confidently report "Credit" (CR). As you should know, I update Illuminate by 3:30 on Friday of each week which remains a motivator for many students. Late work is assessed late and I send emails pleading with students to turn in (Monday/Wednesday) work.

I am also supporting each student's writing development through the Pandemic Journal assignment. Basically, students should be writing about one double-spaced page every day, or at least every other day for the simple practice of writing. We don't improve at anything, unless we practice. The Pandemic Journal assignment is due no later than June 3rd to meet those expectations and to pass our course. (Please click on the assignment in Illuminate to learn more and ask to see the outlined requirements.)

I sincerely thank you so much for your support at home. Family support is evident through your:

• structure (meeting class deadlines, which often means getting out of bed before noon!)

• rewards/consequences

• supporting/pushing your child to email/advocate for oneself

• requiring your child to meet with me during Zoom Office Hours (one-on-one, M, Wed., Thurs. or Fri.)

• being a proactive communicator about any private matters

Lastly, I want to publicly thank you for so many expressions of gratitude during Teacher Appreciation Week. I was truly touched by the PTA gift of bagels (I cried at NYBD last Saturday morning) and smiled widely for every kind email sent my way. Personally, it's so hard for me to think of others outside of my immediate family during this time, so your expressions meant so much more.

Please accept my belated gratitude. Simply, thank you. I am so appreciative you, adaptable students who are willing to "try your best", and our wider community who supports us.

Kindly,

Gretchen

May 7, 2020

At this moment, we still do not have any SMMUSD updates on "grades." As you know, I update Illuminate regularly with the intention of providing feedback about ELA engagement during remote learning. You will see assignments (Monday & Wednesday) for daily engagement in the form of 3 pt. Classroom Questions. You will also see assignments that assess students' demonstration of long-term learning like the Poetry Test. Please, click on each assignment to learn more. Encourage the student to advocate for one's self and reach out to me if there is an issue.

ELA curriculum update-

Ask about the daily (at least every other day) Pandemic Journal assignment. I wrote clear directions and augmented the assignment with a pre-recorded video on 5/6.

8th Grade Promotion-

All 8th Grade Students must check and attend to the end-of-the-year "assignments" in their 8th Grade GoogleClassroom ASAP. This week, teachers have also posted optional opportunities for recognitions and two end-of-the year surveys--The Yearbook Poll and the Promotion Program surveys. It is imperative that students respond to the Promotion Program survey by May 13th. Your responses will assist staff so they can accurately recognize students for the National Junior Honor Society, Community Service, 4.0, Perfect Attendance, and the Million Word Club. It is imperative that each student responds to the survey. Please encourage your child to email me if they have any questions or concerns about what will be printed in the Promotion Program.

I send my appreciation for your partnership and all that you are doing at home to help. Please take care of yourselves and each other.

-g

April 28, 2020

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

It is hard to believe that we are in our second week of remote learning, post-Spring Break. You should have read the brochure and shared with your family the clearly articulated Academic Protocol for Distance Learning expectations. (See link below from the LMS webpage.) These expectations are in effect now until the end of school. I am planning ELA lessons (Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:10-10:00) with the assumption that families and students are “trying their best” to ensure these requirements. Health and safety is top priority, so please reach out if these basic expectations are impossible to fulfill. We must continue to work together during our new reality. I truly believe clear communication is a centerpiece of working together, so this long-winded blog will share some good, bad, and great information….

GOOD

So much good news! Evidently many of us returned to remote learning, well-rested and determined to continue learning. Students have expressed appreciation for my:

• pre-recorded lessons “that explain” the material

• one-on-one Office Hours help via Zoom from 2:00-3:00 (M, W, Th, & F)

• “fun” and alternative opportunities to show learning via FlipGrid (apply graphic illustrator techniques to show a poem frame-by-frame)

and their deep learning about digital citizenship evidenced by the early completion of Everfi or CommonSense.

But, I must share some of the BAD as too many students...:

• are not reading the GoogleClassroom Stream carefully, and then re-reading the Stream . (Most confusion can be averted by reading the agenda on the Stream.) The Stream is essentially the whiteboards in Room 509 that displays the “Agenda”, “Homework” and “Long Term” postings.

• are in a panic by my Illuminate updates. In turn, their (perceived) emergency becomes mine when they email me outside of the school day with the expectation that I enter their late work immediately. (Sorry. I have reasonable deadlines for work due. Students must meet those. I will enter late work, later.)

• forgot what ELA 8 marks mean in Illuminate:

Z = (0) did not submit work on time, thus negatively affecting one's average

X = Excused; this work was not required so it will not affect the overall average

BLANK = I have the work (it's NOT missing), I just need more time in my life to assess learning

As I have stated all year long, please, please, please click on each assignment in Illuminate to learn about when I will post grades as well as what this student work entailed.

And in an effort to wrap this long-winded communication up, I am ending on what is GREAT! Students are accepting extensions and challenges (when it’s not required). Read on...

• Pre-Spring Break, a handful of students wrote heartfelt letters to the businesses that support our very own Santa Monica Education Foundation. Spreading love and gratitude doesn’t have a deadline; you can encourage your child to practice gratitude and writing skills too!

• Last week, nine students followed through with their “Passion Projects.” Prior to Spring Break, one third of us (60) maturely contributed to a shared document of student-generated passion project ideas. Then, Friday April 24th we gathered on Zoom to share our progress/products. My students are awesome! We heard beautiful music, saw amazing painting, and tried to smell (through the computer) some Indian cooking. Your children inspire me!

• Now, this week, students have read (listened to) the 2019 California Young Reader Medal picture book nominees posted on the Lincoln Book Club tab of this website. Vote by Friday, please! Your opinion matters.

Occasionally I see masked families/students walking through the neighborhood. Please know that my big smile accompanies that gregarious wave. I miss you, and I hope for the day I might be able to hug you. As reflected in this week's lessons and poems by Gorman and Tupac, that hug will be an expressed belief that (despite difficult times) we can prevail (together)!

Please take care of yourselves. I intend to share important news and Blog reflections on a weekly basis. With hope and kindness,

Gretchen

April 19, 2020

Dear Families,

I truly hope you are well. I feel it is my civic responsibility to be hopeful for my students and our entire community. With that hope, I offer a preview to "The Miracle of Morning" by Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman. (This will be our poem of study on Wednesday.) I am especially drawn to this couplet:

"in this chaos, we must discover clarity/

in suffering, we must find solidarity/"

My hope, during this chaotic time, is to clearly provide meaningful learning (and review). As reflected in Ms. Culpepper's correspondence prior to Spring Break, ELA will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:10-10:10. My plan is to instruct (5-10 minute recording) which will guide students in their learning for that block of time. I will be available during Office Hours (2:00-3:00) for any immediate questions, assessing/student feedback, updating Illuminate, and most importantly planning. I will try again to host the GoogleMeet video feature (with smmk12 login; I understand security measures have been improved as well as tightened instructor controls.

We may only guess the suffering some have experienced (and may experience in the future) as we all stay-at-home for the greater good and adjust to those challenges. Join me, in solidarity, by thanking our essential workforce who are sustaining our health. And, in solidarity, let's continue to heed the health department's recommendations and precautions.

Unfortunately, I do not have any news on "attendance" or "grading" for the last weeks of school.

I am so proud of the students who completed GoogleClassroom posted assignments from 3/13-4/3. As you are aware from my blog communications, Ms. Culpepper's school communication, and Illuminate remarks for each assignment (click on each assignment to learn more), I entered completion credit in Illuminate. Your child's dedication, diligence, access to wifi, and good fortune of health was rewarded. Some students simply could not complete the work. So, remember that a "blank" grade does not "hurt" one's overall average for the 3/13-4/3 time period. Therefore, the progress report letter grade will reflect all required learning and work from January prior to our uncontrolled learning environments.

One more brief curricular update...tomorrow I am posting a week-long assignment to complete a "digital citizenship" course. As we have all become more dependent on our devices, it's important that I remind students of important lessons around rights, restrictions, data protection, and sourcing reliable information. Students may choose between two platforms: Everfi (Ignition) or CommonSense.org (Digital Compass). In years past, I've augmented curriculum with both sources. Feel free to refer to these sources for further information.

Again, I hope I can follow up on attendance and "grading" soon. Until then, please enjoy Amanda Gorman's hopeful perspective (and some beautiful footage of the Los Angeles Public Library!).

Take care,

Gretchen

April 1, 2020

It's no joke we are "still" in the COVID-19 national pandemic. I pray, yes, that you are well and coping and learning too.

I need you to know that I've done my best to provide learning opportunities in the past three weeks when our distance learning situation was uncertain. Hopefully, you asked your child (or better yet, your child responded to my push) to see our ELA 8 GoogleClassroom page including the Stream and Classwork. In addition to some community building discussions, you should see prompts to try out NoRedInk.com and continue to utilize NewsELA, as well as my efforts to continue with what was previously planned for March, better understanding poetry and an illustrated text (graphic novel).

With April here and "Spring Break" just days away, I found my blogger's voice.

I hope you don't find my message cliché because I truly believe "We are in this together" which also means that we can't lose hope. Considering recent news, including cited comments from Governor Gavin Newsom and regularly updated information on the Los Angeles County Public Health website (http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/), schools are indefinitely closed this academic year. Yet, our "minds are wide open." Several students, on yesterday's optional Zoom check-in, commented that they are either "bored" or "working on a project." You know your child and your child's mind best.

So, for those who are "bored" and/or sucked into media/media, please take some time to examine some vetted resources from Common Sense Media (See below). I have worked to support students' digital literacy development, and this is a wide-open time to reinforce digital citizenship, at home too, as we are all so impressionable.

Those who are "working on a project," you have inspired me! Late in my educational career and for several years now, I get up in the morning with a reminder from Abraham Lincoln "Teach hope to all, despair to none." This was the theme for my inaugural Lincoln Book Club (see website tab) and, if you've ever been in our auditorium, it is mounted, in block letters on the wall that parallel's 14th Street. I am truly only a good educator if I offer students hope that their education matters and that each and every one of them has the potential to make this world a better place. I truly believe this.

So, in the spirit of hope, I am putting together some GoogleDoc materials that may inspire and support students to pursue a "Passion Project." Because curriculum will not be delivered from April 6th-April 17th (Spring Break), this is a great time to pursue a passion--one with purpose and hope. (Please ask, on Friday, to see these materials.)

Finally, today April 1st marks the beginning of National Poetry Month. The Academy of American Poets reminds us "that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters." Furthermore, "More and more people are turning to poetry at this moment, because amid fear and uncertainty, poetry can help bring needed strength. At a time of anxiety and alarm, poetry can help bring tranquility. Poetry has the power to bring us together" (poets.org). I encourage you to subscribe to a "poem-a-day" too, as this is part of students posted "homework" today, Wednesday, April 1.

I end this post, with true gratitude for so many supportive families. This is a challenging time for us all and I appreciate your explicit communication and encouragement (as well as the subtle : ) or thumbs up on my Remind posts). I am trying to be a living example of what, all year, I've been lecturing your children (online and in-person): "Try your best."

Thank you,

g

March 18, 2020

3/19, Script for GoogleMeet at 10:30 am.

Good morning! It’s good to be here. This week has been all about what’s “new.” Though I’ve been an online learner with San Jose State University for four years now, online teaching is completely new! I want you to think about one NEW thing in your life. You will have a chance to share in a moment. Until then, I am sharing the “new” plan for our ELA 8 distance learning. (Don’t worry; I’ll post this in my blog.)

SAME-

• Posting on GoogleClassroom by 9:00 am each day.

• Each week will include at least one Discussion Question and one NoRedInk.com activity.

• Each week will have a focus. This week was basically the District Writing Assessment. (Next week will be features of graphic novels/illustrated texts--yay!)

NEW -

• Tuesday mornings- Voluntarily participate live, in class (mostly like 10 minutes per class on ZOOM)

10:30- :40 - AM (Jade Core!)

10:45- :55 - 1st Period

11:00- :10 - 2nd Period

11:15- :25 - 3rd Period

11:30 - :40 - 4th Period

11:45 - :55 - 5th Period

• Learning /assignments will always be due by 3:00, but you may turn it in late.

• Expect me to be immediately available from 1:00-2:00 by email (Office Hours)

If you email me at any other time, it might take me 24 hours to get back to you. Most likely I will get back to you in the early morning when my own kids are sleeping.

• I want you to show your Google Classroom Stream to your parent/guardian once a week.

Possibly New-

• Class “Discussion” for COVID-19 hacks, like recipes, "passion projects," happy images, & ...Publish those here for everyone?

• Start “Student Journal Assignment” from UCDavis (posted in Classwork) later on Thursday.

Open up microphone, alphabetically, to the "class"...

"So, what’s definitely new with you? Sharing is optional, but know that we are in this together!"

PLEASE RE-read my March 16 blog below:

March 16, 2020

“Good Day” to all of you. (I sure hope it is.)

We all have been waiting a lot lately . . .

Last week was difficult for me, as I too had to wait for the announcement pertaining to the full closure of school. Obviously, as the COVID 19 sickness affects our communities, there will be more uncertainty.

But be certain, I will continue to “lecture” you on my big three, for your own good: )

1. Listen.

2. Try your best.

3. Be organized.

You can be certain that I plan to communicate and work with/for your each day.

So please “Listen:”

Listen to trusted sources and follow health guidelines, first and foremost.

Then,

Listen to the daily GoogleClassroom post.

Listen to the occasional Remind.

Listen (and share, especially this one) my website Blog with your family.

(I will not over-communicate. So, please read each communication carefully.)

I expect you to “Try your best” which means:

Try to log on to GoogleClassroom once a day (I’ll post samples of any work I hope you can complete)

Try to complete the NoRedInk assignment (during the week) and then quiz (Friday).

Try to contribute to the weekly class conversation by Wednesday.

Try to keep up with what I had planned: District Writing Assessment, Million Word Club challenge, Poetry definitions, etc.

I hope you make a point to “Be organized.”

Make a schedule for those days you are not in school and stick to it.

Wasting/squandering all this time can be easy with the lure of social media, video games, media, etc. at our fingertips.

I also wish that you write about this “unprecedented time.”

Echoing a young adult dystopian novel Life As We Knew It, you might want to keep a Life As We Know it NOW diary or journal (IN / GoogleDocs). Documenting your first-hand account can be personally healing and powerful. We all know about Anne Frank’s diary, but you might want to read one of these recommendations too: https://www.panmacmillan.com/blogs/history/historical-diaries-war-history-journal

Finally, I hope you to email me if you need anything. I will try my very best to help you.

Kindly,

ggmc

March 13, 2020

Though I was not physically at the staff/faculty meeting this morning, I did meet "online" via GoogleDoc notes, text message, and etc.

I will be updating this blog later today to make sure that families and students know what is expected during these times. Please make sure you are on my REMIND account (home page) as this is how I will alert non-smmk12 people important information.

Until later, keep healthy--

ggmc

It's a date!

(Really, we have a more than a few dates to show off student work that was rooted in the research and reading of reliable sources. Seventeen days ago students declared their projects and began working in class and outside of class. I am so proud of these products.)

Please see the invitation and join us...

February 6, 2020

On Friday, I will complement the SAMOHI counselors' information session about choosing classes for next year. Since many of you may be wondering how to best choose classes. I want to echo one of my Back-to-School Night messages-- "I work hard to prepare all students for the Honors English option" (9HP).

If your child is responsibly completing homework, reading vigorously during our Million Word Club challenge, taking on challenges/challenges, asking for help when needed, is organized, and attends school regularly, then I think your child should choose the 9HP option. I understand that 9HP teachers expect students to be prepared, accountable to each other, and exhibit an interest in learning (not just achieving).

It is also important that families discuss other possible challenges and opportunities during that first transition year into high school. Truthfully, some students have a very difficult time with too many Honors classes on top of extracurricular demands. Then again, others are more able to balance new responsibilities. In the end, you know your own child in past transitions.

Please ask about my "advice" offered in class and then have an honest conversation about what's best. :)

Kindly,

Gretchen

Happy February!

It's hard to believe that we are well into the Spring Semester. As I reflect on the week, here are a few thoughts:

• Ask about our ever-evolving Human Rights unit (we are in Steps 2 & 3, finding quality sources) which will culminate with a creative project and an informative essay (W.8.2).

• Monday is the final Book Club #6 for their January book (Human/Civil Rights and/or Social Justice). They chose some challenging texts and were very engaged five different book clubs!

• February's Million Word Club book is a "book into movie." Students will be using their Internet research skills (15B in the IN) to locate some titles of possible reads for the month. They will then have the rest of the week to find the book at our Library or the Santa Monica Public Library. Some families prefer to buy the books. Please know that I don't require this purchase, instead I support our libraries for philosophical and economical reasons!

• I made it through my jury service, but it looks like I am subbed out several times this month for school business. Please know that I make the effort to leave a quality lesson that both the substitute and students can handle without me. It's important, as always, to remind them to be their "best selves."

Finally, I often "brag" about former students in class. This time I am posting about former Lincoln and SAMOHI alumna Natalie DiMundo who is a first year student at St. Olaf College (MN). Natalie is a product of our amazing SMMUSD band program so I want to invite you to hear them play at SAMOHI's Barnum Hall this Monday, February 3 at 7:00 PM. See the link for tickets, or purchase at the door.

-g

P.S. "Nat" is under the "D" and plays the TROMBONE!

Correction: Nat's expertise is a not the trumpet; that's her brother Ian's instrument. I also understand that Students do not need to pay for a seat. Tickets are available at the door.

November 16, 2019

This "short" week included a (formative) District Writing Assessment on students' ability to read two nonfiction articles about child labor and write an argument paragraph that answered this question:

Is it acceptable to buy products that have been manufactured using child labor?

Our Team of ELA 8 and History 8 teachers from JAMS and Lincoln invested our time examining student writing. Though we are not finished assessing their work, here are some observations:

+ students expressed appreciation for an authentic reading and writing task noting that they weren't asked to respond to a surface question

+ many students demonstrated good reading strategies by strategically marking up the texts in order to best craft a response

+ most students composed a clear, on-topic response by adequately citing (and attempting to analyze) textual evidence

...Basically, it is clear to me that students are well-prepared for 8th grade reading and writing challenges; our elementary school and middle school colleagues have prepared them well for the demands of 8th grade.

I am, however, initially concerned about:

• students who do not take the time to read and follow directions, thus stating an off-purpose or off-subject claim (Students have been taught the tool P.A.S.S., but do not readily utilize it)

• misinterpretations of text (This may be due to the misunderstanding of the complex debate about child labor, one's reading level, and or reading stamina)

• rampant capitalization and sentence structure errors (These lessons have been taught, though students do not take the time to proofread)

...We will continue to assess their writing and return the work to be reflected upon the week of Thanksgiving. Students will be prompted to fully understand their strengths and weaknesses, building on and addressing each respectively.

One last note, it's coincidence that The Santa Monica Office of Sustainability is sponsoring a documentary screening about child labor at the Aero this Tuesday, November 19th. The Price of Free event invite is here:www.eventbrite.com/e/the-price-of-free-screening-tickets-79253097147?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

I don't know if I can slip away from my family on Tuesday, but please check out this opportunity if you are interested.

Kindly,

Gretchen

November 6, 2019

Despite some "hurry-up and wait" and immature audience behavior in Act 2 as Anne and Peter's relationship developed on stage, today was a great success!

Santa Monica Repertory's staged reading (with "Broad on the Road") was excellent! We especially enjoyed seeing Ms. Freid-Meyer and Ms. White on stage.

We then ended on a high note of engagement, back at Lincoln, with a follow-up Q & A with School Board Member and Holocaust documentary filmmaker Jon Keane. Students asked insightfully, thoughtful questions that ranged about his work documenting Survivors' witnesses. Students questions what should be expected when a Holocaust Survivor speaks in our ELA class later this month. And several students lodged very insightful and mature questions including this one: "Do you, like Anne, still believe people are good at heart?" Mr. Keane's answers were informed, honest, and age appropriate. We appreciate his continued dedication to Lincoln and our school district.

In truth, it was a long day with many moments that weighed on our hearts. I am so proud of our Lincoln students who, though are just young adolescents, handled the content well. Of course we recommend continuing these conversations at home; I hope you are unafraid to acknowledge that misinformation, ignorance, apathy, and fear breeds hate. These are the contributors to one of the darkest times in history. I hope each of us can be upstanders in small, every day moments.

One final note, please let me know if you are available to help in any way (set up, escort, lunch delivery, etc) on November 21st when we will be hosting a day-long event of Holocaust Survivors who will visit our ELA 8 classes.

Kindly,

Gretchen

November 5, 2019

I wanted to share this official email that the Broad Stage's Director of Education and Community Programs, as it relates to the very important field trip we are taking tomorrow:

The Broad Stage, Santa Monica Repertory Theater and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District present a staged-reading of Diary of Anne Frank for middle school aged students at Barnum Hall on November 6, 2019.

This performance is part of The Broad Stage Student Matinee program, created in response to the Diary of Anne Frank being part of the school district’s reading list. It is the second year the entire 8^th grades of Lincoln Middle School and John Adams Middle School have attended Diary of Anne Frank at Barnum Hall and the fourth season presenting the play to students.

In addition to seeing a live performance, the students receive in-school workshops about the play’s story and history, meet the actors from SM Rep and work to develop skills for being a successful audience member.

Our Barnum Hall collaboration was made possible through the support of:

the Santa Monica-Malibu School District; Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati; Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jacqeline Mora; Santa Monica High School, Public Policy Institute at Santa Monica College; SMMUSD Board Chair and SMC Public Policy Co-Director, Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein; The City of Santa Monica; Santa Monica Repertory Theater; and Education & Community Programs at The Broad Stage.

WHAT

· Staged Reading of the play, Diary of Anne Frank, read/performed by Santa Monica Repertory Theater.

· Student Matinee to serve the entire 8th grade classes of JAMS and Lincoln Middle School

· Curriculum for Diary of Anne Frank.

· Instructional Video.

· Link to K-12 Programs at The Broad Stage.

WHEN

· November 6, 2019

· 10:30 am - 1:00 pm

WHERE

· Santa Monica High School

· Barnum Hall

We have invested a lot of class time to understand the context of the play and the time period. To quote the initial cover letter sent home on October 16, 2019 we believe "Teaching tolerance and educating students about history is important to us; it is through the understanding of these events---and others throughout history--that we can become more aware and sensitive within the communities we currently belong." Thank you so much for your support at home.

-ggmc

October 23, 2019

Families-

The Santa Monica Repertory Theater's workshop today about "the audience" was great! We learned about how to be fully engaged as a audience with our channelled and appropriate energy. We all need reminders about the theater experience and how important the audience is for the performance. In fact, "without the audience, it's just a rehearsal or a practice."

Just wanted to say I was impressed with students' courtesies and especially impressed with student volunteers today!

Scene volunteers:

4th Period 3rd Period 2nd Period 1st Period AM

Nicole Carl TJ Daria Amir

Martin Essence River Dulce Izzy

Ana Milana EY Aubrey Quentin

Angel Kyla Valentina Sana Mason

Ben Azeliya Lucy Daisy Sasha

Luke Spencer Charlotte Milan Josie

Bianca Himani Daniel Elizabeth Kara

Nikki GiGi Alan Julian Mc Pierce

Jadon Yelena * Nancy *

* Did I forget someone? The "beautiful and quiet Margot Frank"? Sorry!

Thanks to the whole class for their great energy and interest!

-ggmc

P.S. Full confession--I told 5th Period, who will finally get the workshop on Friday and the other one next week, that we were "saving the best for last!"

October 21, 2019

Parents/Guardians-

We are in the middle of our first acting workshop offered by the Santa Monica Repertory Theater. I plan to send home this message via email to so many wonderful families:

Dear Parent,

I am sorry that if this email seems to be auto-generated. In truth, it is going home to about 20 families after today's guest workshop with the artistic director of the Santa Monica Repertory Theater. You are receiving this email because I was so impressed with your child's participation in an acting workshop. Nearly all students were pushed out of their comfort zone and asked to try out actor's tools: voice, body language, facial expression, etc. It was a busy day, I particularly noticed your child listening, watching, trying out the exercises, and respecting our guests. You should be proud!

Thank you.

-GGMc

If you didn't get this email, it doesn't mean your child was disrespectful or uninvolved. But please ask about the workshop! We learned a lot about an actor's tool set to bring alive a character: voice, body language, facial expressions, and movement.

(4th and 5th Periods will "get" this workshop on Friday. What a fun way to end this hot, crazy week!)

October 15, 2019

From Ms. Andrew, re: Picture Make-up Day

Wednesday, October 16th from 8 am to 10:30 am in the auditorium. Any students who wish to retake their photo must turn in their original photo package to the photographer. They will receive the same product that was ordered, with the updated retake photo. Any students who were not originally photographed should attend retake day as well so they can get their student ID card and be pictured in the yearbook.

Order form attached (and on our website) for any students who want to order a new picture package. (Turn in with money to photographer Wednesday morning. No online orders for make-ups.)

Any students who are unable to attend retake day may attend one of Cornerstone's free in-studio retake days here in Moorpark. Those dates are: October 16th, October 23rd, November 13th or December 11th

October 6, 2019

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Now that you have received the first 6 week progress report, please take a moment to look more closely at the Citizenship and Work Habit marks. Students are fully aware that teachers are not required to record these marks. They also know that I invest time and effort to make sure that families know that their child is "more than just a letter grade." I take great pride in making sure that you know how your child is invested in learning and achieving (Work Habits) as well as one's behavior in the learning community (Citizenship). To learn more, please ask to see the "Citizenship and Work Habits" handout with Character Sketches. This handout expresses clear expectations for both aspects of our class. Thanks so much for sending a prepared contributor to our classroom. I feel so grateful for those "Double E's" and "Triple Comment" kids. Thank you!

We are in our 8th week of ELA 8. Some of the assignments will be simple completion grades, much like the first weeks of school, but most will be designed for students to show application of learning towards meeting the Standards. Dig deep, Students, to earn the the good grade you desire! As I always say in class, "Listen. Try your best. Be organized." If you do these three things, you should be able to earn the letter grade you desire as well as earn "Double E's!" You can do it!

-ggmc

September 26, 2019

Illuminate-

As you might be aware, the first grading period ends tomorrow. For an entire week, Ms. McVey (Periods 1-4) has reminded students to turn in any late work by tomorrow. After tomorrow, it will be too late. Just a reminder, please click on each assignment to learn more. Progress report cards are scheduled to go home on Friday, October 4.

Community Service 2019/2020-

The Community Service Contract is due on Thursday, October 3rd. Please realize that many resources have been posted on the "8th Grade Good Contributors of the Community" GoogleClassroom site. We also have communicated that the Contract may be one of commitment (weekly volunteer session with an organization) or one of intent (various weekend community runs in LA with different "supervisors"). The main purpose behind the "Contract" is prompt kids to make efforts early toward meeting the 12 hour requirement. For several students, this fall semester is very busy so they plan to positively affect a community in the spring. This is just fine as well. Please reach out if you have any questions. But first, ask to see the postings on the GoogleClassroom site.

I hope you enjoy a long weekend. I am treating myself to some much needed family time!

-ggmc

September 13, 2019

Thanks to all who were able to attend Back to School Night!

Just 14 new people signed up for the Guardian account for REMIND. If you are "on" please spread the word to your parent-group friends that it's a valuable tool which helps me more fully communicate what's going on in class . Most likely your dinner conversations probably play out like this:

You- How was school?

Child - Fine.

You - What did you do today?

Child- Nothing.

Ha! I guarantee "Nothing" is an unfair understatement!

To combat this dead-end conversation and to enrich your understanding of what is going on, I plan to periodically use REMIND. (I will not flood you with texts.)

For example, you can ask:

• How is your daily/nightly Million Word Club (MWC) reading coming along? Are you on-pace to have recorded 200,000 words by the end of September?

• How does your self-selected book connect to the month's theme of Culture and Beloning and the in-class short story "My Favorite Chaperone"?

• I heard many students didn't perform well on their first in-class writing assignment. Why? What did you learn from the feedback on your paper and examining the directions?

• Are you almost finished with your Cultural Identity collage (1 week assignment, due Tues. 9/27)? What did you learn about "identity?" Did you learn any technology skills during this week.

I won't always be this thorough, but hopefully this gives you a sense of how to enrich those conversations at home and also communicate with you what we are doing in class.

Take care! Thanks again for attending Back to School Night, 2019!

-g

September 3, 2019

We are off to a good start!

I am still "taking" in a lot of information about each student--summer reading comprehension, baseline writing sample, an in-class survey of interests/goals/etc. , and today the FastBridge reading assessment. Soon I will be "giving" some meaningful feedback which will include dialogic questions on the survey, writing assessment feedback, and a FastBridge reading score.

Also, I have entered a few grades in Illuminate. Please, please, please do not panic. So few points have been assigned so any missing or poor work early in the year has a (too) powerful negative effect. It is imperative that students and parents first click on the assignment to learn more. A description of the assignment as well as when grades will be posted is supplied for your reference.

Also know the following about how I use Illuminate:

• z= missing and not turned in

• x = excused (for some extraneous reason)

• BLANK-- A blank simply means that I have not entered the grade yet, but I have the work or will collect the work. A blank score does not "hurt" one's grade.

Again, please click on the assignment before asking me about a "missing" assignment.

I apologize for the "business" of this blog post. Worried students and parents have inquired so obviously this is a good topic for public awareness.

I am looking forward to speaking to the classes in person next Thursday, September 12 at Back to School Night. See you "soon."

-ggmc