Class Update

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope you and yours enjoyed a warm Thanksgiving with much to be thankful for.

This week we (finally!) have a normal schedule though next week we will have two minimum days on Wednesday and Thursday for the Awards Assembly and our Winter Program. We'll need students here by 5:45pm on December 11th.

Please check in with your student to ensure lines and lyrics are being memorized and practiced at home.

You should have seen an informational flyer and sign up sheet go home for the REACH field trip. This is a three-day, two-night conference that our school has attended for years. Inspirational speakers, activities, and workshops are designed to give students skills to negotiate their emotional, physical and social well being through tween and teen years. Due to the size of my class this year and its expected growth next year, I am hoping that I can bring all my students this year (whereas next year, it will probably be more selective).  The cost for students has risen to $150 per student. Students and staff have planned some fundraisers to help ensure that the whole class can go. Please encourage and assist your child in participating in the fundraisers! Also, if you are moved to donate to our class fund for this trip, I would be extremely thankful. Depending on how much money is earned, we may ask for a per child donation of approximately $25.

At the end of this week, students will be choosing another student for a Secret Santa gift exchange. I wanted to give you two weekends for town shopping opportunities, but we wont actually exchange gifts until December 19th. Gifts should be under $10 though non-monetary gifts are also encouraged (i.e. homemade crafts or baked goods).

Despite our funny November schedule, we are still doing academics! Students have been practicing how to cite evidence from literary text and write five paragraph essays. We have also been discussing current events by watching CNN student news and practicing how to debate with respect and fact-based arguments. The 8th graders are deep in their Constitution unit and we are building our acting chops through our daily rehearsals.

With gratitude,

Maggie Orion