Newsletter: Show It Off!

Important

I look forward to seeing you April 29th at 1:45 for our Show It Off  day. Students will begin with a drum performance and then show off all their projects and essays from the year.

This Wednesday, 8th graders will be taking the state test for Science.

Upcoming Dates

§  April 29th is Show It Off Day beginning at 1:45pm.

§  May 11th is a minimum  day with Awards Assembly.

§  8th graders Science test April 27th.

§  6th-8th ELA tests May 2nd-5th.

§  6th-8th Math tests May 18th, 19th, 23rd and 24th.

New

In ELA, students will finish writing a narrative of their own adversity and present it to the class.

In science, we will finish up metamorphic rock and the rock cycle.

In social studies, we will dive into the Rennaissance!

Updates and Info

Students brought so much creativity and thoughtfulness to their modern day adversity poems and monologues. We explored metamorphic rock and completed our social studies presentations and assessment on Meso-American civilizations.

Students discussed sugar content in drinks and advertising strategies during a presentation from a community nutrition expert entitled "Rethink your Drink." All the learning ended with a recipe and taste test of a delicious, healthy smoothie!

Newsletter: Social Skills and Volunteer Request

Important

I've encouraged students to come talk to me and share social issues they notice at school. I've been able to help mediate many conflicts, but this can only happen with student participation. I have an Anonymous mailbox, and I respect confidentiality. I also encourage family members to shoot me an email or give a call if they have any concerns. This is a critical time period in your student's development as they learn how to navigate relationships with their peers successfully. I look forward to helping!

        

I also shared with students that tattling is to get someone in trouble and reporting is about keeping someone safe. Safety is paramount to our school atmosphere and it's important students take resposibility for reporting when necessary.

Upcoming Dates

§  April 22nd is a make-up snow day - no school.

§  April 29th is Show It Off Day beginning at 1:45pm.

§  8th graders Science test April 27th.

§  6th-8th ELA tests May 2nd-5th.

§  6th-8th Math tests May 18th, 19th, 23rd and 24th.

New

In ELA, students will finish writing a narrative of their own adversity and prepare to present it to the class.

In science, we will be looking at metamorphic rock.

In social studies, the final Meso-America presentations will be completed and students will be assessed on their learning.

Updates and Info

Students outlined and and began drafting their modern day adversity poems and monologues. We studied model monologues and poems for sequence, content, and context. Students presented their social studies Prezis! We spent time on Friday perfecting our drumming for the Show it Off Day performance.

Students received their coupons to purchase books from Scholastic on Wednesday. Orders are due tomorrow.

I'm looking for volunteers to help with graduation set up and clean up. If you are willing to help with set-up June 6th and June 7th or clean up June 9th or 10th, please let me know.

Newsletter: State Testing Dates

Important

I've scheduled testing days for the upcoming state tests. Please try to avoid scheduling doctor's appointments or travel days during these time frames. Of course, if students are ill or there is an urgent appointment, make-up testing will be available.

We encourage students to prepare for testing days by showing up well-rested having eated a nutritional breakfast.

8th graders will take the Science test April 27th.

6th-8th will take English Language Arts tests May 2nd-5th.

6th-8th will take Math tests May 18th, 19th, 23rd and 24th.

Upcoming Dates

§  April 13th is a minimum day with Awards Assembly in the morning. School releases at 12:45.

§  April 22nd is a make-up snow day - no school.

§  April 29th is Show It Off Day beginning at 1:45pm.

New

In ELA, students will begin writing a narrative of their own adversity - they will each choose between writing a monologue or concrete poem.

In science, we will be looking at metamorphic rock.

In social studies, each expert groups will present on their assigned civilizations of Mesoamerica.

Updates and Info

Students compared and contrasted different genres expressing similar themes including concrete poetry, songs, letters, and news articles. We completed Prezi social studies project and began practicing our presentation skills. In science we learned about types of mountain formations. Drumming on Friday afternoons has been great!

The trimester ends the 26th and I will be collecting service learning forms on February 19th. Please check in with your student about how he or she plans to fulfill this requirement.

The visit from Downieville Highschool was very informative. It's been great to watch students engage in discussion regarding their future academic plans.

Newsletter: Track and Field, Concrete Poetry

Important

8th Graders: The second fundraiser for 8th grade sip day is this coming Saturday the 9th. 8th graders need to be at the Vista Point Work Center by 7:30 am. A flyer will be going home as well.

Track and field season is here! For further information, check out the information sent home.

Upcoming Dates

§  April 6th and April 13th are minimum days. School releases at 12:45.

§  April 22nd is a make-up snow day - no school.

§  April 29th is Show It Off Day beginning at 1:45pm.

New

In ELA, we will continue analyzing concrete poetry for theme by reading Blue Lipstick and Technically It's Not My Fault.

In science, we will be looking at mountains and metamorphic rock.

In social studies, we will be working in expert groups to develop a Prezi presentation for the whole class.

Updates and Info

Students explored and analyzed concrete poetry in our books, Blue Lipstick and Technically It's Not My Fault. We finished up research for our Prezi social studies project. In science we looked at how plate tectonics create landforms.

Family Math Night was a wonderful evening connecting over learning and sharing goals for students.

We have invited a percussion instructor to work with students on Friday's in April. Come to Show It Off Day to check out their performance.

A representative from Downieville Highschool will be coming to Camptonville April 6th at 10:15 to share information regarding their highschool program.

Newsletter: Welcome Back!

Important

Welcome back! I hope you all enjoyed some rest and relaxation over break.

Please join us for Family Math Night and Icecream Social on March 31st from 6-7pm. My students may earn extra credit or service learning hours for participating in the evening.

We are on the homestretch which means we've got state testing right around the corner! I will be announcing dates for testing soon.

Upcoming Dates

§  March 31st, Family Math Night and Icecream Social.

§  April 6th and April 13th are minimum days. School releases at 12:45.

New

In ELA, we will continue analyzing concrete poetry for theme by reading Blue Lipstick and Technically It's Not My Fault.

In science, we will be looking at mountains and metamorphic rock.

In social studies, we will be working in expert groups to develop a Prezi presentation for the whole class.

Updates and Info

Before break students edited and posted essays comparing adversities in the Middle Ages to today. We began our social studies prezi research and discussed the presidential primary race. We were somewhat slowed down by the sickness that took over our classroom - please feel free to stay home if you are ill as germs spread quickly in this class!

Don't forget about earning service learning hours as a requirement for graduation!

Newsletter: Reading Marathon Ends, Spring Break Right Around the Corner

Important

Thank you to everyone who helped support the Reading Marathon. Winners for minutes and money raised will be announced at the next Awards Assembly.

If you have questions regarding report cards, please reach out to me.

Enjoy Spring Break!

Upcoming Dates

§  Spring Break runs from March 21st-28th. Back to school Tuesday the 29th.

§  March 31st, Family Math Night and Icecream Social.

§  April 6th and April 13th are minimum days. School releases at 12:45.

New

In ELA, we will finish our essays in response to Good Masters, Sweet Ladies and begin on our next book!

In science, we will be looking at mountains and metamorphic rock.

In social studies, we will be working in expert groups to develop a Prezi presentation for the whole class.

Updates and Info

Students enjoyed local theater on our Friday field trip. We finished up our unit on eathquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics and began our exploration into the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and Inca cultures. Students began their literary argument essays in response to Good Masters, Sweet Ladies. Students ended the Reading Marathon and raised money to support extracurricular activities.

Family Math Night and Icecream Social will be held March 31st when we come back from break. Students can earn extra credit or volunteer hours for participating in this evening of fun and learning!

Mark your calendars for Show it Off Day, April 29th, 1:45-2:45. Students will be doing a percussion performance and then will show off their blogs, iMovies, science journals and artwork they've completed throughout the year.

If you are able to volunteer to facilitate the creation of yearbook for this year, please let me know. We were not able to offer a yearbook elective this year.

Newsletter: Report Cards and More!

Important

The reading marathon ends this Wednesday. Final minutes will be tallied on Wednesday and sponsor forms with money must be turned in Wednesday as well.

Students who raised money and read will be invited on a field trip to see a play on Friday. Please sign the permission slip.

Report cards are headed home today! Please sign below to indicate having recieved your student's report card and updated Star tests.

Upcoming Dates

§  This Wednesday is a minimum day, Awards Ceremony. Students are released at 12:45

§  Reading Marathon field trip this Friday. We leave at 8:30 am promptly.

§  Spring Break runs from March 21st-28th. Back to school Tuesday the 29th.

New

In ELA, we continue with Good Masters, Sweet Ladies.

In science, we continue on plate tectonics.

In social studies, we will be exploring South American cultures.

Updates and Info

Electives went really well last week.

Students met with highschoolers and the school counselor from Bitney Charter to learn about highschool options.

We also interviewed a visiting videographer who covers news stories.