DECEMBER 11, 2009

LAST FRIDAY LETTER OF 2009!
Winter Break December 21—January 1
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Dear SMASHing Families,
In this final Friday Letter for 2009, let me share musical, visual, and dramatic arts highlights from the last two
weeks. The Holiday Singers brought joy to the Farmer’s Market shoppers. (I am still singing the 12 Eco-Days of Christmas in my head.) Thanks to Dian for nurturing our students’ voices, building their self-confidence in public performances, and for spreading holiday cheer.

Core 1 began their Holistic Drama: Pirate and Fairy Project. Thanks to Kristy for connecting to student imaginations as the Pirates used their log book to prepare for their trip to hide their treasure and the Fairies' log book brought them news of the dying plant life on a nearby island that made them prepare themselves to travel and investigate the source of the problem.

Cores 2 and 3 began the “Art of Ecology” unit designed to deepen student understanding of the elements of art
and the design of the natural world. Thanks to Julianna, Marni, and Tamara who received a grant to fund this
partnership with the ReDiscover Center. Week 1 had students looking at microscope-enhanced photos of cells
and replicating them in paper sculptures. Be sure to look at the displays in the art room.

Core 4 with Kristy started to put Goldilocks on trial to support the classroom themes of evidence and controversy.
Stay tuned as one advisory will take on the role of prosecution and one defense. Week 8 will be their trial that will happen in real time with the audience as the real jury.

These creative outlets are made possible by PTSA and grant funding. Thanks to all of you, the generous families
and staff who make these engaging, exciting moments happen. Wishing you a very merry holiday season and a
happy new year. See you Monday, January 4, 2010!

Truly yours,
Jessica
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BACKPACKS NEEDED FOR FOSTER CHILDREN
Here's an opportunity to help foster children in Los Angeles area. Many of the children in foster care are in need of a
new or very gently used rolling backpack, bag or tote to carry their belongings. Often if children need to be removed
from their homes quickly, everything is gathered into a garbage bag. By providing a bog or tote to a child, that they can call their own, we are able to make a small difference in a child's life. There will be a box in the SMASH office for
your donation. Thanks - Jamee Tenzer
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SANTA MONICA YOUTH RUGBY DAY—SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
At Webster Middle School at 11330 Graham Place, West Los Angeles (Sawtelle & National)
Santa Monica Rugby Club will hold an Exhibition & Registration Day for Youth Rugby program on Saturday, Dec. 12.
SMRC Youth coaching staff will be on hand from 10am until noon to greet new players and parents, answer questions,
and demonstrate skills. There will be a U14 Boys exhibition match at noon followed by both a men's team and women's team scrimmage vs. UCLA.
Interested families are encouraged to check out one of America's fastest growing sports. There will be an opportunity
for some hands-on experience as players learn basic skills and participate in a short game of non-contact rugby. Bring
shorts, cleats, and (for ages 10 and above) a mouthguard.
Parking is on the street, most conveniently behind the school on Butler -walk through the gate at Brookhaven St
Going into its eighth year, the SMRC Youth program consists of over 175 boys and girls from ages 5 - 18. U-8 and U-
10 play non-contact coed, while older teams either play boys tackle (U-12, U-14, U-16, & U-19) or girls tackle (U-14 & U-16). Current players come from Franklin, Roosevelt, Will Rogers, SMASH, Lincoln, JAMS, and Samohi (as well as other west side schools).
For more information, call 310-572-6010
or visit the SMRC website: www.santamonicarugby.com/youth.
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SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR WINTER CONCERT”
MOTUS PERPETUUS V
We are inviting our middle school students to join us at our Winter Concert on
Thursday, December 17 at 7:00 PM in Barnum Hall.
Middle school students and a parent may come as our guest, free of charge
please tell the box office which middle school you attend.
For all others, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors (purchased at the door).
Motus Perpetuus V is Samohi's fifth annual winter concert of perpetual motion. Students sing from all corners of
Barnum Hall continuously and as soon as one group ends, another one begins. The audience holds their applause
until the very end for a unique concert experience. This year, the concert will feature the Missa Criolla, a folk mass by
Ariel Ramirez based on song and dance traditions of South America. We will also end with our traditional singing of
The Hallelujah Chorus where audience alumni choristers are invited on stage to join us.
Start the winter break on a musical note and bring neighbors, family, and friends.
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Dear SMASH Families,
As part of “Projects” we are donating to Boxer Rescue - a place where people rescue and take care of mistreated,
abused, unwanted boxer dogs. In the SMASH front office, there will be a box where you can put leashes, collars,
towels, blankets, etc. for us to donate to them. Sincerely, Devin Dempsey and Naomi Miller-Altuner (Core 3)
_______________________________________________________
To Everyone at SMASH -
Thanks for making our Holiday Singers program such a success this year. We are blessed to have your support and look
forward to the talent show in May! Love—Dian Andrews
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Corrections to SMASH Directory
Mari Pestana - Core 1 Julie Foxx - Mom
1942 Euclid St. #4; Santa Monica, CA 90404 Hm 310-314-7700; Cell 310-403-6305
Milan Ladman-Frykman, Core 1 Home #310-396-0310
Olin Burke - Core 1 & Ivan Burke - Core 3 - Mom, Michelle Burke cell #310-729-6519.
If you have corrections, please e-mail Janice at jwold@smmusd.org
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SPECIAL OFFER FOR SMASH STUDENTS FROM DRAMA TEACHER KRISTY PACE
MENTION SMASH AT THE BOX OFFICE
AND YOU’LL GET ONE FREE CHILD TICKET
FOR EACH ADULT TICKET PURCHASED
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Yours Truly Jack Frost: A Musical for Family Audiences. Jack runs things the old fashioned way and Evilina wants to change all that. Join the fun as Jack protects the spirit of Christmas for all.
December 12 & 19 at 11:00am
Crown City Theatre; 11031 Camarillo Street, N. Hollywood 91602 www.pocketfulloftales.com
$6 Kids; $9 Adults Call 310-746-8849 to reserve your seats today!
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Time to clean up the shared spaces on campus
Second annual
SMASH/John Muir Spirit Day
January 9, 2010
9AM to 2PM
We’ll dust, we’ll scrub, and we’ll paint.
We’ll also work in the garden.
We’ll have coffee and pastries and pizza and a little fun.
Please bring cleaning supplies (think green)
and tools (think mop, broom, sponge, gloves, paint brush, rake).
For more information, contact SMASH parent Helga Schier at helgaschier@verizon.net
or Muir parent Helene Seisay at heleneseisay@yahoo.com
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SMASH Site Council Agenda
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 5:00 PM - Core 2
Adopt Agenda

Approve minutes of last meeting

Community participation

Reports and Announcements (regular agenda items)
Principal’s Report
Student Reports

Community Organization Reports (to include but not limited to the following):
PTSA
Student Council
Other

Old Business

New Business

Review two proposed goals for 09-10 site plan
Math
Science
Homework Policy

Community participation (if applicable)

Adjourn
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CORE 1 NEWS
“Now I get it! When you put spaces between the letters, that means you make a new word!”
-Cole, Core 1 Partner during the “Morning Message” portion of Morning Meeting

THANK YOU to all of our beyond amazing Core 1 families. You have been supporting our program is
countless ways. From participating in the Holiday Boutique, to keeping our art studio organized, to collecting ink cartridges, to volunteering in the classroom, to running our errands and donating items, to giving books, to attending after school events, to supporting student learning at home. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do!!!
REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
•Temperatures are dropping. The change of clothes you providing for your child in the fall may not be
warm enough for the winter months. Please bring in a warmer change of clothes, if necessary.
•Speaking of clothes, there are a LOT of jackets and sweaters on the hooks. Please help your child get these
home. Also, please label all sweaters, jackets and lunch boxes with your child’s name. It really helps US to
help your child remember to take care of their things.
•Next week, we will go to the library on WEDNESDAY. This is just for next week.
•Also on Wednesday, a small group of Core 1 students will be leading the whole-school assembly first thing
in the morning. Feel free to join us.
•If you would like to lead a special winter project with the students on Friday, let us know.
•Please let us continue to improve our home-school communication. If you are a Core 1 parent reading this,
please send one of us an email and tell us if you are enjoying our blog, if it is hard to get around to checking
it, or if you have no idea what we are talking about. Thanks!
OH, THE DRAMA! The Fairy & Pirate drama group is full steep ahead with Kristy leading our way! Our
Pirate Ship sails have been raised, and the fairy cave will soon be ready to shelter all sorts of nymphs and
treasures! Holistic drama is new for all of us, and it is quite amazing to behold. We are documenting the
process, while we participated in it so we can share and learn from what the children are participating in.
Some children still are wondering when we are going on stage to perform. We’re not! The children are performing each and every Wednesday with Kristy. Each week, children put on their pirate or fairy costume
and join the fun!
SMALL MOMENT CELEBRATION At Literacy Night, the Bigs had the opportunity to celebrate publishingtheir small moment stories over hot cocoa and cookies, side-by-side with the people they love best.
Their books were out among the other published books in our classroom library, as they shared what they
have done as writers in the late-fall. It is amazing to see how all of our children are growing as writers!
Some of the minilessons, small-group lessons, and 1-on-1 writing conferences the children received (and
many tried out in their own writing) were: Writers zoom in on one part of a story; Writers take small moment
in their life, and stretch them out to make them big; Writers use tools, such as graphic organizers, to
help them organize their thoughts; Writers close their eyes, and think about what happened at the time of
their story; Writers think about what people said during their story, and write that down as dialogue; Writers
use punctuation to help their writers read their pieces; Writers help their readers read their piece by editing
for punctuation and spelling. Next up? This winter the Bigs will put all their imaginative ideas on paper, as
we begin writing fiction!
HAVE AN AMAZING WINTER BREAK WITH YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS!!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
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CORE 2 NEWS
Dear Core 2 Community,
In Art with Julianna, the student artists shopped for repurposed material that was brought to us by
reDiscover. They are working on creating representations of cells that can be seen in marine plants under a microscope. We need pieces of cardboard to use as backgrounds for the artwork. The pieces of cardboard can be different sizes smaller than letter-sized paper. We will need 46 pieces.

In Geography, the children began a booklet this week moving towards the goal that all students will learn their Global Address: street address, city, state, country, continent, and planet. Some students still don’t know their home address. For their safety, please spend some time teaching them their address and at least one phone number.

Our next Stars of the Week presentation will be on Wednesday, December 16. The Stars will be:
Mike and Aurora. Our community snack will be provided by the Stars of the Week. Please consider
donating sustainable, starch-based utensils and plates that can be composted. We will also accept your generous donations to buy these products. We serve 46 children each week.

We hope you had a chance to stop by on Wednesday for our annual Literacy Night. Were you the one wearing the hot pink bunny slippers? Thank you to Ofer for coordinating the event. Our featured readers were great! Giulia read in Italian, Gala and Alie read in Spanish, and Abbie read in Hebrew. It was a treat to be read to! Thanks for the Book Fair donations. If you didn’t pick up Reading Tips for Core 2 Families, please stop by for a copy.

Are you missing your jacket or sweater? Please stop by and check our hooks for any missing items. If not collected by Wednesday they will be put into the school wide lost and found.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura & Graciela
lsherman@smmusd.org
gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
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CORE 3 NEWS
Literacy is a big focus at SMASH and in Core 3, and we spend a significant part of each day reading and writing. (We hope students spend a part of each night at home reading and writing, too!) Our literacy program is unique because we allow students choose their own books to read, as long as it is “just right” for reading and understanding independently—placing the emphasis on the joys of reading and the strategies we use to think deeply about what we read! And, in writing, the students use the writing process to create fiction and non-fiction pieces, where we guide the genre/style and they choose their own topics—placing the emphasis on expressing ideas and writing craft! Our goal is to develop life-long readers and writers who know how to organize and present their ideas effectively.

Thank you to all the families who joined us for Literacy Night on Wednesday! It was a wonderful, all-school event celebrating books, authors, and the reasons we love them. We hope you were able to browse the book fair and pick up some new titles for your home libraries (Thanks for your contributions to our classroom libraries, as well!)

Next week, Core 3 would like to invite families to a Writing Celebration on Thursday, December 17 from 11:00–12:30. Please come read/listen to the different things we have written so far this year. Our writers have gone through a few cycles of the writing process. They learned that writing is not a one-time deal, but a process over time-- with a lot of thinking, rereading, and reworking. The students have written two narrative pieces of writing, exploring the process of story writing. They’ve reflected on their own lives/experiences as fuel for written stories through personal narratives and realistic fiction writing. Our writers have also started a unit on non-fiction essay writing, learning it has a different process. We will also be sharing our Writing Notebooks, which should be filled with ideas that have been collected since the beginning of the year, along with comics, creative stories, journal-like entries, etc. We have been doing our best to live like writers and would like to take a day to honor all of our hard work! We hope you will be able to join us.

This is the last Friday Letter of the year. We hope you have a peaceful and glorious break, filled with lots of special family time. There is no homework. Of course, we have encouraged your children to read for pleasure (they
don’t need to log in their pages), write in their notebooks if they have an idea that needs to be captured on paper, and
to practice doing real-world math (cooking is a great place to use fractions).

Thank you for you donations of tape, glue, and wire for Arts with Julianna. Over the Winter Break, please look for an
email blast about supplies for projects so we can hit the ground running after the break with all the materials we need
to support our wonderful ideas!

Happy Weekend, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
ghwang@smmusd.org
tmugalian@smmusd.org

A Note from Naomi and Devin
Dear SMASH Families,
As part of “Projects” we are donating to Boxer Rescue—a place where people rescue and take care of mistreated,
abused, unwanted boxer dogs. In the SMASH front office, there will be a box where you can put leashes, collars,
towels, blankets, etc. for us to donate to them. We will also be selling “Candy-Cane Grams” next week to raise
money for Boxer Rescue. They will be sold before and after school for $1 a piece—look for us outside Core 3.
Sincerely,
Devin Dempsey and Naomi Miller-Altuner
_____________________________________________________________________ CORE 4 NEWS
Hello everyone,
As your kids may have told you, Bailey is in Maui!!! It was a trip planned before I was hired. Sorry to miss class
time, but the kids are in good hands with Josh, one of our favorite substitutes. I will be back on Thursday
Dec 17.

We will be culminating our unit of Nation Building in Afghanistan. Everyone has been very engaged in
the discussions as we talk about Islam, women's roles, the oppression of the Taliban government and the difficult
decisions leaders need to make about how to help stabilize Afghanistan. Please talk about the policies, your opinions and feelings about the US course of action. Having Obama's speech recently focus upon our involvement in Afghanistan has made the study poignant. We spent this week talking about Transitional Justice models and nation building efforts. I have given the students a sheet that lays out three projects due on Thursday Dec 17. At the end of the letter you will find the assignment sheet for your information as well.

Reading is soaring in Core 4. The students are very connected to the novels about this region and time. I hope you encourage them to read more over the holidays. When we return in January we will start a unit on the "Making of the United States"- a form of nation building as well. We will look at controversies in the creation of the US government in 1770-1780's. If interested you may wish to watch some movies about the revolutionary era. 1776 and the HBO John Adams series are excellent. If you have avid readers they may read any historical novels of the 1770's.

Writers workshop just published their realistic fiction piece. For the remainder of the year 2009, they will
catch up on notebook free write entries and can embark upon a fantasy or science fiction piece if they choose.

Students are gearing up for the January 10-15 Yosemite Trip. Make sure you are keeping up to date on the
plans.
Have a wonderful holiday season. Stay healthy!
Bailey, Kelly & Kurt
Bailey: baileyfield@mac.com
Kelly: kkulsrud@smmusd.org
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
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Core 4 Afghanistan Projects
ALL Due DECEMBER 17 Thursday!!! Have 1 that you can present to the class!
1. BOOK REPORT – 3 paragraphs: 1 paragraph summary. 1 paragraph explaining the author’s purpose in writing the book. 1
paragraph of what you learned from the book. Give your opinion/ rating of the book , supported with details, examples.
2. Nation Building and Transitional Justice.
Look at the “Tool Box for Transitional Justice” pick one of the 8 categories for a project for culminating our study of
Afghanistan:
WHAT WILL STABILIZE AFGHANISTAN and make it a safe, thriving country again??? What needs to happen for it
to move forward productively!
IDEAS:
A)Write a one page letter to the US Congress stating what the US should do to help the Afghani people. Be specific
and give reasons for your ideas. Do research about the issue in the news. Ex: train police, create beauty academies ,
create jobs,
B) Create an artistic expression about a topic you feel strongly about for Afghanistan people: a mural, sculpture, song
lyrics, poem about the importance of education, religious freedom , women’s equality, safety, peace, freedom of expression
( music, dress, writing etc. ) The sculpture/ mural may be a drawing of it. THIS MUST HAVE AN ARTISTS
STATEMENT ABOUT THE PIECE OF ART and ITS MEANING!
3. Visual presentation on Afghanistan: Choose one: Use at least 12 by 18 paper
A. History Timeline and Map of Afghanistan and neighboring countries
In color with a compass rose. Label regions, countries and capitals.
OR B. Cultural /Photo Presentation of religion, food, dress,
livelihood etc. Get images from the internet.
PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED or DUE AFGHANISTAN ASSIGNMENTS:
If you have had it returned to you … keep it !!!!
1. Notes on the Power Point on Afghanistan Background (Student Handout #1)
2. Exit card- what learned about Afghanistan (Student Handout #2)
3. Afghanistan Culture – 6 topics: Grid (Students Handout #3)
4. 25 Question True/False Quiz (corrected False Q’s) and Exit card (#5 and 6)
5. WOMEN’S ISSUES- (Student Handout #7) ( due on Dec 8)
Pick a Role, Audience, Form and Topic
6. CURRENT EVENT- (due Nov 30) (Read/ write more as make up/ extra credit)
Find a news article about Afghanistan from this month.
Write a PARAGRAPH summary and PARAGRAPH personal reflection about what you feel about the issue, personal
opinions, ideas, thoughts and questions you may have.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, by Greg Mortenson will be released on December 1, 2009. In this dramatic first-person narrative, Greg Mortenson picks up where Three Cups of Tea left off in 2003, recounting his relentless, ongoing efforts to establish schools for girls in Afghanistan; his extensive work in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan after a massive earthquake hit the region in 2005; and the unique ways he has built relationships with Islamic clerics, militia commanders, and tribal leaders even as he was dodging shootouts with feuding Afghan warlords and surviving an eight-day armed abduction by the Taliban. He shares for the first time his broader vision to promote peace through education and literacy, as well as touching on military matters, Islam, and women—all woven together
with the many rich personal stories of the people who have been involved in this remarkable two-decade humanitarian effort. Visit www.stonesintoschools.com for more information.
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>
Make a packet of your Afghanistan work:
Have it organized: Label/ title the assignments!
Have your name and Date on all your work !
RESOURCES:
NEWS websites are useful: once on the site, search for Afghanistan. Pay attention to the date of the article:
www.pbs.org
www.cnn.com,
www.nbc.com
www.latimes.com
www.nytimes.com
www. Wikipedia.com
http://www.islamfortoday.com/hijabcanada2.htm
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week521/feature.html
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/humanrelations/womeninislam/whatishijab.html or
http://www.iiie.net/Articles/tabid/54/Default.aspx
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/afghanistanunveiled/women.html
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/july-dec01/afghanwomen_11-21.html
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/afghanistan/aug03/women.html
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/afghanistan/afghanwomen.html
www.threecups.com
Women in Afghanistan
An article that dispels the myth that Islam oppresses women. It argues that to understand Islam’s treatment of women it is important to distinguish the religion from the cultural norms of particular societies and countries.
http://www.islamfortoday.com/ruqaiyyah09.htm
From the same site, this link offers a collection of references from the Quran and Hadeeth about the rights of women guaranteed by Islam.
http://www.islamfortoday.com/womens_rights_references.htm
The Situation of Women and Girls in Afghanistan: Report of the Secretary General A United Nations report from 2003.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/AllDocsByUNID/12954335d77e0dddc1256cdf00482910
Academic Info: Resources on Women in Afghanistan Provides links to numerous different educational resources on women in Afghanistan.
http://www.academicinfo.net/afghanwomen.html
Youthink! The World Bank’s website designed specifically for youth. This link addresses the challenges Afghan girls face in receiving an education.
http://youthink.worldbank.org/issues/education/afghanistan.php
NATION Building sites:
http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/sr117.html
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/afghanistan/aug03/education.html
http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.phphttp://
www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/speakout/mystory/afghanistan.html
http://www.usip.org/resources/the-afghan-elections
http://www.usip.org/events/justice-in-afghanistan


DATES TO REMEMBER
Wed, Dec 16 - 8:45am -Assembly lead by Core 1
Wed, Dec 16 - 5:00pm - Site Council mtg
Mon, Dec 21 - Fri, Jan 1 - WINTER BREAK (return on Monday, January 4)
Wed, Jan 6 - 8:15am - PTSA Mtg
Sat, Jan 9 - 2nd Annual SMASH/John Muir Clean-up Day
Wed, Jan 27 - Diversity Night and Potluck Dinner
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WEDNESDAY BAKE SALES - Healthy Treats & Fun Items Sales start at 2:30 pm (Muir dismissal)
CORE 1 - January 13, March 10
CORE 2 - January 6, February 3
CORE 3 - December, 16 January 27
CORE 4 - January 20
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THINGS TO DO!

Until Dec 14 - “Best Gift Ever” PAL Gift Drive.
Drop off unwrapped gift or cash donation for children ages 6-17.
Gift drop locations: SMPD Substation 1433 2nd St (between Santa Monica Blvd & Broadway)
Police Activities League 1401 Olympic Blvd (Memorial Park)

Thur, Dec 17 - 7:00pm - SAMOHI Choir Winter Concert. All Middle School music students invited to attend free of charge. Details in Friday Letter

Sat. Dec 12 & 19 - 11:00am - Yours Truly Jack Frost: A Musical for Family Audiences.
Mention SMASH at the box office and receive one free child ticket for each adult ticket purchased—thanks to
our visual arts instructor, Kristy Pace. Details in Friday Letter

Sun, Dec 13 - 3:30-5:15pm - Tallest LEGO Menorah - Franklin School Auditorium; 2400 Montana Ave,
Jewish Music, Kosher Food, Potato Latkes, Entertainment, Moonbounce, Arts & Crafts.FREE ADMISSION.
For info: 310-857-6892 or www.chabadonmontana.com

Until Dec. 18 - Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots
Woodlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum; 1847 14th Street (14th & Pico); 10am-3pm

Dec 11-18 - Sundown - Chanukah Menorah lighting ceremony every evening of Chanukah
1300 block of 3rd Street Promenade
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December 4, 2009

SMASHING HOLIDAY SINGERS’ PERFORMANCE
MAIN STREET FARMER’S MARKET (Main & Ocean Park)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 9:15-9:45am
(Singers, please arrive by 9:00am)
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Dear SMASHing Families,
At the PTSA meeting this week, I reviewed 9 Revenue Generating ideas the District is currently considering based on the Financial Oversight Committee’s Report to the School Board. For those who were unable to attendthe Board Meeting or the PTSA meeting, I thought you might want to consider this information to look for ways you might help, to see if there is anything you are opposed to, or to see if you have any additional ideas.
1. Parcel tax: Each $100/parcel = $3 million in annual funding gross revenue
2. Targeted Fundraising: Annual Giving campaign targeting alumni, current families, and businesses. Up to $400,000 in year 1.
3. Generate Licensing Fees: sell SMMUSD branded clothing. Potentially $300,000 year 1.
4. Better Utilize District Assets: Maximize rentals of facilities and establish a for-profit summer school with scholarships to District students in need. Could earn $100,000 initially.
5. Attendance Campaign: Increase District attendance 1% to 96% and raise $440,000 for the year.
6. Special Education Center of Excellence: estimated gross revenue $1million.
7. Generate Advertising Fees: approved ads on websites, in school mailings. Revenue estimated at $160,000-$410,000.
8. Increase Number of Permit Students: Increase of 200 students to return to 2007-08 student levels. Net revenue $500,000.
9. Cooperative Purchasing Agreements: collaborate with neighboring school Districts to buy high volume items such as copy paper and ink cartridges. (We already do this for Liability Insurance and Worker’s Comp)
For further details about what these opportunities involve, costs, skill sets needed to make them happen, ease of implementation, and timelines, look at the Board of Education minutes from 11/19/09 at www.smmusd.org.As the budget conversation evolves to include suggested reductions in expenses, I will keep you informed. In the meantime, #5 is in our immediate control. Keep your child at home if s/he is sick, but otherwise, be sure to attend school daily or complete independent study contracts if you will be gone for at least 5 days. If the District goal is 96%, let’s aim for 97% attendance of healthy children at SMASH this year. Hoping most of you are enjoying the shopping, treats, and music of the Holiday Boutique this Friday thanks to Birte, Tamara, Helga and all those who make this community event/fundraiser happen!
Truly yours,
Jessica
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SMMUSD Parent/Guardian Homework Survey
Our District has recently revised its homework policy and is interested in parents' and guardians' feedback on issues related to homework. Please provide your input by answering the questions on a brief online survey at www.smmusd.org. You may complete one survey for each student in your household. If you prefer to complete a hard copy of this survey, they are available in the SMASH office.
______________________________________________________________________________________________ DATES TO REMEMBER

Mon, Dec 7 - Filming for Diversity Night, details in Friday Letter

Mon-Fri, Dec 7–11, 8:00-8:30am & 1:30–3:30pm - SMASH BOOK FAIR

Wed, Dec 9 - 6:30-8:00pm LITERACY NIGHT & Pajama Party

Sun, Dec 6 - 9:15-9:45am - SMASHing Holiday Singers’ Performance at Sunday Main Street Farmer’s Market (Singers please arrive by 9:00am)

Wed, Dec 16 - 5:00pm - Site Council Mtg

Mon, Dec 21 - Fri, Jan 1 - WINTER BREAK (return on Monday, January 4)

Wed, Jan 6 - 8:15am - PTSA Mtg

SAVE THE DATE
Sat. Jan 9 - 2nd Annual SMASH/Muir Clean up

Wed, Jan 13 - Diversity Night and Potluck Dinner
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THINGS TO DO!
Sat, Dec 5 - 5:00pm - 3rd Street Promenade will light up for the holidays with Brian McKnight

Sat & Sun, Dec 5 & 6 - CommUNITY Literacy Program, FREE. Dec 5; 10am-noon
11066 Santa Monica Blvd, W. LA; 2-4pm at 2002 Wilshire Blvd and Dec 6; noon-2PM at 262 S. Beverly

Sun, Dec 6, 11:00am-4:00pm - FIESTA HANUKKAH - Skirball Cultural Center; www.skirball.org
This year, as part of the Skirball's ongoing initiative to commemorate Jewish life in Latin America, the annual Hanukkah family festival invites families of all backgrounds to enjoy Latin Jewish music, art-making, and storytelling, as well as tasty variations on holiday food favorites. $10 General; $7 Seniors & Full-Time Students; FREE to Skirball Members and Children under 12. All ages; children must be accompanied by an adult at all times

Dec 5-14 - “Best Gift Ever” PAL Gift Drive. Drop off unwrapped gift or cash donation for children ages 6-17. Gift drop locations: SMPD Substation 1433 2nd St (between Santa Monica Blvd & Broadway) Police Activities League 1401 Olympic Blvd (Memorial Park)

Tues, Dec 8 - HOLIDAY HOOPLA - Ocean Park Library (Ocean Park & Main St)
See a very funny puppet show, hear some wonderful stories and celebrate Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Winter and Christmas. This program is for ages 3-7. Tickets are free but must be picked up on the day of the performance. There are no phone reservations. Call 310-398-3804 for further information.

Dec 11-18 - Sundown - Chanukah Menorah lighting ceremony every evening of Chanukah
1300 block of 3rd Street Promenade

Now through January 17 - Photographic exhibition of the Santa Monica Pier in the 1980s by Jeffrey Giglioli at the Carousel. For information: www.santamonicapier.org

Dec 3-13 - Thurs, Fri, Sat at 8:00pm; Sun at 3:00pm Thornton Wilder's OUR TOWN. With Sebastian and Gabriel Schier and their Dad, Brad in this production’s return engagement. Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8:00pm, Sunday at :00pm. For reservations 323-460-2508. Suggested donation $15 Pacific Residents Theatre at 703, 705-1/2 & 707 enice Blvd (4 blocks West of Lincoln)

Now through Dec 12 - A Winter’s Tale. With Sadie and Zelda Saltzman. Based on “A Christmas Carol” Performances n Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. Reserved Seats $15. For reservations: 310-828-7519 Morgan-Wixson Theatre at 2627 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica www.morgan-wixson.org

Sat, Dec 5, 12 & 19 at 11:00am -Yours Truly Jack Frost: A Musical for Family Audiences
Crown City Theatre, 11031 Camarillo St., N. Hollywood. 310-746-8846, www.pocketfulloftales.com
Special Offer for SMASH students from drama teacher, Kristy Pace - Mention SMASH at the box office and get one free child ticket for each adult ticket purchased! Thanks Kristy!

Sat, Dec 12 -10:00am-2:00pm SM Youth Rugby 2010 Exhibition & Registration Day. Webster Middle School, 11330 Graham (Sawtelle & National) For info 310-572-6010 or www.santamonicarugby.com/youth
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BOXTOPS for EDUCATION
Bring in the General Foods Box Tops for Education coupons. Earn money for our school. You can find them on General Mills products, such as cereals, bread products, cake, muffin, frostings; Gogurts, chex mix, Ziploc boxes, and Kleenex products
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SMASH ANNUAL CANNED FOOD DRIVE
Now until December 10
Cans of: Tuna, Vegetables, Soup; Fruit & Fruit Juices; Pork & Beans; Stews & Other Meats.
Packages of: Pasta, Lentils, Pinto & other Beans; Macaroni & Cheese & Packaged Dinners; Instant Soups; Hot & Cold Cereal; Peanut & Other Nut Butters; Nutritional Bars: protein, granola, energy or breakfast bars.
For Babies: Infant Formula; Jar Foods-All flavors & stages; Crackers, teething biscuits & cookies; Raisins & Fruit Snacks; Juices: jars, cans, pouches & boxes; Infant & children's cereals.
No glass - unless it is jars of baby food.
Please check expiration dates if you are donating from your cupboard. THANKS!
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SMASH FILM to Debut on Diversity Night!
We are filming at SMASH on Monday, December 7 in all four Cores. We will be creating a video for our Diversity Night and for SMASH, so please come ready to be filmed! We will be filming all day during normal school activities and also setting up a time and a place to conduct on-camera interviews with anyone who is interested in participating.
Release Form must be completed to be in film - additional forms will be available on Monday.
ADULTS - We ask you to comment on how the philosophy of SMASH agrees with your interpretation of teaching and how this philosophy motivates students to thrive and learn.
STUDENTS - We just want to know what makes you, well - YOU! Your hobbies, interests, background…whatever you would like to share with us about how special and unique you are - and how this school helps you to express yourself.
We look forward to seeing all of you on December 7 to film you at school! Elaina Archer, Core 4 Dylan's mom
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GREENRAISING is extending the SMASH Holiday drive until December 10.
40 percent of all sales made by December 10 go to SMASH. After that, SMASH will receive 25 percent of all orders. Go to greenraising.com

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BACKPACKS NEEDED FOR FOSTER CHILDREN
Here's an opportunity to help foster children in Los Angeles area. Many of the children in foster care are in need of a new or very gently used rolling backpack, bag or tote to carry their belongings. Often if children need to be removed from their homes quickly, everything is gathered into a garbage bag. By providing a bog or tote to a child, that they can call their own, we are able to make a small difference in a child's life. There will be a box in the SMASH office for
your donation. Thanks - Jamee Tenzer
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National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles Annual FREE Clothing Giveaway
SUNDAY, December 6 9:00am-noon (rain or shine!)
NCJW/LA Parking lot; 543 N. Fairfax Ave (1 block South of Melrose at Clinton)
Select from 1,000s of pieces of clothing and books Do not bring backpacks or bags - bags will be provided
For information: 323-852-8515 or Elizabeth@ncjwla.org
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Marine Corps Reserves 62nd Annual
TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE
NOW though December 18—Monday through Sunday 10:00am—3:00pm
Woodlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum at 1847 14th Street (corner of 14th & Pico)
Through the gift of a new toy, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged
children who might otherwise be overlooked this holiday season.
Phone: 310-458-8718 Fax: 310-458-8705 e-mail: woodlawn.cemetery@smgov.net
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Ptsa news

’Tis the season for giving. Include SMASH in your holiday spirit!

Don’t forget the family donation drive: ptsasmash.blogspot.com
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Did you sign up for a SMASH Bash yet?
If not, stop by the Holiday Boutique today,
or visit the Book Fair next week,
or just stop by the office at your convenience.
The SMASH Bash sign-up book will be there.
Questions? Contact Marni Brady marni99@yahoo.com

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2nd annual SMASH/Muir Clean-Up, Saturday, January 9, 2010.
Let’s clean up and beautify the shared spaces on campus. We need volunteers and donations.
Please contact SMASH parent Helga at helgaschier@verizon.net
or John Muir parent Helene Seisay at heleneseisay@yahoo.com.
Watch for future flyers.
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Our next PTSA meeting is on Wednesday, 1/6/10 at 8:15AM. Come join us if you have issues to discuss, questions to ask, ideas to bring to life or just want to know what’s up.
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Don’t shop for the holidays until you’ve been to our annual
Holiday Boutique & Art Fair
‘Tis the season!
Our annual Book Fair is here.
Friday, December 4 – Friday, December 11.
Literacy Night (PJ PARTY!!!) Wednesday, December 9.
Reading Around the World
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Save the Date: Annual potluck dinner on Diversity Night, January 13, 2010.
Watch for future fliers.
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Join us
for our annual
Literacy Night
Wednesday December 9, 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Wear your PJs, sip hot chocolate or coffee, eat a cookie or two
and listen to guest readers in your child’s Core.
And while you’re at it, stop by the Book Fair.
For books make great holiday gifts!
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The SMASHing Times
MY LIFE IN PINK AND GREEN
By Lisa Greenwald
Reviewed by Eloise Rollins-Fife
Friday, December 4, 2009 Book Review
My Life in Pink and Green is an interesting story with a fun twist! Girls who read it can relate to it and also have a good time reading it. The book is about a twelve year old named Lucy whose family owns a pharmacy that's facing tough times. Lucy has a passion for makeup and her skill brings business to the store, but not enough. So, after Lucy is forced by her best friend to join earth club, the middle school club to help save the earth, she decides that going green just might save the pharmacy. But her uptight Grandma and spacey mother aren't so sure. Throw in an unexpected crush, a hilarious best friend and tons of beauty and business tips, and this book is a perfect story for all girls!

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Core 1 News
Ahoy Matey!!
The children greeted Kristy, our drama teacher, with a warm and enthusiastic welcome, as she began our 8-week endeavor in holistic drama. The children will experience an ever-changing adventure in the Pirate and Fairy groups as they explore characters, plot, and setting. Both groups will experience adventures, which will eventually be woven together at the end. This week they worked together to make the maps and log books they will be following along the
way. While most of the children are creating their costumes at school, they are welcome to bring accessories from home. These items should be brought on Wednesdays.

Since the children will be experiencing and creating the drama throughout the class, they won’t be rehearsing a performance to present at the end. Instead, look for documentation of our process as the teachers take photographs and videos.

Literacy Night
Literacy Night is Wednesday, December 9, 6:30pm-8:00pm. It is a Pajama Night!
We are celebrating the Book Fair theme "Reading Around the World".
The Book Fair will be open during Literacy Night for you to shop.
Come to Core 1 in your PJ's and enjoy reading books together.
Coffee, Hot Cocoa, and Hot Soy Cocoa will be provided. Please bring a baked good to share!

We are also looking for parents who would be willing to read short storybooks of their choice, in a language other than English, to small groups (or large groups) of Core 1 families.

On this night, the Bigs will also share the Small Moment stories they have published.
AND resources to support family literacy will be provided! If you have children in more than one Core, feel free to choose one Core to go to as a family, or move from Core toCore. But it is important that all children stay with their grown-ups on this evening.

Reminders & Announcements:
- Mon, Dec 7 - Jules Stein eye exams for all 1st graders. Permission slip is NECESSARY for exam.
- Due to the Book Fair, Core 1 will not be visiting the library next week. The children may keep their books an extra week.
- Wishlist: Band-aids

Thank you to all of the family and friends who were able to stop by and tour the amazing “SMASHVILLE” town Core 1 put together last week. Check out our blog at www.smash.smmusd.org to see the process of our town study.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie

Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
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Dear Core 2 Community,
We are happy to announce that Art with Juliana started this week. Juliana led student artists to create representations f cells that can be seen in marine plants under a microscope. They used colored paper and glue sticks for this project. Students created their own cells and joined them with other student’s cells. Marni captured some cells on video to simulate the experience of looking into a microscope. Student artists made sounds for added effect.

The Creative Space (formerly know as the Computer Lab) is equipped with some basic art supplies, but we will eed more supplies for future projects. Please consider donating the items listed below, or consider making a monetary ontribution so that we can purchase the supplies.
· 1 large newsprint pad
· Wire—various colors and gauges
· Plastic tarps to protect the carpeted floor
· Small tools: hammers, needle-nose pliers
· Black “felt-tip’ markers
· Tape—various types such as duct, masking, and painting (no scotch tape needed)
· Big (refill size) bottles of Tacky Glue
· “Recycling” cardboard scraps
· Hole punchers

Core 2 students have learned about Geography by studying atlases, maps, and their Social Studies textbook. ur goal is that all students will learn their Global Address: street address, city, state, country, continent, and planet. If they don’t already know their street address or addresses, please spend some time teaching them.

We have enjoyed sharing flags and interesting facts from many countries. Some students chose to create flags from the heritage countries, other made flags of countries they hope to visit, and a few made flags of countries they had never heard. Please look for your flag at the Book Fair in the library.

The 2nd grade mathematicians have been challenged to skip count by two this week. This is a challenging task for all of us, especially when they try skip counting by two’s starting with a large number. This week, we solved math problems that required us to group things such as books in backpacks or snacks on plates. The 3rd graders no longer count items by 1, because they use their skip counting skills. Please read attached letter to see what they will be doing between now and Winter Break.

The Snail Rescue Project is providing opportunities for Slug and Roly-Poly Adoption. The group has created instructions on how to care for them. Please consider welcoming a slug or roly-poly into your home.

Our next Stars of the Week presentation will be on Wednesday, December 9 . The Stars will be: CJ and Alex. Our community snack will be provided by the Stars of the Week. Please consider donating sustainable, starch-based utensils and plates that can be composted. We will also accept your generous donations to buy these products. We serve 46 children each week.

Dates to Remember:
Friday, December 11, 11:45 -12:20 – October, November, and December Birthday Bash. See attached information if your child will be celebrating with us.

Friday, December 18, last day before Winter Break
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura, lsherman@smmusd.org
Graciela, gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
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CORE 3 NEWS
SMASH/Core 3 is a busy, busy place these days…

Thanks to everyone who ordered books through the Scholastic Book Order! We were able to get $20 worth of free books for the Core, plus a few extras through bonus points! Yay! They should arrive shortly. In Reading and Writing Workshops, we just launched a Non-fiction unit, so it is a good time to look for different kinds of reading material. And if you didn’t get to order books, don’t fret, the SMASH Book Fair begins today and lasts all next week—just in time for the holidays!

Also, swing by the SMASHing Holiday Boutique and Art Affaire today to purchase some of the limited edition
magazine bead ornaments, jewelry, and bookmarks made by Core 3 students!

SMASHing Arts has begun! Julianna will be leading the students through an exploration of science and nature
through art. We will be “shopping” for materials when ReDiscover comes to us on Tuesday, December 8—so we need
brown paper shopping bags for each student to collect goodies for this session of Arts. We also have a wish list of items to help spark our imaginations and give purpose to our creative energy. Please look around the house and/or think of us on your next trip to the store. (And if you signed up for specific items for Projects, which are in full swing and in need of materials and resources, at our Forum, please look for a friendly reminder email from Liz!)
· Large newsprint pad
· Wire—various gauges, colors, and types
· Plastic tarps to protect the floor
· Small tools—needle-nose pliers, small hammers, etc.
· Black felt-tip markers
· Tape (NOT “Scotch”)--various colors, types (masking, blue, packing, duct)
· Large “refill” type bottles of Tacky Glue
· Cardboard scraps/boxes—cut into various sizes
· Refrigerator magnets (for the whiteboards)
· Scratch paper (copy paper that has been used on one side)

We are going on a Walking Field Trip to the California Heritage Museum to see the Skateboarding exhibit next week. The Olympians are going on Wednesday from 10:15–11:45 and the Awesome People will be going on
Thursday from 10:15–11:45. We’d like 1–2 parent volunteers to go with us, so let us know if you’d like to join us!

Why do we do all this stuff? At SMASH, we aim to teach in a developmentally appropriate way. It is something educators are always talking and thinking about. In order to perform at Carnegie Hall, you must first learn scales and practice simple songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” You might also need to see a concert or two to get the idea of what you are working toward. Guidance, time, patience, and the order/scaffolding (building on what you already know) of learning are important to how people develop and grow. Chip Wood’s research in the book Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom ages 4-14, states that the handwriting of a 10 year old is often sloppier than a 9 year old. It is a great book to refer to if you are curious about your child’s physical, social, verbal, and cognitive growth. Comparing one student to another is one way of assessing their ability and knowledge, but observing where a child started and how they have grown is the best way to measure a child’s learning and plan how to take them to the next step/stage.

Please check out an interesting article “Developmentally Appropriate Practice” on our Core 3 Blog on the SMASH website under ‘Genie’ that has great insight into how we, as parents, perceive school and form our expectations for our own children based on those perceptions. We posted it just for you!
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
tmugalian@smmusd.org
ghwang@smmusd.org
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CORE 4 NEWS
What an exciting time Core 4 has experienced in the past few weeks! Our community continues to take strong strides to build a well-supported community. This was apparent in our dedicated efforts over the past week where we took the final steps to create our Social Contract. The students have been engaged in a process over the past two months where they went from thinking about their individual declarations, to determining what they need from the community to help them achieve those goals, to bringing their ideas to the entire Core community. All ideas were considered as the Core determined the five agreements that would encompass these Core wide thoughts, not an easy process! Thus, our Social Contract for Core 4 was created! Last Tuesday we took time to introduce, commit, and celebrate it! In Advisory, students have taken time to individually respond and reflect on these new agreements. Please ask about their commitment to them.

A word about Math…

Mathematicians in sixth and seventh grade have truly worked hard and diligently as they have explored patterns and more specifically functions! The discoveries they are making on their own have been ones to celebrate. Over the past few weeks, they have looked at the several different ways to represent a function: through a context or story, a table of values, a graph on the coordinate plane, a sequence, and finally, the familiar equation. Each is a different way of communicating the same rule of relationship. It is important to see that each representation expresses the same idea yet provides a different way of looking at or thinking about the relationship. Their exit card this week will demonstrate their understanding of these representations. I encourage you to have a conversation about this exit card in regards to their confidence and abilities with the material.

Algebra students are working hard to grasp what is really happening when solving equations. Many examples in real life situations have been given and worked through to deepen the meaning of this skill. We are nearing the end of Chapter 2 and will test on this Chapter December 15. As a reminder, all of their work should be noted with recorded grades in their Algebra Activity log.

In other news, as we all know, many germs are floating around and as a result, several of us are getting sick! We encourage the children to make sure they use the routines in each of the classes to take care of their missed work. Many of the classes have study groups or designated peers to check in with when absent. It is their responsibility to contact their peers before returning back to school, and then checking in with teachers as they return. This all is extremely important to keep their confidence high and to not fall behind with the introduced concepts.

Other tidbits…
· Yosemite is on the horizon and the excitement is hard to hide! Seventh grade families are ensuring they meet deadlines for this January trip.

· Scholastic Book Orders are now in full swing! To support our Literacy program, Core 4 has taken the opportunity to embrace this system. The catalogues chosen are ones that provide a variety of well-acknowledged young adult literature. Consider stocking up on books for winter break reading and for Holiday gift giving. To take advantage of this opportunity, you must place your order by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, December 9. Please see letter attached to the Friday handouts regarding this.

· Literacy Night is approaching! Next Wednesday night, December 9, our community will gather to share our love
and enthusiasm for books! Please stay tuned to e-mails sent regarding the details of this event.

Enjoy the Weekend!
Kelly, Kurt & Bailey

Kelly: kkulsrud@smmusd.org
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
Bailey: baileyfield@mac.com

NOVEMBER 20, 2009

Wednesday, November 25 - MINIMUM DAY - 1:30 Dismissal
(Playground Access Closes at 3:45 on 11-25)
Thursday and Friday, November 26 & 27 - SCHOOL CLOSED
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Dear SMASHing Families,
For those who were unable to attend, I thought I’d highlight some user friendly ideas from the parent education evening this Wednesday. Dr. Charlotte Reznick opened with research studies showing how practicing visualization techniques help students improve athletic skills, develop self-regulation skills, and increase overall health. Two research studies particularly caught the attention of the audience:

Gerald Jampolsky, PhD in Imagery and Reading Achievement, looked at helping elementary age struggling readers. After one month of visualizing stories, readers improved 1 ½ years reading levels. One year later they showed continued improvement.

In another study about visualization for basketball players, one group practiced shooting from the foul line and showed 24% improvement. One group imagined taking shots and showed 23% improvement, one group did nothing and showed 0% improvement.

Tips if you want to try visualization with your child:

1. Start with what your child is interested in. You as the adult may want them to be nicer to a sibling or focus more on academic assignments, but they are most interested in getting better at sports. Then once they’ve felt successful with sports experience, encourage them to try it out on the next issue

2. Visualize how it is going for them now and how they would like to be. If they imagine where they’d like to be, then we can help them get there. For example, if your child has problems falling asleep, ask your child to describe or draw what his/her body looks like when s/he is trying to fall asleep and can’t. Then describe or draw what it needs to look like so s/he can fall asleep.

3. Try using a guided imagery CD together as a family then talk about how it felt to be still, eyes closed listening to the CD.

Giving kids tools for life. Other techniques to try for managing stress.
Practicing the balloon breath. Breathe 2-3 inches below belly button. Breathe in slowly through your nose until your belly pops out. Let it out your nose and feel your belly flatten. Try it with your eyes closed. It makes it more relaxing, easier to let go of distractions. Kids have so many video and texting distractions.Information is so fast, you can lose yourself so fast. Time your child and see how few breaths s/he can take ina minute.

Drawing out feelings. Identify where your child stores stress in his/her body. Ask your child to label a picture of his/her body with where s/he keeps feelings. What color is that feeling? Where does it live? (red anger in the belly, white fear blocking the throat, black confusion in the brain) Get your child to say how s/he feels and ask for what s/he needs to feel better.

Hopefully some of the above stress relievers or others you practice in your own family will help our students feel calmer and more creative. Next Friday Letter will be Friday, December 4th. Happy Thanksgiving until then.
Truly yours,
Jessica
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SMASH FILM to Debut on Diversity Night!
Hey Everyone! We are filming at SMASH on Monday, December 7 in all four Cores. We will be creating a video for our Diversity Night and for SMASH, so please come ready to be filmed!
We will be filming all day during normal school activities and also setting up a time and a place to conduct on-camera interviews with anyone who is interested in participating. Release form is included in today's Friday Letter Attachments and must be completed to be in film.
ADULTS - We ask you to comment on how the philosophy of SMASH agrees with you interpretation of
teaching and how this philosophy motivates students to thrive and learn.
STUDENTS - We just want to know what makes you, well - YOU! Your hobbies, interests, background…whatever you would like to share with us about how special and unique you are - and how this school helps you to express yourself.
We look forward to seeing all of you on December 7 to film you at school! Elaina Archer, Core 4 Dylan's mom
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Stop for Lunch & Shop
at the SMASH
Holiday Boutique & Art Affaire
When: Friday, December 4
11:30am - 5:30pm
Where: SMASH 2525 5th Street Corner of Ocean Park Blvd. & 5th Street
Shop for Gifts
(Great place for kids to shop too!)
Jewelry
Felt Wear
Cozy Scarves
Terrific Togas & Ponchos
Original Designer Clothing
Ohhh Baby Clothes
Sumptuous Soaps
Core Arts and Crafts
Lots more
Food & Drinks
The Flying Pig Lunch-mobile
Homemade Waffles
Hot Cocoa, Coffee & Cider
Kids Creation Zone
Roll Your Own Bees Wax Candles
Spin Art
Make Your Own Buttons
Make Your Own Bracelets
Live Music
Free Admission
Bring Friends & Family!
A portion of all proceeds benefit SMASH
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SMASH ANNUAL CANNED FOOD DRIVE
Now until December 10
Cans of: Tuna, Vegetables, Soup; Fruit & Fruit Juices; Pork & Beans; Stews & Other Meats.
Packages of: Pasta, Lentils, Pinto & other Beans; Macaroni & Cheese & Packaged Dinners; Instant Soups; Hot & Cold Cereal; Peanut & Other Nut Butters; Nutritional Bars: protein, granola, energy or breakfast bars.
For Babies: Infant Formula; Jar Foods-All flavors & stages; Crackers, teething biscuits & cookies; Raisins & Fruit Snacks; Juices: jars, cans, pouches & boxes; Infant & children's cereals.
No glass - unless it is jars of baby food.
Please check expiration dates if you are donating from your cupboard. THANKS!
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WEDNESDAY BAKE SALES
Healthy Treats & Fun Items Sales start at 2:30 pm (Muir dismissal)
CORE 1 December 2
CORE 2 January 6
CORE 3 December 16
CORE 4 December 9
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DATES TO REMEMBER
Wed, Nov 25 - MINIMUM DAY - 1:30 DISMISSAL

Thurs & Fri, Nov 26 & 27 - THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY - SCHOOL CLOSED

Wed, Dec 2 - 6:30-8:00pm - PTSA Mtg - Media Ctr

Fri, Dec 4 - 12:30-4:00pm - SMASH HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE & ART FAIR And Book Fair Sneak Peek!

Mon, Dec 7 - Filming for Diversity Night, details in Friday Letter, releases in attachments.

Mon-Fri, Dec 7–11, 8:00-8:30am & 1:30–3:30pm - SMASH BOOK FAIR

Wed, Dec 9 - 6:00-8:00pm LITERACY NIGHT

Tuesdays through December 1, SMASHing Holiday Singers, 3:00-3:30 in Core 1.

Performance at Sunday Main Street Farmer’s Market on December 6 at 9:15-9:45 am.
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THINGS TO DO!
Sat, Nov 21 - noon -6pm ZJ Hurley Store Grand Opening Party, free food & drinks, Main St & Ocean Pk Bl

Nov 27 & 28 - Noon-4:00pm - Make a Merry Memory with Santa - 3rd Street Promenade Bring your own camera for photo opportunities. Santa is dog friendly

Sat, Dec 5 - 5:00pm - Light Up The Season with 94.7 the Wave & Brian McKnight 3rd Street Promenade will light up for the holidays.

Sat & Sun, Dec 5 & 6 - CommUNITY Literacy Program, FREE. Dec 5; 10am-noon at 11066 Santa Monica Blvd, W. LA; 2-4pm at 2002 Wilshire Blvd and Dec 6; noon-2PM at 262 S. Beverly Drive Details in attachments

Dec 5-14 - “Best Gift Ever” PAL Gift Drive. Drop off unwrapped gift or cash donation for children ages 6-17.
Gift drop locations: SMPD Substation 1433 2nd St (between Santa Monica Blvd & Broadway)
Police Activities League 1401 Olympic Blvd (Memorial Park)

Dec 11-18 - Sundown - Chanukah Menorah lighting ceremony every evening of Chanukah
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THANKS To DAN RIVERA!
(Core 4 Kamele’s dad) FOR PAINTING THE CORE 4 LIBRARY
IT’S BEAUTIFUL!
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National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles
Annual FREE Clothing Giveaway
SUNDAY, December 6 9:00am-noon (rain or shine!)
NCJW/LA Parking lot; 543 N. Fairfax Ave (1 block South of Melrose at Clinton)
Select from 1,000s of pieces of clothing and books Do not bring backpacks or bags - bags will be provided
For information: 323-852-8515 or Elizabeth@ncjwla.org
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The Book Fair is coming
Sneak Preview December 4, 12:30 – 4 (during the Holiday Boutique)
Book Fair December 7 – 11, 8 – 8:30 & 1:30 – 3:30
Literacy Night Wednesday, December 9, 6 – 8
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ofer Grossman at oglaw@gmail.com.
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The SMASHing Times
Friday, November 20, 2009 Book Review
TENTACLES, By Roland Smith
Reviewed by Gabriel Schier
Tentacles is about a team of scientists that go to an island in search for dinosaur eggs. Marty and Grace’s parents, lead scientists, mysteriously disappear. Bad guy Noah Blackwood is after the eggs too, and attacks the scientists on the island. To save their lives they have to leave the island with the dinosaur eggs, but without Marty and Grace’s parents. Safely back on their ship, they start a search for mysterious creatures of the sea… a group of giant squid.
Will Marty and Grace be reunited with their parents? And will the scientists find the squid? Or will Noah Blackwood capture them all?
I like the book because there is adventure and danger at every turn. People who like science-fiction and travel books might enjoy reading this book. But beware: Tentacles doesn’t really capture the reader, and the book can be confusing at times. The open ending is great for a sequel, but not so great for those who want or need a conclusion. I’d give it only five out of ten stars.
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Holiday Boutique & Art Fair December 4, 12:30 – 5:30
If you are interested in selling your art (jewelry, scarves, art work and the like),
please contact Birte Reimer at reimer.birte@gmail.com
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Ptsa news
Don’t forget the family donation drive: ptsasmash.blogspot.com
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Don’t shop for the holidays until you’ve been to our annual
Holiday Boutique & Art Fair
December 4, 12:30 – 5:30
See flier attached!
If you are interested in being a vendor/artisan, or want to volunteer at the event, contact Birte Reimer at reimer.birte@gmail.com
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Our next PTSA meeting is on Wednesday, 12/2 at 6:30PM.
Come join us if you have issues to discuss, questions to ask, ideas to bring to life or just want to know what’s up.
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Did you sign up for a SMASH Bash yet?
If not, rush over to the small yard for our
Sign-up bash FRIDAY, 11/20 during drop-off and pick-up.
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Our annual Book Fair is coming.
Friday, December 4 – Friday, December 11.
Literacy Night (PJ PARTY!!!) Wednesday, December 9.
Reading Around the World
Check out the book review in this week’s Friday Letter.
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CORE 1 COMMUNITY NEWS
After learning about 2D and 3D geometric shapes; going on a community walk; and reading plenty of books on towns and maps, including Roxaboxen by Alice Mclerran--we were ready to create our town! First, during Morning Meeting, we created quick drawings of building that appear on (and just off) a “Main Street”. Then, we took a “Museum Walk” of the available materials we had to work with. Next, we got a piece of property, in the form of a foam core rectangle, and made a plan of what we wanted to create. Most worked in small groups, some chose to work independently. Then it was time to create!

Some of the children’s ideas include: a police station, a car wash, an ice cream parlor, bridges, a volcano, power lines, a cemetery, homes, an ocean, lakes, rivers, a railroad, a pet store….

“BUILDING OUR TOWN” CELEBRATION: We are beyond touched by, and appreciative of, our Core1 Community. Thank you so much for all the materials donated to create our town. We look forward to celebrating what we are creating on Wednesday, November 25. We will exhibit our town (whatever part of the process we are in on that day) and plan to make FRIENDSHIP SOUP. We are asking that each family bring in a washed and prepared vegetable to contribute the soup. We will provide organic vegetable stock. We will also need extra crock pots, if you have one. Please check your Friday Folder for more details on the day’s events!

REQUEST TO ALL SMASHing FAMILIES Core 1 has been trying to think of a creative way to raise money for a new laserjet color printer - one that is much more efficient with its ink-usage and provides better photo prints than the printer we currently use. We hope to use this printer to create more documentation and communication about our classroom activities for families, children, and other professional opportunities. If you know of a great way for us to get a printer, we'd love to hear it. In the meantime, we will be collecting empty ink cartridges through December, and hopefully we can raise enough money ($3 for each cartridge!) to make the expense more reasonable. If each Core 1 family turns in ONE ink cartridge, that's $138 off the price!!

WISH LIST: Crayola washable markers; masking tape; crock pots for Wednesday

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO & HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
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Core 2 Community
Are you looking for new and exciting books to read? The Scholastic book order forms were due on today. We know – it is a busy time of the year! If we do not receive any orders we will try again later in the year.

There is a new Goodwill collection center at Sepulveda and Washington Place. The best part is that it sells children’s books for $.49. They are in great condition. They also sell CDs, DVDs, and hard covered books.

The 2nd grade mathematicians learned how to play Turn Over 10. This game can be played at home with the deck of cards they used to play Tens Go Fish. The 3rd grade mathematicians had the opportunity to work with Rosa Seratore, the District Coordinator of Teacher Support and former math teacher, this week. Rosa is doing professional development with SMASH and the Core 2 and 3 teachers this year.

New projects are hatching before our eyes in Core 2. One proposal involves campus clean up/ beautifying shared space on campus. The proposal will be reviewed by librarians, cafeteria and office staff. We are thrilled to see service learning in action. Please contact us if you are able to help with a worm/composting project.
Our next Stars of the Week presentation will be on Wednesday, November 25. The Stars will be: Alie and Trent. Our community snack will be provided by the Stars. We use 46 forks, napkins and plates each week, and we need donations. We prefer the sustainable, starch-based products that can be composted.

We have revised our weekly—schedule see attached draft.

Wish List : Hand sanitizer, and 46 forks, napkins and plates (each week for Star of Week). We prefer the sustainable, starch-based products that can be composted.

Dates to remember:
Wednesday, November 25 Alie and Trent’s Star of the Week, 9:00
Wednesday, November 25 – Minimum Day - 1:30 Dismissal - NO Friday Papers
Thursday and Friday, November 26, 27 – Thanksgiving
Wednesday, December 2 – the Art of Ecology with Julianna begins
Friday, December 11 – October, November, and December Birthday Bash,11:45 – 12:20 more info in the 12-4 Friday letter
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura: lsherman@smmusd.org
Graciela: gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
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CORE 3 NEWS
Homework What do we expect? What should you expect?
In Core 3, homework provides an opportunity for your child to practice responsibility and independence. They need to be responsible for being organized to take home what they need each day. They need to be responsible for making time in their day at home or during Flex-Time to complete their homework, neatly and thoroughly, each week. They need to be responsible for turning it in on time. And, of course, they get the daily independent practice they need in reading, writing, and math.

What your child needs from you to be successful at being responsible and independent:
Remind your child to do their homework, but don’t nag or sit with them.
Make a 30-60 minute time of the day, that works for your family, that will allow your child time to quietly do homework— no tv, no computer, no video games, no distractions, no interruptions.
Remind your child to pack their backpack with their writing notebook, reading notebook, Just Right book, and math packet each day—so they have what’s needed for school.
Remind your child if they have a question or didn’t have time to do their homework to use daily Flex-Time to work on homework or ask a teacher for help.
Remind your child that being responsible means making a plan for the day / week that balances freedom with responsibility. Help your child find a way to “reward” themselves after they finish their homework, like “After I finish my math packet on Thursday I get to ___________(fill in the blank with a fun activity).” Or “I will do my reading and writing homework right when I get home after school so I can ____________(fill in the blank with treat).” Or “I had a fun play date yesterday, so I will use Flex-Time to do my homework instead of doing an activity with a friend.”
Your child should be reading for 20-40 minutes a day and logging their reading (title, pages, and reading time) in their reading notebook. Your child should be writing 4 entries a week in their writing notebook on any topic they choose (your child should spend 15 minutes with their writing notebook to count as an entry--the entry could be several pages or just a few words). And your child should take time to think before solving problems and show/explain their math thinking neatly in their math packet and do a little bit of math each day (ideally).

We know that reading and writing homework is at your child’s level and ability, whether that’s reading more pages or writing more sentences or the thinking they do during these activities. The math packet is designed to provide practice
and review of what your child has been taught or, occasionally, to preview upcoming lessons. If your child works on the packet for 15-20 minutes over 4 – 5 days, with little assistance, then it is just right. If the math is challenging for your child, they should come see a teacher and we can give them strategies or modify it. If it is a breeze for your child, then please encourage your kids to create problems for themselves—add digits or use higher numbers in the problems
from the packet, play games or explore games online (google $and\; sites\; like\; coolmath4kids,\; funbrain\; or\; a\; maths\; dictionary\; for\; kids).\; Our\; math\; homework\; mantra\; is:\; “Start\; with\; what\; you\; know,\; do\; what\; you\; can\; independently,\; and\; bring\; in\; to\; ask\; questions,\; if\; you\; need\; help”.$

Homework helps improve the academic skills they need, just like getting better at an instrument or a sport. It is also a great opportunity for you to see what and how your child is doing in each area and ask questions, make connections, and share stories about your own learning. If they don’t take the responsibility to practice independently, then the
consequence is they don’t build their skills. We do not grade or check it, although it generally supports the work they do in class, and we do not expect parents to use punitive measures to encourage students to do homework.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS LAST DAY TO ORDER IS MONDAY THE 23rd! Please go to the Scholastic website and click on the Parent tab and then login core3 and use the password smash to order your books! If we can order $200 worth of books, Core 3 can order $20 worth of free books as well as build up bonus points for more free
books for our classroom libraries!

Happy Weekend and Happy Thanksgiving (No Friday Letter next week)!
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
tmugalian@smmusd.org
ghwang@smmusd.org
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CORE 4 NEWS
Hello Core 4 Folks,
This week we culminated a Humanities unit on culture and archaeology. The students created an imaginary culture over the weeks as teams, including artifacts, creation myths, murals and then imagined a "day in the life" of this culture. Monday and Tuesday this week they worked as archaeologists in the field. Many experienced the tedious tasks of measuring, mapping and describing the artifacts under the hot sun before they could enjoy making inferences about the "discovery. " One student said, "It's like being a detective." Others said, this is "science" not Humanities. And all students experienced the application of math in all the graphing we did of the "dig sites."

For the next few weeks before the holidays Humanities will focus on Afghanistan, the effects of war on a country and nation building. They will read a novel (I hope all of you are able to get), look at current events and culture of Afghanistan. Core 4 will also assume the leadership roles for a "Pennies for Peace" drive to
raise money for schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This drive will coincide with the Scholastic Book Fair, "Read Around the World" and culminate with Diversity Night in January. A title to add to thepossible list of Afghanistan related young adult novels is Under the Persimmon Tree by Suzanne Fisher Staples. It may be easier to get than the others.

We are having a special speaker in all rotations of Humanities on Tuesday Nov 24. Agasto is from Kenya speaking about orphans and refugees and a Project GO that develops sustainable living for people in poor areas assisting with education of orphans. Come and hear him speak if you like. He will speak at 10:30, 11:30 and 1 for an hour each! Look at the website on this project at www.gocampaign.org/ourwork_kenya.php.

Regarding the Book Fair, I will have a cart of recommended titles for Core 4 and a request that one be purchased for humanities themed "book clubs" for US History unit in the winter and spring. (They can also be checked out from the library)

If anyone has resources to enrich our study of Afghanistan or the upcoming US History unit please let me know.

The Social Curriculum unit will have a culminated event Tuesday November 24. We will have a "convention" to sign our CARES constitution. Come join us from 9:15-9:45. (You can come for the morning and hear Agasto too)
Have a lovely weekend,
Bailey, Kurt and Kelly
Bailey: bailefield@mac.com
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
Kelly: kkulsrud@smmusd.org
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SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL LUNCH MENU
DECEMBER 2009
TUESDAY, 12/ 1 - Salad bar; w/grilled turkey ham & cheese sandwich, sun chips
WEDNESDAY, 12/2 - Baked chicken w/mashed potatoes; green salad; aloha roll; fresh fruit
THURSDAY, 12/3 - Salad Bar w/+++taco bar, baked churro
FRIDAY, 12/4 - Cheese pizza bagel w/3-way salad; fruit ice juice

MONDAY, 12/7 - Baked Chicken chunks w/ baked potato roundabouts, fruit
TUESDAY, 12/8 - Salad bar w/home-style macaroni & cheese; fruit strip
WEDNESDAY, 12/9 - Waffle sticks w/+++sausage patty; hash browns; fruit juice
THURSDAY, 12/10 - Salad bar w/honey BBQ rib sliders
FRIDAY, 12/11 - Slice of cheese or ###pepperoni pizza w/mixed green salad, whole apple

MONDAY, 12/14 - Baked chicken patty sandwich on wheat bun w/baked cross trax fries, fruit.
TUESDAY, 12/15 - Salad bar w/salad bar w/cheesy garlic flatbread; star cookie
WEDNESDAY, 12/16 - Orange chicken w/fried rice; steamed vegetables; fortune cookie; fruit
THURSDAY, 12/17 - +++Grilled hot dog on whole wheat bun w/baked crinkle fries, fruit strip
FRIDAY, 12/18 - Cheese pizza 2/3-way salad; fruit

Second Choice Vegetarian Menu:
12/1-12/4 - Yogurt, Pretzel & Cheese Stick
12/8-12/11- Cheese Max Sticks w/Marinara Sauce
12/14-12/18- Toasted Cheese Sandwich

Students may choose the featured hot lunch, salad bar, or the Vegetarian option.
An extra serving of fruit and vegetables and a variety of milk is offered daily.
In December Navel Oranges and Tangerines will be featured on salad bars
***Contains Beef +++Contains Turkey ###Contains Pork

NOVEMBER 13, 2009

www.smash.smmusd.org November 13, 2009
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DISTRICT TEACHER CONTRACT DAY
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
SCHOOL CLOSED

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Dear SMASHing Families,
I look forward to learning together Tuesday night (11/17 6:30pm in Cafetorium) as Dr. Charlotte Reznick helps us look at guided imagery and other tools to help our children “handle fears, worries, and self-doubt…develop self-esteem while creatively tackling problems.” (Jack Canfield, coauthor of The Success Principles and Chicken Soup for the Soul series).

Wouldn’t we all wish to give our children of any age the ability to soothe their upset feelings, calm themselves down, or get rid of headaches?

In my own household, my husband Mitch and I burned CDs of us reading bedtime stories that our boys can play when they are anxious and struggling to fall asleep: an idea inspired by Dr. Reznick’s work.

There is much for all of us to learn about “the healing power of your child’s imagination” so come ready to participate and explore together.

Truly yours,
Jessica
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
REGARDING PARKING ON SCHOOL CAMPUS
You may have noticed - SMASH and John Muir staff are now using parking passes. Only cars displaying the pass may park in the 5th Street lot during the school day. Visitor parking is available only in the 6th Street lot.
Both lots will be available to everyone for after school activities and meetings.
We are sorry for the inconvenience - but parking needs to be available to staff. Cars in the lot without a pass are subject to a tow.

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THE STATE OF OUR SCHOOLS
A community report on student initiatives
And district-wide progress in our
Santa Monica-Malibu Public Schools

Tuesday November 17, 2009
6:30pm to 9:00pm
Malibu High School Library
30215 Morning View Dr, Malibu 90265

Wednesday November 18, 2009
6:30pm to 9:00pm
SMASH/John Muir Elementary Cafetorium
2525 5th St Santa Monica 90405

Pam Brady, Immediate Past President, California State PTA
Ralph Mechur, President & Berry Snell, Vice-President, Santa Monica-Malibu Bd of Education
Tim Cuneo, Superintendent, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Teacher and Student Panel Discussion
The entire community is welcome A reception and refreshments will follow the presentations


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SMASH BASH

The fun has arrived! Be sure to check your Friday Letter attachments for the (1st Annual) SMASH BASH Catalogue. It lists all of our upcoming family-hosted SMASH BASH parties and events. Some events are for Families, some just for Kids, and some are Kids, and some are just for you—our SMASH Grownups who just might need a night (or day)out for some good conversation and food. We have something for everyone!
SMASH BASH “spots” will be sold on a first come, first served basis at the SMASH BASH Sign-up Coffee on Friday, November 20 at drop-off (8:00-9:00am) and pick-up (1:00-2:00pm) in the Small Yard.
Payment MUST be received when reserving your spot (even if the event isn’t until June) so BE SURE TO BRING
THOSE WALLETS! We accept Visa or Mastercard, cash or checks.
For more information contact Marni Ayers Brady at marni99@yahoo.com
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The Book Fair is coming

Sneak Preview December 4, 12:30 – 4 (during the Holiday Boutique)
Book Fair December 7 – 11, 8 – 8:30 & 1:30 – 3:30
Literacy Night December 10, 6 – 8
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ofer Grossman at oglaw@gmail.com.
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Holiday Boutique & Art Fair
December 4, 12:30 – 5:30

If you are interested in selling your art (jewelry, scarves, art work and the like),
please contact Birte Reimer at reimer.birte@gmail.com
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FLU NEWS Local H1N1 (Swine Flu) Clinics
Sat, 11/14 & Sun 11/15 Westchester Rec Ctr; 8740 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles 9:00am-5:00pm
Sat, 11/14 & Sun 11/15 Baldwin Hills Rec. Ctr; 5401 Highlight Pl, Los Angeles 9:00am-5:00pm
Sat, 11/14 & Sun 11/15 Bradley-Milken Youth Ctr; 1772 E. Century Blvd, Los Angeles 9:00am-5:00pm
Priority is given people who: are pregnant, between 6 months and 24 years old, have chronic health problems or
compromised immune systems and are between 25-64 years old, are health care workers, live with or care for childrenyounger than 6 months old. Vaccine clinics may reach capacity earlier than expected and close earlier than the posted hours. If you are NOT in an H1N1 priority group, please wait to get vaccinated until vaccine supplies increase.
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EXPLORING YOUR UNIVERSE

On November 14 the UCLA Department of Physics and Astronomy, along with Earth and Space Sciences, will
have a free public event celebrating the studies of Earth and outer space!
There will be lots of hands-on activities, science talks about Saturn and aliens, planetarium shows, dinosaur fossils
and cool science demos!
Exploring Your Universe will run from 1-7pm and people can come for all or part of the day! They will have
science demos, astronomy lectures, planetarium shows, workshops, and telescope viewing! Parking is not free, $10 for the day, but all activities will be free. There will not be food provided, but it can be purchased close by, and sack lunches are welcome. Many buses run to UCLA and their schedules are posted on our website.
For info contact outreach@astro.ucla.edu or visit http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~outreach/openhouse.html
On Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=152074813838&ref=mf
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SMASH PHONE BOOKS ARE HERE

They are available to all PTSA members. If you are now yet a member, envelopes are available in the office.
Membership is $8 each. PICK YOURS UP IN THE SMASH OFFICE!
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BOXTOPS for EDUCATION

Bring in the General Foods Box Tops for Education coupons. Earn money for our school. You can find them on
General Mills products, such as cereals, bread products, cake, muffin, frostings; Gogurts, chex mix, Ziploc boxes,
and Kleenex products
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Notes from Nurse Sandy

Almost all flu cases at present have been caused by the pandemic H1N1 virus.
Many people fear they may get the flu from the pandemic H1N1 vaccine.
However, the vaccine does not cause the flu. You may experience symptoms, like mild fever, after being vaccinated because:

• Your body is developing immunity.

• You might have been infected with the flu before your vaccine started working (it takes up to 2 weeks for the vaccine to work).

• You might be infected with a different type of infection than what you were vaccinated against.

HELP PREVENT COLDS AND FLU

· Wash Your Hands Frequently
Colds and flu are easily spread by direct contact, so washing your hands often is one of the best things you can do to stay well.
Wash hands with soap and warm water, rubbing hands together for 20 seconds – long enough to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
· Take a Sauna
There’s some evidence that people who take saunas once or twice a week get half as many colds as those who don’t. Breathing in the sauna’s hot air may kill cold and flu viruses. Or relaxing in a sauna may simply reduce stress and improve sleep.
· Don’t Skimp on Sleep
Adults who get less than seven hours of sleep a night may be three times more likely to get a cold. So make it a priority to get seven or eight hours (or more) a night. Older children and teens need more than eight hours a night.
· Carry Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers are a good alternative when you can't wash your hands, like when you get off a crowded bus or are in a grocery
store -- anywhere germs are out and about. Use hand wipes or gels that contain at least 60% alcohol.
· Clean Your Keyboard
Cold and flu germs live longer on hard surfaces such as plastic or metal than on skin or fabrics. Clean shared items such as phones and computer keyboards at work and home with alcohol wipes or a virus-killing disinfectant.
· Take a Water Bottle to Work
Drinking water helps flush toxins out of your system. Carry water in a reusable .75 liter bottle and drink throughout the day. How much do you need? If your urine is light yellow or colorless, you're drinking enough. If it's dark yellow, you need more fluids.
· Label Your Glass
Sharing is caring, but cold and flu season is not a good time for families or roommates to share glasses or utensils. Label the cup or glass of each person in the house, especially if someone has a cold or flu.
· Ride a Bike
Exercise 3-4 days a week boosts your body’s natural ability to fight infection. Taking a brisk walk or bike ride outside provides an added benefit: a dose of fresh air, away from the rooms where germs circulate.
· Eat Green and White
A cup of low-fat yogurt a day may reduce your chance of getting a cold. Dark green, leafy vegetables are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, which boost your immune

TREAT COLDS AND FLU

· Watch Out for Severe Symptoms
Seek emergency treatment if you or your child have trouble breathing, severe or persistent vomiting, fever for more than three days, or extreme irritability; or if flu symptoms get better but then return with fever and cough.
· Ask Your Doctor About Antiviral Drugs
If you have swine flu (H1N1) or seasonal flu, you can ask your doctor if you should take antiviral medicine, which can make the illness milder and shorter. These drugs work best when you start taking them within the first two days of symptoms.
· Drink Hot Tea
Hot tea offers some of the same benefits as chicken soup: inhaling the steam relieves congestion, the warm liquid soothes your
throat, and it keeps you hydrated. Green tea and black tea are also loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants.
· Cover but Don’t Stifle Sneezes and Coughs
Coughing and sneezing help clear mucus from your airways. But to avoid spreading germs, sneeze and cough into a tissue. If you don’t have one, use your upper sleeve or elbow. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands right away.
· Be a Homebody
Wait at least 24 hours after your fever ends (and you stop taking any medicine to bring down your fever) before you go back to
work or send kids to school. This gives anyone who's sick a chance to rest and keeps them from infecting others.
· Flush Out Your Nose
Nasal irrigation -- rinsing your nasal passages with salt water -- helps clear nasal congestion and removes virus particles and bacteria. Use a saline nasal spray or neti pot filled with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt & baking soda dissolved in 8 oz warm water.
· Soothe a Sore Throat With Honey
Sip a cup of warm water with honey to quiet a cough or relieve a sore throat. Or try this sweet solution: Steep a tablespoon of lemon juice in two cups hot water, stir in a spoonful of honey, cool, and gargle. Don't give honey to kids under 2.
· Snuggle Up in a Blanket
Keeping warm lets your body use its energy to fight viruses. But overheating your room can be dehydrating. Use a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer to moisten air and relieve congestion
· Turn on the Shower
Steam can ease congestion and a stuffy nose. Use a humidifier or sit in the bathroom with the door closed and a hot shower running, and inhale the steam. You can also heat water on the stove and inhale the steam -- be careful not to burn your nose

Ptsa news
Don’t forget the family donation drive: ptsasmash.blogspot.com
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Last few days to do some Greenraising!
Deadline: Monday, 11/16.
Shop recycled wrapping paper, water bottles, lunch boxes and so much more.
Go to http://www.greenraising.com/select_affiliate.aspx
and choose Santa Monica Alternative School House as your affiliate.
40% of all sales benefit SMASH.
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Parent Ed Night
Tuesday, November 17, 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Come hear Dr. Charlotte Reznick speak about
THE HEALING POWER OF YOUR CHILD’S IMAGINATION: Nine Tools for Success
Details in flyer attached.
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SMASH Bash
is a unique fundraiser consisting of events hosted by parents throughout the year.
Sign-up coffee bash FRIDAY, 11/20 in the small yard.
Contact Marni Brady marni99@yahoo.com for more information.
Details in flyer attached.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Don’t shop for the holidays until you’ve been to our annual
Holiday Boutique & Art Fair
December 4, 12:30 – 5:30
If you are interested in being a vendor/artisan, or want to volunteer at the event,
contact Birte Reimer at reimer.birte@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________________
Our annual Book Fair is coming.
Friday, December 4 – Friday, December 11.
Literacy Night (PJ PARTY!!!) Wednesday, December 9.
Reading Around the World
Check out the book review in this week’s Friday Letter.
Contact Ofer Grossman @ omglaw@gmail.com if you can help.
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Our next PTSA meeting is on Wednesday, 12/2 at 6:30PM. Come join us if you have issues to discuss, questions to ask, ideas to bring to life or just want to know what’s up.
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The Book Fair is coming.
Friday, December 4 – Friday, December 11
“Reading Around the World”

Our students will be supplying flags and decorations relating to countries of their interest.
Stop by the book fair to see the multicultural display.

This year, we have also asked the teachers to make recommendations
as to books they have enjoyed and recommend.
Come check out these lists for holiday gift ideas.

We still need the help of some creative volunteers
to set up and decorate the Book Fair on
Thursday December 3, after pick up.
Childcare at the playground or a nearby park
will be provided for younger children.
Please email Ofer Grossman @ omglaw@gmail.com.
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The SMASHing Times
Friday, November 13, 2009 Book Review
SHEEP
By Valerie Hobbs
Reviewed by Giulia Trevellin

Sheep is about a dog named Jack experiences with other
that learned how to heard sheep. people. I thought this was a great
Jack was taken away from his book and would recommend it to
family and had many people that love dogs.
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Don’t shop for the holidays until you’ve been to our annual
Holiday Boutique &
Art Fair
December 4, 11:30 – 5:30

We are presently looking for vendors and artisans
who have something unique to offer at the sale.
If you are interested in selling your creations (jewelry, scarves, art work),
please contact Birte Reimer at reimer.birte@gmail.com.
Students are welcome to sell, too.
Crafty kids could get together to host a sales table.
We’ll see you there.
Vendors fill out a vendor’s agreement, and are responsible for their own set-up and clean-up.
PTSA receives 20% of vendor’s gross receipts.

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JOIN THE SMASH PTSA
Parent Teacher Student Association

The SMASH Phone Book is here!
Your golden ticket to a copy of the Phone Book is a SMASH PTSA membership. If you haven’t already joined, it’s not too late. Pick up a PTSA envelope at the office. Submit your check ($8 per membership), payable to SMASH PTSA, and grab your Phone Book. You get one Phone Book for each membership you purchase.

5 More Great Reasons to Join the SMASH PTSA

1. Be in the know. The PTSA helps you keep up with what’s happening at SMASH. You’ll find out what you can do to make a difference for your child and to make SMASH an even better place.

2. Make connections. Whether you attend PTSA meetings and events or just link in via e-mails, through the PTSA you’ll connect with others who share your concern for our kids and their education. The PTSA is a way to meet other SMASH parents and build relationships.

3. Hone your skills. In the PTSA, you’ll have the opportunity to use what you know, try new things, and develop your skills.

4. Speak up. The PTSA is a forum for exchanging ideas. Your membership can be a means to effectively suggest changes and to be involved in making them happen. Through the PTSA, you can be a more effective advocate for your child and all our children.

5. Be a role model for your child. Through your involvement in PTSA, not only will you help your child and all children receive a better education but you’ll show your child how much you value education. You also will teach your child about giving back to the community.

Questions? Email Catherine Lerer (mother of Molly McGee/Core 2 and Sadie McGee/Core 1) at
clerer@mcgeelerer.com.
Sincerely,
Catherine Lerer , PTSA Membership
Helga Schier & David Saltzman , PTSA Co-Presidents
Jessica Rishe, Principal
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Parent Ed Night
Tuesday, 11/17, 6:30PM to 8:30PM
Charlotte Reznick Ph.D.
THE HEALING POWER OF YOUR CHILD’S IMAGINATION:
Nine Tools for Success

Can you calm a four-year-old’s nightmares, a six-year-old’s fright of the first day of school, a nine-year-old’s terrible temper, or an eleven-year-olds chronic headaches? In this rich visual and hands-on presentation, author, child educational psychologist, and UCLA Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology, Dr. Charlotte Reznick shares how to harness the healing powers of your child’s imagination.

The workshop will introduce you to nine simple imagination tools that help your child:
¨ Love, accept, and appreciate himself
¨ Reduce pain and heal other physical ailments
¨ Overcome fears, such as fear of the unknown, abandonment, doctors, disasters, and dying
¨ Deal with bedtime issues such as insomnia and bedwetting
¨ Cope with death, divorce, and other losses
¨ Handle anger, hurt, and frustration
¨ Achieve success at school and in sports
¨ Live peacefully with siblings and parents
If you'd like to transform the lives of the children you love, if you’d like to help them access their innate
wisdom and intuition… then join us.

BIO:
Charlotte Reznick, PhD, specializes in helping children and adolescents develop the emotional skills necessary
for a happy and successful life. She is the author of the LA Times best selling book, The Power of Your
Child’s Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success (Perigee/Penguin, 2009).
A child educational psychologist, UCLA Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology, author/producer of
several therapeutic relaxation CDs for children, teens, and parents, Dr. Reznick maintains a private practice in Brentwood. Visit www.ImageryForKids.com.
CHILDCARE WILL BE PROVIDED.


We need volunteers to coordinate
a potluck for this evening.
Please contact Ken Downing at ken@downingla.com

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SMASH Site Council Agenda
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
In Attendance: Laura Sherman, Liz Grossman, Nina Furukawa, Michael Tenzer, Duncan Mugalian, Kelly Kulsrud,
Olivia Sparling, and Bradley Freericks
Absent: Jackie Boyd, Chrysta Wyse, Jessica Rishe, Candis Berens
Agenda Adopted: Moved by Liz Grossman, Seconded by Bradley Freericks Approved
Approve minutes of last meeting: Moved Liz Grossman, Seconded by Olivia Sparling, Approved
Community participation: None
Reports and Announcements (regular agenda items)
Student Reports
¨Olivia Sparling: Writing Workshop—published Personal Narratives and now working in the Realistic Fiction genre where using many strategies to plan the story; Reading Workshop—continuing to study characters and log in independent reading time into their Reading notebooks; Math—5th graders working with fractions and the various operations;
They also took a field trip to the Santa Monica Aquarium; Core is continuing to make beads for the Holiday Boutique.
¨Bradley Freericks: 8th grade focus; Algebra—finished first unit and took a test; They are now reflecting on the past; Science—trying to improve work with community safe routes to school; 8th Grade Trip to Camp Hess Kramer—Ropes course activity stood out the most because of the amount of team building involved. It also was challenging because you were acting outside of your comfort zone. Also, they participated in the “Leap of Faith” which helped represent them taking the risk to reach their goals.; Involvement in the Haunted House for the SMASH and the Halloween Carnival.
They were able to carry out some ideas, and there were some that did not get to instill. Humanities—creating their own culture in small groups; They are now working on artifacts that match their culture, which will then be buried for other cultures to find. Once found, the artifacts must be interpreted by other groups. Reading Workshop—Working in book clubs where they were assigned books that involved social issues; Trying to grow empathetic with the characters by making deep connections to the characters and their relationships.
Community Organization Reports (to include but not limited to the following):
-PTSA: Garden report—selling compost at the Bake Sale; They also reported how the budget cuts are impacting their work; Also, they talked about ways to “landscape” the circle at the front of campus. Smash Bash Party—fundraiser and community building event; signups for that take place November 19. Rummage sale made $4800.
-Student Council: No reports at this time
Old Business
None to report
New Business
Principal’s Report: (Review two proposed new goals: see handout)
--Answered questions posed by group involving the allotted amount of money and referral program
for the School Climate/Counseling Services
--Reviewed the School Climate/Responsive Classroom goal and stated the yearn to continue this
training
Motioned by Michael Tenzer; Seconded by Nina Furukawa. Goals approved.
Voted to move these goals.
Community participation: none
Adjourn: Liz Grossman motioned and Kelly Kulsrud seconded

CORE 1 NEWS

Magic Circle: In a community filled with forty-six 5 to 7 year-olds, we are constantly working on our relationships. The children are trying on new ways to negotiate friendships and use their words to get what they need. We have Magic Circle almost every day after lunch, where the children share special moments that they enjoyed with their friends (appreciations) as well as moments they didn’t like (concerns). We have also role-played many different situations to generate discussions and reflections about issues that affect our whole community: rough play, finding a place in line, pushing v. using your words, including v. excluding people, saying and responding to “Stop!” etc. Magic Circle is the time when the children can fill-up their “tool box,” so that they have a variety of ways to resolve conflict on their own.

Here are some examples of concerns at Magic Circle this week:

“I like you as a friend, but I don’t like it when I get fouled in soccer and you keep playing.”

“I like you as a friend, but I don’t like it when you were taking my hat. I need you not to take my hat.”

“I’m sorry that I said you couldn’t be part of our group at lunch. I didn’t mean to say that.”

Feel free to stop by any day after lunch to join us with Magic Circle. Having Magic Circle regularly gives
us a quiet, focused time to think about our actions and relationships. This is also something families enjoy
doing at home – sometimes right before bed or at the dinner table.

Birthday Bash: November and December birthdays will be celebrated on Friday, November 20 during lunch. Our ceremony will begin at 11:45, and we will eat our lunch and birthday snacks around 12:00. If your child is celebrating his/her birthday in November or December, food/drink sign-ups will be on the Home/School Table (in the Magic Garden). Please bring a small, healthy snack for 46 students. Suggestions are posted near the Home/School Table. Family and friends are welcome.

Reminders & Announcements:
- Library will continue on Monday. Please remember your library book!
- Another 4-day week coming up! No School for the children on Wednesday, November 18.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie

Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org

Reminder: Wed, Nov 18 - District Teacher Contract Day - NO SCHOOL

CORE 2 NEWS

Dear Core 2 Community,

Are you looking for new and exciting books to read? The Scholastic book order forms are due on Monday, November 16. Andrea, Clara’s mom, will be coordinating book orders this year. If you have any questions, you can e-mail her at mchun@aol.com. Happy shopping!

The 2nd grade mathematicians practiced solving problems that separate amounts. Some strategies they have used include counting back, decomposing numbers before counting back, using related facts, drawing pictures, using the hundreds chart, and creating number line segments. The 3rd graders continued their exploration into rectangles (now known as arrays) and their dimensions.

A new project has been started in Core 2: The Snail Rescue Project. It all started when two Core 2 students discovered snails in the recycling bin during Community Snack. They rescued the snails and have taken on the charge to house them and to care for them. They are researching to learn about snails’ development by observing the snails and reading books about snails. They have engaged in ethical debates about when and how to release the snails.

Our next Stars of the Week presentation will be on Wednesday, November 25. The Stars will be: Alie and Trent. Our community snack will be provided by the Stars. We use 46 forks, napkins and plates each week, and we need donations. We prefer the sustainable, starch-based products that can be composted.

Wish List: We need 10 sets of chess men to go with our 10 chess boards

Dates to remember:
Monday, November 16 Scholastic Book Order Due
Wednesday, November 18 Pupil Free Day
Wednesday, November 25 Alie and Trent’s Star of the Week, 9:00

Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura: lsherman@smmusd.org
Graciela: gbarba-castro@smmusd.org

Reminder: Wed, Nov 18 - District Teacher Contract Day - NO SCHOOL

CORE 3 NEWS

This week, we have been discussing Break and Lunch concerns. Some things students have noticed include:
*play fighting/rough play/real fighting with different rules for girls and boys
*food and trash on the ground/food fights
*people mooching food and money
*people not listening to “stop” words or following rules
*people being excluded/cliques
*people not using empathy or apologizing
*bullying—big kids taking balls, money, food from younger kids
*teasing and rude language
*trouble sharing space with John Muir students

In class, we are also revisiting our Guidelines and Logical Consequences to remind students of the expectations--and to encourage them to carry that behavior out onto the yard with them. In Magic Circle we introduced ways to share our concerns with others, stand up for our “stop” words, get help from adults when people don't listen or hurt each other with words, actions, or their bodies. This is a time and place to work through issues with friends and classmates, as well as a way to practice so that kids can use these skills on their own. One way is to participate during our whole group Magic Circle and speak about an idea or concern to the whole group. We encourage kids to speak up (in a general way). Another way is to have a Mini-Magic Circle, which is a way for students to work through issues privately with friends and classmates--with or without adult support.
Magic Circle uses positive language and a series of steps to help kids start with something positive, share what they don’t like about a situation (rather than a person--no one responds well to personal attacks), and explain what they need and why:
1. I like…
I notice…
I appreciate/understand…

2. I don’t like it when…
I’m concerned about…
I worry that…

3. I need…
I’d rather…

As teachers, we Reinforce the guidelines before we start, Remind the students of the guidelines as needed, and, finally, Redirect students who don’t follow them. After that, we apply Natural Consequences, such as running out of time for something, or Logical Consequences: 1) You break it, you fix it, 2) Loss of Privilege, or 3) Take a Break. The consequences vary depending on how many people are not following the guidelines. There’s a big difference between a few people not following a guideline or misusing materials/time and over half the group doing the same thing. These are not punishments, but are the consequences for not following the guidelines. As we see it, everything we do is a privilege—and there are consequences for not using our privileges wisely.

Genie and I, along with Jessica and the Core 4 teachers, will follow up these discussions by going out at break and lunch next week to observe and monitor the kids, and acknowledge the positive things we see happening on the yard and remind everyone that we are here to support them. And they should always let adults know when important things or ongoing issues occur--that's the only way we know!

Ask your child the difference between 1 – 5 people vs. 5 – 15 people not following our guidelines.
Tamara, Genie, Malaika
tmugalian@smmusd.org
ghwng@smmusd.org
Reminder: Wed, Nov 18 - District Teacher Contract Day - NO SCHOOL

CORE 4 NEWS

Parent Partners: It is time to think snow! Yosemite is calling and adventure awaits a fortunate team of SMASHing scientists. This trip is designed for 7th grade students; however, 8th graders who did not get the chance last year are very welcome. Repeating students from last year (program will vary) are also welcome but these folks will be last in the scholarship eligibility. Speaking of scholarships….

Community Wide Trip Costs and Scholarship Discussion: We have no scholarship money at this point and things are unlikely to dramatically improve despite consistently good efforts on the part of many students to fundraise and some continuing grant awards, so I need some guidance from the community as to how we shall proceed.
We have always proceeded on an “everyone goes” basis because I was able to raise the money to support this approach. Given that this ability to have a pool of scholarship money in advance is no longer true, we need your feedback in order to decide whether or not we need to cancel this trip program.
· Shall we mark up the cost of each trip up enormously and use the proceeds as scholarships?
· Any one know an angel investor? I am diligent about grant seeking and several apps are outstanding, but more effort in this area is an obvious partial solution!
Please email me with your feedback on this issue as I need to start sleeping at night instead of thinking about money and fundraising. My intention is to resolve these questions before the winter break. Let me know if these trips are important to you and help me brainstorm in the middle ground between complete cancelation of these opportunities and denial of services due to cost. As Janice says “we are small but able.” Lets prove this again!

Guided Investigations: We are finished translating games into science and are now starting to design simple game-like experiments that investigate three parameters of personal health and wellness: Aerobic Capacity, Flexibility, and Upper Body strength. This messy creative business involves a lot of risk taking, enormous opportunities to learn science inquiry skills and glorious failures. Please join your child in designing an investigation that is S.M.A.R.T. during your weekly signing of their science notebook. Ask your children about what S.M.A.R.T. means and use this guideline as a filter to insure excellence.

Reminder:
Wed, Nov. 18 - District Teacher Contract Day - NO SCHOOL
Wed, Nov. 25 - MINIMUM DAY - 1:30pm Dismissal
Thurs & Fri, Nov. 26 & 27 - Thanksgiving Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

Enjoy the Weekend
Kurt, Kelly & Bailey
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
Kelly:kkelsrud@smmusd.org
Bailey: baileyfield@mac.com

Reminder: Wed, Nov 18 - District Teacher Contract Day - NO SCHOOL

DATES TO REMEMBER

Tues, Nov 17 - 6:30-8:30pm - PTSA Parent Ed Night
Wed, Nov 18 - Teacher Contract Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
Wed, Nov 18 - 6:30-9:00pm - State of Our Schools - SMASH auditorium
Fri, Nov 20 - Coffee at drop-off and pick-up, in the small yard - SMASH BASH Party Sign-Ups
Wed, Nov 25 - MINIMUM DAY - 1:30 DISMISSAL
Thurs & Fri, Nov 26 & 27 - THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY - SCHOOL CLOSED
Wed, Dec 2 - 6:30-8:00pm - PTSA Mtg - Media Ctr
Fri, Dec 4 - 12:30-4:00pm - SMASH HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE & ART FAIR
Mon-Fri, Dec 7–11, 8:00-8:30am & 1:30–3:30pm - SMASH BOOK FAIR
Thurs, Dec 10 - 6:00-8:00pm LITERACY NIGHT
Tuesdays through December 1, SMASHing Holiday Singers, 3:00-3:30 in Core 1.
Performance at Sunday Main Street Farmer’s Market on December 6 at 9:15-9:45 am.
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WEDNESDAY BAKE SALES - Healthy Treats & Fun Items Sales start at 2:30 pm (Muir dismissal)

CORE 1 December 2
CORE 2 January 6
CORE 3 December 16
CORE December9
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THINGS TO DO!

Now through Jan 31 - Santa Monica ICE rink - 10am-10-pm daily; 10am-midnight Fridays & Saturdays
5th S & Arizona Ave, Admission, including skate rental $10

Nov 14-May 30 - Skateboard Evolution & Art in California - The California Heritage Museum -
Main St & Ocean Park Bl - Wed-Sun 11:00am-4:00pm . Featuring Skates, Scooters and hundreds of skateboards, tracing the evolution, art and development of the California skate culture. $8 General Admission; $5 Seniors & Students; Kids under 12 Free (under 12 MUST be accompanied by an adult)

Sat, Nov 14 - 1:00-7:00pm - Exploring Your Universe - UCLA Kinsey Pavilion

Nov 27 & 28 - Noon-4:00pm - Make a Merry Memory with Santa - 3rd Street Promenade
Bring your own camera for photo opportunities. Santa is dog friendly

Sat, Dec 5 - 5:00pm - Light Up The Season with 94.7 the Wave & Brian McKnight
3rd Street Promenade will light up for the holidays.

Dec 5-14 - “Best Gift Ever” PAL Gift Drive. Drop off unwrapped gift or cash donation for children ages 6-17. Gift drop locations: SMPD Substation 1433 2nd St (between Santa Monica Blvd & Broadway)
Police Activities League 1401 Olympic Blvd (Memorial Park)

Dec 11-18 - Sundown - Chanukah Menorah lighting ceremony every evening of Chanukah
1300 block of 3rd Street Promenade
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