PRESIDENTS’ DAY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
SCHOOL CLOSED!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
SCHOOL CLOSED!
PLEDGES ARE DUE IN 2 WEEKS!!
EXTRA JOG-A-THON PLEDGE ENVELOPES
AVAILABLE IN MAIN OFFICE
EXTRA JOG-A-THON PLEDGE ENVELOPES
AVAILABLE IN MAIN OFFICE
CONFERENCE TIME! -
EARLY DISMISSAL (1:30)
FEBRUARY 18, 19 & 20
EARLY DISMISSAL (1:30)
FEBRUARY 18, 19 & 20
Dear SMASHing Families,
How can we as parents be more reflective listeners? Thank you to Evergreen staff Alise, Tanya, Chrissy, and Joshua for refreshing my thinking about the answers to this question during an Education Council Meeting Monday night.
1) Listen as if the child is the professor and you are the student.
2) Assume the truth in what they say and ask good questions to follow up. “What else do you know about ____ that I may not know?”
3) Wonder together. “Wow, if that is so, I wonder how it can happen that way.”
4) Be 100% in the moment as your child is speaking. Hang onto every word, making eye contact.
5) WHEN you get distracted by an adult responsibility, recall the missed moment. “I remember when you were trying to tell me something and I got pulled away by ___, can you tell me about it again?”
6) Listen and help your child build on his/her own ideas. Refrain from just giving them the “right” information.
7) Act as if you are talking to your best friend. Don’t be rushed to get to the nugget of learning. Give them time and space to get to their realization.
Many of you email me or share thoughts as we pass face to face on campus. I invite you to share examples of how you’ve used any of the above listening reminders. I know I’ll be mindful of practicing in my educator and in my parent roles.
Happy Holiday Weekend.
Truly Yours,
Jessica
How can we as parents be more reflective listeners? Thank you to Evergreen staff Alise, Tanya, Chrissy, and Joshua for refreshing my thinking about the answers to this question during an Education Council Meeting Monday night.
1) Listen as if the child is the professor and you are the student.
2) Assume the truth in what they say and ask good questions to follow up. “What else do you know about ____ that I may not know?”
3) Wonder together. “Wow, if that is so, I wonder how it can happen that way.”
4) Be 100% in the moment as your child is speaking. Hang onto every word, making eye contact.
5) WHEN you get distracted by an adult responsibility, recall the missed moment. “I remember when you were trying to tell me something and I got pulled away by ___, can you tell me about it again?”
6) Listen and help your child build on his/her own ideas. Refrain from just giving them the “right” information.
7) Act as if you are talking to your best friend. Don’t be rushed to get to the nugget of learning. Give them time and space to get to their realization.
Many of you email me or share thoughts as we pass face to face on campus. I invite you to share examples of how you’ve used any of the above listening reminders. I know I’ll be mindful of practicing in my educator and in my parent roles.
Happy Holiday Weekend.
Truly Yours,
Jessica
Does your SMASH student have a
SIBLING READY TO START KINDERGARTEN IN SEPTEMBER?
Please come into the office and fill out an application as soon as possible!
DEADLINE for Kindergarten applications is MARCH 31.
Applications after that time will no longer be guaranteed a place in class.
SMASHing Committees
· February is Foreign Language month. This is a great opportunity to check in with your children and see what they are up to in their Spanish lessons. Check the February Friday Letters for the Spanish newsletter, ideas for Spanish language activities you could do at home and more.
SMASHing Fundraisers
· Get ready to run. Only two more weeks to the Jogathon on Friday, February 27, 2009. See the flyer in this Friday Letter!
· Make your Family Donation online. Go to http://ptsasmash.blogspot.com/ and give what you can! To pay by credit card, check or cash, or to establish a payment plan, see Janice in the office. SMASH depends on you! Thanks!
SMASHing Alumni
· Terry Michaels, a SMASH graduate from 1977, has graciously offered to handle our alumni relations. Welcome aboard, Terry! Among other things Terry will host a Facebook network as a meeting place for past and present SMASHing students and parents. Until the network is up, please contact Terry at filmstudent9404@yahoo.com for more information.
SMASHing Meetings
· Our next PTSA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 8:15AM.
SIBLING READY TO START KINDERGARTEN IN SEPTEMBER?
Please come into the office and fill out an application as soon as possible!
DEADLINE for Kindergarten applications is MARCH 31.
Applications after that time will no longer be guaranteed a place in class.
THE JOG-A-THON NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
Are you handy with a paper cup, spray bottle or rubber band?
If so, the Jog-a-thon needs you!
We need parent volunteers to help hand out refreshments,
count laps and cheer on our SMASH athletes.
Contact Lillie Schlessinger at
lillie.schlessinger@transamerica.com or 310-392-9446
You can volunteer or just come and cheer!
ONLY 2 MORE WEEKS UNTIL THE JOG-A-THON
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
GO GET THOSE PLEDGES!
Ask your neighbors, call family and friends, pledge your whole Core (penny a lap anyone?), email those faraway relatives.
Is your teacher or parent running? They can get pledges too!
We have extra pledge packets in the office.
Pledge Packets are due Thursday, February 26
If so, the Jog-a-thon needs you!
We need parent volunteers to help hand out refreshments,
count laps and cheer on our SMASH athletes.
Contact Lillie Schlessinger at
lillie.schlessinger@transamerica.com or 310-392-9446
You can volunteer or just come and cheer!
ONLY 2 MORE WEEKS UNTIL THE JOG-A-THON
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
GO GET THOSE PLEDGES!
Ask your neighbors, call family and friends, pledge your whole Core (penny a lap anyone?), email those faraway relatives.
Is your teacher or parent running? They can get pledges too!
We have extra pledge packets in the office.
Pledge Packets are due Thursday, February 26
PTSA news
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
SMASHing Committees
· February is Foreign Language month. This is a great opportunity to check in with your children and see what they are up to in their Spanish lessons. Check the February Friday Letters for the Spanish newsletter, ideas for Spanish language activities you could do at home and more.
SMASHing Fundraisers
· Get ready to run. Only two more weeks to the Jogathon on Friday, February 27, 2009. See the flyer in this Friday Letter!
· Make your Family Donation online. Go to http://ptsasmash.blogspot.com/ and give what you can! To pay by credit card, check or cash, or to establish a payment plan, see Janice in the office. SMASH depends on you! Thanks!
SMASHing Alumni
· Terry Michaels, a SMASH graduate from 1977, has graciously offered to handle our alumni relations. Welcome aboard, Terry! Among other things Terry will host a Facebook network as a meeting place for past and present SMASHing students and parents. Until the network is up, please contact Terry at filmstudent9404@yahoo.com for more information.
SMASHing Meetings
· Our next PTSA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 8:15AM.
SAMOHI Open House
Samohi is holding an Open House in Barnum Hall on Tuesday February 17, 10.30 am for everyone who wants to come and see our school at work.
While the morning is specifically targeted at prospective parents, we also want to invite relatives, school friends and community members who want to know more about Samohi to feel they are welcome to join the gathering.
Please let everyone know they are welcome to join us.
During the morning, Dr Pedroza will talk about Samohi's achievements and values, some of Samohi's acclaimed musicians will perform, students and teachers will talk and present, and there will be a school tour for everyone afterwards.
Refreshments will be served. This is a joint presentation of the School and the PTSA.
Program
• 10:00 Student leaders greet arriving guests; String Quartet plays
• 10:30 Choir or Orchestra Presentation
• 10:45 Dr. Pedroza; Samohi's Top Ten
• 11:05 Elizabeth Stearns, Samohi PTSA President; Samohi's Parents
• 11:10 2 Samohi Teachers, 2 Samohi students; My Samohi
• 11:30 School Tour; ASB Students
• 12:00 Concludes
Please join the Planning and Community Development Department (PCD) at an informational meeting on the Exposition Light Rail Project coming to Santa Monica. The light rail line will increase mobility in our community, and support the community’s Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE). It is crucial that the light rail line serves Santa Monica in the best way possible. Attend the meeting to learn more about the details proposed by the Exposition Construction Authority (the EXPO Authority).
The City and PCD is hosting this meeting to help residents and members of the business community understand this complex project, with a focus on segments in Santa Monica. Presentations will be given by City staff and the EXPO Authority’s project director. We hope you will attend.
OTHER UPCOMING DATES
FEBRUARY 10: Santa Monica City Council study session on the Exposition Light Rail Project.
MARCH 3: Council recommendations to the Authority and Metro. You are invited to attend the City Council meetings to provide additional input to the Council.
JANUARY 28 MARCH 13: Public Comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). After the public comment period, the Authority will select the preferred route. The Authority is accepting written comments and testimony at hearings on February 18, 23 and 24, 2009.
View the DRAFT Environmental Impact Report at http://www.buildexpo.org/phase2_overview.php.
Big Blue Bus lines #1,2,3,5,7,9 & 10. Secured bike parking provided. Free parking at the Civic Center lot.
For info: Kyle Ferstead at (310) 458-8341 or email at kyle.ferstead@smgov.net. No RSVP is required.
Samohi is holding an Open House in Barnum Hall on Tuesday February 17, 10.30 am for everyone who wants to come and see our school at work.
While the morning is specifically targeted at prospective parents, we also want to invite relatives, school friends and community members who want to know more about Samohi to feel they are welcome to join the gathering.
Please let everyone know they are welcome to join us.
During the morning, Dr Pedroza will talk about Samohi's achievements and values, some of Samohi's acclaimed musicians will perform, students and teachers will talk and present, and there will be a school tour for everyone afterwards.
Refreshments will be served. This is a joint presentation of the School and the PTSA.
Program
• 10:00 Student leaders greet arriving guests; String Quartet plays
• 10:30 Choir or Orchestra Presentation
• 10:45 Dr. Pedroza; Samohi's Top Ten
• 11:05 Elizabeth Stearns, Samohi PTSA President; Samohi's Parents
• 11:10 2 Samohi Teachers, 2 Samohi students; My Samohi
• 11:30 School Tour; ASB Students
• 12:00 Concludes
COMMUNITY MEETING -
EXPOSITION LIGHT RAIL PROJECT IN SANTA MONICA
Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 7pm-9pm
Civic Auditorium, East Wing, 1885 Main St.
EXPOSITION LIGHT RAIL PROJECT IN SANTA MONICA
Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 7pm-9pm
Civic Auditorium, East Wing, 1885 Main St.
Please join the Planning and Community Development Department (PCD) at an informational meeting on the Exposition Light Rail Project coming to Santa Monica. The light rail line will increase mobility in our community, and support the community’s Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE). It is crucial that the light rail line serves Santa Monica in the best way possible. Attend the meeting to learn more about the details proposed by the Exposition Construction Authority (the EXPO Authority).
The City and PCD is hosting this meeting to help residents and members of the business community understand this complex project, with a focus on segments in Santa Monica. Presentations will be given by City staff and the EXPO Authority’s project director. We hope you will attend.
OTHER UPCOMING DATES
FEBRUARY 10: Santa Monica City Council study session on the Exposition Light Rail Project.
MARCH 3: Council recommendations to the Authority and Metro. You are invited to attend the City Council meetings to provide additional input to the Council.
JANUARY 28 MARCH 13: Public Comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). After the public comment period, the Authority will select the preferred route. The Authority is accepting written comments and testimony at hearings on February 18, 23 and 24, 2009.
View the DRAFT Environmental Impact Report at http://www.buildexpo.org/phase2_overview.php.
Big Blue Bus lines #1,2,3,5,7,9 & 10. Secured bike parking provided. Free parking at the Civic Center lot.
For info: Kyle Ferstead at (310) 458-8341 or email at kyle.ferstead@smgov.net. No RSVP is required.
From FOOD SERVICES. . . .
As we are all aware, many in our community are experiencing financial challenges.
Food & Nutrition Services accepts and processes applications for Free & Reduced Price Meals throughout the school year. The process is simple and confidential. Applications are available at each school office, the Food & Nutrition Services office or on the SMMUSD website. Applications are available in English and Spanish. Parents and/or guardians can submit their applications by stopping by the Food & Nutrition Services office, leaving the completed application at the school office or sending it via US Mail.
If parents and/or guardians were denied benefits earlier in the year and their circumstances have changed, they should not hesitate to submit a new application.
Lunch is offered daily in all Santa Monica-Malibu schools and a hot breakfast is offered daily at: Edison, Grant, McKinley, Muir/SMASH, Rogers, Adams, Lincoln, Malibu HS and Santa Monica High!
Thank you,
Orlando Griego, Director
Food & Nutrition Services
Santa Monica-Malibu USD
310 450 8338 x342
310 399 2993 Fax
ogriego@smmusd.org
The dates for conferences are: Wednesday, 2/18, Thursday, 2/19, and Friday, 2/20. The conferences will be 20 minutes each. Conferences will be held before school and in the afternoons and evenings. Please note that we will have 1:30 dismissal on Wednesday (2/18) and Thursday (2/19) for after school conferences. Please sign up for a conference in the main office with Janice. Bigs will be conferencing with Chrysta. Partners will conference with Candis.
Come one, come all! The Partners are having their first Writing Celebration!! They will be sharing their personal narratives next week.
Diving Shark Stars will share on Thursday, February 19, 8:45 – 9:15.
The Flittering Butterflies will share on Friday, February 20, 8:45 – 9:15.
We hope to see you there!
The 100s Day Celebration was quite a success! The children shared their 100s collections and made some interesting observations.
Zelda – “Some are food, some are games, some are to buy things with.”
Max – “The beans don’t look like 100.”
Lucca – “Since they’re a smaller object, there’s more space for them.”
Giulia – “It’s still 100. It’s just that they’re small!”
The children enjoyed lots of counting that day – by 1s, 10s, 5s, 2s, and 20s. Then we created a fun 100s Trail Mix community snack. Check out Core 1 News at www.smash.smmusd.org for more.
Don’t forget! The Los Angeles Zoo Trip is on Tuesday, February 24.
Please make sure your permission slip and $7 are turned in soon.
Have a great 3-Day weekend!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: candis.berens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: wyse@smmusd.org
Student-led conferences begin next week. Your child’s conference will be with their original advisor from September. Each advisor will have a student-teacher conference in order to prepare the students for the family conference. Sign-up sheets are in the main office.
In Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop: We are working on writing an All About Book. They are thinking about the large “watermelon” ideas and “planting the seeds” of each chapter title and topic. We are now using “Boxes and Bullets” to flesh out our chapters. In RW, students are working on Inference skills. They are taking clues from the story and combining it with what they already know to infer information about characters’ feelings. Our readers are really becoming the characters by changing their voices to match their inferences.
Notice the new toothbrushes floating around? The Oompa Loompas were able to practice their “How To Brush Your Teeth” writing and put it into action. Ask them how many revisions they had to make! Pictures will be available to see during conferences.
The children used the letters L A T R S L E N, rearranged them, and found 72 words. How many can you find? Challenge yourself to match the Core 2 record!
In Math, the 2nd graders studied halves and non-halves. They were able to think of so many things that come in halves! The 3rd graders finished up the unit Flips, Turns, and Area and will be sharing their work at their conference. They will begin From Paces to Feet next week. For information about how you can help them at home, please see attached letter.
In Arts, for music, the children “played” around with lyrics. They thought about silly names for different body parts, like your throat is your “food elevator.” **Dian would like to have music from the countries of your family’s origins to have connections to the each student’s own culture. It can be on a separate CD or on the original CD. Our collection has begun, thanks to the families who already sent music.
Jog-a-thon is coming! Both Core 2 teachers have pledged $0.02 per lap for each Core 2 student. Are you getting your pledges?
Our Valentine’s Shower was a SMASHing success! It was so great to see everyone show their appreciation for each other. We hope you spread this cheer and happiness to others! XOXO
Upcoming dates and events:
Monday, February 16 – school holiday
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, February 18, 19, and 20: Student-Led conferences, 1:30 dismissal all days. Sign up in the office.
Tuesday, February 24 – field trip to Weather Station at UCLA, more in our next letter
Friday, February 27 – Jog-a-thon, get your pledges now. Start building your endurance!
Have a fabulous, long weekend sharing your love and happiness with all your Valentines!!!
Laura’s e-mail: sherman@smmusd.org
Jayme’s e-mail: jayme.wold@smmusd.org
Core 3 writers have been feverishly working on their Realistic Fiction Short Stories. They are getting used to the Core 3 Writing Process: collecting ideas, nurturing and planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. As in every writing unit, they’ve learned new strategies and reviewed old strategies for each step of this process in the Realistic Fiction Unit (so they can decide what writing strategies work for them). The published pieces will be shared at conferences next week. The M&M’s stories were due today and the The!’s pieces are due Tuesday, 2/17.
Writing continues to be utilized in all areas of the curriculum. The students planned their weaving/crochet art projects, they’re learning how to write literary responses, they answer questions to synthesize information from the textbooks about California’s geography, and they reflect on and explain their understanding in math. We are learning how to be conscious writers outside of Writing Workshop, to write clearly and to revise and edit all at the same time (and even to try to write more neatly) in all written work! If you notice your child writing for their math homework or jotting down an idea in their reading notebook, ask them to reread it to make sure it makes sense and communicates their meaning well to help them see if they want to revise or edit it.
As you’ve noticed, very little work has been sent home this year in Core 3. For example, in Writing Workshop we’re holding onto all the pieces in their working portfolio so the students have them for reference and can reflect on them throughout the year and make year-end decisions about what pieces they want to put into their Portfolios. We’re also hoping to have the students choose a piece to rewrite at the end of the year—the ultimate revision lesson! Some schoolwork will be sent home next week at conferences and there will be some work shared at the conferences that will continue to stay in your child’s working portfolio at school until the end of the year. Along with Conferences and Narratives, we hope that you check in with your child about his or her progress through the Friday Letter, Publishing Celebrations and Expos, and the daily reading, writing, and math homework.
We look forward to meeting with you next week at conferences
February 18, 19, and 20
1:30 dismissal all days!
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
mugalian@smmusd.org
genie.hwang@smmusd.org
Math
6/7: Sorting Things Out
As the students engaged in a game called “What’s My Rule?” this week, they began to become more sophisticated and advanced in their classifying. In this game, a leader in the small group creates small collections of five shapes that fit a secret rule, such as “shapes with curved lines”. Then the other group members try to find additional pieces that belong to the set and/or guess the secret rule. From this game, we began to introduce the specific names of the properties that they were using as rules. For example, if the rule used was “shapes with curved lines”, then the taught properties would include concave and convex lines. Properties such as line segments, angles, endpoints, and concave and convex lines were introduced this week. This specific language will help them find the similarities and differences in objects found in their geometric world. We will continue to delve into this skill next week.
Algebra:
We jumped into Chapter 4 this week. It involves functions. We will look at the relationships between numbers and the ways these relationships can be displayed such as graphing. Chapter 3 tests were returned on Friday, and the students have the chance to make corrections to earn half their missed points back. Please encourage them to discuss and reflect on their test as well as on their completion of the Chapter 3 homework. We are still working to build stronger study habits.
Kelly’s Advisory, Los Compadres: A Reminder about Conferences
Because I will be attending a literacy institute at Columbia University in New York City the week of conferences, my schedule has shifted for these meetings. They will be before and after school during the week of February 23. Please sign-up in the main office for one of these time slots. I look forward to talking with each of you about all the successes and growth that each of our Compadres have made!
BAILEY:
Humanities:
The Blue and Green groups are finishing their skits on Greek demigods and monsters. Anyone who wants to read every myth or fable in the collection may do so and present some creative way to communicate what they read: a book review, a cartoon summary, a book cover, an illustration. Next week we will also have debates to reveal the differences in the Athenian and Spartan city-states. Next week we will begin to read a version of Homer's Odyssey by Mary Pope Osborne. She has written a series of 7 short volume available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble and the libraries. If possible please purchase a volume or 2 or 3 ( any of the seven but the #1 I have for them) The students can trade and swap the various stories. If not possible or a more advanced text is desired you can get other retellings of The Iliad or The Odyssey and the adventures of Odysseus.
The Red Group held debates between Athens and Sparta. Next week they will write a persuasive essay extolling the benefits of one of these city-states. The Red group is also finishing Siddhartha next week. Please talk to your young reader about the book and anything you know about Buddha's life and teachings. Next we will read Sophocles' Oedipus Rex.
The fabulous BLASE advisory with Bailey:
I am very much looking forward to meeting with all of you to discuss "what matters most" to each student. We are engaged in a process at determining each students priorities and what actions are needed to find optimal success. I want everyone to feel they are meeting their potential. Each student is writing a letter to adults and we are asking each parent to compose a letter to their child so start a conversation.
In Morning Meeting we are taking steps to have students lead the meeting where each day a student is asked to lead the greeting and lead the activity. I want students to plan ahead and check in with me the day prior. The students chosen for the week are posted on Monday.
Have a lovely wet Presidents Weekend and Valentines Day. Hope there is time to cuddle up with a good book to read.
-Bailey
Kelly: kelly.kulsrud@smmusd.org
Bailey: baileyfield@mac.com
Process Specifics:
1. Students will draft a letter to their teachers and parents specifying their goals, the reasons for the goal’s selection and a plan for accomplishment (POA). This will be done in class with teacher help, choice about how to share the goals, and subsequently sent home for revision by students.
2. Parents will be asked to draft a letter to their child discussing how the parent’s hopes and dream’s translate into what is important now? This letter will be written in a positive, potentially inspiring, manner looking to the child’s future from a parent’s unique perspective. Specific, descriptive and clarifying language is the goal here as “being organized” is less actionable then is the statement “ I think you need to spend ten minutes a day with me reviewing what is due next week and your plan for accomplishing these goals.”
3. Student led conferences occur and letters are reviewed by students with adults encouraging and asking clarifying questions. Teachers respond to the question about “what is most important right now” from their perspective within the learning partnership. Consensus is sought, reached, and action steps are drafted around focused goals. Each goal is examined for practicality, specificity, and measurability. Drafts go home and students revise to reflect parent/teacher feedback.
4. Student drafts final learning contract and circulates to parents and teachers for signatures. Strategies for achieving goals are brainstormed with adults. Teachers offer observations and reality checks as students think about the all important “how to get it done.”
5. Learning contract is reviewed continuously or at specified times as agreed during conference. Strategies are revised or continued as needed.
Please see example letters or reflection starters for ideas or contact your advisor if you have further questions about the goal setting process in core four. Thanks for your commitment to our partnership. You are your child’s first and most important teacher!
DATES TO REMEMBER
Mon, Feb 16 - Presidents’ Day—SCHOOL CLOSED
Tues, Feb 17 - 8:45 an - Health Cmtte meets at Urth Café
Wed, Thurs, Friday, Feb. 18, 19 & 20 - Student Led Conferences, 1:30 Dismissal. Sign up in main office.
Fri, Feb 27 - Jogathon!
Tues, Mar 3 - 8:15am - PTSA meeting
SAVE THE DATE - MAY 8 FAMILY DANCE
SMASH Camping Trip - First weekend in June - Save the Date!
The Health Committee meets February 17 at 8:45am at Urth Cafe (corner of Main and Holister) to explore healthy community snacks and other nutrition and health related ideas
Valentine’s Tea Festival - Sat .Feb. 14 2:00-8:00 pm Electric Lodge Performing & Visual Arts Centre. 1416 Electric Ave, Venice. Teas & flavours of England. Performance of Alice & the Wonderful Tea Party by Santa Monica Playhouse. Tickets $5-$15 info 310-699-7271; tickets 800-838-3006; www.kulovteafest.com
A Little Princess - Sat & Sun 11am Feb. 14 & 15 Morgan-Wixson Theater; 2627 Pico , tickets $6 & $8. 310-828-7519 or www.morgan-wixson.org
International Children’s Film Festival - Sat & Sun Feb 21-Mar 8. Roy & Edna Disney/CalArts Theate
Tickets $5 Call 213-237-2800 or www.redcat.org
March 25, 9-10 am Last Tour Before Kindergarten Lottery (K application deadline 03-31-09)
May 13, 9-10 am
May 13, 7:00 pm for middle school students. Students entering 6th, 7th & 8th grade may attend with parent.
May 27, 9-10 am - Last Tour Before 1st-8th Grade Lottery (1st-8th application deadline 05-31-09)
As we are all aware, many in our community are experiencing financial challenges.
Food & Nutrition Services accepts and processes applications for Free & Reduced Price Meals throughout the school year. The process is simple and confidential. Applications are available at each school office, the Food & Nutrition Services office or on the SMMUSD website. Applications are available in English and Spanish. Parents and/or guardians can submit their applications by stopping by the Food & Nutrition Services office, leaving the completed application at the school office or sending it via US Mail.
If parents and/or guardians were denied benefits earlier in the year and their circumstances have changed, they should not hesitate to submit a new application.
Lunch is offered daily in all Santa Monica-Malibu schools and a hot breakfast is offered daily at: Edison, Grant, McKinley, Muir/SMASH, Rogers, Adams, Lincoln, Malibu HS and Santa Monica High!
Thank you,
Orlando Griego, Director
Food & Nutrition Services
Santa Monica-Malibu USD
310 450 8338 x342
310 399 2993 Fax
ogriego@smmusd.org
CORE 1
The second round of family conferences are next week! Have you signed-up?? At this conference, we will be celebrating your child’s progress and addressing questions or concerns. Your child will be presenting current work and answering any questions, so please make sure he/she comes with you.The dates for conferences are: Wednesday, 2/18, Thursday, 2/19, and Friday, 2/20. The conferences will be 20 minutes each. Conferences will be held before school and in the afternoons and evenings. Please note that we will have 1:30 dismissal on Wednesday (2/18) and Thursday (2/19) for after school conferences. Please sign up for a conference in the main office with Janice. Bigs will be conferencing with Chrysta. Partners will conference with Candis.
Come one, come all! The Partners are having their first Writing Celebration!! They will be sharing their personal narratives next week.
Diving Shark Stars will share on Thursday, February 19, 8:45 – 9:15.
The Flittering Butterflies will share on Friday, February 20, 8:45 – 9:15.
We hope to see you there!
The 100s Day Celebration was quite a success! The children shared their 100s collections and made some interesting observations.
Zelda – “Some are food, some are games, some are to buy things with.”
Max – “The beans don’t look like 100.”
Lucca – “Since they’re a smaller object, there’s more space for them.”
Giulia – “It’s still 100. It’s just that they’re small!”
The children enjoyed lots of counting that day – by 1s, 10s, 5s, 2s, and 20s. Then we created a fun 100s Trail Mix community snack. Check out Core 1 News at www.smash.smmusd.org for more.
Don’t forget! The Los Angeles Zoo Trip is on Tuesday, February 24.
Please make sure your permission slip and $7 are turned in soon.
Have a great 3-Day weekend!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: candis.berens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: wyse@smmusd.org
Ohieyo Core 2 Community,
Student-led conferences begin next week. Your child’s conference will be with their original advisor from September. Each advisor will have a student-teacher conference in order to prepare the students for the family conference. Sign-up sheets are in the main office.
In Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop: We are working on writing an All About Book. They are thinking about the large “watermelon” ideas and “planting the seeds” of each chapter title and topic. We are now using “Boxes and Bullets” to flesh out our chapters. In RW, students are working on Inference skills. They are taking clues from the story and combining it with what they already know to infer information about characters’ feelings. Our readers are really becoming the characters by changing their voices to match their inferences.
Notice the new toothbrushes floating around? The Oompa Loompas were able to practice their “How To Brush Your Teeth” writing and put it into action. Ask them how many revisions they had to make! Pictures will be available to see during conferences.
The children used the letters L A T R S L E N, rearranged them, and found 72 words. How many can you find? Challenge yourself to match the Core 2 record!
In Math, the 2nd graders studied halves and non-halves. They were able to think of so many things that come in halves! The 3rd graders finished up the unit Flips, Turns, and Area and will be sharing their work at their conference. They will begin From Paces to Feet next week. For information about how you can help them at home, please see attached letter.
In Arts, for music, the children “played” around with lyrics. They thought about silly names for different body parts, like your throat is your “food elevator.” **Dian would like to have music from the countries of your family’s origins to have connections to the each student’s own culture. It can be on a separate CD or on the original CD. Our collection has begun, thanks to the families who already sent music.
Jog-a-thon is coming! Both Core 2 teachers have pledged $0.02 per lap for each Core 2 student. Are you getting your pledges?
Our Valentine’s Shower was a SMASHing success! It was so great to see everyone show their appreciation for each other. We hope you spread this cheer and happiness to others! XOXO
Upcoming dates and events:
Monday, February 16 – school holiday
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, February 18, 19, and 20: Student-Led conferences, 1:30 dismissal all days. Sign up in the office.
Tuesday, February 24 – field trip to Weather Station at UCLA, more in our next letter
Friday, February 27 – Jog-a-thon, get your pledges now. Start building your endurance!
Have a fabulous, long weekend sharing your love and happiness with all your Valentines!!!
Laura’s e-mail: sherman@smmusd.org
Jayme’s e-mail: jayme.wold@smmusd.org
CORE 3
Happy Friday the 13th and Valentine’s Day—a double whammy!
Happy Friday the 13th and Valentine’s Day—a double whammy!
Core 3 writers have been feverishly working on their Realistic Fiction Short Stories. They are getting used to the Core 3 Writing Process: collecting ideas, nurturing and planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. As in every writing unit, they’ve learned new strategies and reviewed old strategies for each step of this process in the Realistic Fiction Unit (so they can decide what writing strategies work for them). The published pieces will be shared at conferences next week. The M&M’s stories were due today and the The!’s pieces are due Tuesday, 2/17.
Writing continues to be utilized in all areas of the curriculum. The students planned their weaving/crochet art projects, they’re learning how to write literary responses, they answer questions to synthesize information from the textbooks about California’s geography, and they reflect on and explain their understanding in math. We are learning how to be conscious writers outside of Writing Workshop, to write clearly and to revise and edit all at the same time (and even to try to write more neatly) in all written work! If you notice your child writing for their math homework or jotting down an idea in their reading notebook, ask them to reread it to make sure it makes sense and communicates their meaning well to help them see if they want to revise or edit it.
As you’ve noticed, very little work has been sent home this year in Core 3. For example, in Writing Workshop we’re holding onto all the pieces in their working portfolio so the students have them for reference and can reflect on them throughout the year and make year-end decisions about what pieces they want to put into their Portfolios. We’re also hoping to have the students choose a piece to rewrite at the end of the year—the ultimate revision lesson! Some schoolwork will be sent home next week at conferences and there will be some work shared at the conferences that will continue to stay in your child’s working portfolio at school until the end of the year. Along with Conferences and Narratives, we hope that you check in with your child about his or her progress through the Friday Letter, Publishing Celebrations and Expos, and the daily reading, writing, and math homework.
We look forward to meeting with you next week at conferences
February 18, 19, and 20
1:30 dismissal all days!
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
mugalian@smmusd.org
genie.hwang@smmusd.org
CORE 4
KELLY:Math
6/7: Sorting Things Out
As the students engaged in a game called “What’s My Rule?” this week, they began to become more sophisticated and advanced in their classifying. In this game, a leader in the small group creates small collections of five shapes that fit a secret rule, such as “shapes with curved lines”. Then the other group members try to find additional pieces that belong to the set and/or guess the secret rule. From this game, we began to introduce the specific names of the properties that they were using as rules. For example, if the rule used was “shapes with curved lines”, then the taught properties would include concave and convex lines. Properties such as line segments, angles, endpoints, and concave and convex lines were introduced this week. This specific language will help them find the similarities and differences in objects found in their geometric world. We will continue to delve into this skill next week.
Algebra:
We jumped into Chapter 4 this week. It involves functions. We will look at the relationships between numbers and the ways these relationships can be displayed such as graphing. Chapter 3 tests were returned on Friday, and the students have the chance to make corrections to earn half their missed points back. Please encourage them to discuss and reflect on their test as well as on their completion of the Chapter 3 homework. We are still working to build stronger study habits.
Kelly’s Advisory, Los Compadres: A Reminder about Conferences
Because I will be attending a literacy institute at Columbia University in New York City the week of conferences, my schedule has shifted for these meetings. They will be before and after school during the week of February 23. Please sign-up in the main office for one of these time slots. I look forward to talking with each of you about all the successes and growth that each of our Compadres have made!
BAILEY:
Humanities:
The Blue and Green groups are finishing their skits on Greek demigods and monsters. Anyone who wants to read every myth or fable in the collection may do so and present some creative way to communicate what they read: a book review, a cartoon summary, a book cover, an illustration. Next week we will also have debates to reveal the differences in the Athenian and Spartan city-states. Next week we will begin to read a version of Homer's Odyssey by Mary Pope Osborne. She has written a series of 7 short volume available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble and the libraries. If possible please purchase a volume or 2 or 3 ( any of the seven but the #1 I have for them) The students can trade and swap the various stories. If not possible or a more advanced text is desired you can get other retellings of The Iliad or The Odyssey and the adventures of Odysseus.
The Red Group held debates between Athens and Sparta. Next week they will write a persuasive essay extolling the benefits of one of these city-states. The Red group is also finishing Siddhartha next week. Please talk to your young reader about the book and anything you know about Buddha's life and teachings. Next we will read Sophocles' Oedipus Rex.
The fabulous BLASE advisory with Bailey:
I am very much looking forward to meeting with all of you to discuss "what matters most" to each student. We are engaged in a process at determining each students priorities and what actions are needed to find optimal success. I want everyone to feel they are meeting their potential. Each student is writing a letter to adults and we are asking each parent to compose a letter to their child so start a conversation.
In Morning Meeting we are taking steps to have students lead the meeting where each day a student is asked to lead the greeting and lead the activity. I want students to plan ahead and check in with me the day prior. The students chosen for the week are posted on Monday.
Have a lovely wet Presidents Weekend and Valentines Day. Hope there is time to cuddle up with a good book to read.
-Bailey
HAPPY 3-DAY WEEK-END
Kurt: holland@smmusd.org Kelly: kelly.kulsrud@smmusd.org
Bailey: baileyfield@mac.com
CORE 4
Getting to Meaningful Goals
The parent/student/teacher learning partnership here at SMASH reaches its finest expression during our goal setting conversations. To help this go smoothly for you we wanted to take a minute to clarify the goal setting process we employ here in core four. In essence we ask and answer the question “what is the most important?” from a student, parent and teacher’s perspective. We then use the answers to focus our efforts, to follow through on priorities, and to make judgments about what is most important today. In the process we relearn the old lesson about doing a few things well instead of many things poorly. Our goal is to produce self starting, life long learners who make things happen for by organizing for personal achievement. Getting to Meaningful Goals
Process Specifics:
1. Students will draft a letter to their teachers and parents specifying their goals, the reasons for the goal’s selection and a plan for accomplishment (POA). This will be done in class with teacher help, choice about how to share the goals, and subsequently sent home for revision by students.
2. Parents will be asked to draft a letter to their child discussing how the parent’s hopes and dream’s translate into what is important now? This letter will be written in a positive, potentially inspiring, manner looking to the child’s future from a parent’s unique perspective. Specific, descriptive and clarifying language is the goal here as “being organized” is less actionable then is the statement “ I think you need to spend ten minutes a day with me reviewing what is due next week and your plan for accomplishing these goals.”
3. Student led conferences occur and letters are reviewed by students with adults encouraging and asking clarifying questions. Teachers respond to the question about “what is most important right now” from their perspective within the learning partnership. Consensus is sought, reached, and action steps are drafted around focused goals. Each goal is examined for practicality, specificity, and measurability. Drafts go home and students revise to reflect parent/teacher feedback.
4. Student drafts final learning contract and circulates to parents and teachers for signatures. Strategies for achieving goals are brainstormed with adults. Teachers offer observations and reality checks as students think about the all important “how to get it done.”
5. Learning contract is reviewed continuously or at specified times as agreed during conference. Strategies are revised or continued as needed.
Please see example letters or reflection starters for ideas or contact your advisor if you have further questions about the goal setting process in core four. Thanks for your commitment to our partnership. You are your child’s first and most important teacher!
DATES TO REMEMBER
Mon, Feb 16 - Presidents’ Day—SCHOOL CLOSED
Tues, Feb 17 - 8:45 an - Health Cmtte meets at Urth Café
Wed, Thurs, Friday, Feb. 18, 19 & 20 - Student Led Conferences, 1:30 Dismissal. Sign up in main office.
Fri, Feb 27 - Jogathon!
Tues, Mar 3 - 8:15am - PTSA meeting
SAVE THE DATE - MAY 8 FAMILY DANCE
SMASH Camping Trip - First weekend in June - Save the Date!
The Health Committee meets February 17 at 8:45am at Urth Cafe (corner of Main and Holister) to explore healthy community snacks and other nutrition and health related ideas
Annual Poster Contest for the 25th Annual Twilight Dance Series
The winning design becomes the primary communications piece and will receive $750 and a VIP package for the summer including a backstage pass to the series. Entries are due at the pier's offices by March 6. Information is available by calling (310) 458-8901 or at www.santamonicapier.org. THINGS TO DO
Valentine’s Tea Festival - Sat .Feb. 14 2:00-8:00 pm Electric Lodge Performing & Visual Arts Centre. 1416 Electric Ave, Venice. Teas & flavours of England. Performance of Alice & the Wonderful Tea Party by Santa Monica Playhouse. Tickets $5-$15 info 310-699-7271; tickets 800-838-3006; www.kulovteafest.com
A Little Princess - Sat & Sun 11am Feb. 14 & 15 Morgan-Wixson Theater; 2627 Pico , tickets $6 & $8. 310-828-7519 or www.morgan-wixson.org
International Children’s Film Festival - Sat & Sun Feb 21-Mar 8. Roy & Edna Disney/CalArts Theate
Tickets $5 Call 213-237-2800 or www.redcat.org
Urgent alert - call your Senators now!
A group of Senators led by Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ben Nelson (D-NE) is trying to get green schools funding removed from the stimulus package http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=CAh5U%2B4PKpEEipNDzKThdjMxdK1ZA7R0 ! These are economy-boosting programs that would help bring our schools into the 21st century - these Senators would cut some $14 billion the House approved for green school renovations. We can't let this happen! Greening and repairing America's schools would create 300,000 jobs in the construction industry, and help stimulate green technology and energy efficiency. An investment in educational services will generate significantly more jobs - over 23 jobs per $1 million invested - than spending in any other public infrastructure sector. Please call your Senators now at 202 224-3121 and tell them you want investments in education and green schools in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. You have the power to win this battle to transform our education system and turn it into a model of innovation, ingenuity and sustainability. The vote could happen as early as today! Email or call your senator NOW- 202 224-3121! SMASH School Tours for 2009-2010 School Year
February 18 & 25, 9-10 amMarch 25, 9-10 am Last Tour Before Kindergarten Lottery (K application deadline 03-31-09)
May 13, 9-10 am
May 13, 7:00 pm for middle school students. Students entering 6th, 7th & 8th grade may attend with parent.
May 27, 9-10 am - Last Tour Before 1st-8th Grade Lottery (1st-8th application deadline 05-31-09)
