Dear SMASHing Families,
When situations like swine flu are highlighted in news media outlets, it is difficult to know what information we share with our children. That is a family decision that needs to take into account age of the child, level of information, and how much information would bring about any unnecessary fear. It is our charge as the adults to model rational and reasonable thinking. When we stay calm, our children usually follow suit.
Our best tools as parents is to continue to be diligent about proper hygiene. Reminding our children to wash their hands, and especially reminding them about singing the ABC songs twice in order to get sufficient hand wringing to rid the hand of germs is essential. Other tips and answers to several frequently asked questions are available at the Centers for Disease Control's website ( http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/) which is updated regularly.
Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
¨ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
¨ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
¨ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
¨ Don’t share water bottles or chapstick.
¨ Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
I also wanted to keep you informed of what measures the school district has taken to address the current health issue.
The District is:
Maintaining close communication with the local Public Health Department officials and will comply with the recommendations of the local Public Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Maintaining close communication with parents about the situation and has notified them that the district will be vigilant in requiring that sick students be kept at home. Encourage parents to report suspected cases of the flu to a school official.
Monitoring attendance, and keeping track of the number of students suspected of being ill with the flu.
Reminding staff and students to follow best hygienic practices (e.g., covering their mouth or nose when they sneeze or cough, washing hands often, avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth) to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.
Reviewing with health clerks and other staff how to recognize flu symptoms, and send sick students exhibiting flu-like symptoms—especially those with a fever—home.
The District will report suspected or confirmed cases of contagious diseases or illness, such as the swine flu, to local heath officials.
As always, thank you for your consideration and support.
Special thanks to Chi Kim, Pt. Dume Principal, for sharing her newsletter for me to adapt.
Truly Yours,
Jessica
Dear Parents,
A new variation of the influenza virus known as swine flu has been detected in parts of California and several other states. While experts are uncertain about the spread and duration of the virus in California, the people affected thus far are reporting only mild to moderate symptoms.
As a school community, we want to do all that we can to reduce the likelihood of virus exposure. The Center or Disease Control is advising that people follow general infection control practices and good hygiene to reduce transmission of all viruses. By taking simple precautions like washing hands often, covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze, students can reduce their chances of getting the flu. The experts also advise that whenever your child is sick, you do not send him or her to school. Our district nurses are in regular contact with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to insure that district staff and parents are up to date with the latest health information and classroom hygiene measures.
For further information, please check our district website at smmusd.org for flu prevention tips for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Tim Cuneo
Superintendent of Schools
PTSA news brief
SMASHing Fundraisers
Save the Date: SMASH movie night 5/15. Drop off your kids at SMASH for a movie and take a night off from parenting. Core 4 students will watch your kids. More info to come.
Only 30 more days ‘til SuperSMASH, Saturday, May 30, 2009! Time to get ready! Please see the materials in this week’s 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
For more information on our upcoming alumni network, please contact Terry Michaels at filmstudent9404@yahoo.com.
Please read SMASH alumni Rosie (Roxanne) Narasaki’s essay in this Friday letter. She is this year’s SMASH scholarship recipient
SMASHing Meetings
Our next PTSA meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 8 at 8:00AM.
SMASH Scholarship Essay - Roxanne Narasaki, SAMOHI '09 At age 11, I started my first day at SMASH. SMASH was a totally different environment from my previous school, the Westside Waldorf. It was comparatively huge (my class at Waldorf had about twelve kids), and, though both schools were very liberal, Waldorf was liberal in a “let’s all dance around the maypole” way, while SMASH was lenient in a “study whatever you want” way. As I entered school on my first day, I found a “crime scene.” A scrap of butcher paper with an outline where the “corpse” once was, with “blood spatters” around it, lay on the ground. The teachers told us solemnly, “Alfredo Fettuccine was murdered last night. We need you to find the murderer.” This was a prelude to our unit on forensic science. We got to learn about fingerprinting, blood typing, ballistics and poisons. And even though it scared me to death, and gave me nightmares, it was the study of forensics that began my love affair with science. I had never had any legitimate science classes before (at Waldorf, my teacher told me that a bird’s singing is actually the sound of the wind blowing through his hollow bones). Since that fateful day in sixth grade, my enthusiasm for science has grown to the point that I wish to study biology in college.
SMASH instilled in me not only a love of science, but also a love of creative writing. At a traditional school, a creative writing class would be an elective, but at SMASH, Writers’ Workshop is an integral part of the curriculum. At first, I felt forced - writing an original story was hard! Analytical essays are so much more cut and dried. Soon, however, I grew to love writing - in no time, I was cranking out my autobiography. And as with biology, I hope to study creative writing in college.
SMASH provided me with the foundation of my knowledge today. It instilled in me the idea that all areas of learning can go together. When I go on to college, I hope to find a place of learning can go together. When I go on to college, I hope to find a place of learning like SMASH.
It’s high time to gear up!
SuperSMASH
Saturday May 30, 2009
11:30AM to 5:30PM
SuperSMASH means
Carnival Rides • Games • Live Music • Delicious Food and an Amazing Silent Auction
All the proceeds from the auction will go directly to SMASH. And that means:
We need your help to make it a success!
Go to your favorite
stores • restaurants • salons • businesses
and ask for a donation to our Silent Auction.
Be a donor yourself and offer your
services • talents • goods • ideas
All donations are tax-deductible.
Go out and get as many donations as you can.
Check the Friday Letter for ideas.
Thanks! Ofer Grossman at (310) 367-7504 or omglaw@gmail.com
Helga Schier at 310-828-8421 or helgaschier@verizon.net
Dear SMASH Families,
SuperSMASH 2009 is approaching and it’s time to gear up. This year’s event, which takes place on Saturday, May 30th, promises to be a fun-filled day with carnival rides, entertainment, delicious food and an amazing silent auction.
This year the success of SuperSMASH in general and the Silent Auction in particular is more important than ever as we are working hard to manage a budget crisis. This means we really need your help to make SuperSMASH and the Silent Auction the success we need!
Check the inside of this letter for some ideas to help you find donations for our silent auction. We are looking for donations from you, the talented SMASH community, as well as from local merchants to bring in as many donations as possible. We’ve also included three white Auction Donor Forms (with a letter to potential donors on the reverse). Take these forms to your favorite stores, restaurants, salons, or any business and ask for an item, gift certificate or service that can be auctioned off to benefit our school.
All donations are tax-deductible. Our tax ID is 95-4439445. The donor needs to fill out the white form, and return it along with the donated item or certificate to Janice in the office. If you run out of forms, as we hope you will, see Janice for more copies.
Please go out and get as many donations as you can. Aim for at least three donations per family.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ofer Grossman at (310) 367-7504 or omglaw@gmail.com with any comments or questions. Thanks for participating in this fantastic community event!
Sincerely,
Ofer Grossman
SuperSMASH Silent Auction Chair
SuperSMASH 2009
Silent Auction Donation Ideas
What do you do?
COMPUTER LESSONS • VIDEOS/ DVDS/ CDS/ SOFTWARE •PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEOGRAPHY • COMPUTER GRAPHICS • WEB DESIGN •HOLIDAY CARDs • STATIONERY • HOLIDAY DECORATING BABYSITTING • COOKING • BAKING • DOG WALKING • MEDICINE • HOMEOPATHY • NUTRITION •LEGAL SERVICES • ACCOUNTING • ESTATE PLANNING •ORGANIZATION • FILING • EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS •JEWELER • FLORAL DESIGN • INTERIOR DESIGN • ARCHITECTURE •GENERAL CONTRACTING • HANDYPERSON • PAINTING •PARTY PLANNER • ENTERTAINMENT (musician, puppet shows, magic) •SPORTS • COACHING • SAILING • GOLF • TENNIS • DANCING • AEROBICS
Who do you know?
CHEFS • CATERERS • PARTY ENTERTAINERS • PHOTOGRAPHERS • ARTISTS •BOAT/ PLANE OWNERS • VACATION HOME/ TIMESHARE OWNERS •CASTING AGENTS • WALK ONS/CAMEOS • STUDIO TOURS •SPORTS/ TV/ MOVIE MEMORABILIA • BUILDERS • LANDSCAPERS • GARDENERS •MASSAGE THERAPISTS • DERMATOLOGISTS • BEAUTICIANS •NUTRITIONISTS • HEALERS • ACUPUNCTURISTS • YOGA TEACHERS •CLEANING SERVICES • WINDOW WASHERS • DOG WALKERS •COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS •PERSONAL ORGANIZERS •SWIM/TENNIS/GOLF PRO'S • PERSONAL TRAINERS • TICKETS TO: MUSEUMS/THEME PARKS/ CONCERTS/ MOVIES/THEATERS •TICKETS TO: SPORTS/MOVIE PREMIERES/AWARD SHOWS
Where do you go?
• STORES • BOOKS • CLOTHING • TOYS • SHOES • HOUSEWARES • LIQUOR
• WINES • MUSIC VIDEO • ART SUPPLIES • ELECTRONICS • STATIONERY • KIDS CLASSES • CAMPS • BIRTHDAY PARTY • HOTELS • RESTAURANTS • BEAUTY • REPAIR SHOP • SALONS • GYMS • SPAS • COUNTRY CLUBS • SUPERMARKETS • DRY CLEANER
Please drop off your donations at the SMASH office
by May 4, 2009
Dear SuperSMASH Friends and Donors,
On Saturday May 30, 2009, SMASH (Santa Monica Alternative School House) will host its annual SuperSMASH silent auction and carnival. Celebrating its 34th year, SMASH is a public school serving an ethnically and economically diverse K-8 student population. Our active community of instructors, parents, students and neighborhood members work tirelessly to forge new educational techniques in a non-competitive environment. Our school depends on the proceeds of the SuperSMASH silent auction and carnival to provide for teachers’ aides, as well as for programs in art, science and technology, foreign language and physical education for our children.
Budget Cuts Are Directly Affecting Our Classrooms
In this current economic environment, the State of California and the Federal government have made dramatic budget cuts that will be felt directly in our classrooms, and more are expected. SuperSMASH is our chance to help offset those losses and provide our children with essential educational programs that are no longer paid for by the state or federal governments. As President Obama recently noted in his inauguration speech, the Nation is plagued with a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable and that the next generation must lower its sights. Nowhere is this felt more keenly than in the public school system. The challenges we face are real, but with your help, they will be met. We ask you to choose hope over fear in these tough economic times and to extend your generosity by contributing an item or gift certificate that can be auctioned at the Silent Auction. In the alternative, please consider making a donation to our school.
In appreciation for your support of our children, we will acknowledge your name and a description of your donation in the SuperSmash Silent Auction Catalog, and on a table poster at SuperSMASH. Your donation will also be acknowledged in the Santa Monica Daily Press. Your contribution is fully tax deductible and greatly appreciated (Tax ID: 95-4439445). To ensure that your company and item are included in our catalog, please return the enclosed donation form as soon as possible. Please contact Ofer Grossman at (310) 367-7504 or omglaw@gmail.com with any comments or questions.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Ofer Grossman, SuperSMASH Auction Chair
Helga Schier,SMASH PTSA President
For The Arts Benefit Concert
BILLY IDOL, VENICE and Very Special Guest DAVE MASON
join student musicians on stage
for an unforgettable evening of music under the stars!
100% of concert proceeds fund and sustain arts education
in the Santa Monica-Malibu public schools
Saturday, May 30, 2009; 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm (doors open 5 pm)
Samohi Greek Amphitheater, Santa Monica High School; 601 Pico Boulevard; Santa Monica
Bid on exciting LIVE AUCTION!
Tickets Information www.smmef.org
California State PTA positions on May 19 statewide ballot measures
Based on the authority contained in statewide resolutions and position statements, the California State PTA, representing nearly 1 million volunteer members, has taken positions on five of the six measures that will appear on the May 19 statewide ballot.
PROPOSITION 1A - SUPPORT
Restores education funding, temporarily increases state revenues, and establishes a "rainy day" stabilization fund
PROPOSITION 1B - SUPPORT
Education funding repayment plan
PROPOSITION 1C - SUPPORT
Modernization of the Lottery
PROPOSITION 1D - OPPOSE
First 5/Children's services funding
PROPOSITION 1E - SUPPORT
Mental health services funding
PROPOSITION 1F - NO POSITION
Legislative pay increases
Each of these measures is intended to implement components of the state budget agreement adopted by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in late February.
USEFUL LINKS
For a fuller discussion of PTA's positions, please visit www.smmpta.org.
California Secretary of State Official Voter Guide Information http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/
Legislative Analyst's Office analyses of ballot propositions http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/ballot_sourcePropositions.aspx
League of Women Voters: Easy Voter Guide (English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese) www.easyvoter.org
Those who are not currently registered to vote must postmark an application by Monday, May 4, 2009, in order to do so in this election. Info at www.lavote.net.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SMASH ADVISORY COUNCIL
It’s time again to think ahead and select the parents to represent you at the SMASH Council for next year. This group of parent, staff and students meet once a month to:
A. To establish and oversee the use of the School Improvement (SI) funds as provided in Section 52012 of the California Education Code.
B. To oversee and assist in the development of the annual School Improvement Plan (SIP). The SC shall identify areas of need and goals for improvement as mandated by California Ed Code 52014: “Each plan shall be based on an assessment of school capability to meet the educational needs of each pupil, specify improvement objectives, and indicate steps necessary to achieve those objectives including intended outcomes.”
C. To maintain periodic analysis of implementation and effectiveness of the SIP. The SC shall analyze and draft an SIP ANALYSIS based on the actual outcomes of the improvement plan and on reports from the SMASH community. The SIP ANALYSIS shall be utilized in development of subsequent School Improvement Plans. California Ed Code 52021 states that SC, “…shall have ongoing responsibility to review with the principal, teachers, other school personnel and pupils the implementation of the school improvement program and to assess periodically the effectiveness of such program.”
D. To provide a forum for all SMASH constituents to communicate their concerns related to the development of the annual School Improvement Plan including areas of need, goals for improvement, outcomes and effectiveness of School improvement plans.
E. To communicate the actions and goals of the SC to the entire SMASH community.
F. To ensure that the annual School Improvement Plan supports the goals, philosophy and vision of SMASH as established in the school handbook.
We will be electing four (3) parents to serve a one-year term. To be elected, please bring in statement, no longer than 50-words, of your interest and qualifications to Janice in the SMASH office no later than 3:00 on Thursday, May 7. Late submissions will not be accepted.
The candidate statements will be published in the May 8 Friday Letter. Ballots will be sent home with the May 15 Friday Letter and are due by 4pm on Wednesday, May 20. No late ballots will be accepted. Representatives will be announced in the May 22 Friday Letter.
We also need one parent to serve on the SMASH Council Election Committee. This must be a person who is not currently on the Council and does not plan to run. Their role will be to make sure the election process is followed. Please let Laura, Jessica or Janice know if you are interested in serving on the election committee by Friday, May 8.
Sustainable Works EARTHDAY ART CONTEST CELEBRATION
Wednesday, May 13, 4:00-5:30pm Awards & Recognition Ceremony at 5:00 pm
Santa Monica Pier Carousel
Students and Families are invited to come celebrate all the youth in our community who participated in the Sustainable Santa Monica Earthday Poster Contest! Food, Gifts, Raffle Prizes, Awards, and Carousel Rides! We are going to have a great time!
Over 300 K-12 aged students in Santa Monica participated in the Sustainable Santa Monica Earthday Poster contest. The entries were both inspiring and heart-warming. Grant Prize winners and artists of selected entries will be personally notified. The part at the Pier is for EVERYONE!
For more information contact Traci Reitz. RSVP appreciated: reitz_traci@smc.edu
www.sustainableworks.org; 310-458-8716; 1744 Pearl St; Santa Monica, CA 90405
CORE 1 NEWS
This week Core 1 welcomes Velveteen the Rabbit! The Pets Study group spent 3 months researching different pets and educating the other students. Then they conducted a core-wide survey, and an overwhelming 21 students voted for a rabbit. Thanks to Trent’s Majken, we were able to adopt a rabbit from a family who could no longer care for it. We sincerely appreciate this family’s generosity in donating Velveteen, his cage, food, hay, etc. The children are taking turns caring for Velveteen as we get him acclimated to his new home.
Zelda – “We’ll clean up the hay again because we love the bunny!”
Eleanor – “We need some flowers in here cause the hay kind of stinks.”
Gala – “His poop looks like cocoa puffs.”
Dear Parents and Children,
We, Core 1 will be hosting a fundraiser to raise money for our new pet rabbit, Velveteen! We will be selling friendship bracelets ($3.00), friendship necklaces($3.50), magnets($2.50) and pet rocks($3.00-$4.00). Please come and help us support our rabbit. We will be hosting this on Tuesday May 6 at 2:50 p.m. in the little yard, and on Wednesday, May 7 in the front where the bake sale takes place. On Tuesday, the children who made each art piece will have the chance to buy their work first.
From,
Lily T. in Core 1
FIELD TRIP – We will be visiting the Mason Wixson Theater on Friday, May 15 to see a performance of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. We will be leaving around 10:15 to take the Big Blue Bus. ALL OF THE STUDENTS NEED TO BRING A LUNCH, which we will eat after the show. We will return to school around 1:15. Come enjoy one of our last field trips this year! Please sign-up to chaperone by the Home/School table.
CORES 1 & 2 BARBEQUE – This annual event (one of our favorites!) is almost here.
Save the date! We will be having our (almost) end of the year barbeque on Friday, May 22 at 11:00 (we're firing up the grills at 10:30) in the Small Yard. Cores 1 and 2 are joining together for this festive culminating celebration. Food/drink/supply requests have been attached to the front of this week’s Friday Letter. Please let us know ASAP if there is a problem with what we’ve asked you to bring. We hope you can join us for this fun event! (We need grills! We have very few volunteers for grills, so please let us know if you have one we can borrow. Thanks!)
REMINDERS /ANNOUNCEMENTS –
¨ Since the beginning of the year, we have had the policy that children should not bring toys or stuffed animals to school. However, children often need help practicing this rule. Please remind your child that they need to leave their toys at home (or in the car), as some toys are beginning to cause problems in the classroom. Thanks!
¨ The Core 1 teachers have great opportunities for professional development next week. On Monday, Chrysta, Candis, and Jackie will be at First Presbyterian, a local Reggio school, to continue their research on project-based learning. On Thursday, Candis and Chrysta will be participating in a district-sponsored workshop on Cognitively Guided Instruction for our Math instruction. The amazing Mimi and Rosie will be our guest teachers for both of those days.
¨ Wish List: Ziploc Bags (gallon and quart sizes), Bandaids
Have a WONDERFUL weekend!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: candis.berens@smmusd.org Chrysta: wyse@smmusd.org
CORE 2 NEWS
On Thursday, May 7, we are going on a field trip to Watts Towers. We are leaving school around 8:40 am and return around 2:00 pm. Please have your child bring a snack and a lunch. We are asking for a $6.00 donation to pay for the school bus and fee from Watts Towers. We have room for 5 parents. Please let Laura or Jayme know if you would like to join us. Please fill out the yellow permission slip and return ASAP!
Writers Workshop – We are continuing to work on our Realistic Fiction story. Our focus is on exciting story beginnings and dialogue. We brainstormed what other words we could use besides “said” in dialogue. Writers can be more specific about their characters’ emotions through the specific use of dialogue words. For example, instead of saying “Oh, no,” he said…you could say “Oh, no,” he shouted.
Math: The 3rd graders created a Treehouse Platform and architect plans for Balobbyland. In partnerships, they are creating three of the following areas: Balobby Bedroom, Futur-kitch, the Grandlobby, the Teddy Kennel, Lobbyschool, School Fun Room, or Balobby Adventure Park. Ask them which 3 areas they picked and why.
The 2nd graders are working on word problems with the missing number in different places. For example: Nadja and Laura were baking cookies together. Nadja baked 21 cookies. They baked 43 cookies all together. How many cookies did Laura bake? They were asked to think of the number sentence that represents this story and solve using different strategies.
Arts with Kristy: this week the children shared original plays with shadow puppets. Students were asked to critique each other’s work and add positive suggestions about what they could do better for the larger performance. Also, students were able to add foley sounds to liven up their plays. We will continue this work next week.
In Science, we finished the skeletal system. We will be continuing our investigation into the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, and the muscular system. If you have any age appropriate resources please send them in. This mini unit will lead into our nutrition and health unit.
Our Core 1/ Core 2 BBQ is fast approaching. We have attached a pink 1/2 sheet that gives information and what supplies (food, cups, grills, etc.) your family will supply. Please let Laura or Jayme know if you can bring a grill.
On Friday, May 15 we will celebrate April, May, June, July, and August Birthday Bash at 11:30 am. If your child has a birthday in any of these months, see attached purple 1/2 sheet with information.
Upcoming dates and events:
Wednesday, May 6 – Standardized testing ends in core 2
Thursday, May 7 – Field trip to Watts Tower
Friday, May 8- SMASH FAMILY DANCE y FIESTA!
Friday, May 15 – April, May, June, July, and August Birthday Bash – 11:30 am
Friday, May 22 – Annual Core 1/Core2 BBQ.
Wednesday, June 3 – Core 2 Arts Sharing with Kristy
Have a stupendous weekend,
Laura, Jayme, and Nadja
Laura’s e-mail: sherman@smmusd.org Jayme’s e-mail: jayme.wold@smmusd.org
CORE 3 NEWS
Core 3 has been planning a big field trip to the Mission at San Juan Capistrano
and it is finally here! We are scheduled for a guided tour on Wed, May 13 at 11:00
As part of our theme of Human Needs/Human Rights we have studied the Democracy/Elections, Water Usage/Conservation, Survival, California Native Americans and California Geography. The Missions and related interactions between Spain, Mexico, and Native Americans are a big part of California history. Our current read aloud, Zia by Scott O’Dell (the sequel to Island of the Blue Dolphins) is about a Native American girl and her life at a California Mission.
We are still deciding on transportation to San Juan Capistrano. There are two options--we are waiting to hear from the district transportation department to make our decision.
Option one is to travel by charter bus--leaving SMASH by 8:45am and arriving at the San Juan Capistrano Mission by 11:00 to meet our tour guide (We’re waiting to hear if we can get a bus. If we can, this is what we’ll most likely do). We’ll tour the Mission from 11-12:30 and eat our lunches on the Mission grounds. Then we will get on the bus and return to school by the end of the school day at 2:50. We would need a $10.00 donation for each student to help supplement the charter bus fee, Mission entrance and tour guide fee.
Option two is to take the Amtrak Train from Union Station in downtown LA. We would ask families to drop students off at the station by 8:00 am to catch the 8:30 train to San Juan Capistrano and pick up students from Union Station arriving on the Amtrak Train at 4:09 (If we can’t get a bus, this is what we’ll have to do). For this option, we would be asking for a $20.00 donation from each student to help supplement the Amtrak fare, Mission entrance and tour guide fee. Upon arrival, we would walk from the San Juan Capistrano Train Station to the Mission to make our 11:00 tour guide appointment. We’ll tour the Mission from 11-12:30 and then eat our lunches on the Mission grounds. We’d use any remaining free time from 1:00-2:00 to walk through the town and shops of San Juan Capistrano. Finally, we’ll walk back to the train station to catch the 2:47 train.
We still have room for two more chaperones, so please let us know if you are interested in going on this amazing trip!
Let us know if you have any ideas or questions about this trip!
mugalian@smmusd.org genie.hwang@smmusd.org
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
5th Grade: Wed, May 13 - 6:30-7:30, Student & parent information meeting regarding Core 4
A Note from Sandy Cano, RN School Nurse
5th Grade Families
On Thursday May 14, the 5th grade students will be studying growth and development. The content they will receive has been carefully prepared and designed for the comprehension level of 5th grade and includes:
¨ Body changes that occur during puberty
¨ The human reproductive system
¨ Responsibilities associated with adolescence
The information will be presented through videos (We’re Growing Up and Dr. D’s Birds and Bees), discussion and students’ questions. Handouts will go home with the students and I encourage you to look at them and elaborate on these subjects with your child. Our goal is to provide the students with a basic understanding of themselves and others and to correct any misinformation they may have. This is a good time for you to make sure your child feels comfortable talking with you about their body so that when the more challenging questions about sex come up that they’ll turn to you for answers.
The videos will be viewed as a group and then the discussion and question period will be done with boys and girls separately.
If you DO NOT want your child to attend, please notify your child’s TEACHER IN WRITING, before May 12.
Incoming 6th and 8th Grade Student Transition Talks
Incoming 6th grade and 8th grade parents and students are invited to join me May 13 for a transition overview, service project information, and some important information on helping your child navigate the exciting world of core four and our demanding senior year. If your child is entering 8th grade please join me at 17:30 for information on the service project, preparing for high school, and how to support our lovelies as they stand at the top of the hill and gaze at the mountain of high school. Incoming 6th grade parents join me at 18:30 and we can plan for a stress free, rewarding move into the world of core four. We should be done by 19:30 or so… Please email or drop around my room If you need information before these meetings or have a specific agenda item you wish me to discuss with everyone.
Kurt Holland
Environmental Education Trip Payment Plan
After conversations with many of our families and a highly successful fundraising night the critical path forward to trip nirvana has become clear. Our environmental trip suppliers are working with us and our kids are motivated.
Now, it’s time to pay the deposits. In order to simplify matters I am asking for a universal deposit of $100 from each participating family to cover the bills that are now due. Please make these checks out to SMASH PTSA and print your child’s name and expected trip across the top of the check. Drop around or email me if you need any information about these valuable outdoor education programs. - Kurt
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Please Return by 5/13
Our child,_________________________, will / will not be joining core four on next year’s environmental education trip for their grade level (Please circle travel and payment status).
¨ Included is a check to cover the universal deposit of $100. We will pay the rest next fall in September or October.
¨ Included is a check for $100. We wish to apply for a partial scholarship.
We will help provide funding for the trip scholarship fund in the cash amount of_____________________. Thanks for even thinking about it!
I,_______________________________, can help
by________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name and contact info:_______________________________________________
CORE 4 NEWS
Dear Core 4 Families,
I am pleased to announce that both Bailey and Erin will be with us for the last 6 weeks of this school year beginning Monday, May 11.
This will allow students to smoothly complete the “How do I be my best self?” Integrated Thematic Unit planned by Kurt, Kelly, Andrea, Bailey, and myself while Erin focuses on a Core 4 teaching team action research project around using Responsive Classroom guiding principles and our new Teacher’s College literacy assessment results to guide future instruction. In addition, Bailey will be writing narratives since she has been with the students for this reporting period. Core 4 is lucky to have a full team of Andrea, Bailey, Cara, Erin, Ingrid, Karin, Kelly, and Kurt to close out this year as we also create the curriculum map for 2009-2010!
Truly Yours,
Jessica
FROM KELLY:
Math
6/7: Ending with All Shapes and Sizes!
Over this past week, the mathematicians explored the final concept of our geometry unit: quadrilaterals. Groups of five gathered to discover the properties of the various types of these shapes. Through discovery and exploration, the groups used their prior knowledge of specific types of angles, lines, diagonals, and symmetry to determine the distinct properties each type of quadrilateral has. This type of activity allows the students to not only apply and transfer their knowledge from the past, but they also take ownership in the learned shapes rather than just memorization. After studying a specific shape, the group presented this information to the group. The other members of the class were able to counter argue and ask clarifying questions to ensure that the presenting group was giving them accurate information. Each mathematician was assessed on his/her work as a presenter as well as an audience member. The rubric of this assessment will be attached to their Weekly Progress Report next week. Please encourage your child to talk to you about this activity and their evaluation.
As we close the unit on Monday of next week, the students will celebrate all the successes and hard work that they applied to this unit. Reflection and celebration will take place in these final moments. Cheers to all mathematicians!
Algebra:
Our focus for these two weeks involves Chapter 5: Linear Equations. Skills such as x and y-intercepts and slope are being covered. To discover the concept of slope, the mathematicians ventured out into the world and climbed different sets of stairs. This helped them discover how the length and height of a step affect the steepness of the set of stairs. In the same way, the “steepness” of a line is affected by the rise (or height) and run (length) between points on a line. Encourage them to continue visualizing this analogy to help make this concept of slope clearer. We’ll start to finish up Chapter 5 next week.
FROM BAILEY:
Humanities Update:
As we are underway with Red Scarf Girl we will be discussing communism, especially as it took form in China. It would be helpful for any home discussions about communism, capitalism and free market as economic systems and how communism also became a government that was nondemocratic. These are difficult concepts for students to grasp. Also watch "Seven Years in Tibet'" and "The Last Emperor" as a family. Other films about China would be wonderful too. There have been some recent very artistic films made in and about China. Subtitles may be an issue though? A summary and critic of the film in writing or interview with me will be acknowledged with credit and make up for missing or late work. SO would a trip to CHINATOWN!
We will also begin reading Chinese folktales and legends this week. We will explore the idea of real life heros and mythological heroes to prepare ourselves for a trip to the Skirball center on May 14 for the 6th and 7th graders. The exhibit is about Superheroes of 1930-50’s.
In the following weeks we will cover Chinese philosophies of Taoism, Confucianism and Legalism. I have encouraged anyone who wants to do special outside research about China to see me. It can be casual and fun and help broaden the classes knowledge. Please look for current events in the news about China to bring to class.
Please have your students select a memoir, autobiography or biography of a person who inspires your student. We will be exploring issues of identity and the making of our "best selves" with examples from others' lives. The book should be selected by May 6th!
Please email me with any questions, concerns or ideas of what resources you have to enrich our unit of study.
Have a great weekend. Bailey
