SuperSMASH ‘09
Just 1 week away!
Saturday, May 30, 11:30 to 5:30
Got Time?
Please volunteer. SuperSMASH needs you! REALLY!
Helga at 310-828-8421 or helgaschier@verizon.net
Got T-shirts?
Bring your t-shirts, dresses, sheets to SuperSMASH to tie-dye.
Got no t-shirts? Don’t despair… we’ll sell some at SuperSMASH.
Got cakes?
The cakewalk needs your cake donations. Bring them to the kitchen on Saturday a.m.
Yvonne at 310-503-5663 or paradisekid@verizon.net
Got old hats?
Our Decoupage booth needs old handbags, hats, purses, belts… to be decorated with magazines, newspapers…
Hillary at 310-291-1466 or hdrollins@verizon.net
Got Internet Access?
Check out that Catalogue!
Go to http://www.ptsasmash.blogspot.com/
and check out the fantastic items that are up for auction.
Bid on a new haircut and a new dress to wear for a night out in town.
While you’re at it, bid on a play date for your kids so you can enjoy that night out.
Kids – check out those ever-popular Ugly Dolls,
while your parents check out the beautiful Core Art Projects.
SuperSMASH ‘09
Saturday, May 30, 11:30AM to 5:30PM
This just in…
Give postcards to your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers!
Pass them out at baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, ballet and music class!
Grab a poster from the office and ask your favorite
grocery store, boutique, restaurant, coffee shop
to hang it in their window.
Help us make this the best SuperSMASH ever.
SPREAD THE WORD!
NEW BOOTH AT SUPER SMASH!!
I will be running a cool new art booth this year and need your help.
We will be having fun and making beautiful new things out of old ugly ones (recycling!!!) with DECOUPAGE…
Decoupage is the art of gluing colorful paper to the surface of an object and then coating it with a special finish to create a new and decorative look. I will be coming around to each core to show some examples in the next few weeks.
But your job is to collect any old items that could be decorated this way as well as any old magazines, newspapers, out-of-date calendars, comic books you no longer want, and (especially) those scraps of colorful wrapping paper that are too small to use to wrap gifts!!!
The items can be things like: old leather and plastic purses, old wallets, old belts, cigar boxes or other little boxes of any size and shape, old or new journals, photo album covers, lamp shades – anything that can have paper glued to it will work! Leather, metal and wood make the best surfaces, but other materials are okay, too. Clean out your closets and transform your old trash into works of art!
In addition, if you have something special that you don’t want to contribute but which you’d like to decorate, remember to bring it with you on SUPER SMASH day…you can decoupage it at the booth and take it back home with you and it will even cost you fewer tickets than if you “bought” one of the donated items!
Please bring your contribution items and your colorful paper contributions to SMASH as soon as possible. We’ll have a collection bin outside the office.
THANKS! Hillary Rollins
Give postcards to your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers!
Pass them out at baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, ballet and music class!
Grab a poster from the office and ask your favorite
grocery store, boutique, restaurant, coffee shop
to hang it in their window.
Help us make this the best SuperSMASH ever.
SPREAD THE WORD!
NEW BOOTH AT SUPER SMASH!!
I will be running a cool new art booth this year and need your help.
We will be having fun and making beautiful new things out of old ugly ones (recycling!!!) with DECOUPAGE…
Decoupage is the art of gluing colorful paper to the surface of an object and then coating it with a special finish to create a new and decorative look. I will be coming around to each core to show some examples in the next few weeks.
But your job is to collect any old items that could be decorated this way as well as any old magazines, newspapers, out-of-date calendars, comic books you no longer want, and (especially) those scraps of colorful wrapping paper that are too small to use to wrap gifts!!!
The items can be things like: old leather and plastic purses, old wallets, old belts, cigar boxes or other little boxes of any size and shape, old or new journals, photo album covers, lamp shades – anything that can have paper glued to it will work! Leather, metal and wood make the best surfaces, but other materials are okay, too. Clean out your closets and transform your old trash into works of art!
In addition, if you have something special that you don’t want to contribute but which you’d like to decorate, remember to bring it with you on SUPER SMASH day…you can decoupage it at the booth and take it back home with you and it will even cost you fewer tickets than if you “bought” one of the donated items!
Please bring your contribution items and your colorful paper contributions to SMASH as soon as possible. We’ll have a collection bin outside the office.
THANKS! Hillary Rollins
SuperSMASH ‘09
Saturday, May 30, 11:30AM to 5:30PM
Time is money
Because this year we need to keep cost down and can’t hire people to run the booths.
Be generous
Give us two (preferably even more) hours of your time.
Help coordinate and/or run a Game or Ride
Water Slide, Plinko,
Sports Station, Wheel of Fortune, Tie Dye,
Bean Bag Toss, Obstacle Course, Caterpillar,
Putting Green, Fish Bowl Toss, Spin Art
Help run a Food or Refreshment Booth
SMASHing Grill Station, Pizza, Popcorn, Water, Shaved Ice
Help coordinate and/or run an Art Booth
Candy Necklaces, Decoupage, Buttons, Hair Wraps
Help set up, supervise and check out the Silent Auction
Help set up, decorate and clean up on the day of the event
With 25 booths to run for six hours,
we have 75 two-hour time slots to fill.
We really need you!
Sign up now!
Contact Helga at 310-828-8421 or helgaschier@verizon.net
SuperSMASH ‘09
Saturday, May 30, 11:30 to 5:30
FEATURING
11:30
DJ Holly Adams
Core 3 Mom Holly Adams is back by popular demand for the 3rd year
12:30
SMASH Middle School String Orchestra
Katie Cavallero Conductor
1:15
L.I.L.A.
Core 2’s Lydia Night and her all-girl band rock SuperSMASH
1:30
Chorus 1
Core 1 parents unknowingly begin their 9-year SuperSMASH engagement performing classic rock.
2:30
The Brig Band "Jazz Hip Hop Funk Rock - All Improv All the Time"
Core 1 Dad Kenny Burgomaster is back by popular demand for the 2nd year
12:15, 1:00, 2:15, 3:30, 4:15
Cakewalk
5:00
SuperSMASH Staff Raffle Drawings
ALSO FEATURING
Silent Auction
Come and bid on lots like a signed JONAS BROTHERS guitar
Auction opens at 11:30, and closes in sections at 4:00, 4:15 and 4:30
Great Food
SMASHing chili (vegetarian and not) … SMASHing Dave’s Famous Ribs
Wildflour Pizza … Shaved Ice
Great Fun
Giant Water Slide, Goldfish Toss, Bean Bag Toss, Wheel of Fortune,
Soccer Kick/Football Toss/Baseball Throw, Do-It-Yourself Tie-Dye, Spin Art,
Candy Necklaces, Hair Art
New Attractions
Putting Green … Obstacle Course … Caterpillar Crawl … Plinko
Decoupage … Build-your-own Succulent Garden … Make Your Own Buttons
PTSA news brief
SMASHing Fundraisers
ONE more week to SuperSMASH: Saturday, May 30, 11:30AM to 5:30PM.
Check out that Catalogue! Go to http://www.ptsasmash.blogspot.com/ and check out the fantastic items that are up for auction. Bid on a new haircut and a new dress to wear for a night out in town. While you’re at it, bid on a play date for your kids so you can enjoy that night out. Kids – check out those ever-popular Ugly Dolls, while your parents check out the beautiful Core Art Projects.
Be prepared for lots of fun on the field! We’ll have lots of new attractions this year: a crawl through caterpillar for those flexible enough to tie their limbs in knots, an obstacle course for the athletes, a putting green for the budding golfer, and Plinko game for the gambler in all of us
Back by popular demand, the Fish Bowl Toss, the Sports Station, all our favorite Ball and Bean Bag Toss games, the ever-popular Wheel of Fortune and the Water Slide.
Bring a swimsuit and a towel!
For the artists among us, we’ll have Do-It-Yourself Tie Dye, Spin Art, Hair Art, and of course, the ever popular Candy Necklaces. And this year we’ll have new art booths, too: You can make your own Buttons, beautify old handbags and purses with Decoupage and all green souls among us can create their own Succulent Garden.
And if you’re hungry from all this fun, try the SMASHing food… chili, grilled ribs and chicken.
So please spread the word! Pass out posters and postcards so our neighbors can share the fun! Get Donations so we can pay for it all. And sign up to volunteer so we can handle it all!
SMASHing Meetings
Our next PTSA meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 4 at 6:30PM.
For the artists among us, we’ll have Do-It-Yourself Tie Dye, Spin Art, Hair Art, and of course, the ever popular Candy Necklaces. And this year we’ll have new art booths, too: You can make your own Buttons, beautify old handbags and purses with Decoupage and all green souls among us can create their own Succulent Garden.
And if you’re hungry from all this fun, try the SMASHing food… chili, grilled ribs and chicken.
So please spread the word! Pass out posters and postcards so our neighbors can share the fun! Get Donations so we can pay for it all. And sign up to volunteer so we can handle it all!
SMASHing Meetings
Our next PTSA meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 4 at 6:30PM.
MULTI-CULTURAL BASKETS FOR SUPERSMASH AUCTION
Last year we created these amazing Multi-Cultural Baskets that were a collaboration of the entire community. We’d like to do that again this year. We would like to have families bring in items that they feel are a representation of their culture. A gift certificate for an Indian restaurant, a spice, a fabric, a book of tales from your country, a CD, recipes, candy, a video with subtitles, a travel book...many ideas, many places!
But, you say, I have no culture...Well, we are all from somewhere! Maybe you identify more with a region of the United States. How about seeds or a gift certificate for a diner if you are from the Midewest, or sunscreen, movie coupons, beach towel or granola if you are from California, or taffy from Oregon, or a seafood cookbook or book about the theatre.
We have an incredibly diverse community and we are all very creative. Let’s use our imagination and create something really special.
I am Parsa’s mother, Jila-Tayefehnowrooz, I will put one box in each core group. Please put your item in the appropriate box with your name and the culture it represents.
Thank You! Gracias! Merci! Arigatou! Toda! Dhanyavad! Havala! Efkharisto! Nanri! Grazie
RAFFLE TICKETS!!!
Sushi Making with Tamara, Genie and Malaika
Win an afternoon of cooking with the Core 3
teachers making tasty California rolls, Vegetable rolls,
and Inari (rice wrapped in beancurd)!
teachers making tasty California rolls, Vegetable rolls,
and Inari (rice wrapped in beancurd)!
When: Friday, June 12, 1:30-3:30
Where: Core 3, SMASH
Who: 10 lucky students
Bowling with Kurt and Bailey
Win a trip to the bowling alley with acouple of cool Core 4 teachers!
When: TBDWhere: Bay Shore Lanes in Santa Monica
Who: 12 luck students
Visit the Santa Monica Aquarium with Jessica & Chrysta
Win an afternoon petting sea creatures with the fantastic Chrysta & Jessica.
Then head to the beach park for a little sand play & a lemonade!
When: Tuesday, June 16, 2:30-4:30
Where: Santa Monica Aquarium at the Pier
Who: 4 Lucky Students
Bike Cruise with Kelly and Candis!
Win a trip down the ocean breezed bike path with the fabulous Candis and Kelly!
When: TBD
Where: Bike path at the Beachwith your own bike and helmet
Who: 6 lucky students
Teacher for a Day!
Win an opportunity to be Kurt for a day!
When: First week of JuneWhere: Core 4
Who: One lucky student
Window Shopping and Pinkberry, Oh my! (with Kelly)
Win a window shopping trip and a Pinkberry stopwith SMASH’s Fashionista, Kelly!
When: Tuesday, June 16, 1:45-3:45
Where: Main Street
Who: 5 lucky students
Wende for a Day!
Win an opportunity to be Wende for a day!
When: Friday, June 5
Where: SMASH
Who: One lucky student
Principal for a Day!
Win an opportunity to beJessica for a day!
When: Friday, June 5
Where: SMASH
Who: One lucky student
Janice for a Day!
Win an opportunity to be Janice for a day!
When: Friday, June 5 Where: SMASH
Who: One lucky student
Color Me Mine with Jayme & Tamara & Janice
Win a day to paint a piece of pottery at Color Me Mine
with the amazing Jayme, Tamara, and Janice!
When: Thursday, June 4 at 3:30
Where: Color Me Mine on 4th Street
Who: 6 lucky students
Jewelry Making with the Lovely Laura & Jackie
Be creative!Make your own jewelry with the crafty Jackie & Laura and have a yummy snack!When: Tuesday, June 9, 3:15-4:15
Where: Core 1, SMASH
Who: 8 Lucky Students
IT'S TIME TO “GEAR UP” FOR THE
SMASH CAMPING TRIP
AT DECKER CANYON CAMP
JUNE 5 & 6
LET’S ALL GET TOGETHER IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS!
WHERE:
Decker Canyon Camp is located about 2 miles up from Pacific Coast Hwy on Decker Cyn Rd About 23 miles north of Santa Monica
IT IS A BIG BEAUTIFUL SITE (WE’LL BE THE ONLY GROUP THERE!
WHAT TO BRING
*Bring your own Tent, Bedding, Food, Supplies, Etc. *Food should be stored in plastic bins to keep safe from critters. *Bring charcoal if you plan on using the grills & camping stoves if you want. *Firewood is a maybe...We’ll have to wait for a current report to see if we can have a campfire. *Bring marshmallows & fixins for s’mores *Instruments, games, sports gear, hiking gear *Sunscreen, bug repellent, first aid kit, flashlights, etc. *Bring beach gear if you want to go to the beach.
P.S. THERE ARE REAL TOILETS & SHOWERS WITH FREE HOT WATER!
PRICE
Overnight Campers: $10 per person, per night
Daytime Campers: $8 per person, per day
Checks made payable to SMASH PTSA, due by Thursday, June 4
TIME
Check-In - 11:00am, Friday June 5
Check-Out - 2:00 pm, Sunday, June 7
FOR INSURANCE REASONS - NO DROP-OFFS ALLOWED
ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR PARENT OF GUARDIAN
BE PREPARED FOR FUN, FUN, FUN !!!
Contact Janice Merrihew (Jake’s mom) with questions at:
(310) 392-4239 or e-mail: jmerrihew@gmail.com
This is a PTSA sponsored event
THE SMASH CAMPING TRIP a—fantastic mini “staycation!”
Camping is a great outdoor activity that comes in many flavors: from the
wild to the mild.
Wild: backpack‐in expeditions favored by the seriously outdoorsy.
Mild: the cabin‐style experience where you enjoy the outdoors without leaving behind
many of the creature comforts of home.
So where in this range is the SMASH Camping Trip at Decker Canyon? Much closer to the
mild side, for sure.
An easy drive up PCH, the facility offers free hot‐water showers, built‐in hibachis for
grilling with charcoal, and is minutes away from conveniences like the Trancas Canyon
Market and cafes (yes, including Starbucks). Tents get pitched adjacent to the parking area
so there’s no long‐distance lugging of gear from car to campsite.
What about activities? There’s hiking starting at the campsite as well as several secluded
beaches just a few minutes away by car. Campers generally bring games like horseshoes,
badminton, Frisbees, hacky sacks, etc.
Never set up a tent before? No problem. Many seasoned “camping families” are perennial
attendees, so there’ll be plenty of help available.
So come on out and enjoy a night or two “under the stars!” Still unsure? Then roll out with
the family for a daytrip to the campsite on Saturday the 6th—plenty to do!
The SMASH Camping Trip 2009: one night, two nights, or daytrip—make some memories
outside! June 5th and 6th at Decker Canyon Campground in Malibu.
See detailed flyer elsewhere in this week’s Friday Letter for the full scoop. Or for more
information contact Janice Merrihew (Jake’s mom) jmerrihew@gmail.com / 310-392-4239
or Dave Sparling (Olivia’s dad) davesparling@gmail.com / 310-562-1501
“I’ve gone on the SMASH Camping Trip for the last three years—major
thumbs up! Check it out!”
‐Olivia Sparling, Core 3
Bike Safety Class (4th & 5th Grade Students)
Offered By Officer Navarro, Santa Monica Police Department
Franklin Elementary School, 2400 Montana Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90403
May 27 & June 3
Two (1 Hour) Classes will include:
Classroom Instruction---Learn the Rules of the Road
School Yard Obstacle Course & Bicycle Inspection
“Cynergy” Bike Mechanic Will Inspect Bikes
Bike Licenses will be issued for $3.00
Parents Strongly Encouraged to Attend
Bring Bicycle and Safety Equipment on 2nd Class
To Register call or email:
310 863-8407 or edgar.navarro@smgov.net
Get Ready to Have Fun!
DATES TO REMEMBER
Mon, May 25 - Memorial Day - School Closed
Sat, May 30 - SUPERSMASH!
Wed, June 3 - 8:45am Arts Sharing
Wed, June 3 - 6:00pm - Site Council Meeting
Thurs, June 4 - 6:30 pm - PTSA Meeting
Fri & Sat, June 5 & 6 - SMASH Camping Trip
WEDNESDAY BAKE SALE!
LAST BAKE SALE
Core 1
May 27
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK!
CORE 4 - ARE YOU READY TO JAM!!!?
Contact Tamara at mugalian@smmusd.org if you’re interested—RSVP please!!!
Meet in Tamara’s Classroom Fridays 1:30 - 3:00
DEADLINE FOR LUNCH TICKETS
Friday, June 12 is the final day to accept checks, cash only after that date.
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
Every day families all around the world are dying of hunger. Help us (Riain Prendergast and Jack Gray) raise our goal of $500 to help a village by providing them with a heifer (cow). A cow will help because it can provide dairy products for years. We have set up jars for change around campus and in the SMASH office. Please help us by donating any spare change.
For information on Heifer International contact: http://www.heifer.org; 1-800-422-0474; Or talk to Riain Prendergast (Kelly’s class) or Jack Gray (Kurt’s class), we’re both in Core 4. Thank you, Jack Gray & Riain Prendergast
Kindred Spirits, A World Humanitarian Concert
Sunday, June 7, 7:00pm at The Walt Disney Concert Hall
Kindred Spirits is a non-profit humanitarian organization that produces annual concert events to raise awareness and financial contributions for selected beneficiary organizations. This year's beneficiary is Heifer International.
For information go to kindredspiritslive.org or call 424-785-1563
FUN THINGS TO DO!
Saturdays, May 23, 30 & June 6, 13 - Crown City Theatre -
Kindred Spirits is a non-profit humanitarian organization that produces annual concert events to raise awareness and financial contributions for selected beneficiary organizations. This year's beneficiary is Heifer International.
For information go to kindredspiritslive.org or call 424-785-1563
FUN THINGS TO DO!
Saturdays, May 23, 30 & June 6, 13 - Crown City Theatre -
A PAPER BAG PRINCESS: A MUSICAL
Directed by SMASH Artist in Residence, Kristy Pace. 11031 Camarillo St, N. Hollywood,
Directed by SMASH Artist in Residence, Kristy Pace. 11031 Camarillo St, N. Hollywood,
310-746-8846 Tickets $9 adults, $6 kids
71st Annual Memorial Day Observance
Woodlawn Cemetery (1847 14th St, Santa Monica)
Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 11:00am –12:30pm
Highlights of the event include music provided by John Adams & Lincoln Middle schools choir & Fairfax High Marching Band, a military aircraft flyover, a dove release and a 21-gun salute. Free parking at Santa Monica College parking structure at 16th & Pico. A Big Blue Bus will shuttle attendees. For l information,call 310-458-8717
For The Arts Benefit Concert - BILLY IDOL, VENICE
and Very Special Guest DAVE MASON
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,
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
Santa Monica High School Theatre
(In the Humanities Center Theatre at SAMOHI)
“12 Angry Jurors”
2:00 pm, May 23 & 30 4:00 pm, May 28
“12 Angry Jurors”
2:00 pm, May 23 & 30 4:00 pm, May 28
7:00 pm May 22 & 29 8:00 pm May 23
Tickets are Adults $10, Students $5 (Unreserved seating)
Order online at www.samohitheatre.org, or at the door.
Order online at www.samohitheatre.org, or at the door.
For information call 310-395-3204 x 239
Suitable for middle school age and above
Suitable for middle school age and above
SMASH Site Council Minutes Wednesday, May 20, 2009
In Attendance: Laura Sherman, Jessica Rishe, Kezia Miller, , Candis Berens, Jackie Boyd, Naomi Miller-Altuner, Emma Green, Liz Grossman
Absent: Malaika Boyer, Cesia Morataya, , Tamara Mugalian, Jayme Wold, , Dan McGee, Sadie Saltzman, Gigi Lewis, Greta Schmittditel, Bennett Zemke, Gabe Schmittdiel, Eli Simmonds, Tracy Saltzman, Kelly Kulsrud,
Agenda Adopted: Moved by Candis Berens, Seconded by Jackie Boyd Approved
Approve Minutes of last meeting with corrections to names in attendance (4/29/09): Moved by Kezia Miller: Seconded by Candis Berens Approved
Community Participation: None
Reports and Announcements (regular agenda items)
Principal’s Report
Prop 1a and 1b did not pass. Expect a new round of cuts to be proposed to the school board
May 22 Movie Night generated $399 and will be coordinated via 2 students’ 8th grade project
Student Reports
Core 3 – Naomi and Emma
All About Books are complete.
5th graders are preparing for Core 4 in science/social studies, and learned how to write nonfiction
Reading Zia, sequel to Island of the Blue Dolphins
Visited San Juan Capistrano mission. We realized they did some functions better than we do now and enjoyed seeing how they live there.
Music with Dian includes songs about California and original songwriting
Instrumental music recital for K-2
Math-learning about coordinants using Grid City
Core 4 – None
Community Organization Reports
PTSA Meeting: Silent Auction catalog is filling in for SuperSMASH
Student Council: Family Dance raised $1100 and was a lot of fun
Old Business:
Site Council Election – Ballots counted, 3 way tie.
Liz Grossman, Michael Tenzer, and Nina Furukawa will be Site Council parent reps next year.
Community Participation: none
Last meeting: Wednesday, June 3 6:00pm New and current parent reps attend.
Adjourn: Jackie Boyd motioned and Emma Green seconded.
WATER POLO
For High Schoolers & Middle Schoolers
Come try WATER POLO at Santa Monica High School Drake Pool every
Friday 6:00-7:30pm and Sunday 5-6:30p (The program runs through the year)
Coached by former Pepperdine University All-American and
3-time Water Polo World Championship competitor, with 11 years coaching experience.
Enter the indoor pool on 4th Street and Pico next to the track.
Just show up with a suit and towel
Or contact Head Coach Karl Niehaus - 310-383-4482 Karl_niehaus@yahoo.com
No swim team or water polo experience necessary
CORE 1
Thank you to all of the families who made our Friday barbeque such an amazing success. Each family contributed to this special event, and the community feeling surrounding the children was priceless. Special thanks to all of the parents who grilled and prepared food or set-up / cleaned-up the tables.
We hope everyone had a chance to see our new garden bed in the small yard and thank you to all who participated in its making, especially SMASHing parents John Varner, Matt Green, Kathleen Murphy, and Gina Garcia. We would also like to thank our volunteers, Marisa (our landscaping queen) and Fay (Chrysta’s mom), for getting a little dirty and helping us plant our new butterfly garden. The health and beauty of our garden is a reflection of how our community continues to thrive and grow.
Bigs Writing Celebration – The Bigs will be presenting their All About Books on Thursday, May 28th 11:00 – 12:00. All family and friends are welcome.
The DVD’s of Foursome the Spider are in! If you have ordered a copy and have not yet received it, please be sure to see Chrysta sometime next week. Huge thanks to Chrysta’s younger brother, Ryan Powell of Eternite Media (www.eternitemedia.com), for duplicating our DVD’s.
A school-wide SMASHING ARTS sharing will be on June 3rd, starting with a musical assembly by Cores 3 & 4. As you have been reading in our Friday letters, our visual arts teacher has inspired amazing art projects in Core 1. We will be presenting our visual arts experiences on June 3rd (time will be announced next week). Much of our artwork will be on display and some of the children will be demonstrating different artistic techniques. We hope you can stop by to appreciate our exhibit and ask us questions about what we’ve learned.
Have a great 3-day weekend!!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: candis.berens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: wyse@smmusd.org
CORE 2
Our Core 1/ Core 2 BBQ was SMASHing!
We love to see our community come together.
Writers Workshop – the children are writing a friendly letter to an incoming Core 2 student. The writing process will include a brainstorm, boxes and bullets (3 points of persuasion), transition words, paragraphing, and the 5 parts of a letter.
Math: the 2nd graders are working on comparing stories. How much more does someone have? The 3rd graders finished their Balobbyland mini unit by writing a friendly letter to a new family of tiny people interested in moving to Balobby. On Wednesday they received homework that is due on Thursday, May 28!
Arts with Kristy: the children did another run through of their mini plays using Foley. Their arts sharing is on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:30 in Core 2.
In Science: we learned about the respiratory, muscle and digestive systems. Then we added the lungs, stomach, the small intestines, and the large intestines to our paper bodies.
Music: Please take a minute to look over attached orange sheet for your for current 3rd grade student’s musical instrument choice for next year. They are due back to us by Tuesday, 5-26
A huge thanks to Mina’s Marina for organizing and helping Core 2 with their Super Smash art project.
Upcoming dates and events:
Wed, June 3 – Core 2 Arts Sharing with Kristy
Thurs, June 4 – Cinderella at the Santa Monica Playhouse – more info next week
Thurs, June 11 – Open House
Fri, June 12 – last 3rd grade District music, 1:00 parents invited to listen to them play their recorders.
Thurs, June 18 – 8th grade graduation
Fri, June 19 – Beach Day, last day of school
Have a fantastic 3-day weekend!
Laura, Jayme, and Nadja
Laura’s e-mail: sherman@smmusd.org
CORE 2
Our Core 1/ Core 2 BBQ was SMASHing!
We love to see our community come together.
Writers Workshop – the children are writing a friendly letter to an incoming Core 2 student. The writing process will include a brainstorm, boxes and bullets (3 points of persuasion), transition words, paragraphing, and the 5 parts of a letter.
Math: the 2nd graders are working on comparing stories. How much more does someone have? The 3rd graders finished their Balobbyland mini unit by writing a friendly letter to a new family of tiny people interested in moving to Balobby. On Wednesday they received homework that is due on Thursday, May 28!
Arts with Kristy: the children did another run through of their mini plays using Foley. Their arts sharing is on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:30 in Core 2.
In Science: we learned about the respiratory, muscle and digestive systems. Then we added the lungs, stomach, the small intestines, and the large intestines to our paper bodies.
Music: Please take a minute to look over attached orange sheet for your for current 3rd grade student’s musical instrument choice for next year. They are due back to us by Tuesday, 5-26
A huge thanks to Mina’s Marina for organizing and helping Core 2 with their Super Smash art project.
Upcoming dates and events:
Wed, June 3 – Core 2 Arts Sharing with Kristy
Thurs, June 4 – Cinderella at the Santa Monica Playhouse – more info next week
Thurs, June 11 – Open House
Fri, June 12 – last 3rd grade District music, 1:00 parents invited to listen to them play their recorders.
Thurs, June 18 – 8th grade graduation
Fri, June 19 – Beach Day, last day of school
Have a fantastic 3-day weekend!
Laura, Jayme, and Nadja
Laura’s e-mail: sherman@smmusd.org
Jayme’s e-mail: jayme.wold@smmusd.org
CORE 3
Routines. They are predictable, consistent, and designed to make life easier. We all have different routines for small every-day things like dinner, bathing, and bedtime to big annual events, like holidays. Studies have shown that routines help children of all ages be more successful. Routines include knowing where materials and tools are, so kids can be independent at school and at home. Routines can be the steps or a mental checklist of things that need to get done at a certain time. We use Responsive Classroom techniques to create many of the routines we use in Core 3—and we find that we operate best when we stick to them and remind students of the routines and expectations consistently. We’ve been sharing our daily routines from home, such as morning and bedtime rituals in Core 3. It is interesting to hear how others organize themselves to get to school or who routinely does homework before play vs. those who play before they do homework or how many of us brush our teeth, put on pajamas and then read before we go to sleep. We’re also looking at how our routines from home help us with our routines at school. People can easily get too busy, outgrow, or fall out of routines at home and at school. Hopefully, our discussions this week will help us to reestablish the routines we need to finish out the year successfully. Please share some of your routines with your child whether it is settling in at work or your own bedtime routine.
On a side note: We’re also looking for ‘experts’ to interview for our Independent Research Projects. If you, or anyone you know, is an ‘expert’ in the following areas, please let us know:
-metals
-carnivorous plants
-astronauts
-plants (gardens, trees, grass, native vs. non-native plants)
-atoms
-solar system/stars
-weather/wind
-tsunamis
-Revolutionary War
Don’t let your routines keep you from having a great 3-day weekend!!!
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
mugalian@smmusd.org
Routines. They are predictable, consistent, and designed to make life easier. We all have different routines for small every-day things like dinner, bathing, and bedtime to big annual events, like holidays. Studies have shown that routines help children of all ages be more successful. Routines include knowing where materials and tools are, so kids can be independent at school and at home. Routines can be the steps or a mental checklist of things that need to get done at a certain time. We use Responsive Classroom techniques to create many of the routines we use in Core 3—and we find that we operate best when we stick to them and remind students of the routines and expectations consistently. We’ve been sharing our daily routines from home, such as morning and bedtime rituals in Core 3. It is interesting to hear how others organize themselves to get to school or who routinely does homework before play vs. those who play before they do homework or how many of us brush our teeth, put on pajamas and then read before we go to sleep. We’re also looking at how our routines from home help us with our routines at school. People can easily get too busy, outgrow, or fall out of routines at home and at school. Hopefully, our discussions this week will help us to reestablish the routines we need to finish out the year successfully. Please share some of your routines with your child whether it is settling in at work or your own bedtime routine.
On a side note: We’re also looking for ‘experts’ to interview for our Independent Research Projects. If you, or anyone you know, is an ‘expert’ in the following areas, please let us know:
-metals
-carnivorous plants
-astronauts
-plants (gardens, trees, grass, native vs. non-native plants)
-atoms
-solar system/stars
-weather/wind
-tsunamis
-Revolutionary War
Don’t let your routines keep you from having a great 3-day weekend!!!
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
mugalian@smmusd.org
CORE 4
FROM KELLY:
Math
6/7: What’s the Problem Here?
Mathematicians continued to develop their understanding of rational numbers as they discovered various strategies to solve addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems. As they developed their own ways, they shared them with peers. Not only does this process deepen their conceptual understanding, but this also allows each person to possess a repertoire of solving methods.
This week our discussion centered around rational number multiplication. The students again created their own tools and strategies by using what they know, using what is given, and thinking “what do we need to find?” to determine their own strategy. Because multiplication of rational numbers is a direct extension of multiplication of positive whole numbers, we encouraged the mathematicians to use what they knew about this operation as they started to create their tools for rational number multiplication. One of their homework assignments they received this week involved the mathematician to teach an adult their independently created strategies. Anytime they engage in this teaching or solving process, please encourage them to thoroughly explain the method they used to solve the problem. Because all operations (multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition) of negative numbers can be dominated by the memorization of rules, we continuously urge the mathematicians to show and explain their process in determining their answer rather than simply state the rule.
Algebra:
The mathematicians finished Chapter 5 this week and took a test on Wednesday. Corrections of this test will be due on Monday. Because test corrections allow them to improve on their misunderstandings and to earn points back on their test, I highly encourage them to take on this opportunity. We will jump into Chapter Six on Monday.
FROM KURT:
Super Secret Lined Paper People: We had a great week with a great deal of good choices exhibited by our young lovelies. This is especially notable in that they are surrounded this time of year with invitations to youthful drama. You have raised true pearls and I appreciate them deeply. Narrative writing is proceeding apace and we are looking forward to seeing you on the 3rd of June. Drop around if I can help in any way as your child “moves on up.”
Environmental Education Trips: The good news is that Catalina is on for the fall, Yosemite needs some help with fundraising to make it happen and the 8th grade trip is in a similar condition. In essence the news is good, but we have work to do. Thanks to all who responded by the due dates. I will send around a trip planner in the next two weeks. Timelines are due and we are deep into philosophy at this point. Drop around.
FROM BAILEY:
Humanities News:
Everyone is working hard to finish the year focusing on discovering and "Being our Best Selves." We are finishing the study of ancient and communist China. We have read a memoir Red Scarf Girl and Chinese folktales. We will discuss the memoir's protagonists, heroes in our life, superheroes and as examples of who various individuals express their "best selves" This is to culminate in a personal time line of important events and people in one's life that influence each of us in discovering our best selves. They will create a mixed media timeline with pictures and words communicating who one, how we arrived on the line of where we are and who one wants to become. SEE the orange assignment sheet I sent home. We will work in class on this next week as well.
IMPORTANT DUE DATES:
May 26: Red Scarf Girl- finished book
May 27: turn in summaries and/or packet on reading
May 27: In class essay on the memoir
June 1: Outside reading timeline, story board and identity chart due on the protagonist
Qigong with Michael Seiverts
June 2: PERSONAL TIME LINE DUE- this is the culminating project
June 3: arts and academics sharing all morning Chinese Lunch
Core 4 aims to have a summer reading list by June 5.
Thanks for everyone's continual support.
Warmly, Bailey
Kurt:holland@smmusd.org
FROM KELLY:
Math
6/7: What’s the Problem Here?
Mathematicians continued to develop their understanding of rational numbers as they discovered various strategies to solve addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems. As they developed their own ways, they shared them with peers. Not only does this process deepen their conceptual understanding, but this also allows each person to possess a repertoire of solving methods.
This week our discussion centered around rational number multiplication. The students again created their own tools and strategies by using what they know, using what is given, and thinking “what do we need to find?” to determine their own strategy. Because multiplication of rational numbers is a direct extension of multiplication of positive whole numbers, we encouraged the mathematicians to use what they knew about this operation as they started to create their tools for rational number multiplication. One of their homework assignments they received this week involved the mathematician to teach an adult their independently created strategies. Anytime they engage in this teaching or solving process, please encourage them to thoroughly explain the method they used to solve the problem. Because all operations (multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition) of negative numbers can be dominated by the memorization of rules, we continuously urge the mathematicians to show and explain their process in determining their answer rather than simply state the rule.
Algebra:
The mathematicians finished Chapter 5 this week and took a test on Wednesday. Corrections of this test will be due on Monday. Because test corrections allow them to improve on their misunderstandings and to earn points back on their test, I highly encourage them to take on this opportunity. We will jump into Chapter Six on Monday.
FROM KURT:
Super Secret Lined Paper People: We had a great week with a great deal of good choices exhibited by our young lovelies. This is especially notable in that they are surrounded this time of year with invitations to youthful drama. You have raised true pearls and I appreciate them deeply. Narrative writing is proceeding apace and we are looking forward to seeing you on the 3rd of June. Drop around if I can help in any way as your child “moves on up.”
Environmental Education Trips: The good news is that Catalina is on for the fall, Yosemite needs some help with fundraising to make it happen and the 8th grade trip is in a similar condition. In essence the news is good, but we have work to do. Thanks to all who responded by the due dates. I will send around a trip planner in the next two weeks. Timelines are due and we are deep into philosophy at this point. Drop around.
FROM BAILEY:
Humanities News:
Everyone is working hard to finish the year focusing on discovering and "Being our Best Selves." We are finishing the study of ancient and communist China. We have read a memoir Red Scarf Girl and Chinese folktales. We will discuss the memoir's protagonists, heroes in our life, superheroes and as examples of who various individuals express their "best selves" This is to culminate in a personal time line of important events and people in one's life that influence each of us in discovering our best selves. They will create a mixed media timeline with pictures and words communicating who one, how we arrived on the line of where we are and who one wants to become. SEE the orange assignment sheet I sent home. We will work in class on this next week as well.
IMPORTANT DUE DATES:
May 26: Red Scarf Girl- finished book
May 27: turn in summaries and/or packet on reading
May 27: In class essay on the memoir
June 1: Outside reading timeline, story board and identity chart due on the protagonist
Qigong with Michael Seiverts
June 2: PERSONAL TIME LINE DUE- this is the culminating project
June 3: arts and academics sharing all morning Chinese Lunch
Core 4 aims to have a summer reading list by June 5.
Thanks for everyone's continual support.
Warmly, Bailey
Kurt:holland@smmusd.org
Kelly: Kelly.kulsrud@smmusd.org
Erin: erin.haendel@smmusd.org
Erin: erin.haendel@smmusd.org
Bailey: baileyfield@mac.com
