SMASHING HOLIDAY SINGERS’ PERFORMANCE
MAIN STREET FARMER’S MARKET (Main & Ocean Park)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 9:15-9:45am
(Singers, please arrive by 9:00am)
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Dear SMASHing Families,
At the PTSA meeting this week, I reviewed 9 Revenue Generating ideas the District is currently considering based on the Financial Oversight Committee’s Report to the School Board. For those who were unable to attendthe Board Meeting or the PTSA meeting, I thought you might want to consider this information to look for ways you might help, to see if there is anything you are opposed to, or to see if you have any additional ideas.
1. Parcel tax: Each $100/parcel = $3 million in annual funding gross revenue
2. Targeted Fundraising: Annual Giving campaign targeting alumni, current families, and businesses. Up to $400,000 in year 1.
3. Generate Licensing Fees: sell SMMUSD branded clothing. Potentially $300,000 year 1.
4. Better Utilize District Assets: Maximize rentals of facilities and establish a for-profit summer school with scholarships to District students in need. Could earn $100,000 initially.
5. Attendance Campaign: Increase District attendance 1% to 96% and raise $440,000 for the year.
6. Special Education Center of Excellence: estimated gross revenue $1million.
7. Generate Advertising Fees: approved ads on websites, in school mailings. Revenue estimated at $160,000-$410,000.
8. Increase Number of Permit Students: Increase of 200 students to return to 2007-08 student levels. Net revenue $500,000.
9. Cooperative Purchasing Agreements: collaborate with neighboring school Districts to buy high volume items such as copy paper and ink cartridges. (We already do this for Liability Insurance and Worker’s Comp)
For further details about what these opportunities involve, costs, skill sets needed to make them happen, ease of implementation, and timelines, look at the Board of Education minutes from 11/19/09 at www.smmusd.org.As the budget conversation evolves to include suggested reductions in expenses, I will keep you informed. In the meantime, #5 is in our immediate control. Keep your child at home if s/he is sick, but otherwise, be sure to attend school daily or complete independent study contracts if you will be gone for at least 5 days. If the District goal is 96%, let’s aim for 97% attendance of healthy children at SMASH this year. Hoping most of you are enjoying the shopping, treats, and music of the Holiday Boutique this Friday thanks to Birte, Tamara, Helga and all those who make this community event/fundraiser happen!
Truly yours,
Jessica
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SMMUSD Parent/Guardian Homework Survey
Our District has recently revised its homework policy and is interested in parents' and guardians' feedback on issues related to homework. Please provide your input by answering the questions on a brief online survey at www.smmusd.org. You may complete one survey for each student in your household. If you prefer to complete a hard copy of this survey, they are available in the SMASH office.
______________________________________________________________________________________________ DATES TO REMEMBER
Mon, Dec 7 - Filming for Diversity Night, details in Friday Letter
Mon-Fri, Dec 7–11, 8:00-8:30am & 1:30–3:30pm - SMASH BOOK FAIR
Wed, Dec 9 - 6:30-8:00pm LITERACY NIGHT & Pajama Party
Sun, Dec 6 - 9:15-9:45am - SMASHing Holiday Singers’ Performance at Sunday Main Street Farmer’s Market (Singers please arrive by 9:00am)
Wed, Dec 16 - 5:00pm - Site Council Mtg
Mon, Dec 21 - Fri, Jan 1 - WINTER BREAK (return on Monday, January 4)
Wed, Jan 6 - 8:15am - PTSA Mtg
MAIN STREET FARMER’S MARKET (Main & Ocean Park)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 9:15-9:45am
(Singers, please arrive by 9:00am)
____________________________________________________________________________________
Dear SMASHing Families,
At the PTSA meeting this week, I reviewed 9 Revenue Generating ideas the District is currently considering based on the Financial Oversight Committee’s Report to the School Board. For those who were unable to attendthe Board Meeting or the PTSA meeting, I thought you might want to consider this information to look for ways you might help, to see if there is anything you are opposed to, or to see if you have any additional ideas.
1. Parcel tax: Each $100/parcel = $3 million in annual funding gross revenue
2. Targeted Fundraising: Annual Giving campaign targeting alumni, current families, and businesses. Up to $400,000 in year 1.
3. Generate Licensing Fees: sell SMMUSD branded clothing. Potentially $300,000 year 1.
4. Better Utilize District Assets: Maximize rentals of facilities and establish a for-profit summer school with scholarships to District students in need. Could earn $100,000 initially.
5. Attendance Campaign: Increase District attendance 1% to 96% and raise $440,000 for the year.
6. Special Education Center of Excellence: estimated gross revenue $1million.
7. Generate Advertising Fees: approved ads on websites, in school mailings. Revenue estimated at $160,000-$410,000.
8. Increase Number of Permit Students: Increase of 200 students to return to 2007-08 student levels. Net revenue $500,000.
9. Cooperative Purchasing Agreements: collaborate with neighboring school Districts to buy high volume items such as copy paper and ink cartridges. (We already do this for Liability Insurance and Worker’s Comp)
For further details about what these opportunities involve, costs, skill sets needed to make them happen, ease of implementation, and timelines, look at the Board of Education minutes from 11/19/09 at www.smmusd.org.As the budget conversation evolves to include suggested reductions in expenses, I will keep you informed. In the meantime, #5 is in our immediate control. Keep your child at home if s/he is sick, but otherwise, be sure to attend school daily or complete independent study contracts if you will be gone for at least 5 days. If the District goal is 96%, let’s aim for 97% attendance of healthy children at SMASH this year. Hoping most of you are enjoying the shopping, treats, and music of the Holiday Boutique this Friday thanks to Birte, Tamara, Helga and all those who make this community event/fundraiser happen!
Truly yours,
Jessica
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SMMUSD Parent/Guardian Homework Survey
Our District has recently revised its homework policy and is interested in parents' and guardians' feedback on issues related to homework. Please provide your input by answering the questions on a brief online survey at www.smmusd.org. You may complete one survey for each student in your household. If you prefer to complete a hard copy of this survey, they are available in the SMASH office.
______________________________________________________________________________________________ DATES TO REMEMBER
Mon, Dec 7 - Filming for Diversity Night, details in Friday Letter
Mon-Fri, Dec 7–11, 8:00-8:30am & 1:30–3:30pm - SMASH BOOK FAIR
Wed, Dec 9 - 6:30-8:00pm LITERACY NIGHT & Pajama Party
Sun, Dec 6 - 9:15-9:45am - SMASHing Holiday Singers’ Performance at Sunday Main Street Farmer’s Market (Singers please arrive by 9:00am)
Wed, Dec 16 - 5:00pm - Site Council Mtg
Mon, Dec 21 - Fri, Jan 1 - WINTER BREAK (return on Monday, January 4)
Wed, Jan 6 - 8:15am - PTSA Mtg
SAVE THE DATE
Sat. Jan 9 - 2nd Annual SMASH/Muir Clean up
Wed, Jan 13 - Diversity Night and Potluck Dinner
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THINGS TO DO!
Sat, Dec 5 - 5:00pm - 3rd Street Promenade will light up for the holidays with Brian McKnight
Sat & Sun, Dec 5 & 6 - CommUNITY Literacy Program, FREE. Dec 5; 10am-noon
11066 Santa Monica Blvd, W. LA; 2-4pm at 2002 Wilshire Blvd and Dec 6; noon-2PM at 262 S. Beverly
Sun, Dec 6, 11:00am-4:00pm - FIESTA HANUKKAH - Skirball Cultural Center; www.skirball.org
This year, as part of the Skirball's ongoing initiative to commemorate Jewish life in Latin America, the annual Hanukkah family festival invites families of all backgrounds to enjoy Latin Jewish music, art-making, and storytelling, as well as tasty variations on holiday food favorites. $10 General; $7 Seniors & Full-Time Students; FREE to Skirball Members and Children under 12. All ages; children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
Dec 5-14 - “Best Gift Ever” PAL Gift Drive. Drop off unwrapped gift or cash donation for children ages 6-17. Gift drop locations: SMPD Substation 1433 2nd St (between Santa Monica Blvd & Broadway) Police Activities League 1401 Olympic Blvd (Memorial Park)
Tues, Dec 8 - HOLIDAY HOOPLA - Ocean Park Library (Ocean Park & Main St)
See a very funny puppet show, hear some wonderful stories and celebrate Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Winter and Christmas. This program is for ages 3-7. Tickets are free but must be picked up on the day of the performance. There are no phone reservations. Call 310-398-3804 for further information.
Dec 11-18 - Sundown - Chanukah Menorah lighting ceremony every evening of Chanukah
1300 block of 3rd Street Promenade
Now through January 17 - Photographic exhibition of the Santa Monica Pier in the 1980s by Jeffrey Giglioli at the Carousel. For information: www.santamonicapier.org
Dec 3-13 - Thurs, Fri, Sat at 8:00pm; Sun at 3:00pm Thornton Wilder's OUR TOWN. With Sebastian and Gabriel Schier and their Dad, Brad in this production’s return engagement. Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8:00pm, Sunday at :00pm. For reservations 323-460-2508. Suggested donation $15 Pacific Residents Theatre at 703, 705-1/2 & 707 enice Blvd (4 blocks West of Lincoln)
Now through Dec 12 - A Winter’s Tale. With Sadie and Zelda Saltzman. Based on “A Christmas Carol” Performances n Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. Reserved Seats $15. For reservations: 310-828-7519 Morgan-Wixson Theatre at 2627 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica www.morgan-wixson.org
Sat, Dec 5, 12 & 19 at 11:00am -Yours Truly Jack Frost: A Musical for Family Audiences
Crown City Theatre, 11031 Camarillo St., N. Hollywood. 310-746-8846, www.pocketfulloftales.com
Special Offer for SMASH students from drama teacher, Kristy Pace - Mention SMASH at the box office and get one free child ticket for each adult ticket purchased! Thanks Kristy!
Sat, Dec 12 -10:00am-2:00pm SM Youth Rugby 2010 Exhibition & Registration Day. Webster Middle School, 11330 Graham (Sawtelle & National) For info 310-572-6010 or www.santamonicarugby.com/youth
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BOXTOPS for EDUCATION
Bring in the General Foods Box Tops for Education coupons. Earn money for our school. You can find them on General Mills products, such as cereals, bread products, cake, muffin, frostings; Gogurts, chex mix, Ziploc boxes, and Kleenex products
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SMASH ANNUAL CANNED FOOD DRIVE
Now until December 10
Cans of: Tuna, Vegetables, Soup; Fruit & Fruit Juices; Pork & Beans; Stews & Other Meats.
Packages of: Pasta, Lentils, Pinto & other Beans; Macaroni & Cheese & Packaged Dinners; Instant Soups; Hot & Cold Cereal; Peanut & Other Nut Butters; Nutritional Bars: protein, granola, energy or breakfast bars.
For Babies: Infant Formula; Jar Foods-All flavors & stages; Crackers, teething biscuits & cookies; Raisins & Fruit Snacks; Juices: jars, cans, pouches & boxes; Infant & children's cereals.
No glass - unless it is jars of baby food.
Please check expiration dates if you are donating from your cupboard. THANKS!
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SMASH FILM to Debut on Diversity Night!
We are filming at SMASH on Monday, December 7 in all four Cores. We will be creating a video for our Diversity Night and for SMASH, so please come ready to be filmed! We will be filming all day during normal school activities and also setting up a time and a place to conduct on-camera interviews with anyone who is interested in participating.
Release Form must be completed to be in film - additional forms will be available on Monday.
ADULTS - We ask you to comment on how the philosophy of SMASH agrees with your interpretation of teaching and how this philosophy motivates students to thrive and learn.
STUDENTS - We just want to know what makes you, well - YOU! Your hobbies, interests, background…whatever you would like to share with us about how special and unique you are - and how this school helps you to express yourself.
We look forward to seeing all of you on December 7 to film you at school! Elaina Archer, Core 4 Dylan's mom
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GREENRAISING is extending the SMASH Holiday drive until December 10.
40 percent of all sales made by December 10 go to SMASH. After that, SMASH will receive 25 percent of all orders. Go to greenraising.com
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BACKPACKS NEEDED FOR FOSTER CHILDREN
Here's an opportunity to help foster children in Los Angeles area. Many of the children in foster care are in need of a new or very gently used rolling backpack, bag or tote to carry their belongings. Often if children need to be removed from their homes quickly, everything is gathered into a garbage bag. By providing a bog or tote to a child, that they can call their own, we are able to make a small difference in a child's life. There will be a box in the SMASH office for
your donation. Thanks - Jamee Tenzer
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National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles Annual FREE Clothing Giveaway
SUNDAY, December 6 9:00am-noon (rain or shine!)
NCJW/LA Parking lot; 543 N. Fairfax Ave (1 block South of Melrose at Clinton)
Select from 1,000s of pieces of clothing and books Do not bring backpacks or bags - bags will be provided
For information: 323-852-8515 or Elizabeth@ncjwla.org
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Marine Corps Reserves 62nd Annual
TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE
NOW though December 18—Monday through Sunday 10:00am—3:00pm
Woodlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum at 1847 14th Street (corner of 14th & Pico)
Through the gift of a new toy, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged
children who might otherwise be overlooked this holiday season.
Phone: 310-458-8718 Fax: 310-458-8705 e-mail: woodlawn.cemetery@smgov.net
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Ptsa news
’Tis the season for giving. Include SMASH in your holiday spirit!
Don’t forget the family donation drive: ptsasmash.blogspot.com
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Did you sign up for a SMASH Bash yet?
If not, stop by the Holiday Boutique today,
or visit the Book Fair next week,
or just stop by the office at your convenience.
The SMASH Bash sign-up book will be there.
Questions? Contact Marni Brady marni99@yahoo.com
BACKPACKS NEEDED FOR FOSTER CHILDREN
Here's an opportunity to help foster children in Los Angeles area. Many of the children in foster care are in need of a new or very gently used rolling backpack, bag or tote to carry their belongings. Often if children need to be removed from their homes quickly, everything is gathered into a garbage bag. By providing a bog or tote to a child, that they can call their own, we are able to make a small difference in a child's life. There will be a box in the SMASH office for
your donation. Thanks - Jamee Tenzer
____________________________________________________________________________________________
National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles Annual FREE Clothing Giveaway
SUNDAY, December 6 9:00am-noon (rain or shine!)
NCJW/LA Parking lot; 543 N. Fairfax Ave (1 block South of Melrose at Clinton)
Select from 1,000s of pieces of clothing and books Do not bring backpacks or bags - bags will be provided
For information: 323-852-8515 or Elizabeth@ncjwla.org
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Marine Corps Reserves 62nd Annual
TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE
NOW though December 18—Monday through Sunday 10:00am—3:00pm
Woodlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum at 1847 14th Street (corner of 14th & Pico)
Through the gift of a new toy, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged
children who might otherwise be overlooked this holiday season.
Phone: 310-458-8718 Fax: 310-458-8705 e-mail: woodlawn.cemetery@smgov.net
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Ptsa news
’Tis the season for giving. Include SMASH in your holiday spirit!
Don’t forget the family donation drive: ptsasmash.blogspot.com
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Did you sign up for a SMASH Bash yet?
If not, stop by the Holiday Boutique today,
or visit the Book Fair next week,
or just stop by the office at your convenience.
The SMASH Bash sign-up book will be there.
Questions? Contact Marni Brady marni99@yahoo.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________
2nd annual SMASH/Muir Clean-Up, Saturday, January 9, 2010.
Let’s clean up and beautify the shared spaces on campus. We need volunteers and donations.
Please contact SMASH parent Helga at helgaschier@verizon.net
or John Muir parent Helene Seisay at heleneseisay@yahoo.com.
Watch for future flyers.
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Our next PTSA meeting is on Wednesday, 1/6/10 at 8:15AM. Come join us if you have issues to discuss, questions to ask, ideas to bring to life or just want to know what’s up.
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Don’t shop for the holidays until you’ve been to our annual
Holiday Boutique & Art Fair
‘Tis the season!
Our annual Book Fair is here.
Friday, December 4 – Friday, December 11.
Literacy Night (PJ PARTY!!!) Wednesday, December 9.
Reading Around the World
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Save the Date: Annual potluck dinner on Diversity Night, January 13, 2010.
Watch for future fliers.
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Join us
for our annual
Literacy Night
Wednesday December 9, 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Wear your PJs, sip hot chocolate or coffee, eat a cookie or two
and listen to guest readers in your child’s Core.
And while you’re at it, stop by the Book Fair.
For books make great holiday gifts!
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The SMASHing Times
MY LIFE IN PINK AND GREEN
By Lisa Greenwald
Reviewed by Eloise Rollins-Fife
Friday, December 4, 2009 Book Review
My Life in Pink and Green is an interesting story with a fun twist! Girls who read it can relate to it and also have a good time reading it. The book is about a twelve year old named Lucy whose family owns a pharmacy that's facing tough times. Lucy has a passion for makeup and her skill brings business to the store, but not enough. So, after Lucy is forced by her best friend to join earth club, the middle school club to help save the earth, she decides that going green just might save the pharmacy. But her uptight Grandma and spacey mother aren't so sure. Throw in an unexpected crush, a hilarious best friend and tons of beauty and business tips, and this book is a perfect story for all girls!
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Core 1 News
Ahoy Matey!!
The children greeted Kristy, our drama teacher, with a warm and enthusiastic welcome, as she began our 8-week endeavor in holistic drama. The children will experience an ever-changing adventure in the Pirate and Fairy groups as they explore characters, plot, and setting. Both groups will experience adventures, which will eventually be woven together at the end. This week they worked together to make the maps and log books they will be following along the
way. While most of the children are creating their costumes at school, they are welcome to bring accessories from home. These items should be brought on Wednesdays.
Since the children will be experiencing and creating the drama throughout the class, they won’t be rehearsing a performance to present at the end. Instead, look for documentation of our process as the teachers take photographs and videos.
Literacy Night
Literacy Night is Wednesday, December 9, 6:30pm-8:00pm. It is a Pajama Night!
We are celebrating the Book Fair theme "Reading Around the World".
The Book Fair will be open during Literacy Night for you to shop.
Come to Core 1 in your PJ's and enjoy reading books together.
Coffee, Hot Cocoa, and Hot Soy Cocoa will be provided. Please bring a baked good to share!
We are also looking for parents who would be willing to read short storybooks of their choice, in a language other than English, to small groups (or large groups) of Core 1 families.
On this night, the Bigs will also share the Small Moment stories they have published.
AND resources to support family literacy will be provided! If you have children in more than one Core, feel free to choose one Core to go to as a family, or move from Core toCore. But it is important that all children stay with their grown-ups on this evening.
Reminders & Announcements:
- Mon, Dec 7 - Jules Stein eye exams for all 1st graders. Permission slip is NECESSARY for exam.
- Due to the Book Fair, Core 1 will not be visiting the library next week. The children may keep their books an extra week.
- Wishlist: Band-aids
Thank you to all of the family and friends who were able to stop by and tour the amazing “SMASHVILLE” town Core 1 put together last week. Check out our blog at www.smash.smmusd.org to see the process of our town study.
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
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Dear Core 2 Community,
We are happy to announce that Art with Juliana started this week. Juliana led student artists to create representations f cells that can be seen in marine plants under a microscope. They used colored paper and glue sticks for this project. Students created their own cells and joined them with other student’s cells. Marni captured some cells on video to simulate the experience of looking into a microscope. Student artists made sounds for added effect.
The Creative Space (formerly know as the Computer Lab) is equipped with some basic art supplies, but we will eed more supplies for future projects. Please consider donating the items listed below, or consider making a monetary ontribution so that we can purchase the supplies.
· 1 large newsprint pad
· Wire—various colors and gauges
· Plastic tarps to protect the carpeted floor
· Small tools: hammers, needle-nose pliers
· Black “felt-tip’ markers
· Tape—various types such as duct, masking, and painting (no scotch tape needed)
· Big (refill size) bottles of Tacky Glue
· “Recycling” cardboard scraps
· Hole punchers
Core 2 students have learned about Geography by studying atlases, maps, and their Social Studies textbook. ur goal is that all students will learn their Global Address: street address, city, state, country, continent, and planet. If they don’t already know their street address or addresses, please spend some time teaching them.
We have enjoyed sharing flags and interesting facts from many countries. Some students chose to create flags from the heritage countries, other made flags of countries they hope to visit, and a few made flags of countries they had never heard. Please look for your flag at the Book Fair in the library.
The 2nd grade mathematicians have been challenged to skip count by two this week. This is a challenging task for all of us, especially when they try skip counting by two’s starting with a large number. This week, we solved math problems that required us to group things such as books in backpacks or snacks on plates. The 3rd graders no longer count items by 1, because they use their skip counting skills. Please read attached letter to see what they will be doing between now and Winter Break.
The Snail Rescue Project is providing opportunities for Slug and Roly-Poly Adoption. The group has created instructions on how to care for them. Please consider welcoming a slug or roly-poly into your home.
Our next Stars of the Week presentation will be on Wednesday, December 9 . The Stars will be: CJ and Alex. Our community snack will be provided by the Stars of the Week. Please consider donating sustainable, starch-based utensils and plates that can be composted. We will also accept your generous donations to buy these products. We serve 46 children each week.
Dates to Remember:
Friday, December 11, 11:45 -12:20 – October, November, and December Birthday Bash. See attached information if your child will be celebrating with us.
Friday, December 18, last day before Winter Break
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura, lsherman@smmusd.org
Graciela, gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
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CORE 3 NEWS
SMASH/Core 3 is a busy, busy place these days…
Thanks to everyone who ordered books through the Scholastic Book Order! We were able to get $20 worth of free books for the Core, plus a few extras through bonus points! Yay! They should arrive shortly. In Reading and Writing Workshops, we just launched a Non-fiction unit, so it is a good time to look for different kinds of reading material. And if you didn’t get to order books, don’t fret, the SMASH Book Fair begins today and lasts all next week—just in time for the holidays!
Also, swing by the SMASHing Holiday Boutique and Art Affaire today to purchase some of the limited edition
magazine bead ornaments, jewelry, and bookmarks made by Core 3 students!
SMASHing Arts has begun! Julianna will be leading the students through an exploration of science and nature
through art. We will be “shopping” for materials when ReDiscover comes to us on Tuesday, December 8—so we need
brown paper shopping bags for each student to collect goodies for this session of Arts. We also have a wish list of items to help spark our imaginations and give purpose to our creative energy. Please look around the house and/or think of us on your next trip to the store. (And if you signed up for specific items for Projects, which are in full swing and in need of materials and resources, at our Forum, please look for a friendly reminder email from Liz!)
· Large newsprint pad
· Wire—various gauges, colors, and types
· Plastic tarps to protect the floor
· Small tools—needle-nose pliers, small hammers, etc.
· Black felt-tip markers
· Tape (NOT “Scotch”)--various colors, types (masking, blue, packing, duct)
· Large “refill” type bottles of Tacky Glue
· Cardboard scraps/boxes—cut into various sizes
· Refrigerator magnets (for the whiteboards)
· Scratch paper (copy paper that has been used on one side)
We are going on a Walking Field Trip to the California Heritage Museum to see the Skateboarding exhibit next week. The Olympians are going on Wednesday from 10:15–11:45 and the Awesome People will be going on
Thursday from 10:15–11:45. We’d like 1–2 parent volunteers to go with us, so let us know if you’d like to join us!
Why do we do all this stuff? At SMASH, we aim to teach in a developmentally appropriate way. It is something educators are always talking and thinking about. In order to perform at Carnegie Hall, you must first learn scales and practice simple songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” You might also need to see a concert or two to get the idea of what you are working toward. Guidance, time, patience, and the order/scaffolding (building on what you already know) of learning are important to how people develop and grow. Chip Wood’s research in the book Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom ages 4-14, states that the handwriting of a 10 year old is often sloppier than a 9 year old. It is a great book to refer to if you are curious about your child’s physical, social, verbal, and cognitive growth. Comparing one student to another is one way of assessing their ability and knowledge, but observing where a child started and how they have grown is the best way to measure a child’s learning and plan how to take them to the next step/stage.
Please check out an interesting article “Developmentally Appropriate Practice” on our Core 3 Blog on the SMASH website under ‘Genie’ that has great insight into how we, as parents, perceive school and form our expectations for our own children based on those perceptions. We posted it just for you!
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
tmugalian@smmusd.org
ghwang@smmusd.org
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CORE 4 NEWS
What an exciting time Core 4 has experienced in the past few weeks! Our community continues to take strong strides to build a well-supported community. This was apparent in our dedicated efforts over the past week where we took the final steps to create our Social Contract. The students have been engaged in a process over the past two months where they went from thinking about their individual declarations, to determining what they need from the community to help them achieve those goals, to bringing their ideas to the entire Core community. All ideas were considered as the Core determined the five agreements that would encompass these Core wide thoughts, not an easy process! Thus, our Social Contract for Core 4 was created! Last Tuesday we took time to introduce, commit, and celebrate it! In Advisory, students have taken time to individually respond and reflect on these new agreements. Please ask about their commitment to them.
A word about Math…
Mathematicians in sixth and seventh grade have truly worked hard and diligently as they have explored patterns and more specifically functions! The discoveries they are making on their own have been ones to celebrate. Over the past few weeks, they have looked at the several different ways to represent a function: through a context or story, a table of values, a graph on the coordinate plane, a sequence, and finally, the familiar equation. Each is a different way of communicating the same rule of relationship. It is important to see that each representation expresses the same idea yet provides a different way of looking at or thinking about the relationship. Their exit card this week will demonstrate their understanding of these representations. I encourage you to have a conversation about this exit card in regards to their confidence and abilities with the material.
Algebra students are working hard to grasp what is really happening when solving equations. Many examples in real life situations have been given and worked through to deepen the meaning of this skill. We are nearing the end of Chapter 2 and will test on this Chapter December 15. As a reminder, all of their work should be noted with recorded grades in their Algebra Activity log.
In other news, as we all know, many germs are floating around and as a result, several of us are getting sick! We encourage the children to make sure they use the routines in each of the classes to take care of their missed work. Many of the classes have study groups or designated peers to check in with when absent. It is their responsibility to contact their peers before returning back to school, and then checking in with teachers as they return. This all is extremely important to keep their confidence high and to not fall behind with the introduced concepts.
Other tidbits…
· Yosemite is on the horizon and the excitement is hard to hide! Seventh grade families are ensuring they meet deadlines for this January trip.
· Scholastic Book Orders are now in full swing! To support our Literacy program, Core 4 has taken the opportunity to embrace this system. The catalogues chosen are ones that provide a variety of well-acknowledged young adult literature. Consider stocking up on books for winter break reading and for Holiday gift giving. To take advantage of this opportunity, you must place your order by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, December 9. Please see letter attached to the Friday handouts regarding this.
· Literacy Night is approaching! Next Wednesday night, December 9, our community will gather to share our love
and enthusiasm for books! Please stay tuned to e-mails sent regarding the details of this event.
Enjoy the Weekend!
Kelly, Kurt & Bailey
Kelly: kkulsrud@smmusd.org
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
Bailey: baileyfield@mac.com
2nd annual SMASH/Muir Clean-Up, Saturday, January 9, 2010.
Let’s clean up and beautify the shared spaces on campus. We need volunteers and donations.
Please contact SMASH parent Helga at helgaschier@verizon.net
or John Muir parent Helene Seisay at heleneseisay@yahoo.com.
Watch for future flyers.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Our next PTSA meeting is on Wednesday, 1/6/10 at 8:15AM. Come join us if you have issues to discuss, questions to ask, ideas to bring to life or just want to know what’s up.
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Don’t shop for the holidays until you’ve been to our annual
Holiday Boutique & Art Fair
‘Tis the season!
Our annual Book Fair is here.
Friday, December 4 – Friday, December 11.
Literacy Night (PJ PARTY!!!) Wednesday, December 9.
Reading Around the World
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Save the Date: Annual potluck dinner on Diversity Night, January 13, 2010.
Watch for future fliers.
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Join us
for our annual
Literacy Night
Wednesday December 9, 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Wear your PJs, sip hot chocolate or coffee, eat a cookie or two
and listen to guest readers in your child’s Core.
And while you’re at it, stop by the Book Fair.
For books make great holiday gifts!
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The SMASHing Times
MY LIFE IN PINK AND GREEN
By Lisa Greenwald
Reviewed by Eloise Rollins-Fife
Friday, December 4, 2009 Book Review
My Life in Pink and Green is an interesting story with a fun twist! Girls who read it can relate to it and also have a good time reading it. The book is about a twelve year old named Lucy whose family owns a pharmacy that's facing tough times. Lucy has a passion for makeup and her skill brings business to the store, but not enough. So, after Lucy is forced by her best friend to join earth club, the middle school club to help save the earth, she decides that going green just might save the pharmacy. But her uptight Grandma and spacey mother aren't so sure. Throw in an unexpected crush, a hilarious best friend and tons of beauty and business tips, and this book is a perfect story for all girls!
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Core 1 News
Ahoy Matey!!
The children greeted Kristy, our drama teacher, with a warm and enthusiastic welcome, as she began our 8-week endeavor in holistic drama. The children will experience an ever-changing adventure in the Pirate and Fairy groups as they explore characters, plot, and setting. Both groups will experience adventures, which will eventually be woven together at the end. This week they worked together to make the maps and log books they will be following along the
way. While most of the children are creating their costumes at school, they are welcome to bring accessories from home. These items should be brought on Wednesdays.
Since the children will be experiencing and creating the drama throughout the class, they won’t be rehearsing a performance to present at the end. Instead, look for documentation of our process as the teachers take photographs and videos.
Literacy Night
Literacy Night is Wednesday, December 9, 6:30pm-8:00pm. It is a Pajama Night!
We are celebrating the Book Fair theme "Reading Around the World".
The Book Fair will be open during Literacy Night for you to shop.
Come to Core 1 in your PJ's and enjoy reading books together.
Coffee, Hot Cocoa, and Hot Soy Cocoa will be provided. Please bring a baked good to share!
We are also looking for parents who would be willing to read short storybooks of their choice, in a language other than English, to small groups (or large groups) of Core 1 families.
On this night, the Bigs will also share the Small Moment stories they have published.
AND resources to support family literacy will be provided! If you have children in more than one Core, feel free to choose one Core to go to as a family, or move from Core toCore. But it is important that all children stay with their grown-ups on this evening.
Reminders & Announcements:
- Mon, Dec 7 - Jules Stein eye exams for all 1st graders. Permission slip is NECESSARY for exam.
- Due to the Book Fair, Core 1 will not be visiting the library next week. The children may keep their books an extra week.
- Wishlist: Band-aids
Thank you to all of the family and friends who were able to stop by and tour the amazing “SMASHVILLE” town Core 1 put together last week. Check out our blog at www.smash.smmusd.org to see the process of our town study.
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
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Dear Core 2 Community,
We are happy to announce that Art with Juliana started this week. Juliana led student artists to create representations f cells that can be seen in marine plants under a microscope. They used colored paper and glue sticks for this project. Students created their own cells and joined them with other student’s cells. Marni captured some cells on video to simulate the experience of looking into a microscope. Student artists made sounds for added effect.
The Creative Space (formerly know as the Computer Lab) is equipped with some basic art supplies, but we will eed more supplies for future projects. Please consider donating the items listed below, or consider making a monetary ontribution so that we can purchase the supplies.
· 1 large newsprint pad
· Wire—various colors and gauges
· Plastic tarps to protect the carpeted floor
· Small tools: hammers, needle-nose pliers
· Black “felt-tip’ markers
· Tape—various types such as duct, masking, and painting (no scotch tape needed)
· Big (refill size) bottles of Tacky Glue
· “Recycling” cardboard scraps
· Hole punchers
Core 2 students have learned about Geography by studying atlases, maps, and their Social Studies textbook. ur goal is that all students will learn their Global Address: street address, city, state, country, continent, and planet. If they don’t already know their street address or addresses, please spend some time teaching them.
We have enjoyed sharing flags and interesting facts from many countries. Some students chose to create flags from the heritage countries, other made flags of countries they hope to visit, and a few made flags of countries they had never heard. Please look for your flag at the Book Fair in the library.
The 2nd grade mathematicians have been challenged to skip count by two this week. This is a challenging task for all of us, especially when they try skip counting by two’s starting with a large number. This week, we solved math problems that required us to group things such as books in backpacks or snacks on plates. The 3rd graders no longer count items by 1, because they use their skip counting skills. Please read attached letter to see what they will be doing between now and Winter Break.
The Snail Rescue Project is providing opportunities for Slug and Roly-Poly Adoption. The group has created instructions on how to care for them. Please consider welcoming a slug or roly-poly into your home.
Our next Stars of the Week presentation will be on Wednesday, December 9 . The Stars will be: CJ and Alex. Our community snack will be provided by the Stars of the Week. Please consider donating sustainable, starch-based utensils and plates that can be composted. We will also accept your generous donations to buy these products. We serve 46 children each week.
Dates to Remember:
Friday, December 11, 11:45 -12:20 – October, November, and December Birthday Bash. See attached information if your child will be celebrating with us.
Friday, December 18, last day before Winter Break
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura, lsherman@smmusd.org
Graciela, gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
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CORE 3 NEWS
SMASH/Core 3 is a busy, busy place these days…
Thanks to everyone who ordered books through the Scholastic Book Order! We were able to get $20 worth of free books for the Core, plus a few extras through bonus points! Yay! They should arrive shortly. In Reading and Writing Workshops, we just launched a Non-fiction unit, so it is a good time to look for different kinds of reading material. And if you didn’t get to order books, don’t fret, the SMASH Book Fair begins today and lasts all next week—just in time for the holidays!
Also, swing by the SMASHing Holiday Boutique and Art Affaire today to purchase some of the limited edition
magazine bead ornaments, jewelry, and bookmarks made by Core 3 students!
SMASHing Arts has begun! Julianna will be leading the students through an exploration of science and nature
through art. We will be “shopping” for materials when ReDiscover comes to us on Tuesday, December 8—so we need
brown paper shopping bags for each student to collect goodies for this session of Arts. We also have a wish list of items to help spark our imaginations and give purpose to our creative energy. Please look around the house and/or think of us on your next trip to the store. (And if you signed up for specific items for Projects, which are in full swing and in need of materials and resources, at our Forum, please look for a friendly reminder email from Liz!)
· Large newsprint pad
· Wire—various gauges, colors, and types
· Plastic tarps to protect the floor
· Small tools—needle-nose pliers, small hammers, etc.
· Black felt-tip markers
· Tape (NOT “Scotch”)--various colors, types (masking, blue, packing, duct)
· Large “refill” type bottles of Tacky Glue
· Cardboard scraps/boxes—cut into various sizes
· Refrigerator magnets (for the whiteboards)
· Scratch paper (copy paper that has been used on one side)
We are going on a Walking Field Trip to the California Heritage Museum to see the Skateboarding exhibit next week. The Olympians are going on Wednesday from 10:15–11:45 and the Awesome People will be going on
Thursday from 10:15–11:45. We’d like 1–2 parent volunteers to go with us, so let us know if you’d like to join us!
Why do we do all this stuff? At SMASH, we aim to teach in a developmentally appropriate way. It is something educators are always talking and thinking about. In order to perform at Carnegie Hall, you must first learn scales and practice simple songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” You might also need to see a concert or two to get the idea of what you are working toward. Guidance, time, patience, and the order/scaffolding (building on what you already know) of learning are important to how people develop and grow. Chip Wood’s research in the book Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom ages 4-14, states that the handwriting of a 10 year old is often sloppier than a 9 year old. It is a great book to refer to if you are curious about your child’s physical, social, verbal, and cognitive growth. Comparing one student to another is one way of assessing their ability and knowledge, but observing where a child started and how they have grown is the best way to measure a child’s learning and plan how to take them to the next step/stage.
Please check out an interesting article “Developmentally Appropriate Practice” on our Core 3 Blog on the SMASH website under ‘Genie’ that has great insight into how we, as parents, perceive school and form our expectations for our own children based on those perceptions. We posted it just for you!
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
tmugalian@smmusd.org
ghwang@smmusd.org
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CORE 4 NEWS
What an exciting time Core 4 has experienced in the past few weeks! Our community continues to take strong strides to build a well-supported community. This was apparent in our dedicated efforts over the past week where we took the final steps to create our Social Contract. The students have been engaged in a process over the past two months where they went from thinking about their individual declarations, to determining what they need from the community to help them achieve those goals, to bringing their ideas to the entire Core community. All ideas were considered as the Core determined the five agreements that would encompass these Core wide thoughts, not an easy process! Thus, our Social Contract for Core 4 was created! Last Tuesday we took time to introduce, commit, and celebrate it! In Advisory, students have taken time to individually respond and reflect on these new agreements. Please ask about their commitment to them.
A word about Math…
Mathematicians in sixth and seventh grade have truly worked hard and diligently as they have explored patterns and more specifically functions! The discoveries they are making on their own have been ones to celebrate. Over the past few weeks, they have looked at the several different ways to represent a function: through a context or story, a table of values, a graph on the coordinate plane, a sequence, and finally, the familiar equation. Each is a different way of communicating the same rule of relationship. It is important to see that each representation expresses the same idea yet provides a different way of looking at or thinking about the relationship. Their exit card this week will demonstrate their understanding of these representations. I encourage you to have a conversation about this exit card in regards to their confidence and abilities with the material.
Algebra students are working hard to grasp what is really happening when solving equations. Many examples in real life situations have been given and worked through to deepen the meaning of this skill. We are nearing the end of Chapter 2 and will test on this Chapter December 15. As a reminder, all of their work should be noted with recorded grades in their Algebra Activity log.
In other news, as we all know, many germs are floating around and as a result, several of us are getting sick! We encourage the children to make sure they use the routines in each of the classes to take care of their missed work. Many of the classes have study groups or designated peers to check in with when absent. It is their responsibility to contact their peers before returning back to school, and then checking in with teachers as they return. This all is extremely important to keep their confidence high and to not fall behind with the introduced concepts.
Other tidbits…
· Yosemite is on the horizon and the excitement is hard to hide! Seventh grade families are ensuring they meet deadlines for this January trip.
· Scholastic Book Orders are now in full swing! To support our Literacy program, Core 4 has taken the opportunity to embrace this system. The catalogues chosen are ones that provide a variety of well-acknowledged young adult literature. Consider stocking up on books for winter break reading and for Holiday gift giving. To take advantage of this opportunity, you must place your order by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, December 9. Please see letter attached to the Friday handouts regarding this.
· Literacy Night is approaching! Next Wednesday night, December 9, our community will gather to share our love
and enthusiasm for books! Please stay tuned to e-mails sent regarding the details of this event.
Enjoy the Weekend!
Kelly, Kurt & Bailey
Kelly: kkulsrud@smmusd.org
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
Bailey: baileyfield@mac.com
