MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR HOLIDAY
MONDAY, JANUARY 18
SCHOOL CLOSED
_______________________________________________________________________
Dear SMASHing Families,
On behalf of Kate, Rene, Idalia, Parsa, and Clint: Please join us for a night of information about a group
project called Safe Routes to School. This project is about getting children out of their parents’ cars to walk,
bike, and take the bus. It will be at the Site Council meeting on January 20, 2010 from 5-6pm. We
strongly encourage you to come to help support the SMASHing 8th graders’ community service and help the
environment.
Per Superintendent Tim Cuneo’s request, I am representing SMASH on the District’s Strategic Planning
Advisory Team. The Strategic Planning process is intended to create a strategic plan for the next 5 years
that identifies immediate and long term issues and goals that the District needs to address effectively and
efficiently and provides the District and Board with a tool to guide decision-making. You may be engaged
in the planning process via: stakeholder interviews, providing input on the draft at Community Open
Houses in March, attending Board meetings in March and May, or by emailing me your ideas about what
“performance metrics” might look like if this plan is successful. I challenge us to think from a SMASH
perspective, what could we measure that we would want our students to carry with them as they graduate
high school? Some ideas that appeal to me include: SMM alums complete surveys 5 years from now indicating they dedicate significant time and resources to community or global projects, or SMM alums report high career satisfaction, or a medical research study of SMM alums shows their continued use of healthy nutrition habits and distressing techniques.
I hope the strategic planning process will be a chance to look at school structures that support children
academically and emotionally and to build curriculum that truly nurtures student talents and interests.
Dennis Littky recently wrote in a January 10, 2010 Big Picture Learning Newsletter:
I think about schools and school systems and how they were set up on one way with a set of goals and only
think about changing little things within the system…So how do we break through like JetBlue?... It takes
finding teachers, parents and influencers who become believers.
We have a wonderful SMASH community of adult and student believers in education that asks us to be deep
thinkers, actively address social and environmental issues, and gets us to collaborate on many levels. I hope
you will represent your thoughts and vision at these public forums during the strategic planning process.
Truly yours,
Jessica
______________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY, JANUARY 18
SCHOOL CLOSED
_______________________________________________________________________
Dear SMASHing Families,
On behalf of Kate, Rene, Idalia, Parsa, and Clint: Please join us for a night of information about a group
project called Safe Routes to School. This project is about getting children out of their parents’ cars to walk,
bike, and take the bus. It will be at the Site Council meeting on January 20, 2010 from 5-6pm. We
strongly encourage you to come to help support the SMASHing 8th graders’ community service and help the
environment.
Per Superintendent Tim Cuneo’s request, I am representing SMASH on the District’s Strategic Planning
Advisory Team. The Strategic Planning process is intended to create a strategic plan for the next 5 years
that identifies immediate and long term issues and goals that the District needs to address effectively and
efficiently and provides the District and Board with a tool to guide decision-making. You may be engaged
in the planning process via: stakeholder interviews, providing input on the draft at Community Open
Houses in March, attending Board meetings in March and May, or by emailing me your ideas about what
“performance metrics” might look like if this plan is successful. I challenge us to think from a SMASH
perspective, what could we measure that we would want our students to carry with them as they graduate
high school? Some ideas that appeal to me include: SMM alums complete surveys 5 years from now indicating they dedicate significant time and resources to community or global projects, or SMM alums report high career satisfaction, or a medical research study of SMM alums shows their continued use of healthy nutrition habits and distressing techniques.
I hope the strategic planning process will be a chance to look at school structures that support children
academically and emotionally and to build curriculum that truly nurtures student talents and interests.
Dennis Littky recently wrote in a January 10, 2010 Big Picture Learning Newsletter:
I think about schools and school systems and how they were set up on one way with a set of goals and only
think about changing little things within the system…So how do we break through like JetBlue?... It takes
finding teachers, parents and influencers who become believers.
We have a wonderful SMASH community of adult and student believers in education that asks us to be deep
thinkers, actively address social and environmental issues, and gets us to collaborate on many levels. I hope
you will represent your thoughts and vision at these public forums during the strategic planning process.
Truly yours,
Jessica
______________________________________________________________________________
WEDNESDAY BAKE SALES - Healthy Treats & Fun Items Sales start at 2:30 pm (Muir dismissal)
CORE 1 February 10, March 10
CORE 2 February 3, March 3
CORE 3 January 27, February 24
CORE 4 January 20, February 17
_______________________________________________________________________
DATES TO REMEMBER
Mon, Jan 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr Birthday observed - SCHOOL CLOSED
Wed, Jan 20 - 5-6pm - Site Council Mtg
Mon, Jan 25 - 9-10am - SMASH School Tour
Thur, Jan 28 - 6-8pm - SMASH Diversity Night Potluck - NOTE NEW DATE
______________________________________________________________________
THINGS TO DO
Sun, Jan 17 - 3:30 pm - FREE - Kid-Friendly Classical Music Concert by the SANTA MONICA SYMPHONY
Allen Robert Gross, Music Director & Conductor; featuring Christopher Miller, tuba
SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd. - Free Parking at 1212 7th Street - Doors open at 3: PM - No reserved seating
The Exciting Program: Mussorgsky: "Night on Bald Mountain"; Stravinsky: Suite from "The Firebird";
Ralph Vaughan Williams: Tuba Concerto; Marquez: Danzon No.2 - www.SMSymphony.org
Tues, Jan 19 - 7:00pm Samohi Jazz Bands at Barnum Hall.
Tickets $10 at the door, $5 for students and seniors.
The concert will feature guest artist Bob Mintzer, world famous tenor saxophonist and jazz arranger.
Jazz Band 1, under the direction of Mr. Whaley will perform an exciting program of Bob Mintzer arrangements.
Jazz Band 2, under the direction of Mr. Corrigan will be performing popular contemporary jazz
Last Friday - Main Street merchants are launching “Last Fridays” beginning January 29. In the months ahead, participating stores will be staying open late and holding special events, live music, cross promotions with restaurants and free food.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SMASH Site Council Agenda
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - 5:00 PM Core 2
Adopt Agenda
Approve minutes of last meeting
Community participation
Reports and Announcements (regular agenda items)
Principal’s Report
Student Reports
Community Organization Reports (to include but not limited to the following):
PTSA
Student Council
Other : 8th grade Safe Routes to Schools
Old Business
New Business
Community participation (if applicable)
Adjourn
___________________________________________________________________________________
SMASH Jog-a-thon FAQs
Question: When is the Jog-a-thon?
Answer: Friday, March 5th from approximately 8:30 to 11:30 am. (An exact schedule will be in a Friday Letter before
the event.)
Question: What happens at the Jog-a-thon?
Answer: SMASH students (and many teachers, parents, siblings and friends) run or walk laps to raise money for our
school. Each student will be given a pledge packet a few weeks before the event and encouraged to get family,
friends and neighbors to make a financial pledge for each lap run.
Question: How long is a lap and how many minutes will the students run?
Answer: Since SMASH’s field doesn’t have an official track, a ‘lap’ is as long as we say it is. We mark out a course
on the day of the event and children run the course for 20 minutes (separated into different groups to avoid a Pamplona “running of the bulls” situation).
Question: How many laps will my child run?
Answer: It depends. A fast runner might complete as many as 60 laps and a good walker might complete 20.
Question: Are parents welcome?
Answer: YES! Parents are needed now as volunteers and are always encouraged to join in as runners or spectators.
There will be music and refreshments for the kids and it is a great way to spend some time exercising with your child.
Question: What do volunteers do?
Answer: Volunteers help before, during and after the event and handle everything from setting up the course, to serving food/water to students, to counting laps and tallying pledges.
Question: How does my child submit a design for the t-shirt competition?
Answer: Simply have him/her draw the design (black/white or color) on an 8 ½ by 11 piece of white paper. Include
his/her name on the back and turn it into the office by January 29th.
Question: What about t-shirt sponsorship?
Answer: T-shirt sponsors are very important. They pay for the cost of the t-shirts so that all students/teachers get a
free Jog-a-thon shirt. Corporate sponsors donate $150, $200 or $250 and SMASHing sponsors donate $25, $50 or $100. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. As a token of appreciation for their support, the t-shirt sponsor’s name will adorn the back of the shirt.*
Question: How can I find out more? How do I volunteer?
Answer: Contact Lillie Schlessinger, lillie.schlessinger@transamerica.com or Darlene Flanders, Darlene@quixo.com.
___________________________________________________________________
Dear SMMUSD Parents,
We can all take pride in the accomplishments of our district and its students. During the State of Our Schools presentations this fall, I reported that our district’s students continue to grow and outperform other districts on the state and national performance levels. This could not have been accomplished without the dedication and commitment of all district employees to the success of our students. Their efforts have made a difference in the lives and futures of the students that we serve.
I also reported that the district has had to deal with a major state budget shortfall to education over the last two years,
resulting in the district making $4.5 million in cuts last year. As a result, the district must continue to prepare to make
significant budget reductions to maintain a balanced budget, as required by law. These reductions, based on current
information, could be as much as $8 million for the 2010-11 school year. Indications are coming from Sacramento that
when the Governor proposes the 2010-11 state budget this month, there will still be multi-billion dollar deficits and most likely continued under funding of public schools. The budget picture could worsen.
During the next six months, the Board of Education will be studying potential revenue enhancements and budget reductions. Examples of these include:
a new parcel tax to offset a portion of this shortfall
a reduction in the school year by five days
increases in class size at all grade levels
additional positions being cut at the district office and school sites
additional energy and utilities conservation
fewer summer school class offerings
reductions of support staff such as librarians, nurses, counselors, and classroom aides
The board and district administration take their fiduciary and financial responsibilities seriously and will be making decisions in the best overall interest of the students, parents, community, and staff in preparation of the 2010-11 budget. You are encouraged to attend board meetings and budget presentations (calendar on page two) to learn more about the impact of the states funding short fall on the district’s budget. The schedule of board meetings can be found on the district web site and specific budget materials can be found at http://www.smmusd.org/fiscal/0910BudgetInfo.html.
Preserving strong educational programs and minimizing layoffs continues to be a high priority of the Board of Education.
Sincerely,
Tim Cuneo
Superintendent
Budget presentation dates to SMMUSD parents and communities:
Wednesday, January 20 (Samohi cafeteria)
7:00-9:00pm – Santa Monica High School parents/community
Thursday, January 21 (MHS auditorium)
7:00-9:00pm – Malibu High School pathway parents/community
Tuesday, January 26 (JAMS cafeteria)
7:00-9:00pm – John Adams Middle School pathway parents/community
Wednesday, January 27 (LMS cafeteria)
7:00-9:00pm – Lincoln Middle School pathway parents/community
Please note: Feel free to attend a different session if you are not available during your scheduled pathway date.
Preschool parents can attend any of the above sessions.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Ptsa news
Contribute to the family donation drive: ptsasmash.blogspot.com
*****
It’s here!!!
TheSMASH Family Business and Talent Resource Directory
is available for pickup in the office.
Thanks so much to all of you who’ve made it possible.
*****
District Budget Presentation
Wednesday, January 20, 8:00 – 9:00PM, Samohi cafetreia
Thursday, January 21, 7:00-9:00PM, Malibu HS auditorium
Tuesday, January 26, 7:00-9:00PM, JAMS cafeteria
Wednesday, January 27, 7:00-9:00PM, Lincoln MS cafeteria
Please note that all sessions are open to all members of the Santa Monica community.
*****
REALLY NEW Date:
Annual potluck dinner on Diversity Night,
Thursday, January 28, 2010.
As always, bring a home cooked meal so we can all share the flavors of the world.
Check out the flyer in this Friday Letter.
*****
Our next PTSA meeting is on Wednesday, 2/10/10 at 6:30PM.
*****
WANTED
Board members and committee chairs for 2010/2011
Almost all board positions and many committee chairs are up for grabs.
We immediately need one or two people to serve on the nomintaing committee.
Consider becoming an active member of the PTSA.
Helga Schier at helgaschier@verizon.net or David Saltzman at saltzmans@earthlink.net
____________________________________________________________________________
Annual SMASHing
Multi-Cultural POTLUCK
Bring a home-cooked meal that represents your family background.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
6:00PM to 8:00PM
Come share the flavors of the world and check out the new SMASH movie featuring our very own students, principal and staff!
Send your menu item and recipe to Elaina Archer at elainab@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________________
PEACE from CORE 1
The first words we must write this week are THANK YOU for all your hard work during the SMASH/Muir Spirit Day! It was like the Cleaning Fairies came in over the weekend, scrubbed our spaces from top to bottom, then put everything back exactly where it was. Wait! That is exactly what DID happen!!! We, including the children, cannot thank you enough. We feel very well taken care of. Thank you, also, for the parents who cleaned the other spaces on our shared campus! You all made such a difference!!!
NEW PROJECT GROUP: What makes a tall structure stable? We are exploring this question in the new Skyscrapers Group. After a recent trip to our school library, Josh found a book on natural disasters and shared it with Hayden, Sofia Marie, John (Sofia Marie’s dad), Jackie, and Chrysta. We were all immediately drawn to how buildings become “earthquake proof”. Then, Jackie brought in newspaper articles to share about the new Burj Dubai skyscraper—the tallest ever! Josh found himself in the Lego group, investigating how to keep tall buildings from falling down. He shared his ideas and challenges during our reflection meeting. Other children became interested in the same concept, and the Skyscraper Group was formed. This group now meets on Fridays during our Projects time. You are welcome to join us as we develop theories, and test out our ideas.
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS: We are planning three exciting upcoming field trips to see a play, go on a nature hike, and visit a local exhibit! With the help of local community members, and Grace, we are currently organizing all the details. More information to follow!
REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
•The SMASH library will be closed on Monday, due to the MLK, Jr. Day Holiday
•Wishlist: Velcro, thick Crayola markers, HP empty ink cartridges
Have a wonderful long weekend, as we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
____________________________________________________________________________
CORE 2 NEWS
Dear Core 2 Community,
In Literacy, the children created list of the Just Right books they have read so far this year.
In Math, the 2nd graders learned how to play Close to 20 and continue practicing their skip counting, and counted coins. The 3rd graders worked on putting fractions in order from smallest to largest and discovered that the larger the fair share of the whole the smaller the numerator will be.
In Art with Juliana, each child did a leaf rubbing and a leaf imprint on clay. When the clay is dry, the children will paint them.
Core 2 had the opportunity to learn from Hyacinth, Idalia, Clint, and Paul (Core 4) about their research into ocean pollution. It was a SMASHing chance for our children to see what a project could look like by 8th grade.
In Geography, we are learning the names, shape, and place of the Fifty Nifty United States. We performed the song at the SMASHing Wednesday assembly. Thanks for singing along with us. If anyone recorded the performance, please let us know. We’d love to see it.
In Penmanship/penwomanship, we all practice our best printing, using the top, middle, and bottom lines as guides, and forming all our letters correctly. This supports conventions in writing (beginning sentences with uppercase letters and capitalizing proper nouns).
Our field trip to the Santa Monica Playhouse was a success. Thank you to all of the adults who joined us and offered to join us. “And Away We Go!” was great! Attached are free tickets to attend a show. We can thank the City of Santa Monica and the Arts Commission.
Mary, Avery’s mom will be teaching an art project that requires a 4 x 6 photograph of a student and a loved one. The faces should be in the foreground. The photographs will be cut. Please bring it in as soon as possible.
Mijken, Trent’s mom, will teach science lessons on Mondays in Core 2. She will teach concepts and vocabulary related to water.
Our next Stars of the Week presentation will be on Wednesday, January 20 beginning around 9:00. The Stars will be: Mika and Cole. Our community snack will be provided by the Stars of the Week.
For your child’s safety, please spend some time teaching their address, at least one phone/cell number, and how to spell both their first and last name.
Dates to remember:
Monday, January 18 – Martin Luther King Jr.’s holiday
Tuesday, January 26 – walking to Barnum Hall to hear the New World Symphony Concert.
9:00-12:30 Parent volunteers needed to walk with us. See Laura to sign up!
Friday, February 12 – field trip to The Amazing Bone at the Morgan -Wixson Theater more info later
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura Graciela
lsherman@smmusd.org
CORE 1 February 10, March 10
CORE 2 February 3, March 3
CORE 3 January 27, February 24
CORE 4 January 20, February 17
_______________________________________________________________________
DATES TO REMEMBER
Mon, Jan 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr Birthday observed - SCHOOL CLOSED
Wed, Jan 20 - 5-6pm - Site Council Mtg
Mon, Jan 25 - 9-10am - SMASH School Tour
Thur, Jan 28 - 6-8pm - SMASH Diversity Night Potluck - NOTE NEW DATE
______________________________________________________________________
THINGS TO DO
Sun, Jan 17 - 3:30 pm - FREE - Kid-Friendly Classical Music Concert by the SANTA MONICA SYMPHONY
Allen Robert Gross, Music Director & Conductor; featuring Christopher Miller, tuba
SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd. - Free Parking at 1212 7th Street - Doors open at 3: PM - No reserved seating
The Exciting Program: Mussorgsky: "Night on Bald Mountain"; Stravinsky: Suite from "The Firebird";
Ralph Vaughan Williams: Tuba Concerto; Marquez: Danzon No.2 - www.SMSymphony.org
Tues, Jan 19 - 7:00pm Samohi Jazz Bands at Barnum Hall.
Tickets $10 at the door, $5 for students and seniors.
The concert will feature guest artist Bob Mintzer, world famous tenor saxophonist and jazz arranger.
Jazz Band 1, under the direction of Mr. Whaley will perform an exciting program of Bob Mintzer arrangements.
Jazz Band 2, under the direction of Mr. Corrigan will be performing popular contemporary jazz
Last Friday - Main Street merchants are launching “Last Fridays” beginning January 29. In the months ahead, participating stores will be staying open late and holding special events, live music, cross promotions with restaurants and free food.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SMASH Site Council Agenda
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - 5:00 PM Core 2
Adopt Agenda
Approve minutes of last meeting
Community participation
Reports and Announcements (regular agenda items)
Principal’s Report
Student Reports
Community Organization Reports (to include but not limited to the following):
PTSA
Student Council
Other : 8th grade Safe Routes to Schools
Old Business
New Business
Community participation (if applicable)
Adjourn
___________________________________________________________________________________
SMASH Jog-a-thon FAQs
Question: When is the Jog-a-thon?
Answer: Friday, March 5th from approximately 8:30 to 11:30 am. (An exact schedule will be in a Friday Letter before
the event.)
Question: What happens at the Jog-a-thon?
Answer: SMASH students (and many teachers, parents, siblings and friends) run or walk laps to raise money for our
school. Each student will be given a pledge packet a few weeks before the event and encouraged to get family,
friends and neighbors to make a financial pledge for each lap run.
Question: How long is a lap and how many minutes will the students run?
Answer: Since SMASH’s field doesn’t have an official track, a ‘lap’ is as long as we say it is. We mark out a course
on the day of the event and children run the course for 20 minutes (separated into different groups to avoid a Pamplona “running of the bulls” situation).
Question: How many laps will my child run?
Answer: It depends. A fast runner might complete as many as 60 laps and a good walker might complete 20.
Question: Are parents welcome?
Answer: YES! Parents are needed now as volunteers and are always encouraged to join in as runners or spectators.
There will be music and refreshments for the kids and it is a great way to spend some time exercising with your child.
Question: What do volunteers do?
Answer: Volunteers help before, during and after the event and handle everything from setting up the course, to serving food/water to students, to counting laps and tallying pledges.
Question: How does my child submit a design for the t-shirt competition?
Answer: Simply have him/her draw the design (black/white or color) on an 8 ½ by 11 piece of white paper. Include
his/her name on the back and turn it into the office by January 29th.
Question: What about t-shirt sponsorship?
Answer: T-shirt sponsors are very important. They pay for the cost of the t-shirts so that all students/teachers get a
free Jog-a-thon shirt. Corporate sponsors donate $150, $200 or $250 and SMASHing sponsors donate $25, $50 or $100. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. As a token of appreciation for their support, the t-shirt sponsor’s name will adorn the back of the shirt.*
Question: How can I find out more? How do I volunteer?
Answer: Contact Lillie Schlessinger, lillie.schlessinger@transamerica.com or Darlene Flanders, Darlene@quixo.com.
___________________________________________________________________
Dear SMMUSD Parents,
We can all take pride in the accomplishments of our district and its students. During the State of Our Schools presentations this fall, I reported that our district’s students continue to grow and outperform other districts on the state and national performance levels. This could not have been accomplished without the dedication and commitment of all district employees to the success of our students. Their efforts have made a difference in the lives and futures of the students that we serve.
I also reported that the district has had to deal with a major state budget shortfall to education over the last two years,
resulting in the district making $4.5 million in cuts last year. As a result, the district must continue to prepare to make
significant budget reductions to maintain a balanced budget, as required by law. These reductions, based on current
information, could be as much as $8 million for the 2010-11 school year. Indications are coming from Sacramento that
when the Governor proposes the 2010-11 state budget this month, there will still be multi-billion dollar deficits and most likely continued under funding of public schools. The budget picture could worsen.
During the next six months, the Board of Education will be studying potential revenue enhancements and budget reductions. Examples of these include:
a new parcel tax to offset a portion of this shortfall
a reduction in the school year by five days
increases in class size at all grade levels
additional positions being cut at the district office and school sites
additional energy and utilities conservation
fewer summer school class offerings
reductions of support staff such as librarians, nurses, counselors, and classroom aides
The board and district administration take their fiduciary and financial responsibilities seriously and will be making decisions in the best overall interest of the students, parents, community, and staff in preparation of the 2010-11 budget. You are encouraged to attend board meetings and budget presentations (calendar on page two) to learn more about the impact of the states funding short fall on the district’s budget. The schedule of board meetings can be found on the district web site and specific budget materials can be found at http://www.smmusd.org/fiscal/0910BudgetInfo.html.
Preserving strong educational programs and minimizing layoffs continues to be a high priority of the Board of Education.
Sincerely,
Tim Cuneo
Superintendent
Budget presentation dates to SMMUSD parents and communities:
Wednesday, January 20 (Samohi cafeteria)
7:00-9:00pm – Santa Monica High School parents/community
Thursday, January 21 (MHS auditorium)
7:00-9:00pm – Malibu High School pathway parents/community
Tuesday, January 26 (JAMS cafeteria)
7:00-9:00pm – John Adams Middle School pathway parents/community
Wednesday, January 27 (LMS cafeteria)
7:00-9:00pm – Lincoln Middle School pathway parents/community
Please note: Feel free to attend a different session if you are not available during your scheduled pathway date.
Preschool parents can attend any of the above sessions.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Ptsa news
Contribute to the family donation drive: ptsasmash.blogspot.com
*****
It’s here!!!
TheSMASH Family Business and Talent Resource Directory
is available for pickup in the office.
Thanks so much to all of you who’ve made it possible.
*****
District Budget Presentation
Wednesday, January 20, 8:00 – 9:00PM, Samohi cafetreia
Thursday, January 21, 7:00-9:00PM, Malibu HS auditorium
Tuesday, January 26, 7:00-9:00PM, JAMS cafeteria
Wednesday, January 27, 7:00-9:00PM, Lincoln MS cafeteria
Please note that all sessions are open to all members of the Santa Monica community.
*****
REALLY NEW Date:
Annual potluck dinner on Diversity Night,
Thursday, January 28, 2010.
As always, bring a home cooked meal so we can all share the flavors of the world.
Check out the flyer in this Friday Letter.
*****
Our next PTSA meeting is on Wednesday, 2/10/10 at 6:30PM.
*****
WANTED
Board members and committee chairs for 2010/2011
Almost all board positions and many committee chairs are up for grabs.
We immediately need one or two people to serve on the nomintaing committee.
Consider becoming an active member of the PTSA.
Helga Schier at helgaschier@verizon.net or David Saltzman at saltzmans@earthlink.net
____________________________________________________________________________
Annual SMASHing
Multi-Cultural POTLUCK
Bring a home-cooked meal that represents your family background.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
6:00PM to 8:00PM
Come share the flavors of the world and check out the new SMASH movie featuring our very own students, principal and staff!
Send your menu item and recipe to Elaina Archer at elainab@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________________
PEACE from CORE 1
The first words we must write this week are THANK YOU for all your hard work during the SMASH/Muir Spirit Day! It was like the Cleaning Fairies came in over the weekend, scrubbed our spaces from top to bottom, then put everything back exactly where it was. Wait! That is exactly what DID happen!!! We, including the children, cannot thank you enough. We feel very well taken care of. Thank you, also, for the parents who cleaned the other spaces on our shared campus! You all made such a difference!!!
NEW PROJECT GROUP: What makes a tall structure stable? We are exploring this question in the new Skyscrapers Group. After a recent trip to our school library, Josh found a book on natural disasters and shared it with Hayden, Sofia Marie, John (Sofia Marie’s dad), Jackie, and Chrysta. We were all immediately drawn to how buildings become “earthquake proof”. Then, Jackie brought in newspaper articles to share about the new Burj Dubai skyscraper—the tallest ever! Josh found himself in the Lego group, investigating how to keep tall buildings from falling down. He shared his ideas and challenges during our reflection meeting. Other children became interested in the same concept, and the Skyscraper Group was formed. This group now meets on Fridays during our Projects time. You are welcome to join us as we develop theories, and test out our ideas.
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS: We are planning three exciting upcoming field trips to see a play, go on a nature hike, and visit a local exhibit! With the help of local community members, and Grace, we are currently organizing all the details. More information to follow!
REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
•The SMASH library will be closed on Monday, due to the MLK, Jr. Day Holiday
•Wishlist: Velcro, thick Crayola markers, HP empty ink cartridges
Have a wonderful long weekend, as we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
____________________________________________________________________________
CORE 2 NEWS
Dear Core 2 Community,
In Literacy, the children created list of the Just Right books they have read so far this year.
In Math, the 2nd graders learned how to play Close to 20 and continue practicing their skip counting, and counted coins. The 3rd graders worked on putting fractions in order from smallest to largest and discovered that the larger the fair share of the whole the smaller the numerator will be.
In Art with Juliana, each child did a leaf rubbing and a leaf imprint on clay. When the clay is dry, the children will paint them.
Core 2 had the opportunity to learn from Hyacinth, Idalia, Clint, and Paul (Core 4) about their research into ocean pollution. It was a SMASHing chance for our children to see what a project could look like by 8th grade.
In Geography, we are learning the names, shape, and place of the Fifty Nifty United States. We performed the song at the SMASHing Wednesday assembly. Thanks for singing along with us. If anyone recorded the performance, please let us know. We’d love to see it.
In Penmanship/penwomanship, we all practice our best printing, using the top, middle, and bottom lines as guides, and forming all our letters correctly. This supports conventions in writing (beginning sentences with uppercase letters and capitalizing proper nouns).
Our field trip to the Santa Monica Playhouse was a success. Thank you to all of the adults who joined us and offered to join us. “And Away We Go!” was great! Attached are free tickets to attend a show. We can thank the City of Santa Monica and the Arts Commission.
Mary, Avery’s mom will be teaching an art project that requires a 4 x 6 photograph of a student and a loved one. The faces should be in the foreground. The photographs will be cut. Please bring it in as soon as possible.
Mijken, Trent’s mom, will teach science lessons on Mondays in Core 2. She will teach concepts and vocabulary related to water.
Our next Stars of the Week presentation will be on Wednesday, January 20 beginning around 9:00. The Stars will be: Mika and Cole. Our community snack will be provided by the Stars of the Week.
For your child’s safety, please spend some time teaching their address, at least one phone/cell number, and how to spell both their first and last name.
Dates to remember:
Monday, January 18 – Martin Luther King Jr.’s holiday
Tuesday, January 26 – walking to Barnum Hall to hear the New World Symphony Concert.
9:00-12:30 Parent volunteers needed to walk with us. See Laura to sign up!
Friday, February 12 – field trip to The Amazing Bone at the Morgan -Wixson Theater more info later
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura Graciela
lsherman@smmusd.org
gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
________________________________________________________________________
CORE 3 NEWS
Both 4th grade and 5th grade mathematicians are currently working on units focusing on number sense—the
value of numbers and the understanding of place value/the base-ten number system, recognizing friendly or landmark
numbers to do mental math using logic and efficient strategies, as well as the relationships between numbers in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
The 4th grade mathematicians are exploring our number system. The emphasis is on understanding how numbers
work: place value, multiples of ten and one hundred, and going up and down the number line. They are using tools
like the 100/300 chart, so they can visualize patterns and develop a solid understanding of the numbers and their relationship within the base 10 number system. They started with factors and multiples of one hundred and one thousand to help them make predictions and work with 300, 500, etc. For example, the mathematicians are learning that if they know the factors of 10 and 10 is a factor of 100 then all the factors of 10 are also factors of 100 and all the factors of 100 are factors of 200, 300, 400, etc. This will help them identify Landmark numbers, which they will use as they move into solving addition and subtraction problems with large numbers. For that work, we will be focusing on how good mathematicians pull numbers apart, use relationships and patterns, and apply logic to solve problems with large numbers. This unit builds on the work they did in Arrays and Shares and really lays the foundation for the unit the 5th grade mathematicians are currently working on. The thinking habits and problem-solving strategies they develop now will be very important next year!
The 5th grade mathematicians have spent a few weeks thinking about large numbers and how to subtract them.
They were familiar with the counting up strategy making subtraction into an addition problem by changing the variable 1,500 – 987 = 987 + __ = 1,500. They’ve learned they can use estimation, friendly (landmark) numbers,
break numbers apart, as well as rounding and adjusting to solve problems. Talking and thinking about the large numbered problems in more than one way allows for using the most efficient strategy, as well as allowing for solving
problems in their heads.
If the problem is presented by stacking the numbers up, then it leads some mathematicians to not think, but instead go straight to the automatic algorithm of borrowing and carrying without thinking about an estimate or what they know about the numbers. This past week the 5th grade mathematicians were ‘officially’ shown how to borrow and carry and why it works in subtraction. This is where place value knowledge is really important, so the numbers are seen as a whole--not separate digits. They learned that they are not borrowing from the 5, but are actually borrowing from the 500 and making it a 400 and giving the tens place a hundred and then giving 10 from the now borrowed 100, leaving 90 and putting the 10 in the ones place so then you can subtract 7 from 10, subtract 80 from 90, and 900 from the 1400 to get the answer 513 (many steps to get to the answer). The strategy of stacking and regrouping is important, especially when numbers are larger, but hopefully it’s not the first strategy they go to when presented with a problem like 1,500-987. It should be just one of many strategies in their math toolbox and should be used when needed. Asking your child mental subtraction problems using 4 digit problems while in car or waiting in line at the grocery store would help them get the practice they need to keep their subtraction muscles strong as we move to multiplying and dividing in large numbers next week.
For Math Homework, please help your child slow down and pay attention to what they know about the numbers and
how they pull them apart or put them together using different landmark numbers, strategies, and patterns—that is the
real work of these math units and the thing all of our mathematicians really need to practice.
We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now. –Martin Luther King, Jr.
tmugalian@smmusd.org Tamara, Genie, and Malaika ghwang@smmusd.org
___________________________________________________________________________
CORE 4 NEWS
Hello All the CORE 4 Smashing Families,
Those who have had a week here in Santa Monica we have had an activity packed week.
Monday—Wednesday we had regular academics along with a casual poetry workshop in the afternoons.
On Thursday we walked to the California Heritage Museum for the Skateboard exhibit. Students learned the history of the skate-board and saw the art of the board-making. Thursday ended with a poetry performance and party celebrating original pieces by the students as well as other poetry discovered by students. Finally Friday we all walked to the Santa Monica Ice Rink and skated our hearts out. It was a fun, social activity to connect with the cold of our friends in Yosemite.
Writing and Reading: Please make sure all 6th and 7th grade students have a second Composition book. On Tuesday January 19 We begin the new writers and readers workshops and students will need a new book to start their next unit.
Historical Novels: Please have all students have one of the following novels by Tuesday January 19.
They can have a different novel, hopefully on the colonial/revolutionary period in US History.
Johnnie Tremain by Forbes
My Brother Sam is Dead by Collier
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Speare
Pennies for Peace: Building schools in Afghanistan. Greg Morteson is speaking at Loyola Marymount on February 2 Tuesday from 7-8:15. It is FREE you simply need to make a reservation at lmu.edu go to the community section and find the event listed to make reservations. You can also call for reservations. Call Amber Astredo at 310-258-5430!!!
Thanks for all your continued support of the program here at SMASH. - Bailey
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
Kelly: kkulsrud@smmusd.org
Bailey: baileyfield@gmail.com
________________________________________________________________________
CORE 3 NEWS
Both 4th grade and 5th grade mathematicians are currently working on units focusing on number sense—the
value of numbers and the understanding of place value/the base-ten number system, recognizing friendly or landmark
numbers to do mental math using logic and efficient strategies, as well as the relationships between numbers in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
The 4th grade mathematicians are exploring our number system. The emphasis is on understanding how numbers
work: place value, multiples of ten and one hundred, and going up and down the number line. They are using tools
like the 100/300 chart, so they can visualize patterns and develop a solid understanding of the numbers and their relationship within the base 10 number system. They started with factors and multiples of one hundred and one thousand to help them make predictions and work with 300, 500, etc. For example, the mathematicians are learning that if they know the factors of 10 and 10 is a factor of 100 then all the factors of 10 are also factors of 100 and all the factors of 100 are factors of 200, 300, 400, etc. This will help them identify Landmark numbers, which they will use as they move into solving addition and subtraction problems with large numbers. For that work, we will be focusing on how good mathematicians pull numbers apart, use relationships and patterns, and apply logic to solve problems with large numbers. This unit builds on the work they did in Arrays and Shares and really lays the foundation for the unit the 5th grade mathematicians are currently working on. The thinking habits and problem-solving strategies they develop now will be very important next year!
The 5th grade mathematicians have spent a few weeks thinking about large numbers and how to subtract them.
They were familiar with the counting up strategy making subtraction into an addition problem by changing the variable 1,500 – 987 = 987 + __ = 1,500. They’ve learned they can use estimation, friendly (landmark) numbers,
break numbers apart, as well as rounding and adjusting to solve problems. Talking and thinking about the large numbered problems in more than one way allows for using the most efficient strategy, as well as allowing for solving
problems in their heads.
If the problem is presented by stacking the numbers up, then it leads some mathematicians to not think, but instead go straight to the automatic algorithm of borrowing and carrying without thinking about an estimate or what they know about the numbers. This past week the 5th grade mathematicians were ‘officially’ shown how to borrow and carry and why it works in subtraction. This is where place value knowledge is really important, so the numbers are seen as a whole--not separate digits. They learned that they are not borrowing from the 5, but are actually borrowing from the 500 and making it a 400 and giving the tens place a hundred and then giving 10 from the now borrowed 100, leaving 90 and putting the 10 in the ones place so then you can subtract 7 from 10, subtract 80 from 90, and 900 from the 1400 to get the answer 513 (many steps to get to the answer). The strategy of stacking and regrouping is important, especially when numbers are larger, but hopefully it’s not the first strategy they go to when presented with a problem like 1,500-987. It should be just one of many strategies in their math toolbox and should be used when needed. Asking your child mental subtraction problems using 4 digit problems while in car or waiting in line at the grocery store would help them get the practice they need to keep their subtraction muscles strong as we move to multiplying and dividing in large numbers next week.
For Math Homework, please help your child slow down and pay attention to what they know about the numbers and
how they pull them apart or put them together using different landmark numbers, strategies, and patterns—that is the
real work of these math units and the thing all of our mathematicians really need to practice.
We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now. –Martin Luther King, Jr.
tmugalian@smmusd.org Tamara, Genie, and Malaika ghwang@smmusd.org
___________________________________________________________________________
CORE 4 NEWS
Hello All the CORE 4 Smashing Families,
Those who have had a week here in Santa Monica we have had an activity packed week.
Monday—Wednesday we had regular academics along with a casual poetry workshop in the afternoons.
On Thursday we walked to the California Heritage Museum for the Skateboard exhibit. Students learned the history of the skate-board and saw the art of the board-making. Thursday ended with a poetry performance and party celebrating original pieces by the students as well as other poetry discovered by students. Finally Friday we all walked to the Santa Monica Ice Rink and skated our hearts out. It was a fun, social activity to connect with the cold of our friends in Yosemite.
Writing and Reading: Please make sure all 6th and 7th grade students have a second Composition book. On Tuesday January 19 We begin the new writers and readers workshops and students will need a new book to start their next unit.
Historical Novels: Please have all students have one of the following novels by Tuesday January 19.
They can have a different novel, hopefully on the colonial/revolutionary period in US History.
Johnnie Tremain by Forbes
My Brother Sam is Dead by Collier
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Speare
Pennies for Peace: Building schools in Afghanistan. Greg Morteson is speaking at Loyola Marymount on February 2 Tuesday from 7-8:15. It is FREE you simply need to make a reservation at lmu.edu go to the community section and find the event listed to make reservations. You can also call for reservations. Call Amber Astredo at 310-258-5430!!!
Thanks for all your continued support of the program here at SMASH. - Bailey
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
Kelly: kkulsrud@smmusd.org
Bailey: baileyfield@gmail.com
