Dear SMASHing Families,
Hopefully you each enjoyed a family-filled, joyful, perhaps restorative Spring Break. I have wonderful Spring Break memories of my sons Micah (5.5) and Eli (almost 3) sticking out their tongues to collect Utah snowflakes and squealing “Yahoo” as they skied (without any speed control) next to my husband Mitch and myself.
Quick News about Permits, Parcel Tax, and Strategic Plan:
For those who did not hear yet, LAUSD decided to hold off on their new permit policy until they take another look at it in September, so most families will have a one year reprieve. Thanks to David Saltzman, Rob Lance, and Jamee Tenzer for helping SMASH families needing application and appeal process assistance. I know others of you not directly affected have offered support in other ways.
Stay tuned after the May 25th Measure A vote for updates about District-level budget and staffing decisions. At the Strategic Plan Open House Monday night in our Cafeteria, some of you were able to be there to give ideas about your vision for education and what the priorities should be for our School Board over the next 5
years. The Superintendent, Tim Cuneo, plans to compile the community input into an electronic presentation that will be posted on the District website. I’ll let you know when it is available.
SMASH Staff Learning Walks Tuesday, April 20 and Wednesday, April 21.
Please note: One teacher from each Core will be on a “Learning Walk” team each day to observe the ways student collaboration leads to deeper level thinking, especially during Projects. The staff is committed to what one Canadian study calls “establishing learning environments that build interdependent relationships and that promote and create a strong culture of learning.”
According to educational leader Elliot Washor in his Big Picture Learning on-line newsletter March 2010, the Canadian government funded a study called What Did You Do In School Today? The study sites McKinsey & Company. “McKinsey & Company (2007) examined top performing school systems around the world, and their findings support the notion that teachers improve their practice in the company of their peers.
The top-performing school systems recognize coaching classroom practice, moving teacher training to the classroom, developing stronger school leaders, and enabling teachers to learn from others – and have found ways to deliver these interventions throughout their school system (p.26).” These are findings from a serious
study done across Canada on tens of thousands of students. In the midst of layoff notices, financial stresses, and other challenges, be assured that the SMASH staff stays focused on student engagement, learning and effective teaching.
Truly yours,
Jessica
STATE TESTING (STAR)
Testing for grades 2-8 begins May 4 through May 14
DATES TO REMEMBER
Apr 15 & Apr 28 - 4:30pm - 8:30pm, SMASH Phone Bank Volunteers Needed
Wed. Apr 21 - 6:30pm - PTSA Meeting
Wed, Apr 28 - 8:45am - Core 1 Assembly
Wed, Apr 28—5:00pm - Site Council Meeting, student planning skills presentation
Tues, May 4-14 - state testing for grades 2-8
Tues, May 4 - 6:00pm - Incoming 6th grade parent mtg in Core 4
Tues, May 4 - 7:15pm - Incoming 8th grade parent mtg in Core 4
Wed, May 5 - 6:00pm - Current 8th grade parent night with Samohi principal and counselor to determine 9th grade
schedules
Week of May 10 - 8th grade presentations
Tues, May 11 - 5:00pm - SMASH BINGO night at Spitefire Grill
Wed, May 12 - SMASH Talent show - Time to be announced
Fri, May 14 - 6:30-9:00pm - SMASH Movie Night—NOTE NEW DATE
WEDNESDAY BAKE SALES - Healthy Treats & Fun Items Sales start at 2:30 pm (Muir dismissal)
Core 2: April 21 & May 19
Core 1: April 28 & May 26
Core 4: May 5
Core 3: May 12
Spring has arrived and with it the start of the spring season for CREST Enrichment and Sports. Don’t wait until it’s too late, register NOW for before- and/or after-school CREST spring programs or classes!
CREST Enrichment classes and Sports will begin after spring break. The CREST Enrichment Program offers high quality classes at affordable prices right at your child’s school! Professional companies and instructors are handselected
to give your child access to a wide range of interesting and fun classes not offered during the school day, including academic chess, drama, dance, cooking, digital media and arts, foreign languages, yoga and martial arts!
GENEROUS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE for all CREST programs is available on a sliding scale to qualifying low- to moderate-income families. For more information check out the CREST website at www.CREST.SMGOV.NET or call the City of Santa Monica Youth Office at (310) 458-8540.
EARTH DAY on the PROMENADE 3rd Street Promenade - 10:00am - 7:00pm
The City of Santa Monica and Earth Day L.A. sponsor this free day of exhibitors, music and food.
Any SMASH student who would like to attend a different Santa Monica school MUST APPLY for INTRADISTRICT OPEN ENROLLMENT PERMIT. May 31 is the deadline for these applications. The intra-district transfer lottery by the district will be held in early June, with parents being notified before June 18.
SMASH TALENT SHOW Wednesday, May 12
Talented Students Wanted! NO AUDITIONS (only 20 slots and a 3 MINUTE LIMIT!)
Call Dian Andrews at (310)392-0600 to sign up.
The Broad Stage will present Highlights of The REDCAT International Children's Film Festival
11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm General Admission $10 ALL THREE SHOWS $15
Screenings will be accompanied by a midday festival in the courtyard with free food, music, and visual art workshops. This low-cost family event is presented as part of The Broad Stage ARTS INSIGHTS education and outreach program. A film festival rated “G” for the whole family. Now in its fifth year, REDCAT’s International Children’s Film Festival will be presented for the first time at The Broad Stage, offering the Westside a treasure trove of cinematic delights for
filmgoers of all ages. This mid‐day program features shorts with wondrous animation, exhilarating live action, and rarely shown classics. And in our little corner of Santa Monica, you’ll find fun food, live music with Aaron Nigel Smith of PBS’s Between the Lions, and visual art workshops led by teaching artist Irina Contreras. Young and young at heart will delight in dancing, creating, and feasting their eyes on some of the most exciting children’s entertainment in the world! Picnic blankets welcome. FESTIVAL: Courtyard Noon With free food from LA Magazine, music by Aaron Nigel Smith, and art with Irina Contreras Tickets can be purchased online at our website: www.thebroadstage.org, or directly through our box office at 310-434-3200 or 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
YEARBOOK PHOTOS NEEDED. Send to Barbara (barbar@earthlink.net) or Kjersti (kjersti@rtd-la.com)
Upcoming SMASH Bash Events
The following two SMASH Bash events still have spots available -- and are right around the corner. If you'd like to attend, please sign up in the office. Remember, all proceeds go directly to SMASH.
Food From the Old Country (Yum!) - THIS SUNDAY - April 18
Come taste food the way my grandmother made it. Brisket of Beef and Gefilte Fish; yummy! We’ll have pizza for the kids or un-adventurous. Will also serve yamatatoes (twice-baked Yam+potato) Guests can bring a favorite wine, dessert, or salad to share.
At the home of Terry and Lisa Davis
2608 30th Street
Santa Monica, 90405
Sunday, April 18th, 5-8 pm.
Adults: $15
Children: $5
Please sign up in the office or email lisnter@verizon.net to confirm
Pool Party, BBQ & Music Jam - April 25 (Sun)
Kjersti Thorsen and Barbara Williams are hosting a SMASH bash, pool party, barbecue and music jam for the whole family.
The water will be warm, the food will be great and the music will be whatever we make it because SMASH parents and children are participating.
At the home of
Tom Hayden and Barbara Williams
1939 Westridge Terrace
Los Angeles CA, 90049
Sunday, April 25th, 2 pm.
Adults: $15
Children: $10
Families: $25
Please sign up in the office or email
liamjack1@mac.com to confirm
Marni Ayers Brady
SMASH Bash Coordinator
marni99@yahoo.com
RAM Conducts It's 601st FREE Clinic in Los Angeles!
April 27- May 3 at The Los Angeles Sports Arena
This spring, Remote Area Medical (RAM) will conduct its 601st free clinic and its second in Los Angeles. It will be the largest event of its kind ever. RAM/LA will bring medical, dental and vision care to thousands of individuals and families who desperately need it, at no cost to the patient, the taxpayer or the government. RAM/LA is, above all, a community effort. In this time of urgent healthcare challenge, it is Los Angeles coming together to help its own. Medical and non-medical personnel are volunteering their time; supplies and equipment are being
donated; local agencies and organizations are generously providing their resources. For one week, the Los Angeles Sports Arena will become an island of help and hope. Free care will be provided to anyone who needs it – there is no income test, no proof of insurance, no requirement of any kind except to attend.
RAM/LA proved its worth at the Forum last August. More than 14,500 medical, dental and vision services were provided to 6,400 patients. Services included dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; root canals and dentures. Eyeglasses were prescribed, fitted and made on site. There were medical consultations, screenings and inoculations. Free follow-up care was provided for those who needed it, from medical monitoring to cataract surgeries. At the Forum alone, care conservatively valued at $2,820,000 was delivered.
Building On Success This year, RAM/LA will greatly exceed that performance. We hope to see 1,200 or more patients daily. We will expand capacity with more volunteers and resources, and streamline operations with an electronic patient record system and online volunteer registration. Patient flow will be speeded, and we will offer even more services. This
year, the event will include the following.
Medical Services 40 medical exam rooms are planned, with a full staff of volunteer doctors, nurses and aids.
Specialties will include family practice, internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, ENT, gynecology and others. Most patients initially request dental or vision services, but all patients go through triage following registration and those who need it are directed to receive medical attention as well. We will have diagnostic equipment on site, and along with medical consultations, we plan to offer the following screenings.
· Diabetes
· Hypertension
· HIV
· Glaucoma
· Cholesterol
· Renal Function
· Melanoma
· Mammogram
· Pap Smear
· Pregnancy
Volunteer labs will read results, and we will have a secure call-in system for patients to learn their outcomes. In addition, we will provide inoculations for children and adults, as well as acupuncture and chiropractic services for those who
wish them.
LOCATION
LA Sports Arena
3939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037
April 27-May 3, 2010
ramusa.org
ALL-MAIL BALLOT ELECTION IN MAY TO SUPPORT
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU SCHOOLS*
Santa Monica and Malibu students receive an exceptional education that
prepares them for the 21st Century and provides the skills needed for college and
today’s careers.
State budget cuts impact the quality of our local schools. The State has cut an
average of $10 million each year over the last two years from funds owed to
Santa Monica and Malibu schools, resulting in extensive cuts to teachers, staff
and programs. More State budget cuts are on the way. Additional local
funding can prevent a serious decline in the quality of our local schools.
A local funding measure has been placed before voters to provide local funding
that the State cannot take away.
This measure will provide funding to:
· Protect instruction in reading, writing, math and science
· Minimize teacher layoffs
· Keep class sizes as small as possible
· Help protect music and arts programs
· Keep school libraries open
· Minimize cuts to counselors, who help students stay on track and prepare for
college and careers
All funds will remain in our local schools and cannot be taken away by the State.
None of the funds can be spent on administrator salaries. An independent citizens’
oversight committee will ensure the funds are spent as promised.
Seniors age 65 or over can apply for an exemption.
* There will be no polling places open on Election Day. Your ballot will come
in the mail, even if you do not normally vote by absentee ballot.
All-Mail Ballot Election in May to
Support Santa Monica-Malibu Schools*
ptsa news
Dear SMASH community,
As many of you have heard, LAUSD has announced that almost all interdistrict permits will be granted for the 2010/2011 school year. Congratulations! So glad the SMASH family will stay together! This incredible success was made possible by the hard work and dedication of parent volunteers across several school districts. Thank you!
Measure A needs the same dedication and hard work. The budget crisis endangers the quality of Santa Monica schools in general and SMASH in particular. Some of our fantastic teachers have been pink slipped. Class sizes will increase, the question is by how much. Our elementary music program is at risk and librarians and nurses may loose their jobs.
This will affect each and every one of our children. Profoundly. We have no choice. We have to protect the quality of our schools. Measure A can help. I have no doubt that the SMASH community will rise to the occasion and come together in this time of crisis.
Help SMASH by participating in the campaign supporting Measure A. Staff a phone banking night. Join a precinct walk. Vote. Tell your friends and family to vote.
Help SMASH by volunteering at an upcoming fundraiser. SuperSMASH needs auction donations. SuperSMASH needs volunteers to run games/rides and activity/refreshment booths.
If there ever was a time to be active it is now! It is time to help protect our schools! Thank you!
Helga Schier and David Saltzman
Co-Presidents, SMASH PTSA
*****
WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP!
Join a SMASH Phone Banking Night in support of the Local School Funding Measure A
SMASH Phone Bank Dates 4/28
4:30PM to 6:30PM and/or 6:30PM to 8:30PM
SMMCTA Headquarters (Teachers' Association) at 1508 18th Street, Santa Monica.
Sign up at:
http://smashschool.wufoo.com/forms/smash-parcel-tax-campaign/
For further volunteer opportunities, or phone banking nights on other dates, go to:
http://savesantamonicamalibuschools.org
*****
Next PTSA MEETING
Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 6:30PM
TOPICS:
Presentation of 2010/2011 Board and Committee Nominations
SuperSMASH
*****
Contribute to our FAMILY DONATION DRIVE: ptsasmash.blogspot.com
SMASH PTSA ELECTIONS 2010/2011
Every year, SMASH PTSA holds board elections. Here’s the slate for the 2010/2011 PTSA Board. This slate will be presented at the PTSA meeting on April 21, 2010, and voted upon at the PTSA meeting on May 12, 2010. Up until that date everyone can suggest/nominate additional candidates. Contact your nominating committee with questions, concerns
or suggestions: Faye Jarow (fjarow@intelhc.com), April Motola (apnomo@earthlink.net) or
Tracy Saltzman (rhubarb1@earthlink.net)
PTSA Board (open positions underlined):
President: Dan McGee
Vice President: Andrea Kahn
Treasurer: Dave Sparling
Financial Secretary: April Motola
Auditor: Faye Jarow
Recording Secretary: Elizabeth Kramer
VP Fundraising: Marni Brady
VP Membership: Catherine Lerer
Parliamentarian: Andrea Morgan Chun
Historian: open
SMASH PTSA Committee and Event Chairs are not subject to elections. Anyone can and is encouraged to volunteer.
Some events are in desperate need of new chairs or co-chairs, as, after many years of service, current chairs are retiring.
Please let us know if you can help.
Committees 2010/2011 (open positions underlined):
Parent Ed: open
Diversity: Elaine Archer, Charmine Johnson
Database: Tracy Saltzman
Garden Committee: Holly Wright
Lead Core Reps: Tracy Saltzman
Legislative Chair: Holly Wright
Event Chairs 2010/2011 (open positions underlined):
Halloween: open
SuperSMASH: open
Hospitality: Cyndra Mercier (co-chair needed)
Rummage Sale: Jamee Tenzer, Kelly Lance
Car Wash: John Zemke
Book Fair: Ofer Grossman, Andrea Kahn
Holiday Boutique: Birte Reimer, Tamara Mugalian
Jogathon: Lillie Schlessinger, Darlene Flanders
Movie Night: Lori Nafshun
SMASH Gear: Susan Alinsangan, Andrea Morgan-Chun
SMASH Bash: Marni Brady
Business Directory: Catherine Lerer, Jeff Jarow
Dinners out: Darlene Flanders
Thanks to each and every volunteer!
Your dedication, hard work and care
makes SMASH the supportive and vital community it is.
Thank you!
SuperSMASH ‘10
WHEN?
Saturday, June 5, 2010
11:30AM TO 5:00PM
WHERE?
SMASH Campus
WHAT?
Silent Auction, Art Projects, Games, Rides, Live Music, Food and Drink.
WHY?
It’s our # 1 FUN(D)RAISER
WHO?
Everyone… You, your friends, your family, your neighbors!
HOW U CAN HELP
We need volunteers anywhere and anytime!
Get donations for the Silent Auction!
Help prepare the Silent Auction!
Help plan the Carnival!
Design an Activity Booth for the Food Court!
LOOK FOR MORE FLIERS IN NEXT WEEK’S FRIDAY LETTER
Helga Schier 310-828-8421 or helgaschier@verizon.net
Spring Has Sprung in Core 1
Spring is in the Air by Kaitlyn Guenther
Spring is in the air
Flowers are blooming sky high
Children are laughing
Circle Groups: Like spring, this week has been full of changes. The children changed Circle Groups on Thursday! Unlike last season, when the groups flip-flopped, this time the children were mixed up. This gives the children the opportunity to connect with friends (some the same and some different) during Morning Meeting, Magic Circle and Lunch. The Partners will still get help from Bigs, when needed, but their Big may not be in the same group this time.
This change gives Partners the chance to be more independent before taking on the leadership role of being a Big in the fall. The children are making new Circle Group names, so be sure to ask your child what their new group name is!
Art with Juliana: We have started our Visual Arts study with Juliana on Wednesday mornings. During this time, Juliana leads a lesson to the whole group on an art concept (we are currently studying color), and then the children choose one of three art materials to use while exploring this concept. This week the children made color wheels using
tempera paint with Juliana, Jackie & Elizabeth (Ricky’s mom), Oil pastels and found classroom objects with Candis, and Watercolors and collage materials with Chrysta. We explored primary colors, created secondary colors, and touched on tertiary colors. We will continue to work with these concepts during projects. Next week the children will chose which material they would like to use to work with complimentary colors.
WISH LIST TO SUPPORT THE ARTS PROGRAM: Please see the Core 1 Wish List sent out by Grace to see materials we could use (thank you to the families who already donated, or agreed to donate items). We could also use found and “repurpose-able” items from your home like plastic water bottles of any size, metal objects, tile and/or wood.
Proceeds from our Pirates & Fairy Book and DVD will also allow us to buy some art materials. Thank you to those who ordered these items, and thank you for your patience as we get them duplicated. We will make a few more than were ordered, if you did not get your order in.
A Visit From UCLA Lab School (Formerly UES): On Tuesday, a large group of teachers from UCLA Lab School visited our campus. As part of an inquiry group funded by the Cotsen ART of TEACHING Program, the group came to observe literacy instruction and routines at SMASH. They also spent time looking at, and inquiring about, how we run our Projects time. They were taken by the independence that your children exhibit, and the deep level of conversations they hold with each other, on their own and in teacher-led group settings. We look forward to the next time we can meet together with these teachers (perhaps next time on their site) to build our relationships across our two schools, and learn from each other as teaching professionals.
Birthday Bash for April Birthdays: Our April Birthday Bash will be held on Friday, April 30. Our ceremony will begin at 11:45, and we will eat our lunch and birthday snacks around 12:15. If your child is celebrating his/her birthday in April, food/drink sign-ups will be on the Home/School Table in the Magic Garden. Please bring a small, healthy snack for 46 students. Suggestions are posted in the Magic Garden. Family and friends are welcome.
Core 1 Assembly: Planned for Wednesday, April 28. A group of children will be planning an assembly for the whole community. Hope to see you there!
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
CORE 2 NEWS
Dear Fabulous Core 2 Families and Friends,
Each advisory group smoothly began this first week back from Spring Break with lots of enthusiasm and joy. Laura’s Advisory is now called The SMASHing Waves. Graciela’s Advisory in call 50+50=100.
This week in Readers Workshop, readers began their exploration of series of books by the same author. Students are invited to bring books in from home, too. Please see the attached list of books that have been requested to help complete our series. In Writing Workshop students learned to see ordinary objects through a poet’s eye and they wrote down their notes in an individual Poet’s Notebook.
In Math this week, 3rd graders played Close to 100, learned about the symbols for greater than and less than, and continued with our exploration of numbers on the 300 chart. They began their exploration of combining positive and negative numbers. See Laura’s attached letter for more information. Before break, second graders studied time measurement. This week they continued their study in measurement. They enjoyed measuring their age in year and
months. They began an exploration comparing lengths of classroom objects using non-standard units. Did you know that a marker is about as long as a stapler?
Core 2 began Drama with Kristy this week. Each group will be creating a video presentation. Look for more information in future Friday letters.
We have committed time to jump roping in the month of April. This will help students develop gross motor skills while enjoying some of our favorite rhymes.
We thank you for your generosity in supplying our core with needed items this year. We still need:
Paper towels
Tissue
Hand sanitizer
Hypoallergenic hand soap
Small plates
Please think of us next time you go to the supermarket.
No Stars of the Week next week! If your child depends on Community Snack for their Break, please remember to pack one next Wednesday.
Dates to remember:
Wednesday, April 14 – Drama began with Kristy
Tuesday, May 4 – STAR testing begins
Friday, May 14 – Birthday Bash for April, May, and June Birthdays, more info next week
Laura (lsherman@smmusd.org)
Graciela (gbarba-castro@smmusd.org)
CORE 3 NEWS
Welcome back! We hope you had a restful, relaxing, rejuvenating Spring Break!
One of the great things about being a teacher (well…being a teacher at SMASH) is having the freedom to try new things, getting to know the students as we develop our curriculum ideas, and then making adjustments to our program to meet everyone’s needs. Projects is our “new thing” this year, and as we observe the students we continue to adjust Projects to make sure we are making the most of our learning time together.
The goal of Projects is for students to learn how to become passionate life-long learners, who can find topics and ideas they want to explore in-depth. Our job is to help them develop the ability to use various tools and resources to come up with researchable/testable questions about things they actually care about, find appropriate materials for researching/testing those things, and how to use their answers to formulate ideas and/or new questions about their topics. So far in Projects, we have done everything from open-ended I.R.P.’s (independent research projects), parent and teacher led explorations, and rotations through Project Centers.
For the remainder of the year, we will be approaching Projects as a Theme Unit, where we introduce a broad topic and then guide the students as they come up with questions about one aspect of that topic to research independently. In the spirit of “multiple ways of knowing and showing” they will be able to use a variety of tools and techniques both to explore their topic and demonstrate/share what they learn. Core 3 is looking into People and Places as we dive into this Content Area Unit. We are looking at very general concepts, ideas, questions and connections related to the study of people and the environment.
Genie’s group (The Jackson 29) has started exploring places in a very general way by learning/talking about the 4 major biomes on our earth: Grasslands, Desert/Tundra, Forests, and Marine. We know that soil, water and sun are the 3 factors that are the same in all the biomes and that the plant and animal life are connected to the environment. Is it important to know and understand these biomes? How does this knowledge help us grow in understanding the relationship between environment and people?
Tamara’s group (The Fluffy, Flying Elephants) has started exploring people in a broad way by learning/talking about everything we already know about people from 4 different perspectives: biology, psychology, sociology, and anthropology. As we delve deeper into this theme, we will be looking at the question of nature vs. nurture and how people’s physical, social, emotional, and cultural lives impact they ways they interact with one another within families, communities, and society at large. How do biologists and sociologists look at the same idea, such as peer-pressure, differently? How do anthropologists use science and sociology to theorize about ancient cultures?
We hope giving the students a little information about a broad, multi-faceted topic and having large group discussions will spark different ideas within them that they will be excited to explore an independent way. This way they will be learning a little “something” as they are developing the most important skill of all:learning how to learn.
Reminders:
Mon, Apr 19 - 9:30-1:00 - Field trip to UCLA music concert
Tues, Apr 20 - 5th grade anatomy talk
Tues, May 4 - 6:00pm - Incoming 6th grade parent night in Core 4
Tues, May 4 - State testing (Star) begins
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
tmugalian@smmusd.org; ghwang@smmusd.org
CORE 4 NEWS
Dear Core 4 Families
I hope everyone had a wonderful break. It is wonderful to be back with all the energetic students! I spent time planning the spring unit for humanities and remembered my 8th grade year. I took a combined US History/ English honors class. This class gave me the love of history and the love of reading. The teacher, Ms. Christianson, divided the year into 4 quarters with 4 eras of US History and had us read US Historical novels, biographies and autobiographies ( memoir was not a genre then) for each quarter’s era. We contracted to read 500, 750, 1000 or more pages per quarter. We also chose an era to research in depth. I delved into the Great
Depression. I did many interviews, read novels, letters, autobiographies and devoured anything I could get my hands onto. I then taught a 45 minute lesson to the class. This experience gave me the feeling of what life was really like for people in a different time and place. It helped me imagine what I would do if I was alive then. It made me consider my own life, see similarities and differences. Mostly it made me think about my identity, my relationships and my community, my choices and decisions. I was more reflective about my actions. Telling this story I hope to ignite a few sparks of love of reading and love of history for our students as I do a mini unit like this for the rest of the year.
In Humanities, 8th graders are doing a research project of choice with in US History. 6/7th graders have a choice of two projects: 1) a research project where students write a research paper (feature article) of an era/topic in US History or 2) reading a US Historical novel or memoir and writing a literary essay. I will be teaching both of these forms of writing in class. As a whole class project, students are also making a huge US History timeline.
In March, we culminated the study of the origins of the United States and the writing of the US Constitution with a Constitutional Convention where we passed new Amendments to the Constitution.
Smash Core 4 Amendments were as follows:
#28 : All people shall be guaranteed the right to marriage including all homosexuals so that they enjoy all the rights and privileges of marriage.
#29 Universal driving age of 16 in all 50 states
#30 A complete separation of religion and government.
#31 Rights of immigrants to become citizens after 15 years residency in the United States.
Speaking of reading: We will start a new memoir literacy unit with all of Core 4 that Kelly and I are planning and team teaching. All 8th graders must select and read a full length memoir. All kids will be coming home talking about how it is different from autobiography. Please have some conversation with them about any memoirs you have read. We will all be writing memoirs all well in the weeks to come.
As an entire Core we will delve into the issues of California water. In Humanities I will teach some California and specifically Los Angeles History, especially pertaining to water politics. In science, students will study and make maps and learn about the chemistry of water and the biology and geography of California bioregions. I will teach persuasive writing in the form of speeches and editorials. Eventually, students will make proposals to a “convention” about how water should be managed.
MIXING IT UP: For the last term of the year, we are regrouping the Blue and Green groups so that students have an opportunity to work with new partners and to change the groups dynamic a bit. The schedule may change a bit for some students: simply the order of classes they have for the day.
SCIENCE: *8th GRADERS ***** SPECIAL REMINDER******
BRING YOUR EGG BABIES MONDAY APRIL 19!!!!
THANK YOUs
We have The CORE 4 LIBRARY LOUNGE up and running!!!! A HUGE THANKS to Alicia Garey-Freericks and Clyde Smith for putting so much creative visions, research time and labor into the project. We will all enjoy perusing the books, lounging on the couch and settling into great books.
Fine Art is starting every Wednesday. It is integrating into the Water Project. The art classes will make pieces that will be used in the students’ displays of California’s Bioregions:
NEEDED Materials for Art Requested
plastic water bottles
drawing paper or paper preferably recycled or repurposed
drawing pencils
wire
wood clamps: please ask parents to lend or donate clamps from their tool collection.
wood scraps and good clear pine or birch or balsa...
cardboard boxes to be repurposed for projects.
pliers stapler
miscellaneous hardware
hole punch
glue gun (mine broke)
other tools like pliers and hammers
REMINDER:
Friday mornings - Karate and Hip Hop Dance electives have begun
Tues, May 4 - 7:15pm - Income 8th grade parent meeting in Core 4
8th GRADERS
Sat, Apr 24 - 8:30am Incoming freshman tour - Santa Monica High School.
Wed, Apr 28 - Samohi ASB applications due to Jessica
Wed, Apr 28 - Yearbook pages are due to Jessica
Wed, May 5 - 6:00pm - Parent Night with Samohi principal and counselor to set 9th grade schedules in Core 4
Week of May 10 - 8th grade project presentations. As your child for his/her scheduled time.
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org Kelly: kkulsrud@smmusd.org Bailey: bailedfield@mac.com
MAGNOLIA SCIENCE ACADEMY-4 OPEN HOUSE
A tuition free public charter school in Venice. This small school is growing and is looking for 8th grade families interested in enrolling for 9th grade in the fall. Former SMASH students Emily Rossi and Lea Waller currently attend.
Tuition Free Public Charter School - Venice
Magnolia Science Academy-4
Webster Middle School Campus (Sawtelle Blvd entrance)
11330 W. Graham Place; Los Angeles 90064
310-473-2464
www.magnoliacharterschools.org
OPEN HOUSE DATES Sat, Apr 24, 10-noon; Sat, May 21, 4-6pm; Sat, Jun 19, 10-noon
apply online at venice.magnoliascience.org
Samohi Class of 2014 Incoming Freshman
Tours & Information
When: Saturday, April 24, 2010
Where: Santa Monica High School,
Greek Theatre
Time: 8:30 am
Schedule of Events:
· Welcome Rally
· Campus Tours
· Question and Answer sessions with teachers, parents, & students
· And much more
Join us on April 24th to find out why Samohi is #1
Please respond to Samohi at 310-395-3204 ext. 229 or
to your counselor to confirm your attendance.
Go Vikings!
Santa Monica High School
Freshman Class Representative Application For the 2010-2011 Term
To All Applicants: Please read the following information to determine if you want to hold office in the Samohi ASB cabinet.
IMPORTANT!! All students interested in running for office should consider the commitment they will be asked to make. Being a member of ASB is an important position for which there are substantial rewards.
There is the pleasure of working on school activities and camaraderie to be shared with fellow members.
Membership in ASB also means giving of yourself, as ASB is dedicated to school service. ASB makes Samohi a better place for all students. Membership requires work and commitment. If you do not mind working hard with nice people, ASB is for you! You will learn about government and perhaps something about yourself! As Class Representative you are expected to meet with Class Advisors and report to ASB cabinet (4th period in T103B). You must work with other reps as well as advisors to plan events and fundraisers for your class and ASB cabinet.
Please review the “ASB Guidelines: Election Board Policies and Procedures,”which is included in this application packet.
This packet consists of:
1. The application
2. ASB Guidelines: Election Board Policies and Procedures
3. Co-curricular activities form
4. Teacher recommendations
The packet that you will turn in will consist of:
1. The application
2. Co-curricular activities form
3. Questionnaire
4. Teacher recommendations
Available Position: Freshman Representative (One (1) from Lincoln, John Adams and SMASH)
Class Representatives Packets DUE:
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
Eligibility Standards:
Eligibility:
In order to be eligible to run for or hold an ASB office, the student must:
Be in the grade of the position he/she is running for and will attend Samohi.
Be willing to change their schedule to take the ASB class, 4th period.
Maintain the eligibility standards listed below throughout the tenure of office.
Be able to attend a mandatory ASB retreat in June.
Be able to complete 50 hours of Community Service a semester.
ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
To run for any office, students may have no more than 10 absences per semester or 10% days in session.
To run for any office, students may have no more than 10 tardies each semester.
To run for any office, each candidate must have the approval of his/her parent/guardian
Candidates must exhibit qualities set fort in the “Samohi Code of Conduct”.
CAMPAIGN REQUIREMENTS
1. No Facebook or internet related sites may be used to promote your campaign material
2. Posters must be no larger than a 14 x 16 sheet of paper.
3. One poster is allowed in any classroom with teacher’s approval.
4. If anyone is found defacing another campaign poster, they will be disqualified from the
election.
5. No more than $150 may be spent on what you order in regards to T-shirts, pens, buttons
etc. (This excludes money spent on flyers)
IF ANYTHING OF THE ABOVE IS NOT ADHERED TO YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DISQUALIFIED
FROM THE ELECTION.
Santa Monica High School Class Representative Application:
ASB Information
The Application
Name: ____________________________ Grade: _______
Direct phone #:___________________ Email:_______________________________
Middle School:_______________________________
Please list any co-curricular activities that you participate in, and include any leadership experience
that you have. (i.e. Yearbook, Cross Core Learning/Tutoring, Sports, Music, etc.) Feel
free to attach a separate sheet of paper if necessary.
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Questionnaire
Name:______________________Date: _______Position: 9th grade representative
Why do you want to run for this position?
What will you contribute to your grade (specific ideas)
3. Additional comments about yourself (leadership qualities or
extracurricular elaborations)
Parent Permission: I have read the eligibility and participation requirements and support my
child’s pursuit of an ASB position. __________________________
Teacher Evaluation
Student:___________________________ ID#__________________________
Please rate the candidate listed above on the following qualities using a 5 to 1 scale, 5 is the highest rating.
Cooperation ________ 6. Character ________
Initiative in class ________ 7. Commitment to peacemaking ________
Loyalty ________ 8. Communication skills ________
Honesty ________ 9. Leadership ________
Service ________ 10. School spirit ________
Additional Comments:
Evaluator’s Name:___________________Signature: ______________________ext. ___
Teacher Evaluation
Student:___________________________ ID#___________________________
Please rate the candidate listed above on the following qualities using a 5 to 1 scale, 5 is the highest rating.
Cooperation ________ 6. Character ________
Initiative in class ________ 7. Commitment to peacemaking ________
Loyalty ________ 8. Communication skills ________
Honesty ________ 9. Leadership ________
Service ________ 10. School spirit ________
Additional Comments:
Evaluator’s Name:___________________Signature: ______________________ext. ___
Teacher Evaluation
Student:___________________________ ID#_____________________________
Please rate the candidate listed above on the following qualities using a 5 to 1 scale, 5 is the highest rating.
Cooperation ________ 6. Character ________
Initiative in class ________ 7. Commitment to peacemaking ________
Loyalty ________ 8. Communication skills ________
Honesty ________ 9. Leadership ________
Service ________ 10. School spirit ________
Additional Comments:
Evaluator’s Name:___________________Signature: ______________________ext. __
