5th Annual SMASHing Family Dance!
When? Friday, May 21, 2010
What time? 5:30-7:30pm
Where? At SMASH
Who? All SMASH students, families & friends
There will be a live band performing right before your eyes!
The theme is “Sock Hop”—it’s a costume party!
There will be snacks, swing dance lessons, fun games, hula-hoops and more!
It’ll be Swell!
$10 per family (suggested donation)
***All proceeds go toward literacy— bring a gently used book to donate***
Core 1, Core 2, and Core 3 Student Council will be hosting an All-school Assembly on Wednesday, May 19 at 8:45 am! There will be a 1950’s Fashion Show, a Hand Jive lesson, and a fun greeting and cheer to help us all learn how to act and what to wear to the Family Dance. Come to the assembly to get all of your Family Dance questions answered!
Be there or be square!
Special thanks to the whole Student Council from Tamara & Jayme
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Dear SMASHing Families,
1 more week to mail in your Measure A ballot so that it arrives before May 25th.
Thanks to Elaina and Ofer for creating a night full of laughter and fun as toddlers to adults played Bingo together. Thanks to Dian, Lori, Charles and David for the delightful MCing, refreshments and sound that created a wonderful stage for our spectacular and confident performers at the Talent Show. Singing, dancing, magic tricking, hula hooping, jump roping, building, joke telling, Karate demoing, instrument playing…we are lucky to have such a creative community.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with 20 Core 3 students in two different groups on an Electricity Through Solar Power Project for the last few months. It all began when Superintendent Cuneo shared the electricaL usage across campuses with Principals and I decided to take a look at the graphs with some Core 3 students.
They noticed that our campus had steady usage the last two years, a few schools had ever increasing usage, but a couple of schools had decreased their electrical use. We did a walk through of the school an made a list of light switches that would not turn off to report to the Maintenance Department. Then they started wondering about how solar panels might help our campus decrease our electrical costs. Their true curiosity morphed (and while I wanted to pursue the question of how to decrease our campus consumption of electricity possibly with solar panels, I honored their genuine enthusiasm about the following investigation):could we test out how efficient solar energy is by building little solar vehicles and testing them in different ways? Here are 3 of the ideas they’ve explored:
“How do you get solar panels to work in the shade?” This lead to the use of mirrors to reflect sunlight onto the panels in the shady area, and it made the mini solar windmill work.
“Does water stop a solar panel from working?” They made a mini solar powered boat and used pennies to weigh it down in a tub of water and guess what, it still worked with water covering the solar panel.
“How much faster would a mini solar powered car go if it had two panels instead of one?” Their theory was that it would move twice as fast, but they tested it out and it was very slow. Their next theory was that the additional weight of the extra panel prevented the extra sun power from picking up speed.
Hopefully you’ve noticed in Project groups across the school that as staff we search to find the right balance between pushing students to persevere through an organized investigation versus honoring the equally great learning that occurs as they follow their meandering curiosities and we offer engaging materials, probing questions, and some introduction of new content that might provoke other ideas. For those parents who have jumped in this year to lead Project groups of your own, spread the word about how wonderful the shared experience can be. I love learning with the students and hope that more of you will join us next year to lead a Project group of your own.
Truly yours,
Jessica
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IS YOUR CHILD RETURNING TO SMASH NEXT YEAR?
We are in the process of making plans for next year’s enrollment and it is important for us to know if you are planning on returning to SMASH.
Please fill in the form in this week’s Friday Letter and return to the main office no later than May 21.
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DATES TO REMEMBER Wed, Wed, May 19 - 8:45am - Assembly with 1950’s fashion show and hand jive lessons.
Wed, May 19 - Last day to purchase Meal Deal lunch prepayment
Friday, May 21, 5:30-7:30 - SMASH Family Dance
Tues, May 26 - 5:00pm - Site Council Mtg
Mon, May 31 - Memorial Day - School Closed
June 1-8 - 8th grade presentations
Fri, Jun 11 - Last day to accept checks for lunch. Balance need to be cleared by this date.
SMASH Annual Camping Trip - Friday and Saturday, June 11 & 12. Details to come!
Tues, Jun 1 - 6:00-8:00pm - Spring Instrumental/Choir Concert - in auditorium
Sat, Jun 5 - SUPERSMASH
Tues, Jun 8 - 7:00pm - Orchestra Spring Concert - John Adams Auditorium
Wed, Jun 9 - 6:00pm - SMASH Open House and Arts Sharing
Wed, Jun 9 - 7:00pm - Band Spring Concert - John Adams Auditorium
Wed, Jun 17, Graduation
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YEARBOOK PHOTOS NEEDED. Send to Barbara (barbar@earthlink.net) or Kjersti (kjersti@rtd-la.com)
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SMASH BAKE SALE CORE 2 - May 19; CORE 1 - May 26
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SMMUSD FOOD SERVICES
Wednesday, May 19 is the last day that we can accept prepayments for the Meal Deal for this school year. Meal credits and cash balances can only be transferred between siblings. Meal credits cannot be used to pay negative balances. There are no refunds for unused. Meal deal is $50 for 20 lunches. Any balance due must be paid before meal deal purchased. Regular price for lunch is $3.00 per day ($2.50 with meal deal)
Friday, June 11 is the last day Food Services will be accepting checks for meals. All negative balances must also be paid by that date. To get your child’s balance, you can call Connie at SMASH 310-396-2640 ext 211
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL for CREST Enrichment 2010-2011
The City of Santa Monica’s CREST Enrichment Program is seeking qualified businesses or individuals to submit proposals to conduct before-and after-school enrichment classes for students in grades K-8 at Santa Monica public schools during the 2010-2011 school year. Applications are due June 4, 2010. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will be posted in your field on the City’s bid management program BidsOnline™, a fully automated web-based vendor and bid management system. The RFP will be posted in the following category:
Recreation Classes/Camps or you may do a keyword search by typing: CREST. This RFP will only be available online, so we urge you to register as soon as possible. If registered in the appropriate category, you will receive an email notifying you of the new posting. http://vendors.planetbids.com/santamonica/bidframe.cfm
If you need more information on the CREST Enrichment program, please feel free to contact the Enrichment Supervisor, Moira McCormack (moira.mccormack@smgov.net) at (310) 458-8930.
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Thursday, May 20th is Bike to Work (& School) Day!
Enjoy a relaxing, healthy and green bike ride to work, to school, or anywhere. Santa Monica City Hall, REI, and Helen's Cycles will be sponsoring Pit Stops where cyclists can get free goodies and refreshments.
If you can't ride your bike the entire way to SMASH, you can ride with your bike for free on any Metro Buses on the 20th, and ride part of the way.
For more information: http://www.metro.net/around/bikes/bikes-metro/bike-to-work/bike-work-day/
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Elemental Strings Auditions
Elemental Strings is a youth orchestra for 4th and 5th grade violin, viola, and cello students, which meets on Fridays
after school at Samohi. Auditions for next year will take place on Wednesday, June 2nd 2010, at Will Rogers Elementary School between 3:30-5:30pm. All students with at least one year experience on their instrument are invited
to audition. To sign up for the audition and for additional information, please go to www.elementalstrings.com.
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CHARMING, FUNNY NEW PLAY FOR KIDS
Morgan-Wixson Y.E.S. family theatre presents a new play: MANY MOONS, about a princess who wants to have the moon and the royal antics that follow, based on the Caldecott Award picture book by James Thurber.
Y.E.S. was awarded Outstanding New Children's Theatre Company in 2008 for its inventive adaptations from children's literature. The cast features talented actors from local schools. Three weekends only, May 15-30, Saturday & Sunday 11 am. Ticket prices are just $8, or $6 for ages 12 and under. Many Moons is best enjoyed by ages 4 and up. For tickets, photos, and more visit www.MoonsPlay.com Morgan-Wixson Theatre is a nonprofit, located on Pico Boulevard at 27th Street in Santa Monica.
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CONGRATULATIONS The Boca Jrs beach soccer team, which includes Core 4’s Jasper Rowen went undefeated to
win the Beach Soccer Boys U14 National Championship!
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FOR THE ARTS BENEFIT CONCERT
SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 8:00-10:30PM
Barnum Hall, Santa Monica High School, 601 Pico Blvd
VENICE and Special Guests Join student musicians on stage for an unforgettable evening of music! 100% of proceeds fund and sustain arts education in the Santa Monica-Malibu public schools. Bid on exciting LIVE AUCTION items featuring autographed guitars and other great items To purchase tickets go to: www.smmef.org
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MONSTERS & MIRACLES, A Journey through Jewish Picture Books
Monsters and Miracles Family Day, Sunday May 16. Storytelling, music, art projects & more! www.skirball.org
Exhibit on view now through August 1
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NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM of Los Angeles County
24th Annual BUG FAIR; 70 Exhibitors, plus a bug chef and a bug band (www.nhm.org/bugfair)
May 15 & 16, 9:30-5:00pm. Adults $9, Students 13-17 & Seniors $6.50, Kids 5-12 $2
PAVILION OF WINGS - Now Open Where you can experience the beauty and fun of live free flying butterflies (www.nhm.org/butterflies)
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icycle Bicycle Festival
Saturday, May 22 10:00am-4:00pm
Fairview Branch, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd, 1-3pm
Bicycle maintenance and safety workshop, bicycle registration, refreshments and door prizes!
Montana Avenue Branch, 1704 Montana Ave, 3-4pmDecorate Your Bike! Join us to create decorations and register your bike. Ages 4 & up. Office Navarro will teach children and parents best bicycling practices at 11-11:30am & 1-1:30pm For a list of the day’s many events go to: www.smpl.org/icycle
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City of Santa Monica’s Annual Memorial Day Observance at Woodlawn Cemetery - FREE Monday, May 31, 11:00am
Includes musical performances from The combined Lincoln & John Adams Middle schools choir; The House of Blues Gospel choir; Santa Monica Oceanaires Barbershop choir and the Rainbow Riders Choral Group, St. Monica High.
The observance will also include two military flyovers, one of which will feature a vintage WWII aircraft.
Parking is available at SMC parking structure at Pico & 16th and at the southeast corner of Pico & 14th St. The Big
Blue Bus will provide free shuttles from 9:30-1:00pm. There is no parking allowed on the cemetery grounds.
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ptsa news
Dear SMASH Community,
At this week’s PTSA meeting the new PTSA board was elected unanimously. Congratulations! And thanks so much to all new board members for stepping up! The new board will take office in June.
Only five more weeks left in the school year, and only three more weeks until SuperSMASH. Let’s make them count!
SMASH needs your help!
This year more than ever SuperSMASH needs to be successful. We need donations for the Silent Auction. We need volunteers to run rides and games and booths for a fun carnival. We need you to spread the word among friends, family, neighbors and colleagues so people will come and bid and bid and bid at the Silent Auction. We need you, each and every one of you to step up and help. Do your share and commit to volunteer today.
Helga Schier and David Saltzman
PTSA Co-Presidents
SMASHing Fundraisers
SuperSMASH is coming up Saturday, 6/5. We need it to be a success, and to make it a success we need your help. We need donations. We need volunteers. We need help publicizing the event.
Our Family Donation Drive is about $12,000 short. We can get way closer to our goal. Donate online (http://ptsasmash.blogspot.com/) or drop off your check in the office. Every dollar counts. Seriously – every single one.
SMASHing Community Events
Family Dance Friday, May 21, 2010.
SMASHing Measure A
Measure A campaign is conducting a CommUNITY walk this weekend. SMASH parents gather on Saturday between 11AM and 2PM at JAMS, or on Sunday between 11AM and 2PM at Grant.
Go to www.savesantamonicamalibuschools.org for more information.
PHONE BANKING continues, Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 8:30PM at SMMCTA Headquarters 1508 18th Street (southwest corner of 18th and Broadway). Go any day and help make sure that our supporters mail in their ballots!
SMASHing Meetings
Next PTSA meeting Wednesday, 6/2, 6:30PM
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It’s high time to gear up!
SuperSMASH
Saturday June 5, 2010
11:30AM to 5:30PM
SuperSMASH means
Carnival Rides • Games • Live Music • Delicious Food
and an
Amazing Silent Auction
All the proceeds from the auction will go directly to SMASH. And that means:
We need your help to make it a success!
Go to your favorite stores • restaurants • salons • businesses and ask for a donation to our Silent Auction. Be a donor yourself and offer your services • talents • goods • ideas
All donations are tax-deductible.
Go out and get as many donations as you can.
Donor Form enclosed.
Thanks!
Ofer Grossman at 310-367-7504 or omglaw@gmail.com
Helga Schier at 310-828-8421 or helgaschier@verizon.net
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IS YOUR CHILD RETURNING TO SMASH NEXT YEAR?
We are in the process of making plans for next year’s enrollment. It is important
for us to know if you are planning on returning to SMASH so that we can provide other children the opportunity to enroll.
If you are planning to attend another school in the district, you must complete
and submit an Intradistrict Open Enrollment Application to the district’s
Student Permit Office before May 30. Applications are available in the SMASH
main office.
Please fill in this form and return to the main office by May 21.
_____ YES, we will be returning
_____ NO, we will not be returning
If no, please let us know the reason and where your child will be attending so
that we can transfer school records. Thanks.
__________________________ __________
Child’s Name Current Grade
__________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature
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SuperSMASH ‘10
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 11:30AM to 5:30PM
Amidst a recession and budget cuts, we really need SuperSMASH to be a success.
Signed up yet?
We need you.
Together we can make this work.
Volunteer to coordinate/lead a booth.
Being a lead means: overseeing set-up/breakdown, helping to recruit other volunteers,
in short: being the overall point person for the booth/ride/game
Soccer
Caterpillar
Football Toss
Putting Green
New this year: Middle School Tent (Ask me?!!?)
The following booths have leads already but need volunteers.
Pizza
Plinko
Tie-dye
Prizes
Drinks
Raffles
Spin Art
Cakewalk
Crazy Hair
Decoupage
Water Slide
Fish Bowl Toss
SMASHing food
Candy Necklace
Obstacle Course
Wheel of Fortune
Bean Bag TicTacToe
Roll-Your-Own Candles
Make-Your-Own Button
New this year: Lemonade
Help set up the Silent Auction or the Carnival
Sign up now! Right NOW!
Helga Schier at helgaschier@verizon.net or 310-418-5787
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Core 1 Happenings
A conversation around color:
“Primary we can’t make” ~Ramrattan
“If you use all the colors it will make brown.” ~Elisa
“If you add all the colors in the world, you will make black, but if you add all these colors [including white] it will make brown. If you have white it will make brown. You can’t add white to make black.” ~Shai G.
You may have noticed some public art displayed around the Muir-SMASH campus. This was created by our Core 1 students during our recent art class. The children are “building” on their knowledge of color and weaving to make connections out into the community. Some children worked outside creating webs around our trees, while others worked inside to create a tree out of metal and fabric. We are looking forward to sharing our work with Julianna with you at our June 9 Open House & Art Show.
More important dates for you calendar:
May 21- BIGS All About Book Writing Celebration. Come to our Morning Meeting to share the informationbooks our BIGS have written. You will learn something new!
(Also) May 2 –Birthday Bash for May and June Birthdays: The next Birthday Bash will be held on Friday,
May 21 from 12:30 - 1:00. PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE!! 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.
We will have one more Birthday Bash in June for summer birthdays.
May 28 Cores 1 & 2 Barbeque – It’s one of our favorite traditions! Cores 1 & 2 are inviting families to join us in the SMALL YARD for a community pot-luck barbeque. We will be having our (almost) end of the year barbeque on Friday, May 28 at 11:00 (we're firing up the grills at 10:30) in the Small Yard. We are sending out food/drink/supply requests in this week’s Friday Letter. We hope you can join us for this fun event! (We need grills and coolers! If you can bring your grill or cooler, please let us know. We’re also looking for cooks!)
(Also) May 28 – Mimi & Maggie Clothing for Spirited Girls SALE, 11-2pm. Thank you to those of you who have offered to help at the sale and/or are willing to bring in clothing racks for us to use. If you would like to help, email Chrysta at cwyse@smmusd.org. Most items 75%+ off retail, sizes 12m-14 girls. Get summer clothes and gifts for the girls in your life! 10% goes back to SMASH. More information on the sale in next week’s Friday Letter!
Also coming up:
May 21 - 5:30 - SMASH Family Dance
June 5 – Super SMASH
June 9 – Open House / Children’s ART Show
June 17 – Graduation Day
June 18– All-School Beach Day / Last Day of School
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
STUDENT COUNCIL
Dixie, Lucca, and Jack, along with several Core 2 and Core 3 students, will be hosting an Assembly on Wednesday, May 19 at 8:45am to put on a 1950’s fashion show and teach us all how to Hand Jive. Ask your child if they have any responsibilities (costumes, props, music, etc.) for the Family Dance Assembly. The Family Dance is Friday, May 21 from 5:30 – 7:30. See you there!!!
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CORE 2 NEWS
Dear Fantastic Core 2 Families and Friends,
Please join us for a Poetry Celebration next Friday, May 21st from 9 to 10 am in Core 2. Our young poets have used their imaginations and have carefully selected words to create images and feelings. We hope that you can attend. Some of this week’s highlights for us have been watching students read the morning messages in cursive writing, drafting a flyer for the upcoming Family Dance, turn the jump rope. What do you get when you mix video, music, information and fairytales? A whole lot of drama! This week, we worked with Kristy, our drama teacher, to plan videos that teach about writing information books and fractured fairytales. Children are working in small groups, and together, they are letting their imaginations soar.
In Reading Workshop, we continue to enjoy reading chapter books from a favorite series. We are noticing that they are having trouble putting their books down, and they are frequently asking to check out the next book in the series. In Writing Workshop, students used their imaginations to write poetry about a place they have never been using an image of a landscape, just like Emily Dickinson.
In Math this week, the 3rd graders learned Game of Many Changes. The 3rd and 2nd graders played NIM games – Sprouts and Stuff, again. You can find out about the history or NIM activities and play some of the activities on the following sites: illuminations.nctm.org and www.archimedes-lab.org/game_nim/nim
html. These games support children’s understanding of discrete mathematics. The 2nd graders compared
inches and centimeters by measuring the same objects using both units.
Thank you to Anna Canny, Max’s mom for refilling our dispenser for hand sanitizer. The children were full of joy when they discovered an operating dispenser.
Friday, May 28 – Core 1 & Core 2 BBQ Save the date! Cores 1 and 2 are joining together for this festive, culminating celebration. The celebration will begin at 11:00 am. We will be firing up the grills at 10:30 in the Small Yard. Please let us know if you can bring a grill! The food, drink, and supply requests went home last week. Please let us know if you did not receive a note or if you will not be able to bring the requested items. We hope that you will join us for this fun event! We need at least 4 grills! Anyone? Also in order to keep our refrigerated items cool we need to have at least 4 coolers with ice. Could you do that?
There are only 24 days left of school? Where did the time go?
There will be no Stars of the Week until May 26th. Remember to bring your snack.
Dates to remember:
Friday, May 21 – Poetry Celebration, 9 – 10 AM in Core 2
Friday, May 21 - 5:30pm - Family Dance
Friday, May 28 – Core 1 & Core 2 BBQ
Friday, June 4- 3rd Grade Music Presentation 11:15 in Core 2
Wednesday, June 9- Open House and Art Sharing
Friday, June 11 – July/August Birthday Bash
Thursday, June 17 – 8th grade Graduation
Friday, June 18 – Beach Day, last day of school year
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura (lsherman@smmusd.org) Graciela (gbarba-castro@smmusd.org)
STUDENT COUNCIL
Morgan, Zelda, Lily, Nick, Aurora, Alex, Nathan, Carissa, Audrey, Lillian, Ava, Eleanor, Bailey, Guilia, and Malia, along with several Core 1 and Core 3 students, will be hosting an Assembly on Wednesday, May 19 at 8:45am to put on a 1950’s fashion show and teach us all how to Hand Jive. Ask your child if they have any responsibilities (costumes, props, music, etc.) for the Family Dance Assembly. The Family Dance is Friday, May 21 from 5:30 – 7:30. See you there!!!
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CORE 3 NEWS
Alfie Kohn (Our entire staff has been exploring his provocative ideas in the areas of education in relation to children’s development and learning.) asks progressive schools to ask themselves a few questions. One question he asks is, "Is the education that the oldest students receive just as progressive as that offered to the youngest, or would a visitor conclude that those in the upper grades seem to attend to a different school altogether?" This question is very important to Core 3 as teachers of upper elementary. In many K-3 classrooms across the country, thinking about what is developmentally appropriate, engaging students in a variety of learning experiences and modalities, as well as honoring time for them to explore ideas have become part of how primary
teachers plan their curriculum.
When the California State Tests come around, Core 3 has another lens with which to examine our practice, curriculum, and standards. Traditionally our students work comfortably in the English Language Arts portion and we are just as confident in our literacy program as a progressive curriculum that develops reading skills and deep comprehension and helps students explore/practice strategies, tools, and techniques for writing, while honoring students personal interests, choices, and abilities. The math portion of the state test this year was surprising because it contained several questions in areas we have not yet explored with the students—most notably, algebra. While we have done work that is algebraic in concept (just see last week’s 4G math packet for an example of that), it is not represented as algebraic equations. SMASH students are taught to be active math learners, who think, problem solve, and figure things out. We know they know how to do many of the things from the test because they are able to use what they understand about numbers and operations to demonstrate their knowledge and ability in most areas. But this algebra piece concerns us.
On the one hand, we do not feel it is a good use of our time and the student’s learning opportunities to teach to the test or drill students in test practice. On the other hand, we wonder if our mathematicians will be able to remember specific vocabulary (like rhombus and quadrant) and concepts from a unit from last trimester so they can correctly answer a handful of questions on the test? And we wonder, why are there so many algebra questions on the 4th and 5th grade test? Algebra has already been pushed down from 9th grade to 8th grade in recent history and the teaching of pre-algebra in 6th and 7th grade. Is it even necessary or developmentally appropriate to push it further down to 4th and 5th grade? Does that make for deeper algebraic understanding? So, we continue to research how to best teach and scaffold math concepts (regrouping, algebra, geometry formulas) and utilize math vocabulary in a meaningful way so that students continue to build upon their understanding and develop the strong foundation they’ll need to do the abstract work later. And we ask ourselves: factor?
One area where we are pushing the boundaries of progressive learning is Projects. In addition to our People and Places units, on Wednesdays we have “Choice” Projects Groups. Students have been choosing from a variety of activities: Electricity Exploration with Jessica, Family History with Jason’s and Andrew’s Patty, School Paper with Maliaka, iMovie with Genie, IRP’s, and Student Council with Jayme and Tamara. Student Council has been hard at work planning the upcoming ALL-School Family Dance. This year’s theme is a 1950’s Sock Hop, complete with a live band, swing dancing lessons, and a hula-hoop contest. All SMASH
students and their friends and families are welcome at this event. All money raised will go to support literacy— bring a gently used book to donate to our classroom libraries! Several Core 3 students have participated in the planning, organizing, and promotion of the Family Dance.
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
tmugalian@smmusd.org
ghwang@smmusd.org
STUDENT COUNCIL
Kayla, Sophie, Iris, Kate and Lydia, along with several Core 1 and Core 2 students, will be hosting an
Assembly on Wednesday, May 19 at 8:45 to put on a 1950’s fashion show and teach us all how to Hand Jive. Ask your child if they have any responsibilities (costumes, props, music, etc.) for the Family Dance Assembly. The Family Dance is Friday, May 21 from 5:30 – 7:30. See you there!!!
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CORE 4 NEWS
Samohi Soccer Tryouts
Who: All incoming 9th grade girls and boys interested in joining Samohi soccer program
Where: John Adams Middle School Athletic Fields
When: Girls: Monday, June 28, Wednesday, June 30 and Friday, July 2 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Boys: Monday, July 12, Tuesday, July 13 and Wednesday, July 14 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Please bring shin guards, cleats, soccer ball and water and plan to attend all three sessions.
If you can not make the tryouts and want to be part of Samohi Soccer next year, please contact the coach.
The girls varsity coach is Jimmy Chapman and he can be reached at jchapman@smmusd.org.
The boys varsity coach is Serafin Rodriguez and he can be contacted at griswlds4@roadrunner.com.
Please visit www.samohisoccer.com, to learn more about Samohi Soccer and for any updates to the tryout schedule.
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CONGRATULATIONS The Boca Jrs beach soccer team, which includes Core 4’s Jasper Rowen went undefeated to win the Beach Soccer Boys U14 National Championship!
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Parent Partners,
The time has come to invest in exciting adventures, healthy habits, outdoor science learning and plain old FUN! I am writing today to help you plan ahead for the expenses associated with core four’s overnight environmental education trips. The program consists of three grade level trips and one additional graduation trip for the SMASHing seniors. Each trip has its own cost, timing, and particulars. This is a short forward planning doc, you will get more details later.
Goals: Each trip serves a different exciting part of the science and social curriculum. The 6th grade trip to Catalina Island is focused on marine science and the teambuilding. It is a three day watery culmination of our initial Responsive
Classroom (CARES) work and begins our deep dive into science content.
7th grade adventurers travel to Yosemite and spend a full week looking closely at geology, forest ecology, and stewardship of natural resources. We also devote significant time and resources to leadership training, nurturing confidence and developing courage with a special emphasis on helping our students' individual voices to emerge.
Our 8th grade SMASHing seniors go to Camp Hess Kramer (Malibu/Ventura county line) for a three-day ropes course focused on teamwork and leadership training. Participants are asked to dig deep inside themselves as they face fear-inducing challenges that are skillfully interwoven into pure unadulterated fun by Fulcrum Adventures, a company that is owned and directed by a member of our SMASH community. In addition, as requested, we are planning a first ever graduation trip to San Francisco. The purpose of this trip is to celebrate our young adult’s academic achievements, leadership efforts and personal accomplishments as they move from our middle school hill into the mountains of high school and college.
Costs and Dates for 2010 and 2011: By now you must be thinking, “how much does all this profoundly important and exciting learning cost?” While it's very little relative to the cornucopia of educational benefits, I know, what you really want to know, is the cash price!
The 6th grade Catalina trip costs $320. This covers boat transportation, housing, food and the cost of our camp leaders. Parents will be asked to drive groups of children to Long Beach for the ferry. This trip is scheduled for Monday, October 11 through Wednesday, October 13.
Our Yosemite adventure costs $600. In addition, $60 of incidental costs and several lost items of clothing must be expected over the course of the six day trip. Our trip costs slightly more then JAMS because we do a variety of special things that our good reputation in the park has earned for us. This trip is scheduled for January 9-14. This trip is very weather dependent and has a heinous midnight departure from Union Station as part of the adventure. We are too small a community to afford the luxury bus to whisk us north, but Amtrak works well and has proven to be better in that the kids may move around and enjoy themselves over the long trip.
Hess Kramer will cost around $320 this year with exact cost depending on our final class size. As agreed at our parent support meeting, we are also collecting $300 from parents for our graduation trip with the understanding that the kids must fundraise persistently through the year to increase the funds available for a graduation trip. Grand total for 8th grade parents is $620. The Hess Kramer trip will go during October or early November and the graduation trip is in June.
Payment Options and Scholarships: We have always made these trips available to every student regardless of individual family finances. Our intent is to preserve this record of inclusiveness and increase our scholarship fund, all while enhancing our business relationships with trip vendors by moving to a “cash first” accounting system. Simply put, we will collect all the money first and avoid logistical craziness. To that end, please fill out and return “The Commitment to Adventure” attached to today’s Friday Letter. - Kurt
The Commitment to Educational Adventure
Please write in the requested information and return by 5/28/10.
Be sure to print your child’s full name and specify the grade level trip you are committing them to join. Web links for each trip are listed below for you to consider.
Catalina: http://www.guideddiscoveries.org/cimitoyonbay.html
Yosemite: http://www.naturebridge.org/yosemite
Hess Kramer: http://www.fulcrumadventures.com/
___________________________________________________________________________________
I look forward to my child,
joining you in: __________________________________________________________________
Please mark the payment option you will be using. Read them all before making your choice. Email me right away if I have left something unclear or if you need more information.
______I have attached a check for the full amount and understand that cancellation refunds become impossible once we are 90 days before the starting date of the grade level trip.
______I intend to use and complete a payment plan prior to the trip’s departure date and have attached a clearly written note explaining when and how SMASH will receive the payments.
______My child will not be going on this trip. Please call Kurt or Jessica before making this decision and do not let finances influence you at this early point. We are organizing specifically to insure that every child has access to these opportunities.
