March 30, 6:00 to 7:30pm
All students welcome - no auditions
FREE
Sign up with Dian Andrews at 310-392-0600
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SMASHing Student Counci l Presents…
The 6th annual
Family Dance
“Speakeasy”
(The secret password phrase is…”We’re here for the PTSA Meeting!”)
A 1920’s and 1930’s Dance
Friday, April 1, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
LIVE MUSIC FEATURING: Doozy
Check them out... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcIsyLb2y2A
Be ready to learn the Charleston and have fun…
It’ll be the bee’s knees !
Admission $5/per person
Bring extra money for raffle
prizes and “vintage” photos!
Community snack foods and drinks
Food donations: FINGER-FOODS ONLY!!!
Core 1 Families: Please bring fruit or veggie trays
Core 2 Families: Please bring chips, pretzels, dips, salsa
Core 3 Families: Please bring cheese, crackers, “finger” sandwiches
Core 4 Families: Please bring cookies, licorice, mini-muffins
Girls can wear drop-waist dresses, “flapper” dresses, palazzo
pants, scarves, long strings of beads, mary-janes, hats, headbands
with feathers, flowers or bows.
Boys can wear khakis, dress pants, knickers, suits, button-down shirts w/ vests
(sleeves rolled up!), boots/loafers, hats—porkpie, fedora, “newsboy” cap.
*Some movies to check out before the dance:
Some Like It Hot, The Sting, Annie, Leatherheads
* Proceeds benefit Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief *
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Dear SMASHing Families,
I recently read the article “Challenging Times Call for Resilience in Individuals and Organizations” by Ronald Heifetz, Alexander Grashow, and Marty Linsky published by Harvard Business Press. Resiliency is defined as “the ability to manage and learn from difficulties and to bounce back after adversity. When challenged or distressed, resilient people expect to find a way to make things work well. They feel capable and self-reliant and have a learning/coping reaction rather than a victim blaming reaction.”
I encourage you to do the following self-assessment from the article that I did. Rate each element from 1=weakness to 5=strength. Then select one strength and one weakness to share with your family and get their feedback.
Element
1. Maintain good relationships with close family members, friends and others.
2. Avoid seeing stressful events as unbearable problems.
3. Accept circumstances that cannot be changed.
4. Develop realistic goals and move towards them.
5. Take decisive actions in adverse situations.
6. Develop self-confidence.
7. Keep a long-term perspective and consider the stressful event in a broader context.
8. Maintain a hopeful outlook, expecting good things and visualizing what is wished.
9. Take care of mind and body, exercising regularly, paying attention to needs and feelings and engaging in relaxing enjoyable activities.
10. Learn from the past and maintain flexibility and balance in life.
While I believe I can continue to grow in taking decisive actions and taking care of my mind and body, I see my strengths as the quality of my relationships, the hopefulness of my outlook, and my constant flexible learning disposition.
What are your relatively stronger and weaker qualities? What does the self-assessment inspire you to work on? “Building resilience is similar to training for a marathon. You need to start running a mile or two each day for a few weeks and then gradually work up to longer distances.” Does this mean your training involves staying in a tough conversation longer than you normally would or naming an undiscussable problem facing your family? Let’s commit to promoting more resiliency in ourselves and our children and thereby do what Heifetz calls “building the stomach for the
journey.”
Jessica
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DON’T FORGET!!
TALENT SHOW - WED, MARCH 30 - 6:00-7:30PM - FREE
FAMILY DANCE - FRI, APRIL 1 - 6:00-7:30PM - $5 EACH - LIVE MUSIC! 1920s & ‘30s THEME
SMASH ALL SCHOOL BEACH DAY - FRI, APRIL 8 -
Beach Guidelines in next week’s Friday Letter
MON, APRIL 11 - FRI, APRIL 22 - SPRING BREAK - SCHOOL CLOSED!
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WEDNESDAY BAKE SALE DATES
CORE 1: May 4
CORE 2: March 30, May 11
CORE 3: Apr 6, May 18
CORE 4: Apr 27, May 25
TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCH
CORE 3: Apr 1; CORE 4: May 13
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DATES TO REMEMBER
Mon, Mar 28 - 9-10:30am - SMASH Tour
Wed, Mar 30 - 6-7:30pm - SMASH Talent Show
Fri, Apr 1 - 6-7:30pm - SMASH Family Dance
Wed, Apr 6 - 6:00pm - PTSA Mtg
Fri, Apr 8 - All School Beach Day
April 11 - 24 - SPRING BREAK - SCHOOL CLOSED
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SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL CONCERT: MASTERWORKS
Tuesday, March 29 at 7:00pm
At Barnum Hall (Santa Monica High campus)
Tickets sold at the door - $5 Students, $10 Adults
Masterworks Chorus team with students from orchestra and band plus professional soloists on the Barnum Hall stage to present Handel’s Chandro Anthem “Let God Arise and Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass at the annual Masterworks concert. Guess soloist: Harriet Fraser, LA Master Chorale, plus more to be announced. Conductor: Jeffe Huls, SAMOHI.
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SMASH Camping/Cabin Trip
Friday, May 6 at 2:00pm to Sunday, May 8 at 5:00pm
It’s not too late to SIGN-UP to join us at Camp Josepho
Stay Friday and/OR Saturday night in CABINS or tents
Sign up in the SMASH office. Cabins are limited.
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MISS NELSON IS BACK
Saturdays & Sundays at 11:00am,
March 26 - April 10
Adults $8 - Children 12 & under $6
Reservations: 310-828-7519
Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd, SM
www.morgan-wixon.org
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CREST Spring Enrichment Classes Starting Soon!
Spring has arrived and with it new spring Enrichment class offerings at your child’s school. Don’t miss out, sign-up this week before classes start! Spring classes begin the week of April 4, 2011. CREST Enrichment offers high quality classes at affordable prices right at your child’s school!
Professional companies and instructors are selected to provide your child with access to a wide range of interesting and fun classes not offered during the school day including drumming, art, theatre, foreign languages, martial arts, cooking, photography, dance and more!
GENEROUS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE for all CREST programs is available on a sliding scale to qualifying low- to moderate-income families.
For more information please visit www.CREST.smgov.net
CREST ENRICHMENT CLASSES PAMPHLETS WENT HOME WITH TODAY’S FRIDAY LETTER.
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Fliers available in SMASH Office
• ART for Kids - drawing, painting, sculpture FUN for ages 5-13.
Mondays 3:30-5:30 $200 for 6 weeks: May 9-June 13
Ceramic Sculpture & Functional Art: ages 6 & up. $300 for 8 Saturdays 1-3pm
Spring Art Camp: Apr 11-22, Mon-Fri 9am-3pm. Spring Special $375/wk or $700/2-wks
Summer Art Camp: June 27-Aug 19,Mon-Fri 9am-3pm; $400/wk or $1,500/4-wks
FUN for kids, ages 5-15 with 3 art classes daily.
www.sculpturestudio.org/laaaprograms.html; email: mailto:laarts@gmail.com%20oror call 310-829ARTS
• smARTspace Educational Arts Camp for ages 5-10. Camp hours 9am-2pm
Spring Arts Camp in Culver City. Registration info: 310-253-6650. April 4-8 and April 18-22
Summer Arts Camps in Culver City: July 11 through August 26.
http://www.smartspacela.com/
• Broadway Gymnastic School
Spring Classes: April 5 - June 14. http://www.broadwaygym.com/
• Rosie’s Girls - Summer Camp 2011
Session #1: July 5-22; Session #2: Aug 1-29 - Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm - Stewart Park
Register online at: recenroll.smgov.net. http://www.rosiesgirls.smgov.net/
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Youth Run 4 Japan - Josh Duhamel’s tokidoki relief run - Sunday, March 27
2-Mile Run at the Beach in Santa Monica. Registration 10am - Run 11am
Runners are asked to pay a minimum entrance fee of $10 which will go entirely to the American Red Cross’s Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund. Runners will assemble on Santa Monica Beach at Parking Lot #1 (Ocean Ave and Barnard Way) at 10:-00am. All ages will be able to participate. Children under 16 are asked to bring a parent. http://www.reliefrun.com/
Peach Tree Pottery Gallery announces a Call for Young Artists
Looking for young artists up to age 17 to submit artwork for exhibit and sale at PEACH FEST 3, Sunday, June 12 from 10am to 4pm. We are looking for a wide variety of media, but work submitted is limited to wall art: photography, painting, collage, mixed media, illustration; work must be ready-t-hang, either framed or on canvas. Maximum artwork dimensions are 29”x23”.
The purpose of this art show and sale is to feature the work of young artists looking to showcase and sell their work in a professional gallery and to be part of a larger event. PEACH FEST 3 is a day-long art and live music celebration.
It will also feature the pottery and ceramic work of Peach Tree Pottery students. Percentage of sales will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and those affected by the earthquake in Japan. Contact mailto:Linda@peachtreepottery.com%20oror 310-567-2708
JAPANESE RELIEF FUND
Dear SMASH Community,
The Core 3 students were very affected by last week’s tragedy in Japan. Some of our students have family and friends living in Japan and others have spent time there. All of our students have empathy for those in need.
On Thursday, Kanoa's father, Dean, came to talk to the class about their family's personal connections to Japan and their relatives' experiences and reports about the current conditions there. In addition, our Core 3 students have been studying "The Power of Nature" in science. Our students’ cross-curricular understanding of this event, mixed with their deep care of humanity, has made them want to act. Core 3 will be writing letters and cards to send to children in Japan who have been affected by this tragedy. In addition, we are starting a collection in the SMASH office to raise money to send to an organization that is supporting relief efforts (likely the Red Cross). If your children would like to make cards, bring in money for our collection, or be involved in another way, we would appreciate the participation of the entire SMASH community. We will use our Core 3 project sharing on April 5 as our date to send the letters and money to support our global friends in Japan.
Thank you in advance for any contributions you can make. We are so fortunate to be part of such a giving and caring environment.
Carrie, Erin and Genie (Core 3)
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ptsa news
president’s message
Dear SMASHing Parents,
At the Santa Monica Malibu Council of PTAs meeting last week at district headquarters, there was a discussion about bullying and about the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program that some schools in our district may get involved. At SMASH, bullying is not a major issue, do in part to a strong emphasis on the social curriculum, and because SMASH students practice conflict resolution at Magic Circle, where they learn effective ways of communicating their feelings, their needs and their concerns. But, outside of SMASH, bullying remains a major concern and our kids may have to deal with this important issue in after-school programs, camps or community youth programs. Bullying prevention should be discussed with our kids so that they understand that bullying is not just a school issue, but one that spills over into all areas of their lives
and into their communities as well.
Dan McGee
president’s message
Dear SMASHing Parents,
At the Santa Monica Malibu Council of PTAs meeting last week at district headquarters, there was a discussion about bullying and about the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program that some schools in our district may get involved. At SMASH, bullying is not a major issue, do in part to a strong emphasis on the social curriculum, and because SMASH students practice conflict resolution at Magic Circle, where they learn effective ways of communicating their feelings, their needs and their concerns. But, outside of SMASH, bullying remains a major concern and our kids may have to deal with this important issue in after-school programs, camps or community youth programs. Bullying prevention should be discussed with our kids so that they understand that bullying is not just a school issue, but one that spills over into all areas of their lives
and into their communities as well.
Dan McGee
ptsa annual family investment drive
• Public school is free – a great education is not. The SMASH Annual Family Investment Drive is the single most important fundraiser of the year. We are aiming for 100% participation. Give what you can and give as soon as possible. $5 pays for a student’s bus ticket to a museum during a field trip. $50 pays for a two year subscription to a science magazine in one of our cores. $500 pays for Arts Program supplies, $5000 pays for expenses connected to the copier. Every donation counts. Really. Questions? Contact Marni Ayers Brady (marniayers@gmail.com)
or Helga Schier (helgaschier@verizon.net)
SMASH bash
• If you haven’t participated in a SMASHbash this school year, there are still events that you can attend.
REMEMBER: 100% of all SMASH BASH funds collected goes directly to SMASH. Please contact Marni Ayers Brady (marniayers@gmail.com) at your earliest convenience and find out what remaining events are still available.
SMASH ptsa nominating committee
• We need someone to handle PTSA Membership for the 2011-2012 school year. The V.P. of Membership is responsible for maintaining the PTSA membership list. The bulk of the position’s job duties are frontloaded at the beginning of the school year, and duties are minimal after November. Anyone interested in the position should contact our outgoing V.P. of Membership, Catherine Lerer (clerer@mcgeelerer.com), and she can give you more info.
• In addition, next year we are planning to create a new position on the SMASH PTSA Board to handle money for the Core 3 & 4 trips. The PTSA is planning to have a separate account for money collected from the 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th grade parents to pay for their kids’ learning adventures including Astro Camp, Catalina Island and Yosemite National Park. If you are interested, please Dan McGee (dmcgee@mcgeelerer.com).
SMASHing meetings
• Our next PTSA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. Please try to attend this meeting. Because it is towards the end of the year, when many final decisions need to be made, it is one of our most important meetings of the school year.
GREEN TIP FOR THE WEEK
Bar Soap Vs. Liquid Soap: Use good, old fashioned bar soap instead of liquid soap. Most liquid soap comes in one time use PLASTIC (a petro-chemical product) bottles. Every plastic bottle we don't use is a step towards a greener, less oil dependent future. Americans currently throw away two million plastic bottles an hour! It is also easy to find bar soap with simple, pure ingredients. Liquid soaps...not so much.
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SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL LUNCH MENU APRIL 2011
www.smmusd.org/foodservices
Friday, April 1 - Thin Crust Cheese Pizza, baby carrots, cry baby sour apple fruit cup
Monday, April 4 - Baked Chicken Tenders w/baked potato wedges, whole wheat roll, fruit
Tuesday, April 5 - Chicken Fajitas w/flour tortilla, corn on the cob, fresh fruit
Wednesday, April 6 - Belgian Waffle w/Sausage Links, Baked Tater Tots, orange juice
Thursday, April 7 - Corn Dog w/Baby Carrots, Fruit, Frozen Vanilla Yogurt Cup
Friday, April 8 - Slice of Cheese Pizza, 3-Way Salad, Fruit Strip
SPRING BREAK-APRIL 11 THRU APRIL 22, 2011
Monday, April 25 - Baked Chicken Roundups w/Baked Potato Smiles, Fresh Fruit – NO SALAD BAR TODAY
Tuesday, April 26 - Hot Dog w/ Whole Wheat Bun, Baked Crinkle Fries, Fresh Fruit
Wednesday, April 27 - Salad Bar, Orange Chicken w/Steamed Rice
Thursday, April 28 - Salad Bar w/Taco Bar, Churro
Friday, April 29 - Thin Crust Cheese Pizza w/ Celery Sticks & Ranch Dressing, Fruit
Second Choice Vegetarian Menu:
4/4-4/8-Cheese Quesadilla
4/25-4/29-8 oz Yogurt & Pretzels
Students may choose the featured hot lunch, or salad bar, or the Vegetarian option.
BREAKFAST MENU
MONDAYS - Belgian Waffle, Fruit, Milk
TUESDAYS - Biscuit w/Sausage, Fruit, Milk
WEDNESDAYS - Cheese Pizza Bagel, Fruit Juice, Milk
THURSDAYS - Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Fruit, Milk
FRIDAYS - Cinnamon Toast, Fruit, Milk
Offered Every day-Assorted Cold Cereals w/Animal Crackers, Assorted Fruit (Fresh, Canned, Dried)
1% Milk, Nonfat, Nonfat Chocolate.
Per SMMUSD Wellness Policy, a minimum of 4 fruit/vegetable choices are offered daily at lunch
Meal Prices: Breakfast-$1.25, Lunch- $3.00
Prepay and save: 20 lunches-$50.00 ($10.00 savings)
Negative balances must be paid before a student can receive a Meal Deal (20 lunches).
Reduced Prices: Breakfast 30¢; Lunch 40¢; Prepaid (20 lunches) $8.00
Meal applications for Free/Reduced meals can be submitted at any time throughout the school year.
Parents can check their child’s balance by calling the Central Office or by visiting the cafeteria.
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SuperSMASH
6/11/11
The time and place to EAT, PLAY and BID.
Help make it work:
VOLUNTEER!
What can I do?
Get donations for the silent auction.
Help prepare the catalogue and bid-sheets.
Help coordinate and run the many games, activities and booths.
Help with Core Art Projects.
Help publicize the event.
Any help is appreciated!
We need you. Really.
Contact Helga at 310-828-8421 or helgaschier@verizon.net
SuperSMASH meeting to come soon. Time and date to be announced through e-mail tree.
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Looking for a way to spend your tax refund?
Look no further
Contribute to the
Annual Family Investment!
Log on and give instantly:
ptsasmash.blogspot.com
Pay by check. Pay by credit card. Pay in the office. Pay online.
Give what you can. EVERY donation counts. Really.
100% goes to SMASH
100% tax deductible
For more info contact Marni Brady at marni99@yahoo.com
or Helga Schier at helgaschier@verizon.net
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CORE 1 NEWS
Core 1 Families: Please bring fruit or veggie trays to the Family Dance, Friday, April 1 6-7:30 pm
Drama Share
Come to the Core 1 Movie Theater’s showing of our drama film. We will be sharing with families and other cores this coming Wednesday, March 30th following our Morning Meeting. Information on purchasing the DVD is on the way.
Appreciations
On behalf of our entire core, we send a big thank you to the film production crew-- John (Sofia Marie’s dad), David (Lilly’s dad) and Adam (Josh’s dad)-- for film our drama plays. We thank John for taking on the enormous editing project. This experience has been documented in a way that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Wish List:
Latex-free band-aids
Mark Your Calendars:
All School Beach Day 4/8
Spring Break 4/11-4/23
STAR Testing News
This information does not apply to Partners or Bigs. This information is for MENTORS only.
What is STAR Testing?
The California Department of Education’s Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program
Who participates in the STAR program?
Students in grades two through eleven. Core 1 Mentors will be taking the test for their first time. What is the purpose of the test?
The California Standards Tests (CSTs) are intended to measure students' progress toward achieving California's state-adopted academic content standards.
What content areas are tested in second grade?
Second graders take the English Language Arts (ELA) and Math components of the CSTs.
What are the tests like?
They are multiple choices test administered over two weeks proctored by the classroom teacher and school staff.
What if my child doesn’t take the test?
Mentors who will not take the test will go to Chrysta and Candis’ room to join the Bigs and Partners for 50 minute periods during the two weeks of testing.
When is the test?
STAR Testing is scheduled for May 2nd through May 13th. Testing will begin promptly after morning meeting.
CORE 1 NEWS
Core 1 Families: Please bring fruit or veggie trays to the Family Dance, Friday, April 1 6-7:30 pm
Drama Share
Come to the Core 1 Movie Theater’s showing of our drama film. We will be sharing with families and other cores this coming Wednesday, March 30th following our Morning Meeting. Information on purchasing the DVD is on the way.
Appreciations
On behalf of our entire core, we send a big thank you to the film production crew-- John (Sofia Marie’s dad), David (Lilly’s dad) and Adam (Josh’s dad)-- for film our drama plays. We thank John for taking on the enormous editing project. This experience has been documented in a way that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Wish List:
Latex-free band-aids
Mark Your Calendars:
All School Beach Day 4/8
Spring Break 4/11-4/23
STAR Testing News
This information does not apply to Partners or Bigs. This information is for MENTORS only.
What is STAR Testing?
The California Department of Education’s Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program
Who participates in the STAR program?
Students in grades two through eleven. Core 1 Mentors will be taking the test for their first time. What is the purpose of the test?
The California Standards Tests (CSTs) are intended to measure students' progress toward achieving California's state-adopted academic content standards.
What content areas are tested in second grade?
Second graders take the English Language Arts (ELA) and Math components of the CSTs.
What are the tests like?
They are multiple choices test administered over two weeks proctored by the classroom teacher and school staff.
What if my child doesn’t take the test?
Mentors who will not take the test will go to Chrysta and Candis’ room to join the Bigs and Partners for 50 minute periods during the two weeks of testing.
When is the test?
STAR Testing is scheduled for May 2nd through May 13th. Testing will begin promptly after morning meeting.
Will the children practice for the test?
The Mentors will take a practice test and discuss it in class prior to the weeks of testing. This will be done in workshop groups.
Where can I find more information on the CSTs, and what is tested?
You can talk to Graciela or Jessica if you have question about the test. You could visit www.startest.org to find general information and to view the blueprints, which describe the tested standards and the number of questions on the test.
You can also view a sample test questions at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/css05rtq.asp
The Mentors will take a practice test and discuss it in class prior to the weeks of testing. This will be done in workshop groups.
Where can I find more information on the CSTs, and what is tested?
You can talk to Graciela or Jessica if you have question about the test. You could visit www.startest.org to find general information and to view the blueprints, which describe the tested standards and the number of questions on the test.
You can also view a sample test questions at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/css05rtq.asp
Have a wonderful weekend!
Candis, Chrysta, Graciela, Jackie, and Karin
cberens@smmusd.org
cwyse@smmusd.org
gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
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For Current 4th , 5th, 6th, & 7th Grade Students
Planning for SMASH’s Upper School Learning Adventures
Trip Costs, Due Dates, Preliminary Information
2011-2012
The good news is that we continue to offer these amazing learning adventures and have extended the program through 5th grade with a just completed trip to AstroCamp led by Darwin and Jayme. The more surprising news is that we must pay our vendor fees and make travel arrangements for these trips almost a year ahead of time. To help you plan carefully and to insure access for every student, we are asking parents to join us in honoring due dates. Historically, we have taken every student who wished to join us despite challenging financial times or individual family finances. Help us maintain this enviable record by communicating your plans, meeting deadlines, and joining us for the mandatory pre-trip planning meetings.
Adventures on Offer and Cost
5th Grade AstoCamp Trip cost is $320. Typically offered in February for 3 days, so we may play in the snow.
6th Grade scientists will be snorkeling through Catalina kelp forests for $320. Currently scheduled for early October for 3 days to take advantage of the warm water temperatures.
7th grade adventures will head to Yosemite Institute at a cost of $600. Our longest expedition is scheduled for just after next year’s winter break for one week.
8th grade seniors leap from poles at Hess Kramer for $350. This is not the graduation trip that has been discussed. This November 3-day event is designed to help our Senior class cohere as a team.
Payment Options
We know that these valuable trips may impact family finances despite being terrific values, so we offer three simple pathways to meeting expenses. Due to long lead times for numbers, staffing commitments, and deposit requirements, refunds are not available. Please be sure of your commitment to the learning adventure. They are worth every dime!
Option #1: Full payment on April 1, 2011. This is easily the best approach as it allows us to secure discounts, aids in grant applications, and to offer partial scholarships for students.
Option #2: Pay 50% of the cost on April 1 and create a detailed payment plan specifying when and how SMASH will be reimbursed for the money we spend on your behalf.
Option #3: e-mail Jessica or Kurt as soon as possible to discuss any special circumstances.
Checks should be made out to SMASH PTSA, reference the grade and trip in the memo line, and include the student’s name along the top. Checks are due 4/1/2011
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CORE 2 NEWS
Core 2 Families: Please bring fruit or veggie trays to the Family Dance, Friday, April 1 6-7:30 pm
Attention 4 Grade parents! Please see the attached information sheet about Upper School Trips for next year. 5th graders go to Astrocamp! Please contact Kurt to make a pay in full, make a partial payment, or discuss a payment plan by April 1 so he can start making reservations for this amazing trip!!!
Advisory News: Family Conferences have been great—what an amazing opportunity to share work, ideas, plans, and goals. SMASH rocks! ***Family HW: Watch a Historical Fiction Movie that also helps you get ready for the Family Dance!!! Annie, Some Like it Hot, Leatherheads, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Sting, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton or Laurel and Hardy, etc.
Theme: Laura Science: If you have any books about Waves, Wind, Water and Ice and their effects on the earth (erosion) please send them in ASAP. During this unit the children will be writing an Informational Essay.
Tamara Social Studies The students have been listening to read alouds—this week we read Grandfather’s Journey, by Allen Say—reading their Historical Fiction books, and doing research for their Historical Fiction short stories. This week we focused on immigrants who came across the pacific from Asia. Next week we will learn about immigrants who came through Ellis Island.
Literacy: RW: By now, everyone should have chosen and should be reading a Historical Fiction Just Right picture or chapter book at school and at home. Next week we will be getting into book clubs to read/discuss Historical Fiction books with our friends. ***RW HW: Core 2 students—read your Historical Fiction JR book 30 – 45 minutes each night.
WW: We just started the writing process for our new story—collecting/brainstorming ideas about People. Events, and Eras from history that we might want to write about. The students each choose three possible ideas and then looked for nonfiction books about the people, event or era at the media center. We learned that Historical Fiction writers have to do research so their story sounds authentic and includes accurate information about the people, event or era. ***WW HW: Core 2 Students—Most of you enjoyed writing a free-choice creative story a few weeks ago. This week you may revise, add to, or continue that story or write a new story. We will be sharing our stories with each other in the next couple of weeks!
Math: Laura’s 3rd graders finished their unit on Perimeter, Angles, and Area and began Unit 5 Equal Groups. ***3G HW due F 4/1 (no joke).
Tamara’s 4th graders finished the Multiplication/Division unit and started a fractions unit. The homework is a preview of what we will be doing.***4G HW due F 4/1 (really, not kidding).
Arts with Julianna : Core 2 Arts Sharing on Wednesday, March 23 from 9:15 – 10:15 to see all the different tools and techniques we learned to use during this arts session with Julianna. It was a fabulous session of art learning and exploration. If you missed it, we hope your child gave you a private tour during your conference. Kudos to Julianna and the kids!
***Beyond the Photo with Alie’s Kelly: • each child has a completed piece of artwork that began with a family photo. A special Thank you to Alie’s grandmother, Suzanne, for donating all the wonderful supplies for this project. Financial support was from Special Angel Inc. These special projects will be a gift to you for Mother’s and Father’s Day. We know you will treasure them!
Dates to Remember:
Friday, April 1 – Student Council Family Dance “Speakeasy” 6 – 8 pm—live music, dancing, fun, charity…
Friday, April 8 – Beach Day – more information next week
Monday, April 11 – Friday, April 22 – Spring Break
Literacy: RW: By now, everyone should have chosen and should be reading a Historical Fiction Just Right picture or chapter book at school and at home. Next week we will be getting into book clubs to read/discuss Historical Fiction books with our friends. ***RW HW: Core 2 students—read your Historical Fiction JR book 30 – 45 minutes each night.
WW: We just started the writing process for our new story—collecting/brainstorming ideas about People. Events, and Eras from history that we might want to write about. The students each choose three possible ideas and then looked for nonfiction books about the people, event or era at the media center. We learned that Historical Fiction writers have to do research so their story sounds authentic and includes accurate information about the people, event or era. ***WW HW: Core 2 Students—Most of you enjoyed writing a free-choice creative story a few weeks ago. This week you may revise, add to, or continue that story or write a new story. We will be sharing our stories with each other in the next couple of weeks!
Math: Laura’s 3rd graders finished their unit on Perimeter, Angles, and Area and began Unit 5 Equal Groups. ***3G HW due F 4/1 (no joke).
Tamara’s 4th graders finished the Multiplication/Division unit and started a fractions unit. The homework is a preview of what we will be doing.***4G HW due F 4/1 (really, not kidding).
Arts with Julianna : Core 2 Arts Sharing on Wednesday, March 23 from 9:15 – 10:15 to see all the different tools and techniques we learned to use during this arts session with Julianna. It was a fabulous session of art learning and exploration. If you missed it, we hope your child gave you a private tour during your conference. Kudos to Julianna and the kids!
***Beyond the Photo with Alie’s Kelly: • each child has a completed piece of artwork that began with a family photo. A special Thank you to Alie’s grandmother, Suzanne, for donating all the wonderful supplies for this project. Financial support was from Special Angel Inc. These special projects will be a gift to you for Mother’s and Father’s Day. We know you will treasure them!
Dates to Remember:
Friday, April 1 – Student Council Family Dance “Speakeasy” 6 – 8 pm—live music, dancing, fun, charity…
Friday, April 8 – Beach Day – more information next week
Monday, April 11 – Friday, April 22 – Spring Break
Wish List – bean bags, pillows, stuff for reading nooks in Partyland, and someone who could make new pillow covers for our outside furniture.
Laura: lsherman@smmusd.org
Tamara: tmugalian@smmusd.org
Jayme: j.wold@smmusd.org
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CORE 3 NEWS
Core 3 Families: Please bring cheese, crackers, “finger” sandwiches to the Family Dance, Fri, April 1
If you were not able to make a conference appointment and are still interested, please email one of us (the one you'd like the conference with) and we will find a time that works for you in the next few weeks.
JOGATHON PLEDGES! PLEASE HELP YOUR CHILD GET THEM IN SO OUR LAPS COUNT!
Art: Thanks for all your support and for the parents who could make it to our sharing! If you would like to own the Core 3 Art with Juliana 2011: Patterns and Designs DVD for a $10 donation, please email Genie to place your order.
5th gr Math w/ Genie: Even with the shorter days and the art share, we grew and learned so much in math this week! We played a new game called Fraction Traction. It's a fun way to think about equivalent fractions and adding and subtracting fractions. We also moved into mixed numbers and improper fractions (why are they called improper?).
6th gr Math w/ Carrie: This week we started getting in to adding and subtracting fractions (both simple fractions and mixed fractions). We are using our powers of estimation to make sure we are close and we are using different strategies to make sure we are being accurate. Your child has the teacher evaluation from the last unit, their self-evaluation, their test, and a portfolio piece of their own choosing in their portfolio for you to look at during conferences. Please be sure to take a look at them.
6th gr Math w/ Erin: This week students took a mid-unit assessment in Shapes and Designs. The students shared their knowledge of angles and angle measuring. Students demonstrated great comprehension of the material and we look forward to continuing with the unit next week.
Science: The Expo date is rapidly approaching! Less than two weeks before our sharing (April 5 after lunch). This week the rough draft, "Top 10 List" and detailed example were due. Next week we will be working on the bibliography and putting the final touches on everything with an eye towards quality work so we are all prepared for the sharing. We will also be doing our big push to get support from all of the cores for those who were affected by the earthquake and
tsunami in Japan. We will be teaching the school how to make cranes so we can send (at least) 1,000 cranes to Japan along with letters of support and any monetary donations we collect. April 5th will be the last day of our push for support and then we will be sending all of our donations to Japan.
Social Studies: Due to our shortened day conference schedule, each group had only 1 session of Soc.St. and 2 of Geography this week. In Social Studies students created a reflection about what they have learned so far in our Native American unit. Some major topics that they thought about were Native American mascots, the Haida people and Totem Poles, the various stories around the first Thanksgiving, and multiple views of history in general. In Geography, students continued to work on their blow-up state maps. We can't wait to share these with you at our Core 3 sharing on April 5th!
Reading & Writing Workshop w/ Genie: We reflected in our reading lives and on our nonfiction reading lives this week which was shared in conferences. We also wrote our Seedfolks essays, which is also in our working portfolios if you would like to come in and read them. In writing workshop, we learned how to make a more compelling conclusion since it is the last words you leave your reader with. It's important to use our most sophisticated language and thoughts to push and highlight the point and main idea of our essay or report. Take a look at the literary essay rubric to see where your child is in the process.
Homework:
6g Math - Assignment 7 is due 3/28. Assignment 8 is Extra Credit.
5g Math - Packet #23 is DUE FRI 4/1
Science - Overdue: rough draft of essay, Top 10 List, detailed example. If your child has not turned any of them in, encourage them to email it to Carrie at her work email cferguson@smmusd.org or home email fergrex@yahoo.com Due next week: from the team, 10 questions that can be used for the visitors' scavenger hunt on the sharing day.
Social Studies – a project that will be worked on at home and school. Choose a Native Am. tribe and create a "typical" home from a certain time period. (ex. a wooden, thatched roof structure from Cahokia in the 1100's., an Iroquois longhouse from the 1700's, the modern home of a present day Chumash person in Mar Vista!, etc.) Let's think about the diversity of structures that Native peoples live and lived in. There are more than just tee-pees! Bring in all materials needed by Wed, 3/30.
Reading - Nonfiction Article "The Nuclear Risk"—read and marked up by Thurs 3/31
Writing – literary essay draft completed with a strong conclusion and revision should begin-use the rubric
Genie: ghwang@smmusd.org
CORE 3 NEWS
Core 3 Families: Please bring cheese, crackers, “finger” sandwiches to the Family Dance, Fri, April 1
If you were not able to make a conference appointment and are still interested, please email one of us (the one you'd like the conference with) and we will find a time that works for you in the next few weeks.
JOGATHON PLEDGES! PLEASE HELP YOUR CHILD GET THEM IN SO OUR LAPS COUNT!
Art: Thanks for all your support and for the parents who could make it to our sharing! If you would like to own the Core 3 Art with Juliana 2011: Patterns and Designs DVD for a $10 donation, please email Genie to place your order.
5th gr Math w/ Genie: Even with the shorter days and the art share, we grew and learned so much in math this week! We played a new game called Fraction Traction. It's a fun way to think about equivalent fractions and adding and subtracting fractions. We also moved into mixed numbers and improper fractions (why are they called improper?).
6th gr Math w/ Carrie: This week we started getting in to adding and subtracting fractions (both simple fractions and mixed fractions). We are using our powers of estimation to make sure we are close and we are using different strategies to make sure we are being accurate. Your child has the teacher evaluation from the last unit, their self-evaluation, their test, and a portfolio piece of their own choosing in their portfolio for you to look at during conferences. Please be sure to take a look at them.
6th gr Math w/ Erin: This week students took a mid-unit assessment in Shapes and Designs. The students shared their knowledge of angles and angle measuring. Students demonstrated great comprehension of the material and we look forward to continuing with the unit next week.
Science: The Expo date is rapidly approaching! Less than two weeks before our sharing (April 5 after lunch). This week the rough draft, "Top 10 List" and detailed example were due. Next week we will be working on the bibliography and putting the final touches on everything with an eye towards quality work so we are all prepared for the sharing. We will also be doing our big push to get support from all of the cores for those who were affected by the earthquake and
tsunami in Japan. We will be teaching the school how to make cranes so we can send (at least) 1,000 cranes to Japan along with letters of support and any monetary donations we collect. April 5th will be the last day of our push for support and then we will be sending all of our donations to Japan.
Social Studies: Due to our shortened day conference schedule, each group had only 1 session of Soc.St. and 2 of Geography this week. In Social Studies students created a reflection about what they have learned so far in our Native American unit. Some major topics that they thought about were Native American mascots, the Haida people and Totem Poles, the various stories around the first Thanksgiving, and multiple views of history in general. In Geography, students continued to work on their blow-up state maps. We can't wait to share these with you at our Core 3 sharing on April 5th!
Reading & Writing Workshop w/ Genie: We reflected in our reading lives and on our nonfiction reading lives this week which was shared in conferences. We also wrote our Seedfolks essays, which is also in our working portfolios if you would like to come in and read them. In writing workshop, we learned how to make a more compelling conclusion since it is the last words you leave your reader with. It's important to use our most sophisticated language and thoughts to push and highlight the point and main idea of our essay or report. Take a look at the literary essay rubric to see where your child is in the process.
Homework:
6g Math - Assignment 7 is due 3/28. Assignment 8 is Extra Credit.
5g Math - Packet #23 is DUE FRI 4/1
Science - Overdue: rough draft of essay, Top 10 List, detailed example. If your child has not turned any of them in, encourage them to email it to Carrie at her work email cferguson@smmusd.org or home email fergrex@yahoo.com Due next week: from the team, 10 questions that can be used for the visitors' scavenger hunt on the sharing day.
Social Studies – a project that will be worked on at home and school. Choose a Native Am. tribe and create a "typical" home from a certain time period. (ex. a wooden, thatched roof structure from Cahokia in the 1100's., an Iroquois longhouse from the 1700's, the modern home of a present day Chumash person in Mar Vista!, etc.) Let's think about the diversity of structures that Native peoples live and lived in. There are more than just tee-pees! Bring in all materials needed by Wed, 3/30.
Reading - Nonfiction Article "The Nuclear Risk"—read and marked up by Thurs 3/31
Writing – literary essay draft completed with a strong conclusion and revision should begin-use the rubric
Genie: ghwang@smmusd.org
Carrie: cferguson@smmusd.org
Erin: ehaendel@smmusd.org
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CORE 4 NEWS
Core 4 families: Please bring cookies, licorice, mini-muffins to the Family Dance, Friday, April 1, 6-7:30pm
Core Four News: This amazing group of people has engineered several breakthroughs for themselves these last few weeks. You have raised true gems.
Conferences have come to a close for this spring and they were a glorious experience. Having the time to deeply explore what matters to our young people and their parents is one of this job’s great experiences. Some common themes have emerged related to supporting our kids learning that we wished to directly address.
• The distinction between learning and academic achievement has been much discussed and we are happy to clarify the distinction. To us the distinction is that learning endures and becomes habitual; by contrast, academic achievement is book, test, and performance oriented. Both are required and offer rewards to a learner. Our concern is to find the balance that best reflects our learning communities’ informed desires.
• We will be adjusting the schedule to include increased time for math instruction through the end of the year.
• Preparing our learners for high school is accomplished here at SMASH via an organized seminar approach that has proven highly successful over the last five years. The program includes activities and direct instruction in test taking, note taking, public speaking and a variety of high school success strategies including alumni interviews, tours of local high schools, and consultations with local private and public schools.
If you have missed this opportunity to enjoy a conference, please email us and we shall schedule you in for a meeting after spring break. We look forward to speaking with you in person.
8th Grade Notes: The next science unit is a risk management unit that includes topics, in sexuality, drugs, relating to authority, and accountable talk for teenagers. Our seniors will see a variety of movies including a NPR movie showing a birth, the film Juno, and use resources to explore the three broad classes of drugs and the consequences of experimenting with each type. This unit involves frank discussion of many topics with the intention of providing information without advocating a specific course of action. We believe our role is to provide the information so that families may make educated choices. The project portion of the unit is called the Egg Baby Project that has our students experiencing a 24/7 responsibility and exploring budgets, planned parenthood, and performing an interview with a young mother.
8th grade families Save the Date. Wednesday, April 27, at 6pm Samohi counselor and administrators will be coming to review 9th grade scheduling and other Freshman year items.
Due date for the Hess Kramer trip is April 1. Please send a check for $350, or communicate with us before the due date to insure your child’s spot.
Our learning celebration for the Ocean Action Project is April 6th at 13:00. Please make plans to join us as the kids explain, celebrate and defend the learning choices.
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
CORE 4 NEWS
Core 4 families: Please bring cookies, licorice, mini-muffins to the Family Dance, Friday, April 1, 6-7:30pm
Core Four News: This amazing group of people has engineered several breakthroughs for themselves these last few weeks. You have raised true gems.
Conferences have come to a close for this spring and they were a glorious experience. Having the time to deeply explore what matters to our young people and their parents is one of this job’s great experiences. Some common themes have emerged related to supporting our kids learning that we wished to directly address.
• The distinction between learning and academic achievement has been much discussed and we are happy to clarify the distinction. To us the distinction is that learning endures and becomes habitual; by contrast, academic achievement is book, test, and performance oriented. Both are required and offer rewards to a learner. Our concern is to find the balance that best reflects our learning communities’ informed desires.
• We will be adjusting the schedule to include increased time for math instruction through the end of the year.
• Preparing our learners for high school is accomplished here at SMASH via an organized seminar approach that has proven highly successful over the last five years. The program includes activities and direct instruction in test taking, note taking, public speaking and a variety of high school success strategies including alumni interviews, tours of local high schools, and consultations with local private and public schools.
If you have missed this opportunity to enjoy a conference, please email us and we shall schedule you in for a meeting after spring break. We look forward to speaking with you in person.
8th Grade Notes: The next science unit is a risk management unit that includes topics, in sexuality, drugs, relating to authority, and accountable talk for teenagers. Our seniors will see a variety of movies including a NPR movie showing a birth, the film Juno, and use resources to explore the three broad classes of drugs and the consequences of experimenting with each type. This unit involves frank discussion of many topics with the intention of providing information without advocating a specific course of action. We believe our role is to provide the information so that families may make educated choices. The project portion of the unit is called the Egg Baby Project that has our students experiencing a 24/7 responsibility and exploring budgets, planned parenthood, and performing an interview with a young mother.
8th grade families Save the Date. Wednesday, April 27, at 6pm Samohi counselor and administrators will be coming to review 9th grade scheduling and other Freshman year items.
Due date for the Hess Kramer trip is April 1. Please send a check for $350, or communicate with us before the due date to insure your child’s spot.
Our learning celebration for the Ocean Action Project is April 6th at 13:00. Please make plans to join us as the kids explain, celebrate and defend the learning choices.
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
Darwin: dmendinueto@smmusd.org
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