Smash Friday Letter

CONGRATULATIONS & BEST WISHES!!
Darwin and his wife Rosita are the proud parents of
Drake Reef Anthony
Born April 23, 2011 3:55am
6lbs 14 ounces, 18 inches
A ll are doing fine and are enjoying time together
Darwin will be out for another 2 weeks -
But we are fortunate to have Bailey Field back to fill in for Darwin.
*******************************************
REMINDER!
We will have STATE TESTING for 2nd-8th graders May 2-11. Any parent who does not want their child to take these tests needs to notify us in writing BEFORE TESTING BEGINS ON MAY 2. This opt out letter must include your child’s name, grade and birth date, and specify that you do not want your child to participate in the May 2011 California Star testing. Please remember to sign this letter. We cannot take your letter after testing begins.
**********************************************
Education Foundation Raffle was conducted and
MAX CANNY
is the SMASH winner of a $150 Best Buy gift card!
Congratulations Max! Please have an adult come to the office to pick up the gift card.
*********************** ************************
Isabel has cut out a good idea!
CELEBRATE APRIL AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH
Help her celebrate it.
Santa Monica City Attorney
Consumer Protection Unit
310.458.8336
www.smconsumer.org
Isabel Flanders’ artwork was selected to represent Equal Housing in Santa Monica
Congratulations Isabel!
**********************************************
WEDNESDAY BAKE SALE DATES
CORE 1: May 4
CORE 2: May 11
CORE 3: May 18
CORE 4: May 25
TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCH
CORE 4: May 13
*************************************************
DATES TO REMEMBER
May 2-11 - California State Star Testing, grades 2-8
Fri, May 6 - 1:30-3:30 pm - John Muir Cinco de Mayo Celebration on campus
Fri, Sat, Sun, May 6-8 - SMASH Camping Trip
Wed, May 11, 8:30am - SMASH PTSA Meeting
Fri, May 13 - Movie Fun Night
Wed, May 18 - 6:00pm - Open House
Fri, May 20 - Cores 1 & 2 BBQ
Mon, May 23 - 9-10:15am - Last SMASH school tour
Wed, May 25 - 5-6:00pm - Site Council Mtg
Fri, May 27 - Furlough Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
Mon, May 30 - Memorial Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
Wed, Jun 1 - 6pm - PTSA Mtg
Fri, June 3 - Arts & Letters Sale
**************************** ****
VIRGINIA AVENUE PARK CARNIVAL — RIDES, GAMES & GREAT FOOD
Sunday, May 1 -Noon to 5:00pm
2200 Virginia Avenue; 310-458-8688; 222.elitespecialevents.com
Free event parking and shuttle from Santa Monica College
Virginia Avenue Park is served by Big Blue Bus lines #7 and 11.
************************************
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.
************************************
SANTA MONICA 5th ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
The Ocean Park Association needs your help to make our 5th Annual Santa Monica Fourth of July Parade a success. Our theme this year is: “July 4th at the Beach!” Our terrific Santa Monica Ocean Lifeguards will be honored as Grand Marshals.

The parade will begin at 9:30 AM and proceed down the entire length of Main Street. Volunteers will be asked to show up earlier that morning to help out. We had a fantastic group of volunteers last year and we need even more of you this year. Please join us!
We need volunteers to; check-in participants, assist with staging the parade, photograph, lend a hand with last minute “float” decorations, help safely guide the parade down Main Street, supervise barricades at intersections along the route, and help with this years after party. If you would like to participate this year, send a quick email to volunteer@opa-sm.org
We will contact you to match you with a parade volunteer job. For more information about the parade go to www.opa-sm.org .
Thank you for supporting OPA and your community. Stay tuned for our kick-off party-more to follow.
Katherine Gray, Parade Volunteer Coordinator
***************************** ****
John Muir School’s CINCO de MAYO Celebration
Friday, May 6 - 1:30-3:30pm
Great Food, Music, Loteria and Lots of Fun
This is a Fundraising effort of the John Muir PTSA.
There will be a charge for food and carnival booths
******************************* *
The Choral Music Program of Santa Monica High School, under the direction of Jeffe Huls, is one of the most accomplished in the region, winning awards, competing in state and national vocal music competitions, and touring nationally and internationally. Our repertoire is grounded in classical music education, but also includes popular and contemporary music. Visit our website, talk to our current choral music students, and attend our concerts so you can see for yourself how inspiring—and fun—it is to be a part of the Samohi choral music community.
Did you know...?
• This Spring ‘11, 130 members of Samohi choirs are touring in England and Canada
• Many Samohi students participate in both our instrumental and vocal music programs
• AM classes, summer school, and courses at SMC are options for Samohi students interested in taking multiple electives
• Freshman singers enter our program in Concert Choir or Women’s Chorus
• Auditions will be held at Lincoln and John Adams middle schools in May ‘11
www.samohichoir.com; www.facebook.com/SamohiChoir
******************************
The Pasadena Doo Dah Parade
is world-famous for its egalitarian spirit and its wiggy, offbeat style. This spoof of that "other Pasadena parade" is a toast to madness and mayhem. This year's highlights include an actual Doo Dah wedding, Dr. Steel's Army of Toy Soldiers and perennial favorites BBQ & Hibachi Marching Grill Team, the Men of Leisure and the Doo Dah house band, Snotty Scotty & the Hankies. Colorado Boulevard between Altadena Drive and San Gabriel Boulevard, Pasadena.
11 a.m. Sat. Free. (626) 356-9725., http://www.pasadenadoodahparade.info.
********************************
The annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Dates & Location
Saturday April 30, 2011 from 10am – 6pm
Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 10am – 5pm at: University of Southern California
To locate USC on Yahoo! Maps or similar mapping software, you may use the intersection of Exposition Blvd and S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90089.
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books’ 2011 Change of Address.
Tickets & Admission
General attendance is free!
For information on attending, see our Attendee FAQ.
Parking
Parking at the USC campus will be $10.
Please go to the Getting There page for a detailed map.
Make sure to follow the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on Twitter and Facebook for live traffic and parking updates!
******************************* *
Upcoming Sustainable Works Green Living Workshops
SMMUSD families can learn to take positive steps to lower their ecological footprint, protect our local and global environments, improve human health, and ultimately save money in the process. Sustainable Works is a nonprofit organization committed to providing Environmental Education and Action driven results to students, residents, businesses, and the community at large.
The Residential program offers a 6 week Green Living Workshop which covers 6 topic areas. The topics include; Water, Energy, Waste, Chemicals, Transportation, and Shopping & Food. Participants learn about environmental problems on a global, national and local scale and, with the help of the Sustainable Works- Book, participants review and take action on ten related solutions.
UPCOMING Sustainable Works 6-Week Green Living Workshops:
Starting Thursday, April 28, 2011, 7-8:30pm: Environment Now – 2515 Wilshire Blvd.
Starting Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 7-8:30pm: Fairview Library – 2101 Ocean Park Blvd.
Participants can now earn a special Completion Bag filled with eco-goodies when all workshop requirements are met!
Free for Santa Monica residents, suggested $50 donation for non-Santa Monica residents.
Sign up at: www.sustainableworks.eventbrite.com 310.458.8716 ext 4 info@sustainableworks.org
***********************************
Fliers available in SMASH Office
· UCLA Family Commons:
Boys Only Summer Camp (ages 7-10) Session 1: July 25-29, 9am-3pm and Session 2: August 15-19, 9am-3pm. $475 until June 1, $525 after June 1. www.uclacommons.com/boys-only, 310-395-5650
Girls Get Real Summer Camp (ages 9-12) Session 1: July 11-15, 9am-3pm; Session 2: August 8-12, 9am-3pm. $425 until June 1, $525 after June 1. www.uclacommons.com/girls-get-real or call 310-395-5650
· Santa Monica Pier Aquarium Science Adventures: www.healthebay.org/santa-monica/pier-aquarium/education
Weeklong Camp: M-F, Aug 1-Aug 5, 9am-2pm, 1st –3rd grade $425 ($375 for Heal the Bay members)
Day Camp: Tues-Fri, Aug 9-Aug 12, 9am-noon; $60/day ($50/day members)
· Musical Theatre Summer Camp 2011 - Session 1: June 21-July 17 and Session 2: July 25 - August 21
Ages 7-17. www.dee-lightful.org; 424-227-6205. In collaboration with Culver City Depts of Parks & Recreation.
· Super Soccer Stars Summer Camps at Clover Park. Week long camps from the week of 6/27 through week of 8/15. For ages 2 & 3 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years and 9-12 years old. www.supersoccerstars.com; 310-998-0010
· Brit-West Soccer Camp at Clover Park. July 18-22 and Aug 15-19. Half Day Camp for ages 4-14 and Full Day Camp for ages 7-14. www.britwestsoccer.com (follow camp links to City of Santa Monica registration
· Yogi Beans, a children’s yoga experience Santa Monica Summer Retreats at Memorial Park
Ages 2-3, 3-4, 5-7, 8-10, 9-11:30am Monday-Friday. la@yogibeans.com, 310-998-3399
· Santa Monica Youth Cheer - ages 7-14. Registration May 21 at Clover Park. Www.smvikings.com
************************************
Community Presentation of Plans for Rejuvenation of the Ballona Wetlands
Tuesday, May 10, 7:00-8:30pm
Community Room, Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey
(Far west end of Mindanao) Parking available outside of community room - overflow parking east of room
The Sierra Club Airport Marina Group is hosting a community presentation on rejuvenation of the wetlands. Presenters will be groups that helped preserve the 600+ Ballona Wetlands Ecological Preserve. Presenters include the Sierra Club Ballona Wetlands Restoration Committee, the Ballona Ecosystem Education Project, the Ballona Wetlands Land Trust and Grassroots Coalition. Photos of native wildlife will be shown.
For further information, contact Kathy Knight, Conservation Chair, Sierra Club Airport Marina Group, 310-613-1175
***********************************
Only six (!) more weeks to
SuperSMASH
6/11/11
Help make it work:
VOLUNTEER!
What can I do?
Get donations for the silent auction.
Help prepare the event - we still need people for many key roles.
Help coordinate and run the many games, activities and booths.
Any help is appreciated!
We need you. Really.

This year you can sign up with Helga at helgaschier@verizon.net
or by going online to
Set-up and Breakdown:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?
key=0AiamPMbeg_6rdHFWQl8wemFIYk5IX1hzZFFRbTUwSHc&hl=en&authkey=CP_wkOML
SMASHing Car:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?
key=0AiamPMbeg_6rdExzY1lWZ HNLUTlwLWdZeTZYeHlmVlE&hl=en&authkey=CI2luf8C
Food Court:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?
key=0AiamPMbeg_6rdGg1VzZkd1pmRHhEbS1yY0NjY3pMR0E&hl= en&authkey=COKP494G#gid=6
Field Games:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?
key=0AiamPMbeg_6rdEk1NUM0b09KenVlc1JhU05KNVA3SF E&hl=en&authkey=CJnU6pYI#gid=6
Art Court:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?
key=0AiamPMbeg_6rdDBMMVdXZ VFwSzNnMV9xV1lMT3RaeGc&hl=en&authkey=CPLvydQP#gid=6
Silent/Live Auction:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?
key=0AiamPMbeg_6rdG04azNDS2NjMXRiQXZuWllkR3VjZUE&hl=en&authkey=COCwq94O#gid=6
*****************************
ptsa news
president’s message

Dear SMASHing Parents,
Legislators in Sacramento failed to meet the deadline for a special election in June to secure additional revenues needed to protect education and other critical children’s services.
We must take action now to protect our children.
Unless the Legislature acts quickly, the Governor has said he will present an all-cuts budget in mid-May. This would mean an additional $4 billion to $5 billion reduction to K-12 education and even more drastic cuts. Are we willing to see our school year get even shorter? Close our school libraries? Crowd more students into each classroom? Lose our counselors, classroom aides, reading specialists and more? See the end of music, art and drama in our schools? What
kind of future do we want for our children and our state? Now, more than ever, your voice is needed to speak up and let our elected officials know that CUT$ HURT KIDS!

Activate the power of PTA!
Take action and urge your fellow PTA members
to do one or more of the following before May 13.

1. Sign up to be on the Legislative Alert list so we can keep you up-to-date. Urge 5 friends to sign up too.

2. “Like” us on the special PTA “CUT$ HURT KIDS” Facebook page – tell us how the cuts are hurting kids in your school or community. Help us personalize the messages to elected officials.

3. Film a video, using your phone or camera, about the impacts of the cuts on the children in your school and community and upload it to our Facebook page.

4. Wednesday, May 11: Celebrate California Day of the Teacher by letting your child’s teachers know you appreciate them and take a moment to send an e-mail or call your elected representatives to tell them you value education.

Friday, May 13: Participate in one of the rallies being held around the state by members of the Education Coalition. - Organize a rally in your own community.

For more information, please visit the California State PTA website at www.capta.org.
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. As the school year winds down, we are still aiming for 100% participation. If you have not made a contribution, please 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.
The following events still have space available:
* Cinco De Mayo Margarita Party -- April 30th (SAT) 7pm (Adults Only)
* High Tea on a Roof Garden -- May 22 (SUN) 1pm (Kids and Adults)
* Poker Party -- NEW DATE -- June 4 (SAT) (Adults Only)
* Tacos, Mojitos & Legos -- June 12 (SUN) 2pm (Kids and Adults)
* Tapas and Drinks -- NEW DATE - June 18 (Adults Only)

Please contact Marni Ayers Brady (marniayers@gmail.com) and sign-up for one of these remaining events.

SMASH camping/cabin trip
·Don’t miss the SMASH camping trip. If you have not signed-up for the SMASH camping trip on May 6th, 7th, 8th at Camp Josepho in Pacific Palisades there is still space available. If you and are still interested in Hiking, Campfire Songs, S’mores and more with the SMASH community, please contact Elizabeth Kramer, elizabethrita@gmail.com, (310) 433-5612

SMASHing meetings
Our next PTSA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. Please try to attend this meeting. Final preparations for SuperSMASH will be discussed.

Green Tip for the Week
Could that sunscreen be more harmful than helpful? Believe it or not, some sunscreens formulated for babies/ children are ranked highly unhealthful. Visit ewg.org to explore databases on the safest sunscreens and cosmetics, a shopper's guide to pesticides in produce and a wealth of environmental research information. Environmental Working Group studies data and conducts their own laboratory tests to discover threats to your health and the environment and to find solutions.

Terracycle Update: In addition to our regular Terracyclables, we can now Terracycle all beauty and personal care waste including lipstick tubes and mascara packaging.
****************************
SMASH Site Council Minutes
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
5:00 PM Core 2
In attendance: Elizabeth Kramer, Jackie Boyd, Candis Berens, Laura Sherman, Jessica Rishe

Absent: Michael Tenzer, Nina Furukawa, Chrysta Wyse, Malaika Boyer

Change Agenda to say April 27, 2011. Moved by Jessica Rishe. Seconded by Elizabeth Kramer.
Agenda Adopted with change.

Moved by Elizabeth Kramer. Seconded by Jessica Rishe. Approved minutes of last meeting.

Community participation: None

Reports and Announcements (regular agenda items)

Principal’s Report: Strategic Planning Open House, Open House, State Testing
Student Reports: None

Community Organization Reports (to include but not limited to the following):
PTSA: SuperSMASH auction items, Arts and Letters Sale

Student Council: Family Dance was successful in terms of fun and fundraising.

Old Business: None

New Business: Safety Plan Review. Site Council elections for two positions. 4/29 and 5/6 recruiting people.

5/13 run candidates bio. 5/20 vote 5/25 count votes and email the winners. Last meeting of the year is 5/25.

Community participation (if applicable): None

Moved by Jessica Rishe. Seconded by Elizabeth Kramer. Adjourned.
*********************************

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SMASH SITE ADVISORY COUNCIL
It’s time again to think ahead and select the parents to represent you at the SMASH Council for next year. This group of parent, staff and students meet once a month to:
A. To establish and oversee the use of the School Improvement (SI) funds as provided in Section 52012 of the California Education Code.
B. To oversee and assist in the development of the annual School Improvement Plan (SIP). The SC shall Identify areas of need and goals for improvement as mandated by California Ed Code 52014: “Each plan shall be based on an assessment of school capability to meet the educational needs of each pupil, specify improvement objectives, and indicate steps necessary to achieve those objections including intended outcomes.”
C. To maintain periodic analysis of implementation and effectiveness of the SIP. The SC shall analyze and draft an SIP ANALYSIS based on the actual outcomes of the improvement plan on reports from the SMASH community. The SIP ANALYSIS shall be utilized in development of subsequent School Improvement Plans. California Ed Code 52021 states the SC, “...shall have ongoing responsibility to review with the principal, teachers, other school personnel and pupils the implementation of the school improvement
program and to assess periodically the effectiveness of such program.”
D. To provide a forum for all SMASH constituents to communicate their concerns related to the development of the annual School Improvement Plan including areas of need, goals for improvement, outcomes and effectiveness of School Improvement Plans.
E. To communicate the actions and goals of the SC to the entire SMASH community.
F. To ensure that the annual School Improvement Plan supports the goals, philosophy and vision of SMASH as established in the school handbook.
We will be electing 2 parents to serve a one-year term. Statements of interest must be 50 words or less. Please bring your statement of interest or e-mail to Janice at jwold@smmusd.org by 4pm on Friday, May 6. These statements will be published in the following week’s Friday Letter.
***********************************
CORE 1 NEWS

CORE 1 – SAVE THE DATES!
STAR TESTING – The State Standardized Tests will be given to the 2nd graders next week, while the rest of Core 1 continues with our project work. Please bring in your child well-rested, well-fed, and ready to focus!

MAY 13th 9:15 – 1:00 – All Core FIELD TRIP to SMURRF (Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility) – located next to the Santa Monica Pier To delve deeper into our study of water systems and the environment, we will be touring the facility to find out about how water can be treated and recycled. We will also have time to play, dig, and build at the beach – eat our snacks and lunches – and walk back. Since we will be taking the Big Blue Bus to the Pier, your child must have a signed permission slip to attend. Please sign and return the enclosed permission slip. ALL chaperones are welcome – please signup in the Magic Garden Room.

May 18th – SMASH OPEN HOUSE – FAMILIES WELCOME
Core 1 will be sharing our PROJECTS work, including our naturalist study, our building study, and our water study. Come see slide shows of our explorations, videos of our theory-making, interactive stations to facilitate questions/ideas, and the group projects we’ve worked on over time.

May 20th – CORE 1 BBQ!!
One of our favorite events of the year!! A potluck barbeque in the Small Yard to celebrate the
year! Next week we will send out the details, including the food item for your family to bring. It usually starts around 11:00 and ends around 1:00. We hope your family can come!
P.S. The BBQ is never a success without our beloved BBQ cooks. If you have a BBQ to bring and fireup, or you are ready to put your fantastic grilling skills into action, please let us know ASAP.

A HUGE shout-out to the parents who helped us with our reorganization project this week, especially John Lusitana, Mauricio Castro, and Summer and Rider Germann, captains of our cabinet assembly team. Come check out the great spaces we are creating for your children!
Have a great weekend!
Candis, Chrysta, Graciela, Jackie, and Karin
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
Graciela: gbarba-castro@smmusd.org

REMINDER!
We will have STATE TESTING for 2nd-8th graders May 2-11. Any parent who does not want their child to take these tests needs to notify us in writing BEFORE TESTING BEGINS ON MAY 2. This opt out letter must include your child’s name, grade and birth date, and specify that you do not want your child to participate in the May 2011 California Star testing. Please remember to sign this letter. We cannot take your letter after testing begins. *****************************
CORE 2 NEWS

Advisory News: Spring is in the air! The students are adjusting to new advisories and taking ownership of their new classrooms—making table teams, rearranging classroom furniture and nooks, deciding on advisory group names—in addition to revisiting CARES guidelines. School my feel like it is almost over, but there is still A LOT to do!
***Family HW: The kids worked on a very special project with Jobim’s Monica today. They created “Intention Sticks” to help them visualize short term and long term intentions by assigning meaning to various colors and using those colors to create their sticks (example: Intention--to take more hikes on the beach with my family, so use blue yarn (color of the ocean) to wrap my stick and set the intention clearly in my heart). Take time to discuss your child’s
intentionsand then set some as a family—try to use something symbolic as a reminder of your newly set family goals.

Theme/Geography: This week, the children researched and created individual Atlases of the 7 continents. Ask your child what new facts they already knew about the land, water, and political features of various continents. We will continue this work next week.
Literacy: RW: This week we are wrapping up Historical Fiction Book Clubs!!! Next week we begin our Fairy Tales/ Folk Tales/Myths/Legends/Fables/Pourquoi Stories unit in Reading and Writing***RW HW: Core 2 Students—you should have chosen stories from around the world from the media center. In addition to finishing your historical fiction Book Club Book or reading a Just Right Independent Reading Book, please look for Fairy Tales/Folk Tales /Myths / Legends/ Fables/ Pourquoi Stories at home and bring them in to share.
WW: This week, we did an “On Demand” writing piece about Spring Break. We also did another developmental spelling assessment. These assessments help us monitor and guide each child’s writing progress over the course of the year.
***WW HW: Core 2 Students—retell one of your favorite Fairy Tales/Folk Tales /Myths / Legends/Fables/Pourquoi Stories in writing from memory. Use a piece of scratch paper to plan the beginning, middle, and end— making sure to include all the details you can remember—before you start writing.
Math: Laura’s 3rd graders began their in-depth exploration of arrays and multiplication. ***3G HW read the attached letter and do at least one of the ideas at home, then do the practice test questions page. Homework due F, 5/6
Tamara’s 4th graders reviewed their basic multiplication and division facts and engaged in test-prep. ***4G HW is to complete the practice test booklet.

Music with Dian: The kids enjoyed learning “Tin Pan Alley” songs from the 1920’s & 1930’s. We will be singing the songs for the residents art Saffran House on Thursday, May 19.
Super SMASH Art Project with Bianca is being created Wednesdays after lunch. To do this project, we need bottle caps!!! We are trying to collect as many metal bottle caps (like beer and old-fashioned soda bottles) as possible-- so drink up (or if you know any bartenders, have them save the caps for you!) There is a container on the Core 2 patio for all your donations.

Dates to Remember:
Monday, May 2 – Friday, May 20: STAR Testing and make-up days—please get plenty of rest, arrive on time, and do your best if you are taking the test. Non-testers will do reading and writing.
Wednesday, May 18 – Open House Math Night!
Friday, May 27 – Furlough Day, NO school
Monday, May 30 – Memorial Day, NO school
Wish List – New pillow covers for our outside furniture, large bottle of hand sanitizer refill
Laura: lsherman@smmusd.org; Tamara: tmugalian@smmusd.org; Jayme: j.wold@smmusd.org

REMINDER! We will have STATE TESTING for 2nd-8th graders May 2-11. Any parent who does not want their child to take these tests needs to notify us in writing BEFORE TESTING BEGINS ON MAY 2. This opt out letter must include your child’s name, grade and birth date, and specify that you do not want your child to participate in the May 2011 California Star testing. Please remember to sign this letter. We cannot take your letter after testing begins.
*********************************
CORE 3 NEWS
Thanks Allison, Mariam, and Tracy for chaperoning on our great field trip to the Skirball Center! It was a beautiful day to spend off campus!

REMINDER!
We will have STATE TESTING for 2nd-8th graders May 2-11. Any parent who does not want their child to take these tests needs to notify us in writing BEFORE TESTING BEGINS ON MAY 2. This opt out letter must include your child’s name, grade and birth date, and specify that you do not want your child to participate in the May 2011 California Star testing. Please remember to sign this letter. We cannot take your letter after testing begins.

6th gr Math w/ Carrie: We jumped back into our study of multiplication of fractions. We had to do a little review to get back up to speed but now we're off and running again. This week we focused on on multiplying mixed fractions. We tried to visualize what is happening using pictures and then looked at different strategies to multiply them like changing them to improper fractions and multiplying or distributing the fractions and then multiplying. We will continue to work on this next week - although our time will be limited due to State Testing.

6th gr Math w/ Erin: We're moving on from Shapes and Designs to another Geometry Unit - Covering and Surrounding. We only had one day of math this week and we spent that day re-introducing the ideas of area and perimeter and working on a story problem to figure out the area and perimeter for a proposed bumper car ride.

5th gr Math w/ Genie: Test prep, decimals, and more! We are trying to get in a bit of test prep in since most of the students are planning on taking the test while we start our new unit on decimals. It picks up right where we left off with fractions. We looked at an area model that showed 5 out of 10 pieces shaded and the kids new right away that it showed ½, 50%, and .5. But when we looked at an area model that showed 5 ½ out of 10 pieces shaded, they were puzzled. They figured it was 11 out of 20 pieces shaded but had to think about the percent and decimal. Ask your child how they thought about it. (It may be challenging for you but it's great for you to do some math thinking, too.) Check out the very informative math letters attached to the Fri. Homework Email. Let Genie know if you'd like a paper copy.

Science: We started our new unit - Systems - by enrolling in "medical school"! Students are in "Clinics" where everyone has a different specialty (cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, gastroenterology, immunology, or orthopedic surgery). Students are now meeting in their specialty groups to learn about the parts and functions of their system. They learned how to take notes using the "Cornell Notes" format to add a different note taking strategy to their repertoire. Each group of specialists will be responsible for making a model of an important function of their system and a drawing showing the parts of their system. They will also have to help each other pass the "Board Exam" for their specialty (in about 2 weeks). Parents - if you have expertise in any area of the human body, please let Carrie know and think about coming in to help on Monday or Tuesday afternoon. Even if you don't have expertise, we could use your help wading through all of the information!

Social Studies: We had a great visit to the Skirball Center on Wed. Students were led on an interactive, hands-on tour by excellent Skirball docents. They heard stories, participated in skits, and viewed original documents to learn all about different immigrant histories and immigration systems. On Thurs we reflected on the field trip and what we learned. How does we learned tie in with our own immigrant (by choice or by force) histories? What are the commonalities between different groups in different eras? On Friday students were introduced to our trimester long project: Immigrant Interview Project. Over the next few weeks, students will be interviewing their own families about their immigration histories. On Friday, they worked together in groups to come up with various important questions to ask a family member, which we then shared out with the entire class. They will be taking their completed interview, as well as historical information about various immigrant groups that they will be learning about in social studies, and creating a historical fiction story. Students should spend this weekend thinking about who they can interview in their family. They can interview more than one person if they choose to. They will receive the full detailed assignment sheet as well as all the compiled interview questions next week. Note: If your family has been in this country for so long that no one has knowledge of your immigration history, I have let the students know that they can interview any immigrant whose life they want to know more about. Or they can come to me with another creative proposal.

Geography: To go along with our Immigrant Interview Project, we will be creating a map of their family's immigration history. Students can use their creativity on this project and fulfill the assignment in whatever media they wish. They can choose to do a blow-up, grid style, realistic map marking the route their family took, they can do a painting, a collage, the sky's the limit! Once students complete their interviews, we will begin to work on these in class (week after
next since next week is testing). Students can begin to collect any materials they might like to use.

Reading Workshop: We are getting back into the routines of reading regularly. Please make sure your child has a book to read! We are going to go deeper into our nonfiction reading and READ FOR READ PURPOSES. Real questions deserve real answers and usually the first place to look for answers is the internet. How do we make sense of what we are reading to find our answer and get the bigger picture of what we wanted to learn? We will continue with our weekly
nonfiction article—this week's is related to our Skirball field trip on Immigration.
Writing Workshop: We started poetry! The students took notes in their writing notebooks so they know the focus of this unit. We are focusing on the process of writing and so the collecting of ideas is important. It's important to have a hundred ideas so they can pick 3-5 to work on. We are also focusing on grammar in poetry because some poetry follow grammar conventions and some do not. Next we will really spend time nurturing our chosen poetry ideas in our notebooks
before we even begin to draft. Ask your child what their 3-5 poetry ideas are.
Homework:
6g math: assignment #19 due 5/2
6th Math FYI: there is optional extra credit homework - assignment #17. Also, students should complete any overdue work. Carrie wrote the overdue assignments in the students' planners so check there to make sure your child is all caught up.
5g Math: Packet #26 is DUE FRI 5/6
Science: Optional - research your chosen specialty. Don't forget to take notes! Two great online resources are: discoveryeducation.com (if you forgot your username or password, email Carrie at fergrex@yahoo.com); smilenet. smmusd.org go to SIRS Discoverer (username: SMMUSDE, password: LIBRARY - all caps).
Reading – Article "My Name is Now…" an immigration article read up and marked by 5/5.
Writing – published literary essays not turned in! Nurturing their poetry ideas in their notebook by thinking more on the 3-5 chosen poem ideas.
Genie: ghwang@smmusd.org;
Carrie: cferguson@smmusd.org;
Erin: ehaendel@smmusd.org
********************************
CORE 4 NEWS
As most of you know by now Darwin is a dad! His wife, Rosita, baby Drake and Darwin are all doing well. Standing in for Darwin during his leave will be the effervescent Bailey Field who is well known and loved here at SMASH. Congratulations Darwin!

Back at SMASH we are diving into final projects. 8th graders will be doing an exit project to display their mastery of SMASHing methods and an Egg Baby project in science. 7th graders will be performing a Student Interest Based Project (SIBI). I’ve included the project descriptions for 8th graders here.

SMASHing Mastery Project
(Also known as the Senior Exit Project)
Project Goal: This exit project is an opportunity for SMASHing seniors to deploy effective habits of mind and heart in pursuit of producing knowledge and skills. The project is a graduation requirement and a final opportunity to celebrate SMASH’s unique brand of voice and choice learning.
Project Description: The project has two components reflecting SMASHing Learning Expectations in the social curriculum, high demand academics, and with respect to project-based learning. Students will:
1. In addition to the Individual Service Learning hours most seniors completed earlier this school year, students will work in Collaborative Service Teams (CSTs) to perform a service to the SMASH community. Examples of this service work may include mentoring younger students, physical improvements to our shared space, or developing new learning opportunities for our younger brothers and sisters. Photo or video documentation of these activities will serve as the
evidence of learning. This work will happen primarily during school hours, but will also require after school effort to organize. Examples might include: Writing a “How to do Core 4 manual,” mentoring 7th graders, or working in the school library.
2. Individuals will develop and present a “Learning Defense and Celebration.” Individual students will comprehensively examine their SMASH experience and present their findings to a group of parents, teachers, and younger SMASHites. Students will develop themes reflecting their personalized experiences; however and critically, examples/ activities must be drawn from all academic subject areas. Organized and diligent students will have adequate time to
perform most of these tasks during class time. The presentation will serve as evidence of learning.

Egg Babies Project

Project Goal: The intention of this “thought experiment” is to simulate the demands of a 24/7 responsibility for our 8th graders. While demanding, this fun project is the only repeating project in the science curriculum due to its popularity amongst students. It provides a final look at the structure and functioning of biological systems, specifically human reproductive anatomy. In addition, we investigate the evolutionary reasoning for sexual and asexual reproduction.
Project Components (3): Standing in for a real baby will be a hard boiled egg upon which a face should be carefully rendered. The baby naturally will need a stroller or other type of protective carrying device since our beloved seniors should be bringing the baby with them every where they go!
A second activity will be a baby journal with typed daily entries, data tables, a budget, and fun photographs. Guiding questions and Essential Questions will be provided and reviewed during the Planned Parenthood sessions that run concurrently with this project. Students must respond to the Essential Questions and may use the Guiding Questions at their discretion.
The final requirement is a photo journal documenting the glorious nine days of the project. The photos will serve as evidence that the baby has been carefully nurtured and present during every student activity. For example, should a student be an avid soccer player then I will be expecting to see photos of that person, the baby and a soccer field filled with players. Students may use babysitters sparingly at a rate not to exceed 3 instances/week. Each use of a babysitter “costs” 2% of the final earned grade for the project. Photos of the babysitter must accompany that day’s journal entry.
Evaluation of the activity: I will also be taking daily photos of the proud parent and babies daily to document the level of care that the baby receives. Each crack upon his little baby head will “cost” 1% of the final grade. Punctures, splatters, and total demolition of the baby will result in no credit for the project and an alternative paper will be written. Baby napping may only be performed by Kurt and his agents. Be wary!
The writing will be evaluated using the SAMOHI English department writing rubric and all parts of the project will be guided using the SMART rubric that is familiar to the kids.
Parent Involvement: My partners and friends in the parent community are encouraged to make this as realistic as possible. In the past parents have used various means to create more realistic conditions upon their learners. Be creative, have fun, and talk to them about the joys and burdens related to parenting and sexuality.

REMINDER!
We will have STATE TESTING for 2nd-8th graders May 2-11. Any parent who does not want their child to take these tests needs to notify us in writing BEFORE TESTING BEGINS ON MAY 2. This opt out letter must include your child’s name, grade and birth date, and specify that you do not want your child to participate in the May 2011 California Star testing. Please remember to sign this letter. We cannot take your letter after testing begins.

Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
**********************************

SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MAY LUNCH MENU
www.smmusd.org/foodservices

Mon, May 2 HOT DOG ON WHOLE WHEAT BUN W/BAKED POTATO ROUNDABOUTS, FRUIT
Tues, May 3 FARMERS’ MARKET, SALAD BAR, CHICKEN FAJITAS w/FLOUR TORTILLA
Wed, May 4 FRENCH TOAST STIX w/SAUSAGE PATTY, TATER TOTS, 100% ORANGE JUICE
Thur, May 5 FARMERS’ MARKET SALAD BAR, CRUNCHY TACO, CINNAMON CHURRO
Fri, May 6 SLICE OF CHEESE PIZZA w/3-WAY SALAD, CRY BABY SOUR APPLE FRUIT CUP
Mon, May 9 BAKED CHICKEN NUGGETS w/BAKED SEASONED POTATO WEDGES, FRESH FRUIT
Tues, May 10 FARMERS’ MARKET SALAD BAR w/GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH, FROZEN YOGURT
Wed, May 11 FARMERS’ MARKET SALAD BAR w/***HONEY RIB SANDWICH, BBQ BAKED BEANS
Thur, May 12 FARMERS’ MARKET SALAD BAR w/BAKED CHICKEN PATTY ON WHOLEWHEAT BUN
Fri, May 13 WEDGE CHEESE PIZZA,FRESH GARDEN SALAD, SUNRYPE FRUIT STRIP
Mon, May 16 CHEESEBURGER ON WHOLE WHEAT BUN w/BAKED CRINKLE FRIES, FRUIT
Tues, May 17 SALAD BAR, LOCO ROASTED CHICKEN w/FLOUR TORTILLAS, CINNAMON CHURRO
Wed, May 18 SALAD BAR w/HOMESTYLE MAC &CHEESE, PATRIOTIC COOKIE
Thur, May 19 FARMERS’ MARKET SALAD BAR & TACO BAR
Fri, May 20 THIN CRUST CHEESE PIZZA, FRESH CELERY STICKS, FRESH SEASONAL FRUIT
Mon, May 23 BAKED CORN DOG w/BAKED POTATO SMILES, WILD CHERRY FRUITCUP
Tues, May 24 ORANGE CHICKEN w/STEAMED RICE, MIXED VEGETABLES, FORTUNE COOKIE, FRUIT
Wed, May 25 BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS w/BAKED POTATO WEDGES, WHOLE WHEAT ROLL, FRUIT
Thur, May 26 GALAXY PIZZA w/BABY CARROTS, SUNRYPE FRUIT STRIP
Fri, May 27 – SCHOOL CLOSED
Mon, May 30 - SCHOOL CLOSED– MEMORIAL DAY
Tues, May 31 CHICKEN STARS w/BAKED COSMIC POTATOES, WHOLE WHEAT ROLL, FRUIT
Second Choice Vegetarian Menu: Students may choose the featured hot lunch, or salad bar, or the Vegetarian option.
5/2-5/6-Cheese Quesadilla
5/9-5/13-Yogurt & Pretzels
5/16-5/20-Cheese Sticks
5/23-5/26-Toasted Cheese Sandwich
5/31- Bean Burrito
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, Mild
Offered every day: Assorted cold cereals w/animal crackers, assorted fruit (fresh, canned, dried), 1% milk, nonfat, nonfat
chocolate.
Lunch: Full Price $3 (.40 reduced) $50 meal deal for 20 full priced lunches (save $10)
Breakfast: Full Price $1.25 (.30 reduced)