Many of us feel overwhelmed by all the STUFF we have in our lives. So we get rid of some stuff we don't want, but then more stuff creeps back in and starts piling up around the house again.
Watch "The Story Of Stuff" as a family and see what the true cost of all that stuff actually is, then as a community let's work out how we can reduce that stuff, and reuse it as many times as possible. Join the 6:30-7:00pm family conversation at the October 12 PTSA Meeting, then stay for the business part of the meeting as your students go to the childcare provided in Jayme’s Room.
As Belinda Waymouth summarized after her family viewing: It all begins with how we consume, and then teach our children to do likewise. If everyone on the planet consumed at the same rate Americans do, we would need five planets worth of resources to meet consumer thirst. We are raising our kids to be environmentally ethical and responsible human beings. It all begins with how we consume, and are teaching our kids to do likewise. This great 20 minute video, could change how you view your stuff and really help our beautiful planet stay that way.
Here's the link: http://www.storyofstuff.com/
Truly Yours,
Jessica
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Congratulations to Clara Chun!
Her beautiful design was voted on by the students to be on this school year’s SMASH directory cover.
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DATES TO REMEMBER
Sun, Oct 2 - Santa Monica 5000 race benefitting Santa Monica-Malibu Ed Foundation.
www.runforschools.org or 310-821-7898
Tue, Oct 4 - 5:00-6:00pm - Site Council Meeting
Wed, Oct 5 - Bike It Day! Leave the car at home today
Wed-Fri, Oct 5-7 - Fall Conferences - MINIMUM DAY 1:30 DISMISSALS EACH DAY
Please make sure that you have signed up with your teacher.
Fri, Oct 7 - Before & after school SMASH Bash sign-ups
Mon-Wed, Oct 10-12 - 6th grade Catalina trip
Wed, Oct 12 - 6:00pm - PTSA meeting
Thu-Fri, Oct 13-14 - Core 2 Camp Josepho trip
Thu, Oct 20 “Great Shakeout” Full scale earthquake drill
Fri, Oct 21, 9:15am - Catalina Assembly
Sat, Oct 22 - RUMMAGE SALE
Mon-Wed, Oct 24-26 8th grade trip to Hess Kramer
Mon, Oct 24 School Tour
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THINGS TO DO
SMASH Drama teacher, Kristy, would like to invite you and your family to join her for a special theatre field trip at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd. on Oct. 8 or 9 at 11am. Kristy will be there on both days ready to enjoy the magic of live theatre with you. She is able to get SMASH families a special discounted rate of just $7 per person, including adults!!! The show is "The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone" it's based on a great book that was inspired by a trip to Descanso Gardens in Pasadena. The show plays on a medley of themes ranging from patience to cooperation, from the greening of cities to the blossoming of the human spirit. The show includes puppetry, video, music and some fab adult actors.
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Santa Monica's Morgan-Wixson Theatre PUPPETS AND VIDEO AND MUSIC OH MY!
Youth Education /Entertainment Series (YES) Presents: "A Guest Production" Presented by Rogue Artist Assemble The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone Produced by special arrangement with Candlewick Press, Inc. October 2, 2011 Based on the book written and illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering Adapted for the stage by Emily Coalson with Rogue Artists Ensemble
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THE STORY OF FROG BELLY RAT BONE plays on a medley of themes ranging from patience to cooperation, from the greening of cities to the blossoming of the human spirit. The story was inspired by a visit to Descanso Gardens, a botanical garden in Pasadena, where there is a magical private garden for urban Los Angeles schoolchildren. Set in a gray, endless place called Cementland, this is the story of a boy who finds strange, specklike treasures (seeds) and the hilarious yet wise creature he creates (from cast off materials) to watch over them while they grow. Fun for the whole family and a little educational too! Ideal for children ages 3-9.
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6th Annual 2011 AltCar Expo and Conference
Friday, Sept. 30 & Saturday, Oct. 1 10am-5pm
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium FREE ADMISSION to Expo Hall and Ride & Drive www.altcarexpo.com
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The 4th Annual Los Angeles Irish Film Festival. Aero Theatre (1328 Montana Ave) www.lairishfilm.com
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Celebrate all that is Pico Sunday, Oct 2 at Virginia Avenue Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Take part in the sixth annual Pico Festival and Classic Car Show. The festival puts the spotlight on many creative businesses and artists who call the Pico Neighborhood home. Artists will display and demonstrate an array of paintings, drawings, sculptures and other colorful creations, all for sale.
Merchants will offer a fine arrangement of fashions, balloons, salon treatments, massages and other services.
The Classic Car Show will consist of over 40 custom cars from across Southern California. Trophies and cash prizes will be rewarded and there will be a raffle. Proceeds will benefit the Santa Monica High School Athletic Department and the Cody Williams Recovery Fund. Williams is a former Samohi linebacker who sustained serious spinal injuries in a game in September 2009.
Musical performances include Upground, Mariachi Alta California, the Russ Mullen Jazz Associates and the Samohi Jazz Combo. Various dance performances will be presented by Folklorico La Rosa, Capoeira Besouro, YWCA Dancers and the Samohi Cheerleaders.
At Santa Monica College the Art Department will open its doors for glassblowing and printmaking demonstrations, and will host an exhibition and sale of drawings, paintings, jewelry, and art glass made by student artist and faculty. SMC will also provide panels for anyone to draw on as a part of The Big Draw L.A. annual October event. Big Draw L.A. creates opportunities for people of all ages to discover that drawing can help people see, think and invent. SMC offers free parking at Pico and 17th Street.
Sponsors of the festival include Buy Local Santa Monica, Trader Joe’s, Engler Bros. and DSJ Printing.
For more information, visit www.picopassport.com
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World Festival of Sacred Music: Honoring the Sea. Sat Oct 1, 3-7pm Dorothy Green Park (end of Ocean Pk Bl)
Over 400 artists launch the 2011 World Festival of Sacred Music. Seven groups call forth their unique power song and dance as they proceed to the awaiting Ti’at canoe and Tongva Elders. Heal the Bay and youth lead the celebration with sounds from the great marching band tradition. Sacred rhythms of Brazil, Japan and world drums call while Hawaiian chant and Agape International Choir & native Tongva people sing in honor of the sea. The procession ends with an
enormous gathering on the water’s edge. All are invited to sit in the sand as each group performs for the sea. At sunset make our own offering to the sea or join in a communal song. Wear white or aqua. Free Admission. For information: 310-825-0507
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ptsa news
president’s message
Dear SMASHing Parents,
This past weekend at Camp Josepho, in Pacific Palisades, the SMASH community turned out in force for the SMASH camping trip. It was awesome to see such a large portion of the SMASH community participate and spend at least one night and many both Friday and Saturday night having fun. There was archery, hiking, and a campfire where marshmallows were roasted and S’mores consumed. It was a good time.
All the events at SMASH could not take place without the volunteer efforts of our SMASH community. Every event at our school, whether a fundraising event like the rummage sale, jog-a-thon or SuperSMASH, or parent education nights and community building events like diversity night or just for fun events like the Halloween Carnival and the SMASH camping trip, need the volunteer efforts of SMASH parents to lead, organize and execute a plan to make the event happen.
The success and fun for this year’s and last year’s camping trip is due to the outstanding efforts of Core 1 mom, Elizabeth Kramer. Elizabeth first suggested Camp Josepho last year, as a potential site for a camping trip. She then took it over, made the arrangements and did the work to collect money, fill out forms and publicize the event, to assure a great experience for the SMASH community. We should all show our appreciation for her efforts. Like all events at SMASH, we need parent volunteers to step-up, lead and run these kinds of events. SMASH needs everyone to get involved.
Thanks,
Dan McGee
ptsa annual family investment drive
· Public school is free – a great education is not. Hence the SMASH Annual Family Investment Drive is the single most important fundraiser of the year. Your contribution pays for classroom teaching assistants, reading and math specialists, the SMASH fine arts program, science equipment, technology upgrades, professional development and so much more. Please make your tax deductible contribution or commitment by October 1, 2011. We suggest an
investment of $575/student, but no amount is too much or too little. We are aiming for 100% participation, so give what you can and give as soon as possible. Please check your first day packet for our Annual Family Investment Letter, the form and envelope. If you have any questions, contact Marni Ayers Brady (marniayers@gmail.com) or Helga Schier (helgaschier@verizon.net).
ptsa news
president’s message
Dear SMASHing Parents,
This past weekend at Camp Josepho, in Pacific Palisades, the SMASH community turned out in force for the SMASH camping trip. It was awesome to see such a large portion of the SMASH community participate and spend at least one night and many both Friday and Saturday night having fun. There was archery, hiking, and a campfire where marshmallows were roasted and S’mores consumed. It was a good time.
All the events at SMASH could not take place without the volunteer efforts of our SMASH community. Every event at our school, whether a fundraising event like the rummage sale, jog-a-thon or SuperSMASH, or parent education nights and community building events like diversity night or just for fun events like the Halloween Carnival and the SMASH camping trip, need the volunteer efforts of SMASH parents to lead, organize and execute a plan to make the event happen.
The success and fun for this year’s and last year’s camping trip is due to the outstanding efforts of Core 1 mom, Elizabeth Kramer. Elizabeth first suggested Camp Josepho last year, as a potential site for a camping trip. She then took it over, made the arrangements and did the work to collect money, fill out forms and publicize the event, to assure a great experience for the SMASH community. We should all show our appreciation for her efforts. Like all events at SMASH, we need parent volunteers to step-up, lead and run these kinds of events. SMASH needs everyone to get involved.
Thanks,
Dan McGee
ptsa annual family investment drive
· Public school is free – a great education is not. Hence the SMASH Annual Family Investment Drive is the single most important fundraiser of the year. Your contribution pays for classroom teaching assistants, reading and math specialists, the SMASH fine arts program, science equipment, technology upgrades, professional development and so much more. Please make your tax deductible contribution or commitment by October 1, 2011. We suggest an
investment of $575/student, but no amount is too much or too little. We are aiming for 100% participation, so give what you can and give as soon as possible. Please check your first day packet for our Annual Family Investment Letter, the form and envelope. If you have any questions, contact Marni Ayers Brady (marniayers@gmail.com) or Helga Schier (helgaschier@verizon.net).
ptsa membership
Don’t forget to turn in your completed PTSA membership envelope and check ($8 per membership, payable toSMASH PTSA). Membership buys you the invaluable SMASH Directory, which is your portal to the SMASH community.
SMASHbash sign-up
Please calendar Friday October 7, 2011, to sign-up for a SMASHbash for the 2011-2012 school. So far there are 17 SMASHbashes schedule and maybe more. As most of you know, a SMASHbash is a party, event or activity hosted by a SMASH family or group of families. Each SMASHbashes has a limited number of people who can attend. The cost of the event is donated by the sponsoring SMASH family (or families) and participants pay a small fee to attend the event. SMASHbash has become a major fundraiser for the SMASH PTSA. SMASHbashes are a total blast to attend and a great way to bond with our community. Don’t miss out on your chance to participate.
SMASHing meetings
· Our second PTSA meeting of the new school year is on Wednesday October 12, at 6:00 p.m. PTSA meetings are held once a month and alternate each month between morning and evening meetings to accommodate all schedules. We need your voice, your support, and your involvement. Look for flyers posted around campus announcing the location. Be there!
SMASH green tip
· Turn off the tap: The average faucet releases about three gallons of water a minute, so shut it off while you brush your teeth or shave.
Think local food: Your last meal may have traveled 1,500 miles to get to your table. Farmers markets and conscientious supermarkets all offer locally grown produce. Buy it and you’ll conserve fuel, reduce pollution, and enjoy fresher food. http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/green-living/planet-friendly-tips-10000001604538/
index.html?xid=df-08-26-2011
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SMASH Site Council Agenda
Tuesday, October 4, 2011 - 5:00 PM Core 2
Adopt Agenda
Approve minutes of last meeting
Community participation
Reports and Announcements (regular agenda items)
Principal’s Report
Student Reports
Community Organization Reports (to include but not limited to the following):
PTSA
Student Council
Other
Old Business – core 3 and 4 representatives
New Business
Site Improvement Plan
Confirm meeting dates for the 10-11 year
Community participation (is applicable)
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WHY JOIN SMASH PTSA?
[Parent Teacher Student Association]
The number-one reason to join the SMASH PTSA is to benefit your child. In doing so,
you also help SMASH. But there are many more advantages. Here are just a few:
Get Connected. There’s no better way to know what’s happening at SMASH.
Tap into a Network. SMASH PTSA functions provide opportunities to meet other parents and teachers, build rapport and discuss parenting issues that are on your mind.
Watch yourself Grow. By volunteering with our PTSA, you gain valuable experiences and personal confidence. It’s an opportunity to put your skills and hobbies to good use for a good cause.
Speak Up. Because PTSA is a forum for exchanging ideas, you are encouraged to make suggestions and more effectively suggest change at our school.
Help Your Child Succeed. PTSA fosters parent involvement. Parent involvement has been proven by three decades of research to be the greatest predictor of student success.
Witness Improvement. By getting involved at SMASH, you’ll be part of the solution, helping to make positive changes. Our PTSA plays an important role in fundraising to provide building improvements, curriculum-based programs, social events, teachers’ aides, classroom supplies – all vital to the success of SMASH and our children.
Be a Role Model. By becoming a PTSA member, you’ll be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education.
To join, fill out the white PTSA envelope that came in your child’s first day packet, or pick up an envelope at the office. Insert a check for $8 per member, payable to SMASH PTSA. Drop the envelope off at the office. Any questions, email Snow Lam-Hansen (mother of Kim and Tia Hansen/Core 1) at snowwht@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Snow Lam-Hansen, PTSA Membership, V.P.
Daniel McGee, PTSA President
Jessica Rishe, Principal
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CORE 1 NEWS
Dear Core 1 Families,
Thank you for your generous donations to our core. We have purchased classroom supplies and art supplies for our 75 children. With your special donations, we have acquired digital cameras for our portrait photography study. Soon we will be getting new, natural wood chairs and tables. Your contributions enrich the school lives of our children.
Conferences will be on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday October 5th, 6th, and 7th. If you have yet to schedule a conference, please call or see Janice in the office. Her phone number is 310-396-2640. Thank you for completing the Conference Questionnaire that went home in last week’s Friday Folder. These sheets help us know what is important for us to discuss in our 20-minute conference. If you haven’t returned the questionnaire, please send it to your child’s workshop teacher. You will be having the conference with your child’s workshop teacher. We look forward to seeing each of you next week.
Volunteers have begun their work in the classrooms. If you are interested in volunteering regularly in the classroom, please sign up on the Google doc sent via email by our Core Reps. We will also have special projects (i.e. construction, gardening, art, etc.) throughout the year for those who are interested. We are planning to have a meeting with volunteers next week. More information will follow.
Community Walks happen throughout the school year. Most families have already completed the permission slip that will be used the whole year. You will be getting a permission slip to complete if you did not complete one with your first day of school packet. Over the next two weeks, Jackie and Graciela will be leading the first round of community walks. The children will create guidelines for walking out into the community as a school group. We will practice the guidelines on our first walk to Hollister Park on 4th Street. Volunteers who are scheduled to help during project time, 9:00-10:15 am, will be accompanying us on our walks.
The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences. We must widen the range of topics and goals, the types of situations we offer and their degree of structure, the kinds and combinations of resources and materials, and the possible interactions with things, peers, and adults.
- Loris Malaguzzi
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
Candis, Chrysta, Graciela, Jackie, and Nadja
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
Graciela: gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
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CORE 2 NEWS
Words of Wisdom from Core 2
Zelda: Core 2 is super fun and not to mention how nice the teachers are.
Eleanor: It is a fun place to be where everyone is nice.
Aidan: Even though we forget to bring out the terracycling container, you should continue at school and at home.
Audrey and Blaise: We have a different routine with playtime before lunch eating time.
Jovana: Core 2 is cool! I like the teachers.
Lola: I like playing Sparkle!
Wish list: easy to operate digital cameras, slightly used OK, for 4th graders to use on this journalism page.
Submitted by Core 2’s 4th grade journalists.
Drama teacher, Kristy Pace, would like to invite you and your family to join her for a special field trip, to see a real, up and running, traveling theatre troupe, that is playing at the Morgan-Wixson. I have also been able to arrange a little question and answer period with the actors just for our class after the show, so they can find out what it's really like to
be a traveling actor. You can also see the show on Oct. 9, but we will not have a question and answer that day. It's at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd. on Oct. 8 at 11am. Tickets are $7 per person, including adults!!! The show is "The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone" it's based on a great book that was inspired by a trip to Descanso Gardens in Pasadena. The show plays on a medley of themes ranging from patience to cooperation, from the greening of cities to the blossoming of the human spirit. The show includes puppetry, video, music and some fab adult actors.
RE: CAMP JOSEPHO TRIP:
THE BUS IS TOO LARGE TO GO UP THE ROAD TO CAMP. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING PARENTS TO TRANSPORT THE STUDENTS.PLEASE LOOK FOR A NEW PERMISSION SLIP FOR YOUR CHILD TO BE ABLE TO RIDE IN A CAR DRIVEN BY ANOTHER PARENT. PLEASE RETURN THIS SLIP BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 3.
Laura: lsherman@smmusd.org
Tamara: tmugalian@smmusd.org
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SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION FOR TRANSPORTING STUDENT IN PRIVATE VEHICLE
Date: _______________ School: SMASH Student: ________________________
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Your son/daughter is scheduled to participate in a special off-campus activity, approved by the School District and supervised by school personnel.
Type of Activity: Outdoor learning, overnight camping
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
Candis, Chrysta, Graciela, Jackie, and Nadja
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
Graciela: gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
_______________________________________
CORE 2 NEWS
Words of Wisdom from Core 2
Zelda: Core 2 is super fun and not to mention how nice the teachers are.
Eleanor: It is a fun place to be where everyone is nice.
Aidan: Even though we forget to bring out the terracycling container, you should continue at school and at home.
Audrey and Blaise: We have a different routine with playtime before lunch eating time.
Jovana: Core 2 is cool! I like the teachers.
Lola: I like playing Sparkle!
Wish list: easy to operate digital cameras, slightly used OK, for 4th graders to use on this journalism page.
Submitted by Core 2’s 4th grade journalists.
Drama teacher, Kristy Pace, would like to invite you and your family to join her for a special field trip, to see a real, up and running, traveling theatre troupe, that is playing at the Morgan-Wixson. I have also been able to arrange a little question and answer period with the actors just for our class after the show, so they can find out what it's really like to
be a traveling actor. You can also see the show on Oct. 9, but we will not have a question and answer that day. It's at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd. on Oct. 8 at 11am. Tickets are $7 per person, including adults!!! The show is "The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone" it's based on a great book that was inspired by a trip to Descanso Gardens in Pasadena. The show plays on a medley of themes ranging from patience to cooperation, from the greening of cities to the blossoming of the human spirit. The show includes puppetry, video, music and some fab adult actors.
RE: CAMP JOSEPHO TRIP:
THE BUS IS TOO LARGE TO GO UP THE ROAD TO CAMP. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING PARENTS TO TRANSPORT THE STUDENTS.PLEASE LOOK FOR A NEW PERMISSION SLIP FOR YOUR CHILD TO BE ABLE TO RIDE IN A CAR DRIVEN BY ANOTHER PARENT. PLEASE RETURN THIS SLIP BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 3.
Laura: lsherman@smmusd.org
Tamara: tmugalian@smmusd.org
_______________________________________
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION FOR TRANSPORTING STUDENT IN PRIVATE VEHICLE
Date: _______________ School: SMASH Student: ________________________
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Your son/daughter is scheduled to participate in a special off-campus activity, approved by the School District and supervised by school personnel.
Type of Activity: Outdoor learning, overnight camping
Location: Camp Josepho, Rustic Canyon
Date/Time of Departure: Oct 13, 2011 at 10:00am
Date/Time of Departure: Oct 13, 2011 at 10:00am
Date/Time of Return: Oct 14, 2011 at 2:00pm
A school district approved field trip/school activity is scheduled as indicated. A private vehicle driven by a volunteer driver will be used to transport your child to and from this activity. In event of a motor vehicle accident, the insurance coverage for this vehicle shall bear primary responsibility for any loss or claims for damages.
I understand that my child will be transported by private vehicle and give my permission for my child to participate in this field trip/school activity.
_________________________________
A school district approved field trip/school activity is scheduled as indicated. A private vehicle driven by a volunteer driver will be used to transport your child to and from this activity. In event of a motor vehicle accident, the insurance coverage for this vehicle shall bear primary responsibility for any loss or claims for damages.
I understand that my child will be transported by private vehicle and give my permission for my child to participate in this field trip/school activity.
_________________________________
Parent/Guardian – Print Name
______________________________
Parent/Guardian – Signature
________________
Date
_______________________________________
CORE 3 NEWS
6th Grade Math with Carrie: We continued our study of factors by finding Greatest Common Factors (GCF) and Least Common Multiples (LCM). We are learning several different methods to figure them out and we all really like "Lily's Method". Ask your child to show you how it works!
6th Grade Math with Erin "Data About Us":
5th grade Math Workshop with Genie: We've been looking at large multiplication and division problems thinking about ways to start solving the problems in our head without going directly to the algorithm.
Science with Carrie: This week we went to the field to see how far away each planet is from the sun if the sun is 1 inch in diameter and is at the far fence (first base fence). To get to Pluto, you have to go almost to the lunch benches. The sun in our classroom is 50 inches in diameter so, clearly, we won't be able to make an accurate representation of the solar system regarding distance but we are making the planets to scale in size (many are really tiny!). For the planets that are tiny (all but Saturn and Jupiter), students are making larger
drawings so they can show some of the amazing details. Most groups are narrowing down their information to determine what they think is the most important and they are working on creative ways to teach us (songs, poems, visuals, etc.). Ask your child how it's going!
Reading and Writing Workshop with Genie: Publishing a piece is the last act before celebrating all the hard work we put into our writing. We are making sure all of our revisions, paragraph work, and corrected spelling make it into our final piece. We hope you can join us at our publishing party, Tuesday, October 4 11:30-12:25 orange, 1:15-2:10 blue. In reading workshop, we've gotten new partners who will be our first book club members. We have been practicing our discussion skills in Read Aloud as we have talked about how characters/people can be opposites yet close friends or siblings and how characters/people are always setting goals in their lives in school and outside of school. Check out our blog for some dinner conversation starters!
Art: Juliana helped the kids think about proportions and symmetry as we looked at how the human head is shaped. The artists learned that it is hard to draw a face but know that with practice we can get better and better. Encourage your young artist to look in the mirror and try drawing a self-portrait.
Homework:
6G math: Assignment #13 (both sides). Extra copies are available on our website or in the classroom. There is an extra credit page (also labeled #13 but it says E.C. on it).
5G math: packet #5. Due 10/7/11. Keep working on those multiplication facts!
RW: Read every day! How many pages have you read so far this school year?
WW: Memoir piece needs to be neatly published by 10/4 and rubric completed.
Genie: ghwang@smmusd.org
Carrie: cferguson@smmusd.org
Erin: ehaendel@smmusd.org
_______________________________________
CORE 4 NEWS
Date
_______________________________________
CORE 3 NEWS
6th Grade Math with Carrie: We continued our study of factors by finding Greatest Common Factors (GCF) and Least Common Multiples (LCM). We are learning several different methods to figure them out and we all really like "Lily's Method". Ask your child to show you how it works!
6th Grade Math with Erin "Data About Us":
5th grade Math Workshop with Genie: We've been looking at large multiplication and division problems thinking about ways to start solving the problems in our head without going directly to the algorithm.
Science with Carrie: This week we went to the field to see how far away each planet is from the sun if the sun is 1 inch in diameter and is at the far fence (first base fence). To get to Pluto, you have to go almost to the lunch benches. The sun in our classroom is 50 inches in diameter so, clearly, we won't be able to make an accurate representation of the solar system regarding distance but we are making the planets to scale in size (many are really tiny!). For the planets that are tiny (all but Saturn and Jupiter), students are making larger
drawings so they can show some of the amazing details. Most groups are narrowing down their information to determine what they think is the most important and they are working on creative ways to teach us (songs, poems, visuals, etc.). Ask your child how it's going!
Reading and Writing Workshop with Genie: Publishing a piece is the last act before celebrating all the hard work we put into our writing. We are making sure all of our revisions, paragraph work, and corrected spelling make it into our final piece. We hope you can join us at our publishing party, Tuesday, October 4 11:30-12:25 orange, 1:15-2:10 blue. In reading workshop, we've gotten new partners who will be our first book club members. We have been practicing our discussion skills in Read Aloud as we have talked about how characters/people can be opposites yet close friends or siblings and how characters/people are always setting goals in their lives in school and outside of school. Check out our blog for some dinner conversation starters!
Art: Juliana helped the kids think about proportions and symmetry as we looked at how the human head is shaped. The artists learned that it is hard to draw a face but know that with practice we can get better and better. Encourage your young artist to look in the mirror and try drawing a self-portrait.
Homework:
6G math: Assignment #13 (both sides). Extra copies are available on our website or in the classroom. There is an extra credit page (also labeled #13 but it says E.C. on it).
5G math: packet #5. Due 10/7/11. Keep working on those multiplication facts!
RW: Read every day! How many pages have you read so far this school year?
WW: Memoir piece needs to be neatly published by 10/4 and rubric completed.
Genie: ghwang@smmusd.org
Carrie: cferguson@smmusd.org
Erin: ehaendel@smmusd.org
_______________________________________
CORE 4 NEWS
Dear Core 4 Families
8th grade:
We started conferences early for 8th grade and we want to thank the families who participated. If you missed this opportunity, please email Kurt or Darwin to schedule your conference. We will start the next round when we are done with the 7th grade conferences.
7th grade:
Conference for 7th graders will start next week. The times slots are available in the office. Please sign up for either Kurt or Darwin, but not both. You will meet with one teacher for the fall conference and the other teacher for the spring conference. (For example: if you are going to a conference with Kurt this Fall, you will meet with Darwin during the Spring conference.) Each conference will be 20 minutes long and we will have a conversation about the topic, “What is important to me right now?”
Kurt and Darwin
A message from Darwin…
Dear Core 4 Families,
I want to thank everyone for being thoughtful, caring, and extremely supportive during my family’s time of grief. My family and I appreciate your generosity and kindness. It is an honor to be part of this loving and caring community.
Thank you,
Darwin
Drama Teacher Kristy Pace Invites Core 4 Parents’ Help on Oct 19, Oct 26, Nov 9, Nov 23, and Nov30 Kristy would love to have FOUR core 4 parents volunteer to be with us in class from 10:55am-12:25pm and 1:10pm-2:35pm, as adult supervisors during filming. These adults would allow us to have four groups out filming and leave Kristy free to travel between the groups to assist them, answer their questions and give recommendations and filming tips. If you are interested/available, please email kvpsummer@yahoo.com
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