Monday, May 14, 2012

Friday Letter May 11, 2012


Help!

SuperSMASH is in trouble.

Without you,
our usually so successful and fun fundraiser will suffer.


We need your help. Really.
Please turn over this page and see what we need.


Then help.

******************** 
Only 1 more week to SuperSMASH
and we still need


more volunteers
Contact Helga at helgaschier@verizon.net or sign up online
 (check your e-mail in-box for the links)

people to distribute postcards & posters.
Go pick up a few from the office and post them around town.

people to bake cakes for our cakewalk.
E-mail Yvonne at paradisekid@verizon.net

canopies and coolers and a grill or two.
E-mail Jessica at jrishe@smmusd.org

And we’re still accepting more donations for our Auction.
Drop them off in the office ASAP!

S_perSMASH needs U!


May 19, 2012     11:30 to 5:30


Dear SMASHing Families,

As you read Jackie’s and Laura’s retirement letters on the Core 1 and 2 pages, I suspect you’ll share my feelings of gratitude for all they’ve shared with us over the years, sadness because goodbyes with those we care so deeply about are hard, and excitement for them on their next life adventures. 

For those who are wondering what this means for SMASH staffing for next year, please know Human Resources is working with me (and all Principals) right now in May figuring this out, and as soon as I know more, I will let you know.

In the meantime, stay tuned for details about how and when our community will celebrate with Laura and Jackie. 

Truly yours,
Jessica
______________________________________________________________________________
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wed, May 16 – Happy Birthday to Tracey Harris!  Our wonderful custodian!
Sat, May 19 – 9:00 -11:30 Middle School Parent forum at Lincoln
Sat, May 19 – 11:30-5:30 Super SMASH
Mon, May 21 - 9:00am - SMASH School Tour
Wed, May 23 - 5-6pm - Site Council Mtg
Fri, May 25 - Deadline to turn in “Are you returning to SMASH?” form
Mon, May 28 - Memorial Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
Wed, May 30 - 8:30am - PTSA Mtg
Thurs, May 31 - Final day for SMASH applications for grades 1-8
Thurs, May31 - 6:00-9:00pm - Spring Music Concert
. ******************
Sat, May 19 - SuperSMASH.  
Sign up now to volunteer at helgaschier@verizon.net or dmcgee@mcgeelerer.com)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
. ******************
SMASH Site Council would like to welcome our new parent representative, Molly Lague.
*****************
IS YOUR CHILD RETURNING TO SMASH NEXT YEAR?

We are in the process of making plans for next year’s enrollment. It is important for us to know if you are planning on returning to SMASH so that we can provide other children the opportunity to enroll.

If you are planning to attend another school in the district, you must complete and submit an Intradistrict Open Enrollment Application to the district’s Student Permit Office.  Applications are available in the SMASH main office.

Please fill in this form and return to the main office by May 21.

_____ YES, we will be returning
_____ NO, we will not be returning

If no, please let us know the reason and where your child will be attending so that we can transfer school records. Thanks.

_________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________



________________________________________                                               
Child’s Name                                                                  


Current Grade       __________


_______________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature


                                     ******************
Are You on Facebook?

Well the SMASH Community is too! To receive reminders about school-related events and chat with other SMASH parents and Community Members about educational topics and news, join the "SMASH Family and Friends Facebook Group" today. The Facebook group is mostly for current SMASH parents - but any SMASH family members, parent-alumni, SMASH friends and SMASH supporters are welcome to join as well.
                                    ******************
Remaining 2012 SMASH Bashes

There are still a few spots remaining for the final 4 fun family SMASH Bashes of the 2012 school year. Sign up quickly  - as space is (very limited)!

* Mother's Day Tea on a Roof Garden  - THIS SATURDAY - May 12, 2012 (1-3pm) $25/adult and $10/child
(HOSTED BY: Beck Taylor, Tracy Salzman & Lael Lowenstein)
* Backyard Movie & S'More Cookout  - June 9, 2012 (6:30pm - ?) $30/Family or $10/Person
(HOSTED BY: Dempsey Family)
* SMASH Music Bash - June 2, 2012 (4-7pm) $50/Family or $20/Person
(Hosted by Nina Fresco & Barbara Williams)
* Summer Volleyball Beach Bash - $30/Family or $10/Person
(Hosted by the Trevelin, Lovett and Brady Families)

Further details - and sign-up sheets - are available in the office. If you cannot make it to the office but wish to reserve a spot in one of these events, please email Marni Ayers Brady ASAP for a paypal link. Payment MUST BE RECEIVED TO RESERVE any SMASH Bash spots. REMINDER: SMASH Bash events are hosted by SMASH families. All proceeds collected to attend SMASH Bash events go directly to SMASH to pay for crucial student programs and supplies

Marni Ayers Brady
SMASH Bash Chair

******************
FILL A BAG.  FEED FAMILIES.
SATURDAY, MAY 12
National Assoc of Letter Carriers
STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE
It’s easy to help:
1.         Collect and bag non-perishable food items
2.         Place by mailbox for letter carrier to deliver to a local food bank

******************
   THE OCEAN PARK ASSOCIATION’S 4th  of JULY PARADE!
Applications to participate in the 4th of July will be available June 1 on the OPA Parade page:
www.opa-sm.org/parade <http://www.opa-sm.org/parade>

This year’s theme will emphasize science and technology, so put your propeller hats on, activate your anti-matter pods, and start coding for July 4th as we hope to see a spirited display of the imaginative, inventive spirit of the Americans ....... Benjamin Franklin was an inventor after all.

If you are interested in volunteering for the parade, please contact us at: volunteer@opa-sm.org

If you would like to be a sponsor: sponsor@opa-sm.org

******************

SuperSMASH ‘12
Saturday, May 19, 11:30AM to 5:30PM


Coming Attractions
Silent Auction

___________________________

Featured Item – 5 Day/4 Night Escape to Mexico
An amazing vacation awaits you… Spend 5 days and 4 nights in the Mexican Caribbean. Cancun is a place like no other. Whether you are seeking adventure, fun, or a relaxing vacation, you are about to experience it. White sandy beaches, clear turq...


Featured Item – 2 Tickets for Chicago, the Musical, with Christie Brinkley
Tickets are for Thursday, May 17.
Bidding on this item closes early due to event date.

___________________________

Check out the auction online!
Start bidding now!

https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=158659373#.T5dIK5ADyVM.facebook

And do keep ‘em coming. We’d like to fill the auction floor with good stuff.
So go out there and get more donations.
Thank you!

                                     ******************

SuperSMASH ‘12
Saturday, May 19, 11:30AM to 5:30PM
Coming Attractions
Carnival

Back by popular demand!
SMASH That Car

Sign up today to supervise this booth!
helgaschier@verizon.net or check your inbox for the online link
___________________________

NEW THIS YEAR
A Day at the Races
Remember the olden golden days?
We’re recreating them with a booth featuring:
sack races
three-legged races
balloon waddle races
ping-pong ball on spoon races  
Test your speed and skill and race against your friends, your parents or teachers. 

More new stuff
Decorate Kites • Make and Take Pottery • Sticky Wall

More stuff back by popular demand
Water Slide • Wheel of Fortune • Candy Necklaces • Fish Bowl Toss  
To Die For Tie Dye • Spin Art • Splash Attack • SMASHing Grill

And of course there’s music and great food and much much more!
___________________________

We need many more volunteers to make it all work. Please sign up.


Thank you!


******************
CORE  1 NEWS

Dear SMASH Families,

“Time it was, and what a time it was…
A time of innocence, a time of confidences,
Long ago, it must be,
I have a photograph
Preserve your memories,
They’re all that’s left of you.”
                                    -Simon and Garfunkel

I believe your memories define who you were and who you are.  I cherish my memories of SMASH, and hold on to them forever.  After 37 incredible years at SMASH, I am ready to move on to the next phase of my life.  In June, I will be retiring.

As many of you know, my husband Tom retired a couple of years ago.  I am ready to be retired with him side-by-side.  We began together as travelers, and we’re looking forward to traveling the world in the next few years.  We look forward to camping, spending time with family, and hopefully enjoying grandchildren soon. 

SMASH has been a huge part of my life for so long.  I feel like your children and those I have worked with here have been my greatest teachers, and I appreciate all of the families I have been deeply connected to.  Thank you for all that we have shared together.  I will always be a part of SMASH in various ways.

If I shed tears when you approach me after reading this, know how hard it is for me to say goodbye.  So let’s not say good-bye, let us say “Happy Travels” and “Until We Meet Again.”

Jackie

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

FARMERS MARKET FIELD TRIPMAY 16TH 9:00-1:30 – PARTNERS ONLY
Children need to be prepared with walking shoes and plenty of sunscreen.  Please pack a snack, lunch, and plenty of water.  We will be taking the Big Blue Bus. 

OCEAN VIEW GARDENS (at the intersection of Rose and Centinela)  9:00-
Friday, May 18th – BIGS with Chrysta
Monday, May 21st – Mentors with Graciela
Tuesday, May 22nd – Partners with Candis
*All children will need a snack and lunch.  We will take the Big Blue Bus to get there.  Chaperones needed!

MORGAN-WIXSON THEATER to see “How I Became a Pirate” musical – Thursday, May 24th  
*All children will need a snack and lunch.  10 chaperones spots are available.  Please email Candis if you’re available to help.
$12 DONATION PER CHILD IS REQUESTED TO COVER BOTH FIELD TRIPS

PROJECTS NIGHT – Wednesday, May 30th   6:00-7:00
Core 1 families are encouraged to visit our classrooms in the evening to learn more about our year-long project studies.  Interact with the children to learn about our inquiries and celebrate our discoveries.

CORE 1 BBQ – June 1st – Details to come next week!  Families are welcome to attend!
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org          
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org         
******************
CORE 2 NEWS
Dear SMASH Community,

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
Albert Einstein

As I am looking back, when I started working at SMASH I thought I knew everything there was about me as a person.  I had much to learn.  SMASH has taught me about how to have patience, how to be silly, how to be an active listener, how to do a presentation in front of a group of people, how to sing at graduation, how to prioritize my life, how to be appropriately assertive, and how to improve my teaching by working collaboratively.

Just when I think I am done learning about myself, I realize that I need time in my life to be a more active member of my community, be a more active grandma, mom, sister, daughter, and friend.  When I was in school, I was told that I was a “late bloomer” and “not living up to my potential”.   Being a Lifer at SMASH has made me realize that I need to keep on taking risks in my life.  So I have decided to retire after working at SMASH for over 30 years.  While I officially retire, I will always visit and stay connected to SMASH.

Fondly,
Laura


_________________________________________________________________________________
~4th grade families, please fill in the overnight field trip slip which is due today (yellow AstroCamp form)! You will be receiving a phone call if we have not received your initial form or heard from you. We need to know if your child is planning on going on next year's overnight trip!
__________________________________________________________
Core 2 Dates to Remember

Saturday, May 19 – Super SMASH
Monday, May 21 – field trip to the California Science Center has been Cancelled
Monday, May 28 – Memorial Day. School holiday
Friday, June 1 – 3rd grader sharing at District music, parents invited, 11:00 – 11:45
Monday, June 11 – Field Day w/ Community Groups
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – June 12, 13, 14, and 15,  1:30 dismissal
Thursday, June 14 – 8th Grade Graduation
Friday, June 15 – Beach Day
Monday, June 18 – Teacher Work Day

Tamara, Laura, Jayme, and Karin

Laura: lsherman@smmusd.org
Jayme: j.wold@smmusd.org
Tamara: tmugalian@smmusd.org
                                   ******************
CORE 3 NEWS

~Please fill in the overnight field trip slip which is due today! You will be receiving a phone call if we have not received your initial form. Most of the incoming 6th grader forms have been turned in and very few of the incoming 7th grade forms (green form for Yosemite). We need to know if your child is planning on going on next year's overnight trip!

~Thanks to all the families who signed up and met with one of the Core 3 teachers for conferences!
If you were not able to meet for a conference and you would like to have one please email the specific teacher directly to set something up: T, Th for Carrie (fergrex@gmail.com), M,W,F for Erin (dodgers44@hotmail.com), M-F (ghwang@smmusd.org).

6th gr Math w/ Carrie: We started our new unit on adding/subtracting/multiplying/dividing decimals.  This week we reviewed adding and subtracting decimals and introduced multiplying decimals. 
6th gr Math w/ Erin: This week we continued our study of area and perimeter, moving from squares and rectangles to triangles and other polygons. Next week we will continue on to circles.
5th gr Math w/ Genie: We are using a lot of our multiplication understanding to help us with our division problems.  We also know we can half both the dividend and the divisor to get the same answer and this strategy may help us come up with a friendlier problem to solve.  It's a little different than halving and doubling in multiplication.  For example, if we are solving 124 ¸ 16 we can half both parts to 62 ¸ 8 and half both sides again if we need to 31 ¸ 4.  Then it's easier to think 4x7=28 so the answer is 7 and ¾ or 7.75.  And so the answer of 124 ¸ 16 = 7.75!

Science w/ Carrie: We continued our investigation of sources of energy.  We are looking into the pros and cons for each different type of energy source as well as identifying key terms and interesting information about them.

SS w/ Erin: This week students continued with the information finding/note taking stage of their research. Groups are working diligently using books and web resources to learn more about their Ancient Egyptian specialty. We also discussed current events taking place in Egypt over the past week as the nation prepares for the upcoming elections. Next week we will follow more of the election proceedings and students will begin to create their poster boards or dioramas in class. Please remember to bring in all desired materials for your dioramas!
RW/WW w/ Genie:  If you haven't seen your child's poetry and art, please come see and read them in our room!  They are amazing! And with the end of our poetry unit, we have begun our Independent Writing Project.  And thanks to Jeannine Renshaw for sharing her writing process and script writing as another form of writing!  Our writers have always had a choice on what idea they wanted to write about but not the genre so they are very excited to be able to choose the idea and the genre.  They will create their own rubric to guide them through their own process and writing craft.  Ask your writer what genre and idea they have chosen! Also if you have a creative process or are a writer and want to share your process from brainstorming, choosing an idea, planning, drafting, revising, to publishing with Core 3 please contact Genie. Fridays from 10:30-12:30 work for our schedule or if a half hour with each advisory is enough then 11:00-12:00 on Fridays.
Homework:
6G Math: Multiplying decimals practice - due Tuesday.
5G Math: Packet #30 due Friday, 5/18.
Reading: read every day for 30-40 minutes!

Kaiden is collecting the rings that you pop off of your milk and juice cartons when you first open them for a project she is working on.  Please save them and bring them to Core 3!  A great reusing of a trash item!

Genie: ghwang@smmusd.org                   
Carrie: cferguson@smmusd.org                       
Erin: ehaendel@smmusd.org
                                     ******************
CORE 4 NEWS

7th Grade

Last Wednesday, the 7th graders took a walk to the Marina to learn stand up paddle-boarding at Mother’s Beach.  They split into two groups. One group went SUPing and the other group went to play games such as volleyball and soccer. All of the students can paddleboard now. We paddle boarded out into the marina.The groups then switched activities. Overall they had a great time, and learned to work as a team. Then we walked all the back to school!

On Friday, May 11, the 7th grade class will be taking a bus to the Ballona Creek Watershed. The 7th graders will be participating in many restoration projects. Some of these projects will include removing invasive plants and picking up trash. They have been exploring and learning about the importance of watersheds, and now they will be able to actually make a difference to this watershed and the animals who live in it!

8th Grade- The 8th graders are currently preparing for their graduation.  They are busy making their graduation speeches and presentations.  Below are the dates for the presentations. At their presentations they are allowed to have their parents, a teacher, and 3-5 guests (siblings and friends) to celebrate this accomplishment with them.

Monday, May 21st
8:30 - Gabriel Schier
9:30 - Laird Galloway
10:30 - Aspen Smith
11:00 - William Taylor
11:00 - Sebastian
11:30 - Gigi Lewis
12:00 - Tori Johnson
Tuesday, May 22nd
1:15 - Gabe Schmittiel
1:45 - Dylan Archer
2:15 - Diego Marvel
Wednesday, May 23rd
8:30 - Koji Avalos
9:00 - Cesia Mortaya
9:30 - Jasper Rowan
9:30 - Seanie Prendergast
10:30 - Caroline Friedman
10:30 Sasha Rocha
11:00 - Rachel Freedrick
11:30 - Jacob Serrano
12:00 - Shelby Wolf
Thursday, May 24th-
1:15 -Joy Watanabe
1:45 - Seb Cummings
2:15 - Henry S.
Wednesday, May 30th-
8:30 - Lola Liby-Blesser
9:00 - Izabel Martinez
10:30 - Mackenzie Varner


Darwin Mendinueto – dmendinueto@smmusd.org
Kurt Holland – kholland@smmusd.org













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