Congratulations to our 4th-8th grade musicians for creating such a pure, strong, delightful sound at the concert Tuesday night. What a wonderful evening.
After our SMASH screening of Race to Nowhere last Spring, each Core held discussions and wrote Friday Letter entries reiterating teachers’ thoughts about homework. One of the ideas in the lower Cores included using homework as a communication tool with families so you understand what your children are learning and can have a non pressured way to practice some reading, writing, and math, with plenty of class time provided for on-going projects and research.
This December, there were 92 SMASH responses to the SMMUSD Homework Survey. When asked how you find out about your child’s homework, 55.4% said through the Friday Letter and 57.6 % said from your child.
81.3% said your child spends “about the right amount of time” doing homework
69.2% said your child occasionally or never needs help completing homework independently. 30.8% said your child usually or always needs help
At SMASH we believe, homework should never be a source of family stress. Based on the survey comments and statistics, for those who responded to the survey, it seems like this goal of low intensity homework is being achieved.
If homework ever becomes a source of contention between you and your child, please contact your teacher so we can create a smoother homework agreement with your family.
Jessica
****************************
DATES TO REMEMBER
Tues, Jan 31 - SMASH night at California Pizza Kitchen
Tues, Jan 31 - 6:30pm - Virginia Avenue Park - State of Our Schools
Wed, Feb 1 - 2:00-2:50pm - Camp Josepho sharing - in Core 2
Wed, Feb 1 - 5:00pm - Site Council
Thurs, Feb 3 - Last day to be a Jog-a-Thon T-shirt sponsor!
Wed, Feb 8 - 6:00pm - PTSA Meeting
Fri, Feb 10 - 6:00-8:00pm - SMASH Family Dance
Sat, Feb 11 - 7:30pm - A night of Love songs & poetry to benefit the SMASH Middle School Music Program
Fri, Feb 17 - 8:30-9:30am - Parent Ed - Creating Upstanders: Anti-bullying efforts at SMASH/John Muir
SAVE THE DATE!
Fri, Mar 9 - SMASH Jog-a-Thon. Sign up now to volunteer
Tue, Mar 13 - 6:00pm - SMASH Talent Show
Fri, Mar 16 - 9:15am - Astrocamp assembly
Fri, Mar 30 - Last day to apply for SMASH for September (ALL siblings MUST have their applications in)
Sat, May 19 - SuperSMASH. Sign up now to volunteer.
****************************
SMASH Restaurant FUNd r a i s e r N i g h t
Come out and have fun with friends and family
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN
210 WILSHIRE BLVD.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 - ALL DAY!
CPK will donate 20% of your total back to SMASH PTSA. (This includes take out.)
SEE YOU THERE!
Make sure to bring the flyer attached to today’s Friday Letter & e-mail
****************************
SMASH Site Council Agenda
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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
Discuss SMMUSD centralized fundraising working group
New Business
Discuss Homework Survey Results
Community participation (is applicable)
Adjourn
****************************
A night of
LOVE
SONGS & POETRY
special guest artists share
passions in a pre-valentine’s day
Benefit for the
SMASH Middle School
Music Program
Saturday, February 11 at 7:30
1939 Westridge Terrace, Los Angeles, 90049
$15
rsvp liamjack1@mac.com
Or 310-471-4718
desserts and something bubbly
***************************
ptsa news
president’s message
Dear SMASHing Parents,
As you many of you already know, the 7th Annual STATE OF OUR SCHOOLS Community Report will be presented by Superintendent Sandra Lyon and special guests on Tuesday, January 31 - 6:30- 9:00pm at Virginia Avenue Park, Thelma Terry Building, 2200 Virginia Avenue, in Santa Monica. There is plenty of parking, especially on the Pico at 23rd St. parking lot. Sandy Lyon and others will be presenting the latest information on student achievement, educational initiatives and SMMUSD’s financial health. I expect there will be an update on the plan for centralized fundraising and a report on the first meeting the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, which met last Monday in the SMMUSD Board Room.
In the past this event has not been well attended. SMASH has a great opportunity to get noticed if we can get at least 5 people to attend and ask questions afterwards. Please mark the day in your calendar and make plans to attend. This is a chance for SMASH parents to get involved have your voice heard.
Dan McGee
SMASH bash
• If you have not been able to enjoy a SMASH bash event, please consider attending an event in the new year. Please contact Marni Ayers Brady (marniayers@gmail.com) at your earliest convenience and find out what upcoming events are still available.
SMASH green tip
How Many Times Can You Use Paper? Consider this: the U.S. alone uses 4 million tons of copy paper annually, about 27 pounds per person. Save all those one sided flyers and junk mail letters. You can use the backside for printing or for scratch paper. Visit http://content.photojojo.com/diy/photo-cover-notepad/ to learn
how to make your own notepad from scratch paper. Cut up cereal, tissue, and cracker boxes also make excellent note paper. Save money, trees, and landfills by usiing blank, new paper sparingly and reusing as much one-sided paper as possible. Search your offices and homes for one-sided, non-confidential paper. SMASH classrooms could always use one sided scratch paper for drawing and classwork. You'd be surprised how quick a stack of paper disappears with excited artists and writers!
No Terracycle Collection 2/2-2/8: There will be no Terracycle pick up at SMASH between 2/2-2/8. Please bring in your Terracycling from home before 2/2 or save it until 2/9. DO NOT bring your Terracycling to school during those dates as it will not be picked up and will attract critters. Thank you!
****************************
BASEBALL PLAYER EVALUATION—RESCHEDULED
Last week’s scheduled Player Evaluation has been rescheduled for this Saturday, Jan 28 at Los Amigos Park. (Corner of Hollister and 5th St.)
Player evaluations will begin at 9:00 am and continue through 1:00 pm.
Players should arrive twenty minutes before their specific division's evaluations period:
Pony Division, ages 13-14, begin at 9:00 am.
Bronco Division, ages 11-12, begin at 10:00 am.
Mustang Division, ages 9-10, begin at 11:00 am.
Pinto Division, ages 7-8, begin at 12:00 noon.
Shetland Division, ages 4-6, Evaluations are not required.
Teams are forming now so hurry down and register for the 2012 Season.
Opening day is March 3rd !!!
****************************
Hey SMASH,
the Family Dance is coming!
Friday, February 10
6-8PM
*People don’t have to go to New Orleans For Mardi Gras,
we’re having our own right here at SMASH!
We’ll have LIVE MUSIC, tasty snacks, crafts, raffle, and FUN!
Admission $5 per person
Includes a live band and snacks
Be sure to bring extra $$ for raffle prizes and Mardi Gras mask making!
*Presented by the SMASH Student Council
****************************
The SMASH Jog-a-thon t-shirt needs you!
Deadline: February 3rd
T-shirt sponsors make it possible for all students and teachers to take home a Jog-a-thon t-shirt. Sponsorship is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Sponsor names adorn the back of the t-shirt. As a token of appreciation for their generous support, t-shirt sponsors receive a complimentary t-shirt.
Fill out the form below and drop off in the office by the deadline above. Make
your check payable to SMASH PTSA.
Become a Corporate Sponsor
(donations of $150, $200 or $250)
or
Become a SMASHing Sponsor
(donations of $25, $50 or $100)
Questions?
Contact Lillie Schlessinger (213) 742-3394 – lilie.schlessinger@transamerica.com
------------------------------------------ -------------- ---------------------------------------Sponsorship: Corporate ___$250 ___$200 ___$150
SMASHing ___$10 0 ___$50 ___$25
Name (as you would like it to appear on the t-shirt):_______________________________
Child’s name (so we know who you are!):______________________________________
Size preference for complimentary t -shirt: ___XXL ___XL ___L ___M ___S (All sizes
are adult sizes since all students will already receive a complimentary t-shirt. If you
specifically want your complimentary t-shirt to be a child ’s size, please note this.)
****************************
CORE 1 NEWS
VALENTINE’S DAY TRADITION IN C1 is on Tuesday, February 14 and love is in
the air. Core 1 traditionally showers their friends in Valentines in a celebratory Magic
Circle.
Your child may bring 25 Valentines for all of the children in his/her circle group on the 14th.
Please don’t address the cards to specific children. You’re encouraged to write From: _______
or Love, ________, but please DO NOT write To: _________. This can get extremely confusing at our celebration….
P.S. No sweets please! Your children’s love and kindness are sweet enough!!
AQUARIUM FIELD TRIP REMINDER:
Core 1 has been invited to visit the Santa Monica Aquarium on January 30th and 31st.
Here is how it will work:
Monday, January 30th – ALL MENTORS AND SOME PARTNERS
(this group has received a yellow permission slip)
Tuesday, January 31st – ALL BIGS AND SOME PARTNERS
(this group has received a green permission slip)
PLEASE ARRIVE TO SCHOOL ON TIME Both groups will leave school as early as possible (before 9:00) on the BIG BLUE BUS #8. We will eat snack before our program (which starts at 9:30). We will also have time to play at the park, eat lunch, and walk back to school. Please pack enough food and water for your child for the entire day. Sunscreen is also recommended. We will return to school around 1:00.
If you have not already done so, please complete your child’s permission slip and return it with your child’s $1 bus fare in an envelope with your child’s name. If you’re available, please email Graciela (if your child is going with the Mentors) or Chrysta (If your child is going with the Bigs) if you have not already signed up and want to join us as a chaperone. Parents’ assistance is essential to keep our trips safe and fun for all.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!
Candis, Chrysta, Graciela, Nadja, and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
Graciela: gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
****************************
CORE 2 NEWS
Core 2 Dates to Remember
Monday, January 30 – field trip to Star Eco Station, 8:35 – 2:00
Wednesday, February 1 -- field trip to Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 8:45 – 12:00
Wednesday, February 1 – Camp Josepho sharing, 2:00 – 2:50, in Core 2
Monday, February 6 – 100th Day of School
Tuesday, February 14 – Valentine’s Day
Monday, February 20 – President’s Day Holiday – no school
Friday, March 2 – Celebrate Dr. Suess’ birthday, Pajama Day
Friday, March 9 – SMASHing Jog-a-thon
Monday, March 26 – Symphonic Adventure at Samo High – walking
Wednesday, March 28 – Arts with Julianna daytime sharing
Wednesday, March 28 – Open House, 6PM
Wish list: scratch paper, tissues, scotch tape refills (we have the holders), hand sanitizers and large refill
In Art with Julianna we have been exploring different ways to create objects with clay – pinch pots, and slab shapes. We have Art every Wed, 8:30 – 10:15, and would love to have parent helpers. We especially need help on the starred days. If you could come in for one of these sessions please let us know ASAP!
Wed, 2/1 – no Art, to be rescheduled, field trip to Santa Monica Aquarium,
2/8 – Art
*2/15 – Art cutting cardboard
2/22 – No Art
*2/27 – Art cutting cardboard
3/7 – Art
3/14 – Art
3/21 – Art
Wednesday, March 28 – Arts with Julianna daytime sharing
Tamara, Laura, Jayme, and Karin
Laura: lsherman@smmusd.org
Jayme: j.wold@smmusd.org
Tamara: tmugalian@smmusd.org
****************************
CORE 3 NEWS
*Field Trip to Morgan-Wixson Theater a Modern Romeo & Juliet Tuesday, February 7. We’re requesting a $7.00 donation. Chaperone's needed (departing at 10:15 and returning by 2:00). Please contact Genie if able to join us!
*5th grade Astro Camp paperwork must be turned in by February 1. Final payment is also due by February 1! Please e-mail Genie at ghwang@smmusd.org if you need information on your payment status.
Please talk to your child about taking care of their belongings and being mindful of other people's belongings. As we are working on keeping organized, prepared, and being upstanders in our community, there continues to be issues with pencils being taken out of backpacks and cases without permission. More awareness and more communication does make a difference in keeping everyone's belongings safe. Thanks!
6th gr Math w/ Carrie: We focused on converting improper fractions to mixed fractions (and back) as well as beginning to look at how to convert fractions to percents.
6th gr Math w/ Erin: We continued our participation in the UCLA Math Games Study. Students are enjoying the games while at the same time practicing their math skills and contributing valuable research material to UCLA.
5th gr Math w/ Genie: We have been adding and subtracting fractions and been using the clock and the friendly number 12, but also know that we need to find a common denominator of a variety of numbers so knowing our multiples of numbers is important. We are also using our factors knowledge to help us find our numerators to know how many 3's (or 1/3s) are in 12 or how many 4's (or 1/4s) are in a 12. Help you child by practicing their factors and multiples of a number. Try it out with 12, 24, 60, and 100.
Science w/ Carrie: Our study of technology had us look at "sticky sites" and how to "cite a site". We also began our research on biomes, ecosystems, and habitats. One of our "Big Questions" is, "What is the difference between a biome, an ecosystem, and a habitat?"
SS w/ Erin: This week Kaiden's mom, Cris, came to tell us about her experiences volunteering in post-apartheid South Africa. She spent almost 2 hours with each group of students, showing an amazing slide show and sharing different statistics about life under apartheid. The students were able to see photos of Piesang River, the Black homeland where she lived and worked. She also showed the contrasting parks and homes of the White citizens of Cape Town. It was an
incredibly eye opening and informative presentation for the children (and for me). Thanks Cris!
Opening day is March 3rd !!!
****************************
Hey SMASH,
the Family Dance is coming!
Friday, February 10
6-8PM
*People don’t have to go to New Orleans For Mardi Gras,
we’re having our own right here at SMASH!
We’ll have LIVE MUSIC, tasty snacks, crafts, raffle, and FUN!
Admission $5 per person
Includes a live band and snacks
Be sure to bring extra $$ for raffle prizes and Mardi Gras mask making!
*Presented by the SMASH Student Council
****************************
The SMASH Jog-a-thon t-shirt needs you!
Deadline: February 3rd
T-shirt sponsors make it possible for all students and teachers to take home a Jog-a-thon t-shirt. Sponsorship is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Sponsor names adorn the back of the t-shirt. As a token of appreciation for their generous support, t-shirt sponsors receive a complimentary t-shirt.
Fill out the form below and drop off in the office by the deadline above. Make
your check payable to SMASH PTSA.
Become a Corporate Sponsor
(donations of $150, $200 or $250)
or
Become a SMASHing Sponsor
(donations of $25, $50 or $100)
Questions?
Contact Lillie Schlessinger (213) 742-3394 – lilie.schlessinger@transamerica.com
------------------------------------------ -------------- ---------------------------------------Sponsorship: Corporate ___$250 ___$200 ___$150
SMASHing ___$10 0 ___$50 ___$25
Name (as you would like it to appear on the t-shirt):_______________________________
Child’s name (so we know who you are!):______________________________________
Size preference for complimentary t -shirt: ___XXL ___XL ___L ___M ___S (All sizes
are adult sizes since all students will already receive a complimentary t-shirt. If you
specifically want your complimentary t-shirt to be a child ’s size, please note this.)
****************************
CORE 1 NEWS
VALENTINE’S DAY TRADITION IN C1 is on Tuesday, February 14 and love is in
the air. Core 1 traditionally showers their friends in Valentines in a celebratory Magic
Circle.
Your child may bring 25 Valentines for all of the children in his/her circle group on the 14th.
Please don’t address the cards to specific children. You’re encouraged to write From: _______
or Love, ________, but please DO NOT write To: _________. This can get extremely confusing at our celebration….
P.S. No sweets please! Your children’s love and kindness are sweet enough!!
AQUARIUM FIELD TRIP REMINDER:
Core 1 has been invited to visit the Santa Monica Aquarium on January 30th and 31st.
Here is how it will work:
Monday, January 30th – ALL MENTORS AND SOME PARTNERS
(this group has received a yellow permission slip)
Tuesday, January 31st – ALL BIGS AND SOME PARTNERS
(this group has received a green permission slip)
PLEASE ARRIVE TO SCHOOL ON TIME Both groups will leave school as early as possible (before 9:00) on the BIG BLUE BUS #8. We will eat snack before our program (which starts at 9:30). We will also have time to play at the park, eat lunch, and walk back to school. Please pack enough food and water for your child for the entire day. Sunscreen is also recommended. We will return to school around 1:00.
If you have not already done so, please complete your child’s permission slip and return it with your child’s $1 bus fare in an envelope with your child’s name. If you’re available, please email Graciela (if your child is going with the Mentors) or Chrysta (If your child is going with the Bigs) if you have not already signed up and want to join us as a chaperone. Parents’ assistance is essential to keep our trips safe and fun for all.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!
Candis, Chrysta, Graciela, Nadja, and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
Graciela: gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
****************************
CORE 2 NEWS
Core 2 Dates to Remember
Monday, January 30 – field trip to Star Eco Station, 8:35 – 2:00
Wednesday, February 1 -- field trip to Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 8:45 – 12:00
Wednesday, February 1 – Camp Josepho sharing, 2:00 – 2:50, in Core 2
Monday, February 6 – 100th Day of School
Tuesday, February 14 – Valentine’s Day
Monday, February 20 – President’s Day Holiday – no school
Friday, March 2 – Celebrate Dr. Suess’ birthday, Pajama Day
Friday, March 9 – SMASHing Jog-a-thon
Monday, March 26 – Symphonic Adventure at Samo High – walking
Wednesday, March 28 – Arts with Julianna daytime sharing
Wednesday, March 28 – Open House, 6PM
Wish list: scratch paper, tissues, scotch tape refills (we have the holders), hand sanitizers and large refill
In Art with Julianna we have been exploring different ways to create objects with clay – pinch pots, and slab shapes. We have Art every Wed, 8:30 – 10:15, and would love to have parent helpers. We especially need help on the starred days. If you could come in for one of these sessions please let us know ASAP!
Wed, 2/1 – no Art, to be rescheduled, field trip to Santa Monica Aquarium,
2/8 – Art
*2/15 – Art cutting cardboard
2/22 – No Art
*2/27 – Art cutting cardboard
3/7 – Art
3/14 – Art
3/21 – Art
Wednesday, March 28 – Arts with Julianna daytime sharing
Tamara, Laura, Jayme, and Karin
Laura: lsherman@smmusd.org
Jayme: j.wold@smmusd.org
Tamara: tmugalian@smmusd.org
****************************
CORE 3 NEWS
*Field Trip to Morgan-Wixson Theater a Modern Romeo & Juliet Tuesday, February 7. We’re requesting a $7.00 donation. Chaperone's needed (departing at 10:15 and returning by 2:00). Please contact Genie if able to join us!
*5th grade Astro Camp paperwork must be turned in by February 1. Final payment is also due by February 1! Please e-mail Genie at ghwang@smmusd.org if you need information on your payment status.
Please talk to your child about taking care of their belongings and being mindful of other people's belongings. As we are working on keeping organized, prepared, and being upstanders in our community, there continues to be issues with pencils being taken out of backpacks and cases without permission. More awareness and more communication does make a difference in keeping everyone's belongings safe. Thanks!
6th gr Math w/ Carrie: We focused on converting improper fractions to mixed fractions (and back) as well as beginning to look at how to convert fractions to percents.
6th gr Math w/ Erin: We continued our participation in the UCLA Math Games Study. Students are enjoying the games while at the same time practicing their math skills and contributing valuable research material to UCLA.
5th gr Math w/ Genie: We have been adding and subtracting fractions and been using the clock and the friendly number 12, but also know that we need to find a common denominator of a variety of numbers so knowing our multiples of numbers is important. We are also using our factors knowledge to help us find our numerators to know how many 3's (or 1/3s) are in 12 or how many 4's (or 1/4s) are in a 12. Help you child by practicing their factors and multiples of a number. Try it out with 12, 24, 60, and 100.
Science w/ Carrie: Our study of technology had us look at "sticky sites" and how to "cite a site". We also began our research on biomes, ecosystems, and habitats. One of our "Big Questions" is, "What is the difference between a biome, an ecosystem, and a habitat?"
SS w/ Erin: This week Kaiden's mom, Cris, came to tell us about her experiences volunteering in post-apartheid South Africa. She spent almost 2 hours with each group of students, showing an amazing slide show and sharing different statistics about life under apartheid. The students were able to see photos of Piesang River, the Black homeland where she lived and worked. She also showed the contrasting parks and homes of the White citizens of Cape Town. It was an
incredibly eye opening and informative presentation for the children (and for me). Thanks Cris!
We also spent time doing some non-fiction Social Studies reading and discussion. The students read and thought about a current article on education from the NY Times. We discussed the ideas in the article: should parents have the right to opt their child out of parts of the public school curriculum that they don't agree with? Feel free to discuss with your child.
RW/WW w/ Genie: We have been listening and reading different news columns and articles as we launched our Journalism and Nonfiction Reading Units. We are reading different news articles and columns which are like essays and each journalist will have to write one column and one article for their group's newspaper. Encourage your child to read the newspaper or read the news online to practice their nonfiction reading skills and to help them get ideas for their writing. They will be able to choose their publishing format, paper, blog, audio, or video as well as their group's newspapers name.
RW/WW w/ Genie: We have been listening and reading different news columns and articles as we launched our Journalism and Nonfiction Reading Units. We are reading different news articles and columns which are like essays and each journalist will have to write one column and one article for their group's newspaper. Encourage your child to read the newspaper or read the news online to practice their nonfiction reading skills and to help them get ideas for their writing. They will be able to choose their publishing format, paper, blog, audio, or video as well as their group's newspapers name.
Homework:
6G Math: #10B is due Thursday, February 2.
5G Math: Packet #18 due Fri 2/3.
Writing: Collect 3 entries in their notebook (3 full pages), anything they want, can include ideas for their improv and comedy work with Kristy, newspaper column or article ideas, anything!
Reading: read every day for 30-40 minutes! Ask your child how many books they have completed this year.
Juliana, our SMASH artist-in-residence will be teaching a Saturday Watercolor Class from 10am-12pm for 9-12 year olds at Otis Parsons (see Otis Parson website for further details)
DEAR MIDDLE SCHOOL STRINGS & WINDS “MY GIRL” PERFORMERS,
You were incredible at your concert musicians! In order to capture the wonderful sound of both groups playing My Girl, Lori Nafshun has generously agreed to film you next Tuesday, January 31st at 8:00am in the SMASH Library with both groups side by side.
So...bring your instruments and yourselves to the Library at 8:00am on Tuesday.
Kevin & Mike’s winds group will then go to Core 4 at 8:30
Robbie’s strings group will stay in the library to finish your class time until 9:15.
Please, remind your friends to be on time so we can have a good video of your wonderful music.
*Reminder: Sat, Feb 11 at 7:30pm, SMASH middle school music program fundraiser—details in today’s letter
****************************
CORE 4 NEWS
8th grade
In 8th grade science, we are beginning to get a test every other Wednesday. We will also be beginning projects with partners. We will choose an experiment from our written test last week or from the test for next week such as Newton’s unit of measure and force. We will create an experiment that represents our choice. In Algebra, we just finished our first semester finals. Some students had it up to chapter 6 and the others had it up to chapter 5. There is a chapter 6 test on Monday, January 30th. We also have rearranged our mini support groups.
7th grade
In science we are completing our Yosemite boards by Friday the 27th. Our Yosemite boards are about animals, plants, weather, and geological features. In Pre-Algebra, we are finishing up chapter four and it is due by Friday the 27th. We will start chapter five next week.
Humanities
In Humanities, we are finishing up with a mini unit on religion. We recently received this assignment and each person was assigned a religion to study. So far, we have learned that Scientology is the newest religion and that Hinduism is the oldest religion. We also found out that Christianity has the greatest numbers, but, Islam is the fastest growing religion. This will be our last unit before we switch to language arts.
Language arts
We created book clubs and decided on a book to read. We are working on our book club projects. Some of the projects we are working on are character boards, power point, plot timeline/story mountain, and literature responses. We are also were wrapping up our vocabulary unit by making either a skit or a story.
Written by Daniel. K and Sebastian. S
Dear Middle School Strings and Winds “My Girl” Performers,
You were incredible at your concert musicians! In order to capture the wonderful sound of both groups playing My Girl, Lori Nafshun has generously agreed to film you next Tuesday, January 31st at 8:00am in the SMASH Library with both groups side by side.
So...bring your instruments and yourselves to the Library at 8:00am on Tuesday.
Kevin & Mike’s winds group will then go to Core 4 at 8:30
Robbie’s strings group will stay in the library to finish your class time until 9:15.
Please, remind your friends to be on time so we can have a good video of your wonderful music.
- Jessica
Upcoming events
• Core 4 Parent Ed. Night - February 1, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
• Language Arts Celebration - February 3, 2012
• Trip to the Morgan-Wixon Theatre to watch Romeo and Juliet for Kids - February 7, 2012 at 11:15 a.m.
• Sat, Feb 11 at 7:30pm, SMASH middle school music program fundraiser—details in today’s letter
Darwin Mendinueto dmendinueto@smmusd.org
Kurt Holland kholland@smmusd.org
****************************
Santa Monica - Malibu Schools
“Like life, racial understanding is not something that we find, but something that we must create.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
CORE 4 NEWS
8th grade
In 8th grade science, we are beginning to get a test every other Wednesday. We will also be beginning projects with partners. We will choose an experiment from our written test last week or from the test for next week such as Newton’s unit of measure and force. We will create an experiment that represents our choice. In Algebra, we just finished our first semester finals. Some students had it up to chapter 6 and the others had it up to chapter 5. There is a chapter 6 test on Monday, January 30th. We also have rearranged our mini support groups.
7th grade
In science we are completing our Yosemite boards by Friday the 27th. Our Yosemite boards are about animals, plants, weather, and geological features. In Pre-Algebra, we are finishing up chapter four and it is due by Friday the 27th. We will start chapter five next week.
Humanities
In Humanities, we are finishing up with a mini unit on religion. We recently received this assignment and each person was assigned a religion to study. So far, we have learned that Scientology is the newest religion and that Hinduism is the oldest religion. We also found out that Christianity has the greatest numbers, but, Islam is the fastest growing religion. This will be our last unit before we switch to language arts.
Language arts
We created book clubs and decided on a book to read. We are working on our book club projects. Some of the projects we are working on are character boards, power point, plot timeline/story mountain, and literature responses. We are also were wrapping up our vocabulary unit by making either a skit or a story.
Written by Daniel. K and Sebastian. S
Dear Middle School Strings and Winds “My Girl” Performers,
You were incredible at your concert musicians! In order to capture the wonderful sound of both groups playing My Girl, Lori Nafshun has generously agreed to film you next Tuesday, January 31st at 8:00am in the SMASH Library with both groups side by side.
So...bring your instruments and yourselves to the Library at 8:00am on Tuesday.
Kevin & Mike’s winds group will then go to Core 4 at 8:30
Robbie’s strings group will stay in the library to finish your class time until 9:15.
Please, remind your friends to be on time so we can have a good video of your wonderful music.
- Jessica
Upcoming events
• Core 4 Parent Ed. Night - February 1, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
• Language Arts Celebration - February 3, 2012
• Trip to the Morgan-Wixon Theatre to watch Romeo and Juliet for Kids - February 7, 2012 at 11:15 a.m.
• Sat, Feb 11 at 7:30pm, SMASH middle school music program fundraiser—details in today’s letter
Darwin Mendinueto dmendinueto@smmusd.org
Kurt Holland kholland@smmusd.org
****************************
Santa Monica - Malibu Schools
“Like life, racial understanding is not something that we find, but something that we must create.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
THE SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Is sponsoring another opportunity for
Members of the community to
Come together to participate in a
Dialogue on Race.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
9:00am - 12:00pm
Santa Monica High School
We welcome your voice and contribution to the dialogue, and working
with us to make our community a truly respectful place.
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In order that we may plan appropriately, please let us know that you will be attending
by contacting Sara Wahrenbrock at swahrenbrock@smmusd.org.
or 310-450-8338, ext. 70241; or send the bottom section of this sheet to
Sarah Wahrenbrock - SMMUSD
1651 16th St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
__________________________________________________________________
I will be attending the Dialog on Race on Saturday, February 4, 2012
Name _______________________________________
Number of people attending including yourself _________________
Name(s) of additional attendees ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
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