Welcome Back- it's hard to believe that the last blog was last Tuesday!!
Hope everyone had a very happy Easter.
I hate to admit that I actually didn't mind the weather.
We went to see Clash of the Titans but I like the original cheesy special effects one better than the Star Wars meets Harry Potter version that is messing too much with the version of Greek mythology that we all know and love.
Just a quick update on the end of last week:
Wednesday March 31st was student-led conferences starting at 2pm- 7pm but my last parents were still playing Math Jeopardy at 7:30pm. Thank-you all for coming to our school and taking part in the whacky Math Jeopardy (I stand corrected on a few examples but isn't that what learning is all about? Shhh, I make mistakes but my students ALWAYS catch me, correct me and I don't get away with any inaccuracies for long) I enjoyed the evening.
Thursday was an interesting Pro-d in which the staff learned about the difference between assessment for learning and assessment of learning. It is based on a philosophy that proposes to put students in charge of their own learning by providing specific guidance. Theortically exciting but realistically more difficult to put it into practice. It's not new - the research has been around since the mid 80's and is compelling but the education system and its teachers are trying to maintain sanity in a very challenging environment and tend to hang onto what we've done that works in our classes. So systemic change and risk involved in doing things differently takes guts and time and baby steps. I intend to introduce a few ideas from my reading of the research and see how the students react - I'll keep you posted.
Over the long weekend, I finally had the time to complete the extensive trip proposal and detailed plan for Camp Homewood. The paperwork now goes to Mrs Paxton for her approval and then the District Superintedent for his approval. I have crossed all my ttt"s and dotted all my iii's so I think (hope) it should be approved soon.
All the transportation plans are in place and just need to be confirmed once I have my final numbers- please encourage your children to get those forms in ASAP
BACK TO SCHOOL Tuesday April 6th
I was surprised to have 8 students absent after a long weekend - seems bronchitis is going around!
SEATING Change- much discussed and runinated over by all. We are trying 5 groups (2 of 5 students and 3 of 6) students (28) total when every one is there. Unfortunately lots of students were away and it seemed to hit one whole group! Go figure.
We started the day with a Science activity (to test the groups) called Mystery Materials- the intention was to demonstrate the challenges of inferring materials (matter) when you can only use sound and the judgement of mass (weight). Of 5 mystery materials, the most correcly inferred was 3/5 (great start). The groups that successfully communicated with each other did very well. I really had to emphasize that the results of our science experiments are NOT a competition. The hands on (activity) part went well- the related textual reading not so much- more stamina is needed for connecting the learning from the activity to the BIG IDEA.
We had a visit from the Legion representatives Betty A. and Nelson W. They came to present some prizes from the recent Remembrance Day competition. Congratulations to Sarah J. who won $40 for 2nd place in the intermediate Essay competition and Ashleigh Giffen who also won $40 for 2nd place in the intermediate Poetry competition. Well done girls- I knew your work was good so I am glad someone else agrees:)
From Science we delved into a metric conversion assignment using linear metric measurement for mathematical/scientific purposes. This unit in math will be tied into our practical science applications: metric conversions (linear, mass and liquid), density, area, volume, mass and statistical graphing, data analysis from recorded data and learning the formulae used to calculate and communicate experiment results. I usually find students enjoy it (once they get over the shock that math is a big part of science) because they see the 'point' of the math results.
My intention at the end of the day is not to see a score on an assignment but to ask the students if they can now tackle a similar activity or problem with confidence on their own. Some have a way to go on that question.
After lunch
Physical Education with Mr. Parker (badminton)
DEAR reading time- took a while to settle but once they did, the majority of students were reading novels- not sure how to encourage others to read (perhaps the SRA kit might help my relunctant readers during this time as it is structured reading)
Finished the day with the stories of the 12 labours of Hercules and I was impressed that the students had during a group discussion manages to remember at least 8 of the 12. After discussion I read a version of the story to the class and we listed the first six and considered the use of fantastical, mythical beasts and monsters in Greek mythology. We will be reading and writing about mythology this term- social studies, language arts and art will be integrated.
Fundraising Update for Camp Homewood
Bottle Drive information flyer went out to students of grade six and seven at the end of the day(see information below).
Dismissal
Both boys and girls had floor hockey games (girls home vs Stawamus, boys away vs Stawamus)
The Bottle Drive April 10th, 2010 [This weekend]
We had to switch our bottle drive weekend from the 17th to the 10th (this weekend) due to the fact that we were competing with the high school Dry Grad class on the 17th. I do hope we can pull it off this weekend. We need drivers, collectors, sorters and lots of students who are willing to pitch in. In the past we have made a substantial profit at the bottle depot. Why not take your own empties there and put them towards Squamish Elementary account #89.
I will be there a bit later on Saturday due to a fundraising clash with my curling club- every spring I do the Spring Chicken (because I am a spring chicken!!) Sale at the local curling club so when I finish up there I will come straight to the bottle depot. Busy, busy!!
I realize it is also the soccer wind up weekend too- just let me know. I would like to subsidize as many students as possible but it is only fair to see that the students who have supported the fundraising efforts should be first in line.
Meanwhile: thank-you to the parents who have been MEGA- helpful with offering to assist me with all sorts of things- like putting ads in the paper, checking the bookings, making new bookings, taking care of the 'begging' letters etc. It is very much appreciated and it makes me aware that you appreciate the work we do on your children's behalf. Thanks.
Also thanks to fairy mom, Michelle, who donated a brand new First Aid Kit for Camp use. What a timely, thoughtful and useful gift. I am very grateful.
Have a great evening (what's left of it!!)
Mrs. J.
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