We've started a new and exciting project in Science called Interactive Notebooking!  The purpose of the interactive notebook is to:

• Involve students in "making sense" of their notes visually
• Develop student nonfiction reading and note-taking skills
• Teach students "approaches to learning" that will prepare them for success in school.
• Organize their Science learning and supplies in one place

Each Science class is now going a different direction as far as content goes, but the notebook will be a tool we use all year.  They're taking such pride in their work and I'm really happy with the progress thus far.

In sixth grade, we're diving into our LivingWise with Energy Trust of Oregon Unit.  Parents should have received an introduction letter from their child this week about our unit and how we're learning about the water cycle, natural resources and other 6th grade standards while simultaneously learning how to help the Earth by saving a little energy.  They'll be bring home the FREE kits next week, so I'll give a pretty extensive post next week to give you a bit more direction.  It's hands on, real learning, and I LOVE it!

Below is a title page and a concept map from two of our Sixth graders.  I can't help but share work that I'm proud of!

Seventh graders have started a new and challenging unit called Skateboard Science!  We're learning all about the physics of motion by working in teams to build and experiment with three-demensional models of skateboarding park equipment.  We learned about potential and kinetic energy this week and learned the structure of how we're running Skateboard Science.  Keep the cardboard coming, as we've got lots still to learn.

Below is an example of a Notebook cover, and how we're putting the essays and text we're studying in our notebooks so that students can reference them later without losing them.

Eight graders are diving into a series of mini units.  With our re-structuring the middle school grades this year, we have the fun task of covering all the 8th grade standards and any other standards they were supposed to hit with our theme based years.  That means that we've got an extremely full year.  I'm doing a few mini-units to review and refresh a few concepts for some, and teach for the first time for others.  Through pre-assessments and post assessments, I'm able to meet these students where they are and also keep them interested in what they're learning.  I'll make sure they're ready for high school.  Of that you can count on.

Below are a couple pages from an 8th grade notebook.  We've been taking "Interactive Notes," doing experiments and demonstrations in class that are used to solidify the concepts for students  while they input the information into their notebook.  It's been a lot of fun playing with even the simplest of things like water and food coloring.  There's just so much learning around every corner!

What a great week.  I'm looking forward to our conferences next week and checking in with parents.  If you're wondering about how conferences are working this year, check out my Parent Teacher Conferences blog post.  Enjoy your weekend!

Monday, October 29th
- Senior Homeroom Fall Party 2:15-3:00pm

Tuesday, October 30th
- Subway Lunch orders due no later than 3:30 pm. (Late orders will not be accepted, pay separate from your pizza order, and subway can only be paid weekly)
- Homework Club 3-4pm

Wednesday, October 31st
- No School: Teacher Planning Day

Thursday, November 1st - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 12pm to 8pm in gym with regular and classroom teachers for Seniors.  See PT blog post.

Friday, November 2nd - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Time for individual conferences by request for Seniors.  See PT blog post for more info.

Calendar

·         October 29th: 2nd and 3rd Grade Fieldtrip and Senior Fall Party in afternoon
·         October 30th: K/1 Field trip
·         October 31st: No School, Teacher planning
·         November 1st: No School, Parent Conferences 12:00 to 8:00
·         November 2nd: No School,  Parent Conferences 7:30 a.m. to noon
·         November 4th : Daylight Savings
·         November 6th: Presidents performance grades 4 and 5 from 9:30 to 11a.m.  in the gym
·         November 9th: Assembly in the gym for K – 3rd Graders
·         November 12th: N o School, Veteran’s Day
·         November 13th: MRA Leadership Team  Meeting, 3:00 to 3:45 p.m.
·         November 19th to 21st: No School, Teacher Planning Days
·         November 22nd and 23rd: No School, Thanksgiving Break
·         December 7th: Winter Program at MRA, 7:00 p.m.