Dear Parents,
We've gone from fine artists to performing artists. Our budding musicians will be on the radio! Please tune in to 95.1 on Friday to hear Brio and the middle school performing in "Christmas Idol. " They were thrilled to be chosen as finalists.
Inside the classroom we have some big events that we are preparing for. On Friday the Sun Bears and the Spirit Bears will visit Jamestown and Williamsburg. For the middle schoolers, the visit to Jamestown is the culmination of an autumn investigation. The study involved examining primary and secondary sources and studying early colonization from three perspectives. Williamsburg will serve as a springboard for our upcoming study of the Revolutionary War. We are wrapping up our Jamestown adventure with a big book of historical poetry that we will present to the Black Bears and Kodiak Bears next week.
In Science we continue to work on our Classification Museum. The children are invested in their kingdoms. They are doing scientific research and are preparing to teach their peers about the ways bacteria, fungus, animals, plants and protoctista are broken down into specific groups. They are also conducting experiments designed to demonstrate their understanding, planning activities that support their teaching and learning, and designing an interactive station for visiting guests.
Our Book Clubs have inspired all of us to dig deeper into our reading and meet our own personal challenges. The children are eager to share quotes that inspire them, passages that they connect with and words they find intriguing. They are glued to their books and have each met their personal goals as readers. Their growth presents itself in the way they speak to one another and has also fine tuned their listening skills. They regularly and enthusiastically report on stories they've heard on the radio or in conversation. Middle schoolers excitedly share examples of metaphors. similes, alliteration and personification they find outside of our classroom.
We continuously discuss and strive for a feeling of pride through our work. They can all identify that performing at their own personal best, whether it be on a homework assignment or in an important sports game, yields a positive and lasting feeling. They are understanding that their work ethic and attitude define their academic experience. It is incredible watch their intrinsic motivation continue to develop. I love watching their confidence bloom, and their commitment to themselves and their work take root.
Have a wonderful and warm week!
Karin
Upcoming Events:
December 8 - School Spirit Day - Crazy Hair
December 9 - Sun Bears and Spirit Bears to Jamestown/Williamsburg
December 14 - Music Department Concert at the MAC - 6:00 pm
December 16 - Whole School Circle at the Jefferson Theater
