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JUNE 7, 2015
Greetings Families, Only four more days left in the 2014-15 school year and then “school’s out for Summer.” I wanted to thank you for all your donations of good literature and book store gift cards. Every year I have students that check out hundreds of books from our classroom library- and unfortunately some are not returned. Your donations are an ongoing gift and it was amazing to see students excited to share their beloved books with next year’s students. THANK YOU!!!! UPCOMING DA VINCI EVENTS:
THIS WEEK IN CORE MONDAY: 6th and 7th graders will be making gifts for our 8th graders. I will provide all materials but could use DONATIONS OF metallic Sharpies, not fine tip. TUESDAY: MYTHOLOGY AND ODYSSEY UNIT
CORE PARTY FOR OUR ANNUAL BOOK DRIVE: BOTH AM AND PM WILL CELEBRATE 6th Graders Bring Something SWEET: cookies, cupcakes, fruit 7th Graders Bring Something SAVOURY: chips, dip, salsa, humous, crackers, cheese 8th Graders Bring a BEVERAGE THURSDAY: FAREWELL CELEBRATION AND END OF YEAR LETTERS Letters absolutely due on June 11 for our Core Farewell Celebration. THANKS ALWAYS, ANN June 2nd Greetings Families, One more full week of school for 2014-15. We are still in school and still in learning mode, no matter how sunny and close to the last day we get. Keep checking my site and your child’s the planner and Synergy for updates. UPCOMING EVENTS AT DA VINCI: JR. ROSE PARADE - JUNE 3 If your child(ren) plan to attend this year's Jr. Rose Parade, the office wants all to know that families either need to KEEP THEM HOME THAT DAY OR BE PREPARED TO COME SIGN THEM OUT PERSONALLY. *Band students will have different plans for attending the parade. 8TH GRADE PROMOTION Promotion will be at Madison H.S. and 8th graders are to report to their cafeteria by 3:45, dressed & ready to go. The ceremony begins promptly at 4:30 and will conclude by 6:30, with a reception following in the cafeteria. 8th graders can go home at lunch (following the promotion practice) to prepare for the ceremony . 7TH GRADE PARENTS We have a tradition at da Vinci of 7th grade families assisting with the 8th grade promotion reception so that 8th grade families enjoy their child's ceremony. If you're interested in supporting this event, contact Alison at [email protected] NEEDS:vases and fresh flowers, so stay tuned AM VS. PM ANNUAL BOOK DRIVE GOES FROM MON.-FRI. THE CORE THAT BRINGS THE MOST USEABLE BOOK DONATIONS BY FRIDAY WINS A MOVIE AND TREAT PARTY ON THE LAST THURSDAY OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. THE LOSING CORE GETS TO PREPARE THE ROOM FOR THE END OF THE YEAR. BOOKS MUST BE ONES STUDENTS WOULD WANT TO READ WITH APPROPRIATE CONTENT AND READING LEVEL FOR MIDDLE GRADES. ALL CORE AND SCHOOL LIBRARY BOOKS ARE DUE BACK BY FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH. 7TH & 6TH GRADERS GIFT TO OUR 8TH GRADERS Every year OUR cores 7th and 6th graders make a gift for their 8th graders and present it to them, with their farewell letters during our last community circle. We create these gifts on the day of the all-day 8th grade trip. I could use donations of silver, gold etc. metallic sharpies. I will provide ALL other materials. THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH - CORE FAREWELL CELEBRATION - Letters to classmates DUE the last day of school -FOR OUR FINAL FAREWELL AND COMMUNITY CIRCLE OF THE YEAR. As you have heard previously, we have a farewell celebration on the last day of school in our core. During this celebration, we read aloud and exchange letters to one another. Students should be drafting these letters next Wednesday. OUR LETTERS ARE OUR FINAL WRITING ASSIGNMENT OF THE YEAR. Each student will write to two different classmates (so everyone will receive two). It is heartbreaking to not get a letter, so please make sure you check in on this FINAL writing piece. CORE NEWS:
*Reading Notes PERSIAN WARS ch. 28 due Tuesday, * Reading Notes THE GOLDEN AGE OF ATHENS ch. 29 due Wednesday, ANCIENT GREECE FINAL EXAM FRIDAY, 6/5 WRITING *FAREWELL LETTERS TO CLASSMATES, ROUGH DRAFTS DUE FRIDAY 6/5 AND FINAL LETTERS DUE 6/13 FOR OUR FAREWELL CELEBRATION. READING THE ODYSSEY- GRAPHIC NOVEL VERSION DAILY TIMELINE IN CREATE A CHILDREN’S BOOK VERSION PROJECT OF THE NOVEL TUESDAY 6/2 PAGES:
WALKING FIELD TRIP TO STARBUCKS TO SHARE OUR ODYSSEY CHILDREN’S BOOKS. 6/9 AM CORE PERIODS 2 AND 3 AND PM CORE PERIODS 5 AND 6 MANY THANKS, ANN FOURNIER Greetings Families, The home stretch is HERE!!!! We are getting close to the finish line and sprinting hard. Students are focusing on those end of the year learning targets and may need your support to stay focused on completing the race strong. Keep track of daily homework and plan ahead. THIS WEEK AT DA VINCI: SCHOOL FRONT: NO SCHOOL MONDAY - MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY SPIRIT WEEK - MAY 26-29 TUESDAY - CRAZY HAIR WEDNESDAY - DRESS LIKE A TEACHER THURSDAY - DYNAMIC DUO FRIDAY - NEON (I HAVE SHARED MY YELLOW CORE COLOR FULL BODY UNITARD PLANS) SCHOOL DANCE FRIDAY, MAY 29 FROM 3-5 SNACKS & CHAPERONS NEEDED -IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP OUT A SHIFT CONTACT KATIE. STORE BOUGHT SNACKS CAN BE BROUGHT IN ANYTIME THIS WEEK TO THE OFFICE!!!!! 7TH GRADE PARENTS We have a tradition at da Vinci of 7th grade families assisting with the 8th grade promotion reception. This allows 8th grade families to enjoy and focus on their child's ceremony. PLEASE CONTACT:Alison Lanigan at [email protected] * vases and fresh flowers will be needed 8TH GRADERS: PROMOTION BLURBS DUE TUESDAY! THIS WEEK IN CORE: READING: WE CONTINUE OUR MYTHOLOGY BINDER/NOTEBOOK COLLECTION OF MYTH ANALYSIS AND FLASHCARDS. KIDD0’S ARE UP TO 27 CHARACTER FLASHCARDS AND at this point NEED A PLASTIC ZIP LOCK BAGGIE, RUBBER BAND OR BINDER RING TO KEEP THEM FROM GETTING LOST. WE BEGIN THE ODYSSEY LATER IN THE WEEK. WRITING: FINAL TYPED MLA FORMAT PERSUASIVE/ARGUMENTATIVE SPEECHES DUE TUES. THIS WEEK STUDENTS WILL BE PRESENTING THEIR MEMORIZED PERSUASIVE SPEECHES ON THEIR MYTHOLOGICAL BEING (TUES.-MON.). WE WILL HAVE PREZI TIME ON TUESDAY IN THE COMPUTER LAB AND THEN ANY OTHER PREZI CREATING MUST BE DONE ON THE HOMEFRONT. HISTORY: WE ARE WRAPPING UP OUR ILLUSTRATED MAP OF TRADE ROUTES, AND SETTLEMENT. ANALYZING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPARTA AND ATHENS AND BEGINNING DAILY LIVING. HAVE AN AMAZING THREE DAY WEEKEND!!!! WARM WISHES, ANN May 18, 2015 Greetings Families, This week was filled with the wild world of Greek Mythology (the Creation Myth and Promethius)! The focus was on the themes of “doing what is right in the face of adversity,” “family comes first,” “life is not fair,” and “gods and humans have flaws, and thus make mistakes.” Please ask your kiddo about their Flashcards, Interactive Reading Notebook(filled with the texts and analysis of the myths we’ve read) and Research of Mythological Being (due Monday). THIS WEEK IN CORE: WRITING: PLEASE INITIAL YOUR KIDDO’S TIMELINE DAILY
READING: WE WILL BE READING A MYTH A DAY, SUMMARIZING PLOT, ANALYZING THEMES, AND CREATING CHARACTER NOTECARDS. HISTORY: THIS WEEK WE WRAP UP OUR EVALUATION OF HOW THE GEOGRAPHY OF GREECE IMPACTED SETTLEMENT. WE THEN WILL MOVE TO A STUDY OF THE BIRTH OF DEMOCRACY AND THE CITY STATES OF ATHENS AND SPARTA. NO VOCABULARY OR WORD WITH IN THE WORD FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. WE WILL INVESTIGATE NEW VOCABULARY THROUGH OUR GREECE STORYLINE AND OUR INFORMATIVE READINGS IN SOCIAL STUDIES AND OUR LITERATURE STUDY OF GREEK MYTHOLOGY. 8TH GRADE BLURBS THURSDAY STUDENT’S WILL MEET WITH ME ABOUT THIS TIME HONORED 8TH GRADE TRADITION. This is the statement that is read (that your 8th grader has written) as they take their final ceremonial walk across the stage to receive their promotion certificate. BLURBS ARE DUE FRIDAY, MAY 22. Please ask your 8th grader to share their BLURB with you. They were given a rather lengthy instruction sheet they can share with you as well. AT DA VINCI: WEDNESDAY TWO HOUR LATE OPENING CONNIE'S RETIREMENT PARTY IT'S HAPPENING THIS THURSDAY!!! Jupiter Lounge, May 21, starting at 6 p.m. 7TH GRADE PARENTS We have a long-standing tradition at da Vinci of 7th grade families assisting with the 8th grade promotion reception so that 8th grade families can sit in the audience and enjoy their child's ceremony. Core teacher Alison Lanigan coordinates this ceremony and the parents volunteers. If you're interested in supporting this event, please contact Alison at [email protected] I know she'll want vases and fresh flowers and cookies at some point, so stay tuned for that plea as well. HAVE AN AMAZING WEEKEND!!!! Many Thanks, Ann 11, 2015 Greetings Families, Thank you for all the kind cards and thoughtful “teacher appreciation” gifts. You are amazing in all you do to support your child’s learning!!!!! Many thanks and have a lovely weekend. What’s happening at da Vinci?
Best Red Best White Best Pink Best Orange Best Yellow Most Unique Coloring Smallest Rose Largest Rose Sweetest Smelling Rose Most Blossoms per stem Best Bouquet Most Unique Vase Bring your entry to the main hallway before class starts.
now.
THIS WEEK IN CORE: IN HISTORY: FRIDAY WAS THE FINAL DAY TO TURN IN ANYTHING FROM OUR CHINA UNIT - MONDAY’S CHINA FINAL EXAM IS OPEN NOTEBOOK AND VOCABULARY NOTE CARDS.
GREEK MYTHOLOGY UNIT WE WILL BE READING A MYTH A DAY BEGINNING WITH THE CREATION MYTHS. STUDENTS WILL BE COLLECTING ALL MYTHS, SO CHECK OUT THEIR THREE RING BINDER. NEXT UP, WE'LL BE READING THE ODYSSEY. IN WRITING: STUDENTS WILL BEGIN CHARACTER RESEARCH AND WILL BE RESEARCHING AND PREPARING THEIR PREZI/GOOGLE SLIDE/POWERPOINT INFORMATIVE SPEECH ON THEIR GREEK CHARACTER. PLEASE NOTE THIS WILL HAVE A HOMEWORK COMPONENT. TIMELINE AND REQUIREMENTS GO HOME WEDNESDAY. WARM WISHES, ANN Greetings Families, It is May and we are beginning the hectic and exciting final stretch of the school year!!!!! This week for our da Vinci dancers is filled with anticipation and performances as we near our Spring Dance Recital. Please look ahead and plan your week accordingly. THIS WEEK AT DA VINCI: BLOCK DAYS MONDAY (periods 2,4,6) & TUESDAY (periods 1,3,5,7). WED-FRI (periods 1-7) KNOW YOUR DANCERS SCHEDULE!!! SMARTER BALANCED TESTING If any students need to complete their testing, Ms. McMillen will need to pull them from core to finish. CONNIE'S RETIREMENT GIFT GO FUND ME SITE We are dedicating the art gallery in Connie's name using a local mosaic artist to create a permanent plaque of her as the center piece. Please visit our Go Fund Me site to contribute to the fund. http://www.gofundme.com/Connie-sretirement CONNIE'S RETIREMENT PARTY Jupiter Lounge, May 21, starting at 6 p.m. THIS WEEK IN CORE CHINA SCROLL PROJECT:
VOCABULARY AND WWW LIST 12 RESUMES:
FINAL NOVEL TEST IS MONDAY 5/4 BRING YOUR NOVEL: THIS IS AN OPEN BOOK TEST (WILL NEED TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE FROM THE NOVEL) ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND! ANN April, 27 2015 Greetings Families, We have completed our first week of SBAC testing!!! Next week we will finish up our testing window. Please try to keep your kiddo in school and on time. Also I encourage your kiddo to bring a water bottle, protein snack, gum and their own headphones. THIS WEEK AT SCHOOL SMARTER BALANCED TESTING We continue testing April 27-May 1. PLEASE TRY TO KEEP ABSENCES & TARDIES TO A MINIMUM. PERIODS 1-7 ALL WEEK - NO BLOCK DAYS MS. FOURNIER OUT TUESDAY, MAY 28 AT A DISTRICT WORKSHOP - NO TESTING WHITEBIRD FIELD TRIP All-school field trip to see Dorrance Dance Wednesday, April 29. CONNIE'S RETIREMENT GIFT GO FUND ME SITE We are planning to dedicate the art gallery in Connie's name and we're using a local mosaic artist to create a permanent plaque of her as the center piece. Please visit our Go Fund Me site to contribute to the fund. Thank you to all who have already generously given. http://www.gofundme.com/Connie-sretirement CONNIE'S RETIREMENT PARTY Mark your calendars for the party of the year - Jupiter Lounge, May 21, starting at 6 p.m. THIS WEEK IN CORE: China Scroll Projects:
BOOK GROUPS AND FINAL LIT. GROUP BOOKLET DUE FRIDAY,5/1 (ONE WEEK EXTENSION NEEDED DUE TO SBAC TESTING) No Vocabulary or Word Within the Word b/c of SBAC testing. HAVE A LOVELY WEEKEND!!!!! THANK YOU, ANN Greetings Families, THIS WEEKS CORE NEWS: CHINA UNIT: WE MADE OUR SCROLL PROJECTS IN CLASS TODAY!!! WE WILL BE WORKING ON THIS ART INTEGRATED RESEARCH BASED PROJECT DAILY: PLEASE READ THE CRITERIA I SENT HOME THIS WEEKEND AND SIGN OFF AT THE BOTTOM. NEXT WEEK WE WILL COMPLETE ROUGH DRAFTS AND FINAL COPIES FOR:
OUR FOCUS IS TO COMPLETE THE NOVEL AND OUR CONNECTER LITERATURE GROUP JOBS. OUR LAST LIT. GROUP MEETING IS FRIDAY. NEXT WEEK WE WILL DRAFT A BOOK REVIEW AND COVER DESIGN. DYSTOPIA STORIES: FINAL TYPED (MLA STYLE) STORIES ARE DUE WEDNESDAY WITH A COVER DESIGN. STUDENTS HAVE A COPY OF THE REQUIREMENTS AND RUBRIC. SCHOOL NEWS: DA VINCI'S ANNUAL AUCTION - ALL KINDS OF SMART SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 6 P.M. @ BODYVOX.I am disappointed to not be going, but my daughters have a dance competition in Seattle this weekend. WHITEBIRD FIELD TRIP PERMISSION FORMS DUE TO 3RD PERIOD TEACHER BY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22ND. CONNIE'S RETIREMENT GIFT GO FUND ME SITE We are planning to dedicate the art gallery in Connie's name and we're using a local mosaic artist to create a permanent plaque of her as the center piece. Please visit our Go Fund Me site to contribute to the fund. Thank you to all who have already generously given. http://www.gofundme.com/Connie-sretirement SMARTER BALANCED TESTING We will be testing April 20-May 1. PLEASE TRY TO KEEP ABSENCES & TARDIES TO A MINIMUM. CALLING ALL STUDENT WRITERS Student writers, the annual da Vinci literary magazine is seeking submissions of your original poems, stories, and essays . Please share your best work via email or Google Docs to Ms. Lanigan at [email protected]. Make sure your work includes your name and a title. Please put each submission in a separate file. This year's deadline is Friday, April 24. If you have any questions, please see Ms. Lanigan in Room 208 or ask your questions in email. ENJOY THE SUNSHINE THIS WEEKEND!!!! WARM WISHES, ANN Greetings Families, Wednesday students displayed their maps and took a museum tour of creativity.Thanks for supporting your kiddos on completing their Edible Maps of China. We had rice, smores, pizza, cookie dough, brownies and cake creations. We studied while eating!!! THIS WEEK AT SCHOOL: LATE START WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 DA VINCI'S ANNUAL AUCTION - ALL KINDS OF SMART SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 6 P.M. @ BODYVOX - I AM SORRY TO MISS THIS YEARS AUCTION, BUT MY DAUGHTERS HAVE A DANCE COMPETITION IN SEATTLE. CALLING ALL STUDENT WRITERS Student writers, the annual da Vinci literary magazine is seeking submissions of your original poems, stories, and essays . Please share your best work via email or Google Docs to Ms. Lanigan at [email protected]. Make sure your work includes your name and a title. Please put each submission in a separate file. This year's deadline is Friday, April 24. If you have any questions, please see Ms. Lanigan in Room 208 or ask your questions in email. THIS WEEK IN CORE: ANCIENT CHINA UNIT THIS WEEK WE WILL BE participating in an Experiential Exercise, “LEARNING ABOUT THREE WAYS OF THOUGHT: CONFUCIANISM, DAOISM, AND LEGALISM.” ON WEDNESDAY WE WILL BE CREATING OUR SCROLL PROJECTS- BRING TWO 8 INCH TWIGS FROM HOME. OUR SCROLL PROJECT WILL BE AN ART INTEGRATED RESEARCH COLLECTIVE OF OUR LEARNINGS ABOUT ANCIENT CHINA. MORE COMING YOUR WAY LATER THIS WEEK. DYSTOPIAN WORLD PROJECT: WE WILL BE DRAFTING IN CLASS, BUT STUDENTS WILL NEED TO WORD PROCESS AT HOME POSTERS DUE TUESDAY,4/14 RULES TO LIVE BY DUE THURSDAY, 4/16 DIARY ROUGH DRAFT DUE FRIDAY, 4/17 NEWSPAPER ARTICLE DUE TUESDAY, 4/21 STORIES DUE FRIDAY, 4/24 THE GIVER: DUE DATES:CHAPTERS 13-19 DUE FRIDAY THE GIVER VOCAB. DUE FRIDAY TEST FRIDAY LITERARY LUMINARY JOB IN LIT. GROUP BOOKLET DUE FRIDAY FOR OUR THIRD LIT. GROUP MEETING. SMARTER BALANCED TESTING: Our core is scheduled to test the week of April 20-24 (it may extend to the next week as well). PLEASE TRY TO KEEP ABSENCES & TARDIES TO A MINIMUM. Take Your Child to Work day is schedule for April 23, please do NOT do this. Doing so disrupts the flow of the test for your child and unnecessarily causes stress. Plus, we only have so many days allotted for the test. Here's a list of things I will need students to have or do during this week: Have ear buds for listening to test material (or independent work).f EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST AND LUNCH, GO TO BED AT A GOOD TIME. THERE WILL BE NO CORE HOMEWORK THIS WEEK If you filled out an OPT-OUT form from STATE TESTING, have work to do. HAVE A RELAXING WEEKEND! ANN Greetings Families, This week marks the final week of the quarter. All late work is due Wednesday, 4/8 to allow time to score prior to report cards on Friday. If assignments are 2 weeks or older they are too late to turn in for credit. I am in the process of reading kiddo’s Science Fiction work and will be updating grades later on Sunday evening, after family Easter time. Remember no school on Friday due to teachers working on Report Cards. Have a lovely weekend. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: History: Our focus is on the Shang Dynasty and completing a Close Reading of ch. 21- completing Reading Notes 20. Homework: Reading Notes 19 are due Monday. Edible Map of China due Wednesday- directions and guidelines went home Friday. Map Test and Early Settlement Test Thursday (students may use Reading Notes 19 in their Interactive History Notebooks on the Test) Reading: The Giver ch. 7-12 due by Thursday Illustrator Literature Group Job due Thursday for our second Literature Group Meeting. Writing: We will be working either alone or with a partner to create Dystopian Worlds. Our focus in writing is on creating Dystopian stories. This is a creative imaginative writing unit that requires students to use sensory details, figurative language, character and setting description, dialogue with blocking and plot. This is a two week writing unit- loads of fun!!!! WWW List 11 due Wednesday 4/15 No Vocabulary this week- short week. STUDENT PASSWORD RESET The school reset all student network passwords this week. ALL STUDENTS MUST MEMORIZE THEIR USERNAME (which didn't change) AND THEIR NEW PASSWORD - & we mean MEMORIZE! They should not use your username and password to get into Synergy any longer. The new password is: P@ssw0rd### (the a is the @ and o is a ZERO, the ###, are the last four digits of the student's SSID number, which are the last four digits on their student ID card. If a student runs into problems, they need to see Katie or Ms. McMillen during lunch in the cafeteria. HAVE A RELAXING WEEKEND. ANN Greetings Families, Happy Spring Break! We had an amazing day of sharing Science Fiction stories and watching a Sci Fi movie. Thanks for sending in tissue, cool scrapbook papers, Sharpie markers, and goodies for our Science Fiction story telling. All your efforts are appreciated by our kiddos. Over Break there is no homework. This may be a good time to check Synergy (if time and desire allows) to make up missing assignments or celebrate successes. I will be scoring Sci Fi stories and Gupta Achievement Palm Leaf Booklets, so check in later this week for updates. I am out Mon.-Thurs. of 3/30-4/3 as I will be in with my older daughter who will be competing for “World’s” in Montreal, Canada. Our visiting teacher will be Mr. Schorin who is at da Vinci often and knows our routines and students. 3/30-4/3 WEEK AT A GLANCE: HISTORY: ANCIENT CHINA UNIT THIS WEEK WE WILL BE LEARNING ABOUT THE GEOGRAPHY OF ANCIENT CHINA AND HOW THAT IMPACTED SETTLEMENT. *EDIBLE MAP PROJECT GOES HOME FRIDAY 4/3 DUE THURSDAY 4/9 THE GIVER VOCABULARY GOES HOME MON. 3/30 DUE FRIDAY 4/3 TEST FRI. READING:THE GIVER NOVEL STUDY BEGINS WE BEGIN OUR LITERATURE GROUP STUDY OF THE GIVER BY LOIS LOWRY. LIT. GROUP JOB DUE FRIDAY 4/3 FOR FIRST LIT. GROUP MEETING. IN CLASS AND HOMEWORK READ AND RESPOND IN PACKET CH. 1-6/ FRIDAY QUIZ AND LITERATURE GROUP MEETING. WRITING: WRITTEN RESPONSES-QUICK WRITES ON THEMES, PLOT, CHARACTERIZATION IN RESPONSE TO THE GIVER. Many Thanks, Ann Greetings Families, We finished our three rounds of Book Talks this week. Thanks for being great audiences for your kiddos practicing. Everyone seemed more confident and the practice time made a difference. We will not be reading an independent novel this month, because after Spring Break we will read a whole class novel “The Giver,” by Lois Lowry. Each student will have a novel checked out to them for at-home reading. SCHOOL NEWS: March 18th TWO HOUR LATE OPENING WEDNESDAY, 3/18 ARRIVAL TIME 10:30 March 18th QSA 3:15 room 102 March 20th Talent Show March 20th BSU 3:15 room 302 March 23rd -27th Spring Break NEW STUDENT PASSWORD RESET ALL STUDENTS MUST MEMORIZE THEIR NEW USERNAME (which didn't change) AND THEIR NEW PASSWORD! The new password is: P@ssw0rd### (the a is the @ and o is a ZERO, the ###, are the last four digits of the student's SSID number, which are the last four digits on their student ID card. *If a student runs into problems, they need to see Katie or Ms. McMillen during lunch in the cafeteria. THIS WEEK IN CORE: HISTORY: TODAY WE CREATED OUR PALM-LEAF BOOKS USING CARDSTOCK AND A VARIETY OF ART SUPPLIES.
THIS WEEK WE ARE READING TWO SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORIES STORED IN OUR EMC LITERATURE TEXT. WRITING:
ANN Greetings Families, Last week your kiddos did an amazing job of creating masks and performing scenes from the Ramayana, an epic poem that teaches about India’s Hindu belief system. Students also finished their final drafts of their Performance Task an INFORMATIVE - EXPOSITORY ESSAY on Booker T. Washington’s message surrounding the important role an industrial education can play in offering opportunities to freed slaves. Monday I will share some pictures from Selma, Alabama that my daughter Emily took this weekend while participating with a group of fellow Grant High School students and tens of thousands of people joining to commemorate the "Bloody Sunday" march of 1965. One of the sites she visited and photographed was Tuskegee Institute founded by Booker T. Washington, which was a part of our Performance Task research last week. It is so important for students to understand how current events are linked to our past. THIS WEEK AT DA VINCI FOOD DRIVE MARCH 2-12 - 1ST PERIOD COMPETITION SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, Jr. SHOWS CONTINUES Friday, March 5, 6, 12, & 13M shows begin at 7 p.m. March 7 & 14, shows at 2 p.m. REMEMBER THAT STUDENTS MUST SHOW UP AT SCHOOL THAT DAY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE ACTIVITIES. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE IN CLASS: LITERATURE: THIS WEEK WE ARE READING SOME CLASSIC SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORIES found in OUR EMC LITERATURE TEXTBOOK. WE WILL BE STUDYING THE ELEMENTS OF THE GENRE, SCIENCE FICTION.
Vocabulary Homework packet due Tuesday, Test Tuesday Beginning this week and into next week we will be writing short IMAGINATIVE WRITING pieces utilizing SCIENCE FICTION criteria. *PERSONAL MANDALA’S AND WRITING DUE TUESDAY 3/10 ANCIENT INDIA UNIT This week, students will begin their Palm-Leaf Book rough draft writing on the achievements of Ancient India’s Gupta Civilization. Instructions and expectations for the writing that goes into the Palm-Leaf Book are in the packet students will receive on Tuesday. Final Palm Leaf booklets will be due Thursday, 3/19. COMPLETED PALM-LEAF BOOK PROJECT DUE THURSDAY, MARCH 19. THIS IS ALSO THE DAY OF OUR FINAL EXAM ON INDIA. STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO USE READING NOTES CH. 15-18 IN THEIR HISTORY NOTEBOOKS AND THEIR COMPLETED PALM LEAF BOOKLETS FOR OPEN NOTES. HOMEWORK: ALSO REFER TO CALENDAR READING CHARACTER CITATION BOOK PROJECT DUE WEDNESDAY ONE MINUTE BOOK TALKS BY LAST NAME WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY WRITING VOCABULARY DUE TUESDAY, TEST TUESDAY SOCIAL STUDIES
Much Thanks, Ann Greetings Families, I apologize for the late delivery of our class newsletter, but I was up north in British Columbia this weekend and away from technology. MS. FOURNIER OUT MONDAY, MARCH 2 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF SBAC- SMARTER BALANCE ASSESSMENT. FOOD DRIVE MARCH 2-12 - THIS IS A 1ST PERIOD COMPETITION! MIDTERMS ARE TUESDAY, MARCH 3 (I WILL HAVE GRADES UPDATED MONDAY EVENING IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR STUDENTS GRADES AS THEY WILL APPEAR ON THEIR MIDTERM REPORT). NEWS FROM DRAMA: SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL OPENS MARCH 5 THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: READING
WRITING
ANCIENT INDIA UNIT
HOMEWORK MONDAY AND TUESDAY Practice your Ramayana lines, work on your mask! BE READY FOR Performances ON Wednesday Mail Delivery SubsystemDelivery to the following recipient failed permanently: [email protected] Techni... 7:15 PM (0 minutes ago) Mail Delivery Subsystem[email protected] Google tried to deliver your message, but it was reje... 7:15 PM (0 minutes ago) Mail Delivery Subsystem <[email protected]>7:15 PM (0 minutes ago) to me Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently: [email protected] Technical details of permanent failure: Google tried to deliver your message, but it was rejected by the server for the recipient domain gmail.com by gmail-smtp-in.l.google.com. [2607:f8b0:4003:c01::1b]. The error that the other server returned was: 550-5.1.1 The email account that you tried to reach does not exist. Please try 550-5.1.1 double-checking the recipient's email address for typos or 550-5.1.1 unnecessary spaces. Learn more at 550 5.1.1 http://support.google.com/mail/bin/answer.py?answer=6596m12si4528137oig.110 - gsmtp *Greetings Families,I apologize for the late delivery of our class newsletter, but I was up north in British Columbia this weekend and away from technology. MS. FOURNIER OUT MONDAY, MARCH 2 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF SBAC- SMARTER BALANCE ASSESSMENT.FOOD DRIVE MARCH 2-12 - THIS IS A 1ST PERIOD COMPETITION!MIDTERMS ARE TUESDAY, MARCH 3 (I WILL HAVE GRADES UPDATED MONDAY EVENING IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR STUDENTS GRADES AS THEY WILL APPEAR ON THEIR MIDTERM REPORT).NEWS FROM DRAMA: SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL OPENS MARCH 5THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE:READING - Homework due Monday- Book Project and Book Talk Criteria goes home Wednesday due next Wednesday 3/11- BOOK TALKS BY LAST NAME: N-Z WEDNESDAY 3/11, A-F THURS. 3/12 AND G-M FRI. 3/13WRITING - VOCABULARY GOES HOME TUES. DUE TUES. 3/10 AND TEST- IN CLASS PERFORMANCE TASK: ROUGH DRAFT BOOKER T. WASHINGTON INFORMATIVE ESSAY TIMELINE- PARAGRAPH 3 MONDAY- PARAGRAPH 4 TUESDAY- PARAGRAPH 5 WEDNESDAY- FINAL COPY THURS. FRIDAY- WWW LIST 10 DUE WEDNESDAY 3-4 TESTANCIENT INDIA UNIT - Reading Notes on The Life of Buddha Monday- Ramayana scenes will be performed Wednesday- Personal Mandalas & writing piece will be collected ThursdayHOMEWORK MONDAY AND TUESDAY Practice your Ramayana lines, work on your mask! BE READY FOR Performances ON Wednesday - * *Ann Fournier* Writing/Literature/History Teacher da Vinci Arts Middle School Creative minds for challenging times. *www.pps.k12.or.us/school/davinc <http://www.pps.k12.or.us/school/davinc>*i Click here to Reply or Forward 0.62 GB (4%) of 15 GB used Manage ©2015 Google - Terms - Privacy Last account activity: 12 hours ago Details 99 more Mail Delivery SubsystemAdd to circles Show details Greetings Families, Here is our NEXT WEEK at A GLANCE! History: Students will assume the role of archeologists to explore the site of Mohenjodaro, an ancient city in the Indus-Sarasvati region. In this experiential exercise, the classroom is set up to resemble the ruins at Mohenjodaro, and students “excavate” the site by visiting eight research stations. At each station, they carefully examine an artifact and make their own hypothesis about its use. Afterward, they read to discover what real archeologists have to say about the objects as well as life in ancient India. We will then explore Hindu Beliefs and the story of Buddhism as they relate to Belief Systems in Ancient India.Upcoming next week Personal Mandalas & writing piece. Writing and Reading:Integrated Performance Task This week we are reading a compelling narrative nonfiction feature Up From Slavery exploring the life and struggles of Booker T. Washington. The article is paired with a poem; together, they reveal how Washington’s relentless pursuit of education helped him and countless others be successful. Writing will focus on entering the Booker T. Contest Prompt: What challenges did Booker T. Washington face in getting an education? Why was education so important to former slaves? Answer both questions in a short essay. Support your ideas with details from the article and (optionally) poem and video. Five winners will get a signed copy of Hand in Hand by Andrea Davis Pinkney. HOMEWORK: READING
Ann Greetings Families, THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR EGYPTIAN FEAST!!!!!!!!! WE HAD OLIVES AND FIGS AND SOME ADORABLE VALENTINE GOODIES- PLUS TONS MORE EGYPTIAN FOODS.STUDENTS COULD NOT HAVE CELEBRATED WITHOUT YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS. STUDENTS PERFORMED THEIR MINI DRAMAS ON DAILY LIVING AND THEN SPENT 30 MINUTES FEASTING. MAKEUP DESIGN AND COSTUMING WAS CREATIVE!!! MANY THANKS!!!! THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: NO SCHOOL MONDAY, FEB. 16 - HOLIDAY LATE START WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18 GRADES WILL BE UPDATED BY MONDAY EVENING: I AM DEDICATING A CHUNK OF MY WEEKEND TO READING AND SCORING EGYPTIAN CHARACTER JOURNALS. WINTER DANCE (ALUMNI DANCE) FRIDAY, FEB. 20, 5 TO 7 P.M. - SNACK DONATIONS NEEDED, PLEASE GIVE TO THE OFFICE (POPCORN, CHIPS, COOKIES, FRUIT AND VEGGIE TRAYS…..) PENNIES FOR PATIENTS COIN DRIVE ENDS FRIDAY, FEB. 20. Thank you for your participation. AT THE MOMENT PM CORE IS AHEAD OF AM CORE…..ONE MORE WEEK TO GO. IN CLASS AT A GLANCE: HISTORY: WE ARE BEGINNING OUR GEOGRAPHY CHALLENGE OF ANCIENT INDIA. WRITING: VOCAB. DUE AND TEST TUESDAY
FOR HOMEWORK: CHECK MY WEBSITE CALENDAR AND YOUR CHILD’S PLANNER. HAVE A PEACEFUL WEEKEND WITH YOUR LOVED ONES. THANK YOU, ANN Greetings Families, PLEASE LOOK FOR YOUR CHILD’S PINK MOVIE PERMISSION SLIP AND EGYPTIAN FEAST SIGN UP(SENT HOME ON FRIDAY). WE ARE HAVING A CLASS CULMINATING CELEBRATION FOR THE END OF OUR EGYPTIAN STORYLINE. MOVIE PERMISSION SLIPS ARE DUE BACK TUESDAY, 2/10. HERE IS A LIST OF POSSIBLE STORE OR BAKERY ITEMS TO BRING FOR FRIDAY’S FEAST:
WEEKEND HOMEWORK: TO COMPLETE YOUR 9 PAGE EGYPTIAN CHARACTER JOURNAL DUE MONDAY THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: HISTORY:
In class close-reading of the Biography- Frederick Douglas. *READING HOMEWORK DUE WEDNESDAY AND NEW READING CONTRACT GOES HOME WRITING:
ANN Greetings Families, This week we will be working on our EGYPTIAN STORYLINE! Here’s our week at a glance. BRING A BROWN GROCERY BAG MONDAY- TO CREATE OUR CHARACTER JOURNALS. WRITING
WWW LIST 7 AND TEST TUESDAY VOCABULARY IN CLASS MONDAY HOMEWORK DUE FRIDAY TEST FRIDAY READING INDEPENDENT NOVEL 30 MINUTES DAILY READING HOMEWORK CONTRACT DUE TUESDAY 2/ 3 NEW ONE GOES HOME DUE TUESDAY 2/10 HISTORY:FINAL SIDE OF PYRAMID GODS AND GODDESSES DUE WEDNESDAY THIS WEEKS HOMEWORK: CHECK WEBSITE CALENDAR AND PLANNERS FOR MORE INFO AND UPDATES MONDAY: BRING BROWN PAPER BAG
WEDNESDAY:
VOCABULARY DUE AND TEST Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!! Ann THIS COMING WEEK AT A GLANCE: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN STORYLINE CONTINUES: HISTORY: WE WILL TAKE A FELUCCA TRIP UP THE NILE TO VISIT THE THREE KINGDOMS IN ANCIENT EGYPT. READING: WE WILL CONTINUE TO READ OUR INDEPENDENT NOVELS, MYTHS OF EGYPT AND INFORMATIONAL TEXTS ON THE THREE ERAS OF ANCIENT EGYPT. WRITING: STUDENTS WILL COMPLETE PAGES 3 AND 4 OF THEIR ANCIENT EGYPTIAN CHARACTER JOURNALS CITING INFORMATION FROM THEIR CLOSE READING OF INFORMATIONAL TEXTS AND MYTHS. UPCOMING EVENTS AT SCHOOL: NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, JAN. 30 - Teacher grading day. End of quarter 2, Jan. 29. TUESDAY, JAN. 27 IS FINAL DAY TO TURN IN ANY LATE WORK. WASSON PASSES DUE WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28. ALTERNATIVE BELL SCHEDULE NEXT WEEK: MONDAY - 1-7 TUESDAY - 1-7 WEDNESDAY - 1, 3, 5, FLEX THURSDAY - 2, 4, 6, 7 FRIDAY - NO SCHOOL - FOR GRADING HOMEWORK: READING: INDEPENDENT NOVEL READING HOMEWORK DUE TUESDAY NEW CONTRACT GOES HOME. 30 MIN. ON AVERAGE A NIGHT. WRITING: WE WILL HAVE IN CLASS TIME TO COLLABORATE AND DRAFT, BUT SOME STUDENTS MAY NEED HOME TIME TO COMPLETE. JOURNAL ENTRY 4 IN CLASS MONDAY DUE TUESDAY. JOURNAL ENTRY 5 IN CLASS WEDNESDAY DUE THURSDAY HISTORY: PARENTS PLEASE SIGN THE TIMELINE PRIOR TO DUE DATE. ALL THESE SIDES WILL BE GIVEN CLASS TIME TO COMPLETE, BUT SOME KIDDOS MAY NEED MORE AT HOME TIME. MONDAY BELIEF IN AFTERLIFE SIDE 1 AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE SIDE 2 DUE FOR CHECK OFF KINGDOMS SIDE 3 DUE THURSDAY NO VOCABULARY: WWW LIST 7 DUE TUES. ⅔ HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!! ANN JANUARY 26, 2015 Greetings Families, THIS COMING WEEK AT A GLANCE: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN STORYLINE CONTINUES: HISTORY: WE WILL TAKE A FELUCCA TRIP UP THE NILE TO VISIT THE THREE KINGDOMS IN ANCIENT EGYPT. READING: WE WILL CONTINUE TO READ OUR INDEPENDENT NOVELS, MYTHS OF EGYPT AND INFORMATIONAL TEXTS ON THE THREE ERAS OF ANCIENT EGYPT. WRITING: STUDENTS WILL COMPLETE PAGES 3 AND 4 OF THEIR ANCIENT EGYPTIAN CHARACTER JOURNALS CITING INFORMATION FROM THEIR CLOSE READING OF INFORMATIONAL TEXTS AND MYTHS. UPCOMING EVENTS AT SCHOOL: NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, JAN. 30 - Teacher grading day. End of quarter 2, Jan. 29. TUESDAY, JAN. 27 IS FINAL DAY TO TURN IN ANY LATE WORK. WASSON PASSES DUE WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28. ALTERNATIVE BELL SCHEDULE NEXT WEEK: MONDAY - 1-7 TUESDAY - 1-7 WEDNESDAY - 1, 3, 5, FLEX THURSDAY - 2, 4, 6, 7 FRIDAY - NO SCHOOL - FOR GRADING HOMEWORK: READING: INDEPENDENT NOVEL READING HOMEWORK DUE TUESDAY NEW CONTRACT GOES HOME. 30 MIN. ON AVERAGE A NIGHT. WRITING: WE WILL HAVE IN CLASS TIME TO COLLABORATE AND DRAFT, BUT SOME STUDENTS MAY NEED HOME TIME TO COMPLETE. JOURNAL ENTRY 4 IN CLASS MONDAY DUE TUESDAY. JOURNAL ENTRY 5 IN CLASS WEDNESDAY DUE THURSDAY HISTORY: PARENTS PLEASE SIGN THE TIMELINE PRIOR TO DUE DATE. ALL THESE SIDES WILL BE GIVEN CLASS TIME TO COMPLETE, BUT SOME KIDDOS MAY NEED MORE AT HOME TIME. MONDAY BELIEF IN AFTERLIFE SIDE 1 AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE SIDE 2 DUE FOR CHECK OFF KINGDOMS SIDE 3 DUE THURSDAY NO VOCABULARY: WWW LIST 7 DUE TUES. ⅔ HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!! ANN Greetings Families, THIS COMING WEEK AT A GLANCE: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN STORYLINE CONTINUES: HISTORY: WE WILL TAKE A FELUCCA TRIP UP THE NILE TO VISIT THE THREE KINGDOMS IN ANCIENT EGYPT. READING: WE WILL CONTINUE TO READ OUR INDEPENDENT NOVELS, MYTHS OF EGYPT AND INFORMATIONAL TEXTS ON THE THREE ERAS OF ANCIENT EGYPT. WRITING: STUDENTS WILL COMPLETE PAGES 3 AND 4 OF THEIR ANCIENT EGYPTIAN CHARACTER JOURNALS CITING INFORMATION FROM THEIR CLOSE READING OF INFORMATIONAL TEXTS AND MYTHS. UPCOMING EVENTS AT SCHOOL: NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, JAN. 30 - Teacher grading day. End of quarter 2, Jan. 29. TUESDAY, JAN. 27 IS FINAL DAY TO TURN IN ANY LATE WORK. WASSON PASSES DUE WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28. ALTERNATIVE BELL SCHEDULE NEXT WEEK: MONDAY - 1-7 TUESDAY - 1-7 WEDNESDAY - 1, 3, 5, FLEX THURSDAY - 2, 4, 6, 7 FRIDAY - NO SCHOOL - FOR GRADING HOMEWORK: READING: INDEPENDENT NOVEL READING HOMEWORK DUE TUESDAY NEW CONTRACT GOES HOME. 30 MIN. ON AVERAGE A NIGHT. WRITING: WE WILL HAVE IN CLASS TIME TO COLLABORATE AND DRAFT, BUT SOME STUDENTS MAY NEED HOME TIME TO COMPLETE. JOURNAL ENTRY 4 IN CLASS MONDAY DUE TUESDAY. JOURNAL ENTRY 5 IN CLASS WEDNESDAY DUE THURSDAY HISTORY: PARENTS PLEASE SIGN THE TIMELINE PRIOR TO DUE DATE. ALL THESE SIDES WILL BE GIVEN CLASS TIME TO COMPLETE, BUT SOME KIDDOS MAY NEED MORE AT HOME TIME. MONDAY BELIEF IN AFTERLIFE SIDE 1 AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE SIDE 2 DUE FOR CHECK OFF KINGDOMS SIDE 3 DUE THURSDAY NO VOCABULARY: WWW LIST 7 DUE TUES. ⅔ HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!! ANN NO SCHOOL MONDAY, JANUARY 19 - In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is an opportunity for your family to explore ways to celebrate his legacy. LATE START WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21 INCLASS ASSIGNMENTS: THAT MAY NEED SOME TIME AT HOME: PARENT INITIALS NEEDED EGYPT STORYLINE: PLEASE CHECK THE TIMELINE I SENT HOME LAST WEEK. PARENT INITIALS ARE DUE FOR THE MAP AND TOMB INTERIOR. THIS WEEKS PYRAMID PROJECT TIMELINE: TUESDAY: BRING MATERIALS TO CREATE CHARACTER DOLL *PARENT INITIALS DUE ON TOMB AND MAP WEDNESDAY: BELIEF IN THE AFTERLIFE ROUGH DRAFT SIDE DUE. THURSDAY: PARENTS PLEASE INITIAL OFF THAT THE FINAL AFTERLIFE SIDE IS COMPLETE. FRIDAY: THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE SIDE IS DUE PARENTS PLEASE SIGNOFF OVER THE WEEKEND THIS WEEKS CHARACTER JOURNAL TIMELINE: WEDNESDAY: ROUGH DRAFT OF CHARACTER JOURNAL ENTRY 2 IS DUE FRIDAY: ROUGH DRAFT OF CHARACTER JOURNAL ENTRY 3 IS DUE HOMEWORK: READING: THIS TUESDAY STUDENTS NEED TO BRING THEIR NEW INDEPENDENT NOVEL. *Students should read 30 minutes nightly. A READING CONTRACT FOR THE WEEK GOES HOME TUESDAY DUE NEXT TUESDAY. If your child has a schedule that doesn't allow for 30 minutes of nightly reading and prefers to read on days when they can for an extended period of time, this works as well. ALL STUDENTS NEED TO BE AVERAGING 2.5 TO 3 HOURS OF READING WEEKLY. WRITING: NO HOMEWORK THIS WEEK, UNLESS MORE TIME IS NEEDED FOR CHARACTER JOURNALS. VOCABULARY: No homework for vocabulary this week. *WWW LIST DUE TUESDAY, TEST TUESDAY HISTORY: TUESDAY: BRING MATERIALS TO CREATE CHARACTER DOLL *PARENT INITIALS DUE ON TOMB AND MAP WEDNESDAY: BELIEF IN THE AFTERLIFE ROUGH DRAFT SIDE DUE. THURSDAY: PARENTS PLEASE INITIAL OFF THAT THE FINAL AFTERLIFE SIDE IS COMPLETE. FRIDAY: THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE SIDE IS DUE PARENTS PLEASE SIGNOFF OVER THE WEEKEND KENNEDY SCHOOL: DINE OUT FOR DA VINCI ARTS MIDDLE SCHOOL Join us at the McMenamins Kennedy School on January 20, from 5 - until closing, for a family & friends of da Vinci event. Half of the proceeds from the evening come directly to da Vinci. The seating is in the Courtyard restaurant. I hope to see you there. I'm going with Steve for a date night, as my girls will be at dance class. Warm Wishes, Ann Welcome back! We began our unit on ancient Egypt, starting with the geography of the region. In LA we drafted our Thematic Essay on The Watson’s go to Birmingham-1963, through searching the text for supportive quotes, and creating our parenthetical citations. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: EGYPTIAN STORYLINE:THIS IS OUR INTEGRATED ART, READING, WRITING, AND HISTORY UNIT. Next week we begin our storyline on ancient Egypt. Students will be creating characters, a setting mural, a journal from the character and their pyramid project. PYRAMID DUE DATES:These are in class assignments, but may need some time at home if your kiddo was not productive during work time. Our timeline goes home Monday, 1/12.
NO VOCABULARY OR READING HW THIS WEEK DUE TO PAPER PLATE NOVEL PROJECTS AND ONE MINUTE BOOK TALKS PAPER PLATE BOOK PROJECT DUE TUESDAY, 1/13 BOOK TALKS: BY LAST NAME TUESDAY, 1/13 G-M WEDNESDAY, 1/14 N-Z THURSDAY, 1/15 A-F THEMATIC ESSAY: PARAGRAPH 4 DUE MON. 1/12 PARAGRAPH 5 DUE TUES. 1/13 FINAL ESSAY DUE TYPED MLA FORMAT FRIDAY, 1/17 CHECK YOUR KIDDO’S PLANNER AND MY WEBSITES CALENDAR FOR HOMEWORK DUE DATES. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!! ANN FOURNIER WOW! 2015 has arrived and has us off and flying!!!! I hope everyone had a relaxing and joyful few weeks off. I really enjoyed family time and the holiday craziness, but am excited and looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: *THE WATSON’S GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963 THEME ESSAY: YOU NEED TO FINISH THE NOVEL OVER BREAK. BRING YOUR BOOK DAILY TUES.-MON. THIS WEEK WE WILL BE DRAFTING OUR THEME ESSAY. *MESOPOTAMIA UNIT Students will have their graded passports returned to them when we get back on Monday. This week we will begin our study of Ancient Egypt. * VOCABULARY RESUMES Students will receive Lists on Jan. 5. The worksheet and and test is due on Friday. WWW List 5 is due Tues. 1/6. Test is 1/6. *BOOK PROJECT AND ONE MINUTE BOOK TALK CRITERIA GOES HOME TUESDAY 1/6, (FINAL PROJECT DUE TUESDAY 1/13). NO READING HOMEWORK THIS WEEK SO THAT STUDENTS MAY SPEND AN AVERAGE OF 30 MIN. AT HOME PREPARING FOR THEIR BOOK TALK AND COMPLETING THEIR PROJECTS. Check our Core calendar on my website and your kiddos planner to be aware of due dates. Much Thanks, Ann Fournier We have one week of school before Winter Break. This past week was filled with amazing learning experiences. We had a road trip with snacks as we became characters from the novel The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963. In History we learned about the reasons why Mesopotamia is a Civilization, explored the Akkadian and Babylonian Empires (completing pages 6-8 of our Mesopotamia Passport Projects). It is so important that students remain focused on learning during “these almost break weeks.” Thank you for everything you do on the homefront as parents to help during these distractible periods. UPCOMING HAPPENINGS
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE READING Students are reading Independant novels 30 min. for daily homework for reading. This is an average so if weekends work best great (average amount of weekly reading is between 2.5-3 hours). In class we will be finishing our novel The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963. Our focus is on analysis of figurative language, character development and conflicts. WRITING Integrated Mesopotamia Passport Project and Civil Rights summaries and journaling. VOCABULARY CIVIL RIGHTS VOCAB. IS DUE THURSDAY, 12/18 WWW LIST 4 DUE AND TEST TUESDAY, 12/16 SOCIAL STUDIES HISTORY:MESOPOTAMIA PASSPORT PROJECT
Thank You, Ann Fournier Writing/Literature/History Teacher da Vinci Arts Middle School Creative minds for challenging times. www.pps.k12.or.us/school/davinciWe had a very busy week!!! We did a Close Reading of the classic suspense thriller “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell in literature. Students looked at foreshadowing, character description, themes, and conflict. In history we completed our journal pages on our travels through the geographic region and trade- crafts areas of Mesopotamia. On Monday we will have our Passport Project stamp-in. Today I was out of the building participating with fellow colleagues Mr. Myers and Mr. Hemstead in a workshop presenting all the new Young Adult Literature from 2014. It was an amazing opportunity, that will help build our literacy program here at da Vinci. TWO WEEKS UNTIL WINTER BREAK: SECRET SNOWFLAKE and SOCIAL JUSTICE CELEBRATION ON FRIDAY 12/19: I was approached by several students requesting the desire to do "Secret Snowflakes" in our class. The students wanted to randomly pick a student to bring a thoughtful gift of appreciation on our last day before break. The gifts are not to be expensive, but rather thoughtful in there intent: a homemade card, song, poem, a used and beloved book, a candy bar etc.... ONLY students that want to participate need choose a name. We will plan to have a SOCIAL JUSTICE CELEBRATION on Friday 12/19 to culminate our study of the Civil Rights Movement. Students can bring a treat to share with the class ( a bag of candy, cookies, cheese and crackers, veggies or fruit, juice etc.). We will sign up on Monday, 12/15 and write a note in our planners. We will be watching the movie The Watson’s go to Birmingham, to culminate our reading of the novel and study of Modern Day Parallels. CURRENT EVENTS IN THE CLASSROOM: Given all of the National attention surrounding the Ferguson and Garner Verdicts, I have made the professional choice to modify my curriculum focus. I spent this week contemplating how to address these significant, current, and historically significant events. After much contemplation, I have thoughtfully and intentionally planned how to help our kids deal with their thoughts on topics such as racism, racial profiling, murder, and our legal system. Ignoring the shooting and sticking to my curriculum map just isn't an option. Next week we will begin to explore the historical-fictional novel The Watson’s go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. It tells the story of a loving African-American family, living in the town of Flint, Michigan in 1963. When the oldest son begins to get into a bit of trouble, the parents decide he should spend some time with his strict grandmother, Grandma Sands, (Mrs. Watson's mother) in Birmingham, Alabama. The entire family travels there together by car, and during their visit, tragic events take place that affect them collectively. The story incorporates and centers on the historically factual 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, a critical catalyst of the American civil-rights movement. We will be correlating and analyzing how the events, leaders, and actions during the Civil Right’s Movement relate, compare and contrast to our current day events. We will analyze recent news coverage, and primary informative news articles (New York Times for Kids & more not yet determined) comparing and contrasting with our novel study. Your student will have a copy of the book checked out from our library to use at home and during school. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: THE WATSON’S GO TO BIRMINGHAM Reading of the novel and comprehension assessments are beginning this week. DOCUMENTARY:Spike Lee's 4 Little Girls was briefly released to theaters in 1997 to qualify for Oscar contention as Best Documentary. It is a remarkably clear-eyed telling of an incendiary tale--how four young black girls, ages 11 to 14, were killed in a 1963 bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. Please send me a written note and email if you do not want your child to view this documentary. MESOPOTAMIA PASSPORT PROJECT: ART, READING, WRITING, HISTORY INTEGRATED PROJECT-BASED LEARNING ASSESSMENT Students need to work on their Crafts and Trade page 6 in their passports this weekend. Stamp-In is on Monday. Refer to my website Calendar and student planners for due dates. Page 7 is due Wednesday, 12/ 10 Page 8 is due Friday, 12/12 ON THE HOMEFRONT please check in on this project the day before they are due 12/9 and 12/11. HOMEWORK: CHECK MY WEBSITE CALENDAR AND YOUR STUDENT’S PLANNER FOR WEEKLY EXPECTATIONS. READING HOMEWORK AND PAGE 6 OF PASSPORT DUE MONDAY, 12/8 Much Thanks, Ann Fournier Thanks for supporting our Children’s Book Harvest. AM Core had the most donations and will be treated to donuts on Tuesday to celebrate their efforts! NO SCHOOL NOV. 27 & 28 Thanksgiving Holiday- enjoy your loved ones. This Weeks Homework: check my school calendar and your child’s planner for ongoing updates Reading: *Read 30 minutes daily. New weekly reading contract goes home Mon. 12/1 due Mon. 12/8. Writing and Vocabulary: *Mesopotamia Vocab. definitions due Mon. 12/1. The Mesopotamia Passport Project page 4 Journal Entry using Vocabulary words is due Mon. 12/1. *There will be Daily Mesopotamia Passport Writing- so check the Planner and my Calendar for daily writing assignments. We will draft a page daily- students will complete a rough draft during class time that will than be homework to type or use black ink to complete a final copy page in their Passport Project. *Vocabulary goes home Mon. 12/1 due Friday 12/5 test Fri. * WWW List #3 due Tues. 12/2 Test 12/2 History: * Monday’s Homework is to complete page 5 Map of Mesopotamia with Key, compass rose, etc. Criteria will be sent home on Monday. We will spend class time to create a rough draft of Map and Writing around geographic region. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: READING: Students will do close reading of informative texts about Mesopotamia. They will show comprehension through written responses in their Passport Projects. WRITING: Monday we finish our final copies of Persuasive Performance Task on GMO labeling. Tuesday-Friday students will be writing expository summaries in their Mesopotamia Passport Projects. We will complete rough drafts during class time and students will do final drafts at home in their Passports. I will stamp and score pages daily for check ins. HISTORY: Our focus for the next two weeks is on the civilization, culture, geographic region, Kingdoms, and history of Mesopotamia. Students will show daily learning objectives in their integrated Mesopotamia Passport Project: refer to above daily expectations. Thanks for your ongoing support at home! Ann This week was extra short given our “Winter Wonderland” only Portlander’s can appreciate!!! Our extra day off means some items we were going to get to this week are being pushed into next. Read ahead to be up to date on Core events. WEEKEND HOMEWORK: Create your “Theme in a Box” book project! Include thoughtful artifacts that illustrate the theme, a letter to the class that uses ICE to cite evidence from the novel to prove your claims about the theme, and a prepared Book Talk. Have fun and remember parents make great audiences. NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE: READING AND WRITING:
IN-CLASS: WE WILL BE WORKING ON READING AND ANALYZING ARTICLES AND INFORMATIONAL TEXTS ABOUT GMO LABELING OF FOODS. WE WILL USE OUR DATA TO WRITE PERSUASIVE/ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS. HISTORY:
WHAT’S GOING ON IN SCHOOL: STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER : WHAT IS IT: This is where students can now go to print off their essays and other assignments. WHERE: Room 106 (near cafeteria) HOURS:
Our da Vinci PTSA is collecting new and gently used books for children in need. Our school goal is 1,000 books. This is a great way to support literacy. The core with the most books wins a pizza party.SO FAR AM CORE IS AHEAD WITH 10 BOOKS!!!! WAY TO GO! Have a warm and relaxing weekend. Best Wishes, Ann Wow, tomorrow we will be ¼ of the way through our school year. Please note the below dates to be aware of upcoming events. END OF FIRST QUARTER TODAY
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: READING AND WRITING:
IN-CLASS: WE WILL BE WORKING ON READING AND ANALYZING ARTICLES AND INFORMATIONAL TEXTS ABOUT GMO LABELING OF FOODS. WE WILL USE OUR DATA TO WRITE PERSUASIVE/ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS. HISTORY: PALEOLITHIC/NEOLITHIC COMIC BOOK PROJECT Students were introduced to this project Today. The assignment sheet & rubric went home today and require your initials. Students were given the option of working with a partner, but may not have opted to do so due to the long weekend & getting together may have posed a problem. THE MAJOR OBJECTIVE HERE IS that the comic MUST show the student's understanding: Compare and contrast the Paleolithic era to the Neolithic and SHOW why the advances during the Neolithic era were so IMPORTANT.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN SCHOOL: STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER : WHAT IS IT: This is where students can now go to print off their essays and other assignments. WHERE: Room 106 (near cafeteria) HOURS:
Our da Vinci PTSA is collecting new and gently used books for children in need. Our school goal is 1,000 books. The core with the most books wins a pizza party. The drive runs Nov. 3-26. Our boxes are outside our room, for now. MUCH THANKS, ANN FOURNIER Greetings Families, It was so nice to meet with you during conferences. Thank you for all the support you offer at home and at school. FIRST QUARTER ENDS FRIDAY, NOV. 7. ALL MISSING WORK & TEST RETAKES MUST BE COMPLETED and turned in by THURSDAY, NOV. 6TH. GRADES AND SYNERGY: I WILL BE UPDATING SYNERGY ON WEDNESDAY EVENING- THE CHARACTER ANALYSIS ESSAY SCORES WILL THEN SHOW. NO SCHOOL NOV. 10 & 11 STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER WHAT IS IT: This is where students can now go to print off their essays and other assignments. WHERE: Room 106 (near cafeteria) HOURS:
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: WRITING: VOCABULARY GOES HOME MONDAY DUE FRIDAY, TEST FRI. THIS WEEK WE WILL BEGIN AN IN CLASS PERFORMANCE TASK- PERSUASIVE/ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY. READING: EDGAR ALLAN POE: SHORT STORIES AND POETRY SOCIAL STUDIES: Paleolithic/Neolithic Comic Books & a test on Early Humans HOMEWORK: check your child’s planner and my website calendar. READING Students should read 30 minutes nightly. VOCABULARY Study 3 words a night and complete the weekly packet. MANY THANKS, ANN FOURNIER Tuesday we had a great rotation through our fellow Core classrooms viewing “Classroom Created Cultures.” I wanted to thank those of you who were able to join us in touring the school museums. Your presence added to the culmination of our archeological study of cultural universals. OUTDOOR SCHOOL: I will be at Outdoor School with our sixth graders Oct. 26-28. Da Vinci experienced long term teacher Larry Schorin will be with our seventh and eighth graders while we are at camp. WEEKEND HOMEWORK:
STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER NOW OPEN IN ROOM 106 STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PLAN AHEAD WITH REGARDS TO ANY CLASS WORK THAT REQUIRES PRINTING. IThe hours of operation are: 7:45 to 8:15 and 3:00 to 3:30 EVERY DAY. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: READING: CONTINUE 30 MINUTES A NIGHT OF INDEPENDENT NOVEL READING. IN CLASS WE WILL BE READING A VARIETY OF SHORT STORIES WITH A GENRE FOCUS ON SUSPENSE. WRITING: STUDENTS VOCABULARY HOMEWORK WILL FOCUS ON SUSPENSE WORDS. IN CLASS MINI LESSONS AND DAILY WRITING WILL INTEGRATE SUSPENSE TECHNIQUES. HISTORY: STUDENTS WILL LEARN ABOUT EARLY HOMINIDS. FOR THIS WEEKS HOMEWORK: VIEW MY WEBSITES CALENDAR AND YOUR KIDDO’S PLANNER. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Teachers do NOT maintain their own conference schedules. To make appointments, either come by and sign up or, you must call the office. Conference dates & times:
MUCH THANKS, ANN FOURNIER OCTOBER 10, 2014 Greetings Families, LOCKER PAINTING SHOUT OUT!!! Thank you for all you did to support locker painting. Whether you got your kiddo materials, help create the design, prepped and primed lockers on Monday-Tuesday, or donned your paint clothes to volunteer- YOU WERE INSTRUMENTAL. We truly could not continue this beloved da Vinci tradition without the generous support YOU PROVIDED. If your child still needs to finish their design, they may do so after school WITH PARENT SUPERVISION. Please bring your own supplies-drop clothes, painters tape and clean up afterwards. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: CHECK MY CALENDAR FOR HOMEWORK DUE DATES WRITING:OUR FOCUS IS ON DRAFTING A PARAGRAPH A DAY OF OUR “CHARACTER ANALYSIS ESSAY.” OUR FOCUS IS ON HOOKS/OPENING STATEMENTS, THESIS STATEMENTS, SUPPORTING DETAILS, CITING EVIDENCE FROM THE NOVEL “THE SKIN I’M IN,” AND EMBEDDING QUOTES. PARENTS PLEASE CHECK THIS DAILY AND INITIAL THE TIMELINE. WEEKLY VOCABULARY GOES HOME MON. DUE FRI. FOR TEST. READING: WE WILL BE CREATING OUR NOVEL FINAL FOR “THE SKIN I’M IN.” STUDENTS ARE WORKING WITH A PARTNER TO CREATE A CHARACTER SILHOUETTE, THAT ILLUSTRATES THEIR COMPREHENSION OF AUTHORS PURPOSE, CONFLICT, AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. HISTORY: WE WILL BE WRAPPING UP OUR “DIG” PROJECT, ARCHEOLOGICAL DIG JOURNALS (IN OUR HISTORY NOTEBOOKS), STUDY OF THE 10 CULTURAL UNIVERSALS, AND OUR STUDY OF ARCHEOLOGY. OUR NEXT THEME IS EARLY MAN. DIG - CREATE A CULTURE PROJECT We are nearly finished with our DIG unit. Monday, students will complete assignment #8 in class and get to share their interpretations of Ms. Shumway's class cultures and hear their interpretations of our core cultures. It is an amazing process to have students look at these unique cultures from an “archeologists lens.” Our focus is to show that hypothesis are educated guesses that can constantly be reinterpreted.On Tuesday, Oct. 14, we will host our DIG Museum Day. ALL FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
RUN FOR THE ARTS All run donations are due Oct. 17. Take funds to the office, please. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Conference sign-up sheets are located on tables outside the main office. To make appointments, either come by and sign up or, you must call the office. Conference dates & times:
STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER NOW OPEN 7:45-8:15 AM 3-3:30 PM Room 106 is home to our newly created STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER. One of its primary resources is computers and printers on which to print out your homework before school or after school. I EXPECT STUDENTS TO PLAN AHEAD WITH REGARDS TO ANY CLASS WORK THAT REQUIRES PRINTING. MANY THANKS, ANN FOURNIERThis week was filled with creative energy. Students shared their cultural artifacts, drafted myths/narratives about our class culture and showed their da Vinci SCRAPBOOK PROJECT AND ONE MINUTE BOOK TALKs: THIS WAS YOUR CHILD’S HOMEWORK LAST WEEK (instead of reading and vocabulary). THE EXPECTATION WAS FOR STUDENTS TO SPEND 30 MINUTES A DAY ON CREATING their scrapbooks. THEY ARE DUE TUESDAY. BookTalks are by last name A-F TUESDAY, G-M WEDNESDAY, AND N-Z THURSDAY. TUESDAY IS MIDTERMS. MY GRADEBOOK CLOSED FRIDAY (WHICH MEANS ANY LATE WORK WILL NOT SHOW ON YOUR CHILD’S MIDTERMS). SUNDAY EVENING SYNERGY WILL SHOW YOUR KIDDOS MIDTERM PROGRESS. DIG - CREATE A CULTURE PROJECT Next week we will be swapping cultures with other cores to analyze their artifacts and hypothesize about their values, ethics, background,belief in the unknown, food, shelter, recreation and geographic region….... The Skin I’m In- We will be finishing on Monday. This week we begin learning how to write a character analysis essay. We will be creating Hooks, Thesis Statements, supporting details and evidence from the text. We will draft a paragraph a day. I ask that your child share this with you daily and get your initials. LOCKER PAINTING - Students' locker sketches were turned in MONDAY. ALL sketches needed to have a parent signature. This means you and your child have discussed all of the particulars regarding their materials they'll need to create their locker masterpiece.
RUN FOR THE ARTS Pledge forms will be returned to students next week. All run donations are due Oct. 17. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Conference sign-up sheets are located on tables outside the main office. Please be sure to stop by and sign up as spots fill up fast. To make appointments, either come by and sign up or, you must call the office. Conference dates & times:
STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER NOW OPEN STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER IS IN ROOM 106. One of its primary resources is computers and printers on which to print out your homework before school or after school. THE EXPECTATION IS FOR STUDENTS TO PLAN AHEAD WITH REGARDS TO ANY CLASS WORK THAT REQUIRES PRINTING. It is very disruptive to the classroom environment to conduct printing once class has started. The hours of operation are: 7:45 to 8:15 and 3:00 to 3:30 EVERY DAY. HOMEWORK IS LISTED ON MY WEBSITES CALENDAR and Your child’s planner. Have a great weekend. Ann Fournier Greetings Families, SPIRIT WEEK IS HERE!!!!!! THIS IS AN AM VS. PM EVENT. THE CORE THAT SHOWS THE MOST SPIRIT WINS AN AMAZING PRIZE ON FRIDAY:) MONDAY - Mustache Monday TUESDAY - PJ Day WEDNESDAY - Workout Wednesday THURSDAY - Hippies vs. Hipsters FRIDAY - Fantasy Friday & Dance Party SHOW YOUR DA VINCI SPIRIT!!!!!! THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: NOVEL STUDY: THE SKIN I’M IN- We started our reading of THE SKIN I'M IN this week, and will finish next week. The following week students will draft a Character Analysis Essay. More coming your way as this approaches. READING HOMEWORK BOOKMARK DUE OCT 1ST NOVEL & MUST BE COMPLETE. WEDNESDAY OCT. 1ST THE AT HOME BOOK PROJECT AND ONE MINUTE BOOK TALK CRITERIA GETS SENT YOUR WAY. NO VOCABULARY THIS WEEK SO YOU CAN SPEND 30-45 MINUTES NIGHTLY ON THE BOOK PROJECT. CULTURE WRITING: This week our focus is on using the writing process to draft a Fantasy Creative Writing Descriptive Piece that takes place in our Class Creative Culture. CULTURE ARTIFACT: IS DUE MONDAY, SEPT. 29TH. REMEMBER TO INCLUDE A WRITTEN MESSAGE (IN THE CULTURES LANGUAGE) SOMEWHERE ON YOUR ARTIFACT. THIS IS TO HELP THE ARCHEOLOGISTS (OTHER CORE) EXAMINING OUR CULTURE ON THE BIG DIG DAY!!!!!!! MAPS ARE DUE TUESDAY FOR CHECK OFF. MAP TEST WILL BE ON FRIDAY. STUDY 10 MINUTES EACH NIGHT. LOCKER PAINTING - Students' locker sketches WERE due Friday, Oct. 26th. A parent signature on the sketch means you have discussed all of the particulars with your child and what materials they'll need to create their locker masterpiece. Please make sure you read over the DO's and DON'Ts before you purchase any materials. da Vinci does NOT supply students with much in the way of supplies. VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL WELCOME- SHOW UP IF YOU ARE ABLE AND WILLING!!!!! Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. RUN FOR THE ARTS: OUR SIXTH PERIOD IS REALLY WANTING TO SUPPORT THE ARTS AND WIN A DONUT PAR-TAY!!!!!!! Pledge forms are due TUESDAY,Sept. 30. The run is on Wed., Oct. 1. Please contact the office if you would like to help out. All run donations due Oct. 17. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Conference sign-up sheets are located on tables outside the main office. Please be sure to stop by and sign up as spots fill up fast. PLEASE NOTE: Teachers do NOT maintain their own conference schedules. To make appointments, either come by and sign up or, you must call the office. Conference dates & times:
Warm Wishes, Ann Fournier Writing/Literature/History educator Creative minds for challenging times. SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 Greetings Families, Thank you to all who attending our Back to School Night!!!! It was so nice to see you and connect your child with their caring parent(s)! MONDAY: 9/22 WE ARE HAVING A LITERARY TEA PARTY TO BECOME CHARACTERS AND MAKE SOME PREDICTIONS ABOUT THE NOVEL WE WILL BE READING. STUDENTS WILL GET CHARACTER CARDS FROM THE NOVEL THE SKIN I’M IN AND MEET AND TAKE NOTES ON OTHER CHARACTERS ATTENDING THE TEA PARTY. THIS IS AN ENGAGING WAY TO BEGIN OUR NEW NOVEL. IF YOU ARE ABLE PLEASE SEND YOUR KIDDO WITH A BOX OF COOKIES FOR THE OCCASION. THANKS IN ADVANCE! The Skin I’m In - We will start reading the novel The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake this week. I have a class set of 35 to share with my 65 students, so books will have to stay at school. Therefore, you may still choose to purchase a book for your child. WEEKEND HOMEWORK *BRING A BOX OF COOKIES ON MONDAY * READING HOMEWORK: 30 MINUTES OF READING NIGHTLY, OR AN AVERAGE OF 2.5 TO 3 HOURS OF READING WEEKLY. HOMEWORK SHEET DUE MONDAY 9/22 WITH PARENT INITIALS. *NEIGHBORHOOD NARRATIVE WRITING: Students were given typing criteria today. Final typed copies with maps are due MONDAY for group readings and evaluation. SCHOOL WEEK HOMEWORK AT A GLANCE VOCABULARY:GOES HOME MONDAY DUE BACK FRIDAY- TEST ON FRIDAY. I RECOMMEND STUDYING THREE WORDS A NIGHT TO BE READY FOR FRIDAY’S TEST. DIG ASSIGNMENT #2: CREATE AN ARTIFACT TO SHOW YOUR CULTURES UNIVERSAL DUE MONDAY, SEPT. 29 - This is where each student gets to create an artifact for our whole class culture. Monday Sept. 22nd students will vote on our culture.TUESDAY THE 23RD STUDENTS WILL BE ASSIGNED AN ARTIFACT(DIG ASSIGNMENT #2) TO CREATE AT HOME. READING HOMEWORK BOOKMARK: GOES HOME MONDAY DUE TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH. BOOK PROJECTS GO HOME ON OCT. 1ST WITH TIMELINE FOR “ONE MINUTE BOOK TALKS” AND PROJECT MUSEUM TOUR. CLASSROOM NEEDS: THANK YOU FOR ALL THE DONATIONS!!!!WE CLASSROOM GOODIES COME IN ALL WEEK:)
LOCKER PAINTING (THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL GO HOME MON. 9/22) - Students' locker sketches are due Friday, Oct. 3. A parent signature on the sketch means you have discussed all of the particulars with your child and what materials they'll need to create their locker masterpiece. Please make sure you read over the DO's and DON'Ts before you purchase any materials. da Vinci does NOT supply students with much in the way of supplies. We could use a few more folks to volunteer on the locker painting days. The dates and times, again, are:
Our first PTA meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. Parent-Teacher conference schedules will be out and ready for you to sign-up. Bring your calendar with you. PLEASE NOTE: Teachers do NOT maintain their own conference schedules. To make appointments, you must call the office. Conference date & times:
ANN FOURNIER SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 Greetings Families, Thank you to all who attending our Back to School Night!!!! It was so nice to see you and connect your child with their caring parent(s)! MONDAY: 9/22 WE ARE HAVING A LITERARY TEA PARTY TO BECOME CHARACTERS AND MAKE SOME PREDICTIONS ABOUT THE NOVEL WE WILL BE READING. STUDENTS WILL GET CHARACTER CARDS FROM THE NOVEL THE SKIN I’M IN AND MEET AND TAKE NOTES ON OTHER CHARACTERS ATTENDING THE TEA PARTY. THIS IS AN ENGAGING WAY TO BEGIN OUR NEW NOVEL. IF YOU ARE ABLE PLEASE SEND YOUR KIDDO WITH A BOX OF COOKIES FOR THE OCCASION. THANKS IN ADVANCE! The Skin I’m In - We will start reading the novel The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake this week. I have a class set of 35 to share with my 65 students, so books will have to stay at school. Therefore, you may still choose to purchase a book for your child. WEEKEND HOMEWORK *BRING A BOX OF COOKIES ON MONDAY * READING HOMEWORK: 30 MINUTES OF READING NIGHTLY, OR AN AVERAGE OF 2.5 TO 3 HOURS OF READING WEEKLY. HOMEWORK SHEET DUE MONDAY 9/22 WITH PARENT INITIALS. *NEIGHBORHOOD NARRATIVE WRITING: Students were given typing criteria today. Final typed copies with maps are due MONDAY for group readings and evaluation. SCHOOL WEEK HOMEWORK AT A GLANCE VOCABULARY:GOES HOME MONDAY DUE BACK FRIDAY- TEST ON FRIDAY. I RECOMMEND STUDYING THREE WORDS A NIGHT TO BE READY FOR FRIDAY’S TEST. DIG ASSIGNMENT #2: CREATE AN ARTIFACT TO SHOW YOUR CULTURES UNIVERSAL DUE MONDAY, SEPT. 29 - This is where each student gets to create an artifact for our whole class culture. Monday Sept. 22nd students will vote on our culture.TUESDAY THE 23RD STUDENTS WILL BE ASSIGNED AN ARTIFACT(DIG ASSIGNMENT #2) TO CREATE AT HOME. READING HOMEWORK BOOKMARK: GOES HOME MONDAY DUE TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH. BOOK PROJECTS GO HOME ON OCT. 1ST WITH TIMELINE FOR “ONE MINUTE BOOK TALKS” AND PROJECT MUSEUM TOUR. CLASSROOM NEEDS: THANK YOU FOR ALL THE DONATIONS!!!!WE CLASSROOM GOODIES COME IN ALL WEEK:)
LOCKER PAINTING (THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL GO HOME MON. 9/22) - Students' locker sketches are due Friday, Oct. 3. A parent signature on the sketch means you have discussed all of the particulars with your child and what materials they'll need to create their locker masterpiece. Please make sure you read over the DO's and DON'Ts before you purchase any materials. da Vinci does NOT supply students with much in the way of supplies. We could use a few more folks to volunteer on the locker painting days. The dates and times, again, are:
Our first PTA meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. Parent-Teacher conference schedules will be out and ready for you to sign-up. Bring your calendar with you. PLEASE NOTE: Teachers do NOT maintain their own conference schedules. To make appointments, you must call the office. Conference date & times:
ANN FOURNIER SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 Greetings Families, Thank you to all who attending our Back to School Night!!!! It was so nice to see you and connect your child with their caring parent(s)! MONDAY: 9/22 WE ARE HAVING A LITERARY TEA PARTY TO BECOME CHARACTERS AND MAKE SOME PREDICTIONS ABOUT THE NOVEL WE WILL BE READING. STUDENTS WILL GET CHARACTER CARDS FROM THE NOVEL THE SKIN I’M IN AND MEET AND TAKE NOTES ON OTHER CHARACTERS ATTENDING THE TEA PARTY. THIS IS AN ENGAGING WAY TO BEGIN OUR NEW NOVEL. IF YOU ARE ABLE PLEASE SEND YOUR KIDDO WITH A BOX OF COOKIES FOR THE OCCASION. THANKS IN ADVANCE! The Skin I’m In - We will start reading the novel The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake this week. I have a class set of 35 to share with my 65 students, so books will have to stay at school. Therefore, you may still choose to purchase a book for your child. WEEKEND HOMEWORK *BRING A BOX OF COOKIES ON MONDAY * READING HOMEWORK: 30 MINUTES OF READING NIGHTLY, OR AN AVERAGE OF 2.5 TO 3 HOURS OF READING WEEKLY. HOMEWORK SHEET DUE MONDAY 9/22 WITH PARENT INITIALS. *NEIGHBORHOOD NARRATIVE WRITING: Students were given typing criteria today. Final typed copies with maps are due MONDAY for group readings and evaluation. SCHOOL WEEK HOMEWORK AT A GLANCE VOCABULARY:GOES HOME MONDAY DUE BACK FRIDAY- TEST ON FRIDAY. I RECOMMEND STUDYING THREE WORDS A NIGHT TO BE READY FOR FRIDAY’S TEST. DIG ASSIGNMENT #2: CREATE AN ARTIFACT TO SHOW YOUR CULTURES UNIVERSAL DUE MONDAY, SEPT. 29 - This is where each student gets to create an artifact for our whole class culture. Monday Sept. 22nd students will vote on our culture.TUESDAY THE 23RD STUDENTS WILL BE ASSIGNED AN ARTIFACT(DIG ASSIGNMENT #2) TO CREATE AT HOME. READING HOMEWORK BOOKMARK: GOES HOME MONDAY DUE TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH. BOOK PROJECTS GO HOME ON OCT. 1ST WITH TIMELINE FOR “ONE MINUTE BOOK TALKS” AND PROJECT MUSEUM TOUR. CLASSROOM NEEDS: THANK YOU FOR ALL THE DONATIONS!!!!WE CLASSROOM GOODIES COME IN ALL WEEK:)
LOCKER PAINTING (THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL GO HOME MON. 9/22) - Students' locker sketches are due Friday, Oct. 3. A parent signature on the sketch means you have discussed all of the particulars with your child and what materials they'll need to create their locker masterpiece. Please make sure you read over the DO's and DON'Ts before you purchase any materials. da Vinci does NOT supply students with much in the way of supplies. We could use a few more folks to volunteer on the locker painting days. The dates and times, again, are:
Our first PTA meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. Parent-Teacher conference schedules will be out and ready for you to sign-up. Bring your calendar with you. PLEASE NOTE: Teachers do NOT maintain their own conference schedules. To make appointments, you must call the office. Conference date & times:
ANN FOURNIER SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 Greetings Families, Thank you all for your donations of tissues, wipes and art supplies!!!!!!! We had a great first full week of school. Returning students have welcomed and helped our new incoming sixth graders. I am noticing our new “Core Family” is beginning to feel at home with each other. CLASSROOM NEEDS I am in need of fine tip and regular tip black sharpies, and astro bright copy paper, and any scrapbook papers….. UPCOMING WHOLE CLASS NOVEL STUDY The Skin I’m In- We will start reading the novel The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake this upcoming week. I have a single class set- which means novels are for school use only. Students may want to get their own copy to use for any work they do not finish during the school day. HOMEWORK THIS WEEKEND *Reading Homework is due Monday. Parents please sign their record sheet and know they will need to have a minimum of one novel read by the end of September. DATES TO SAVE
THIS WEEKS HOMEWORK * PLEASE CHECK YOUR CHILD’S PLANNER DAILY AND INITIAL THE BOTTOM LINE THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF AT HOME ASSIGNMENTS. * READING HOMEWORK DUE MONDAY 9/15 NEW WEEKLY READING LOG GOES HOME DUE 9/22 *VOCABULARY GOES HOME DUE FRIDAY TEST FRIDAY * LOOK FOR PAPERWORK COMING HOME REFER TO THE ABOVE “DATES TO SAVE” * ROUGH DRAFT OF “NEIGHBORHOOD STORY” DUE TUESDAY 17TH * PARENT EDIT OF “NEIGHBORHOOD STORY” GOES HOME TUESDAY DUE WED. * STUDENTS REVISE AND EDIT STORY- FINAL TYPED “NEIGHBORHOOD STORY” DUE FRIDAY 9/19 If your kiddo needs to print writing pieces at school I strongly recommend they set up a gmail account. ALL DOCUMENTS CAN BE SAVED TO THEIR GOOGLE DRIVE AND ACCESSED AT ANY TIME. HAVE A LOVELY WEEKEND AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU ON TUESDAY’S BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT. WARM WISHES, ANN FOURNIERGreetings all, We had a great first week back!!!! The first few days of Middle School is filled with an overwhelming amount of “firsts.” These “firsts” include using a locker, switching classes, managing homework from a variety of teachers, being in a multi-age setting etc. Not only was there the excitement of new opportunities, but also the return to routine. It is always inspiring seeing my seventh and eighth graders helping and encouraging our new sixth graders. This year we are going to have a warm community that encourages sharing and learning opportunities!!!! Thank you all, that took the time to fill out the Registration Packet. I also appreciate the tissue, wipes, hand sanitizer and misc. art supplies. We do need MORE, so if you have a chance please supply your kiddo with those necessary class items. Allergies and colds are on there way! This Week at a Glance: Reading: Getting in the routine of reading our independent novels. Students need to bring a novel Monday, Wednesday and Friday for SSR. They will also have 30 minutes of reading homework each night. Our first novel project will go home week two of October (giving students one month to complete their independent novel choice). We will also begin the novel study of The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake. Writing: Students have their typed final copies of their My World Poems that were due on Friday. We will be working on self portraits Wednesday and share poems in a Community Circle on Thursday. This week we will begin drafting our “Neighborhood Childhood Narratives.” Bring glue and a magazine (any appropriate magazine donations welcome).Vocabulary begins Monday. Your child will have nightly vocabulary homework that goes home on Monday and is due Friday. Friday they will have a test on spelling and definitions. Ancient World History: This week students will focus on “culture.” Students will apply the 10 Cultural Universals to their own imaginative culture. HOMEWORK Please check your child’s Planner daily and sign that you are aware of nightly expectations. I will initial your kiddos planner as an exit ticket beginning Monday. Also check my school website’s CALENDAR for daily due dates. SCHOOL SUPPLIES PLEASE CHECK MY SUPPLY LIST LINK SO THAT YOUR KIDDO IS PREPARED FOR CLASS. When doing your back-to-school shopping or if you find a good sale, our core is in desperate need of the following:
OUTDOOR SCHOOL- SIXTH GRADERS DON'T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR O.D.S.- OCTOBER 26-28. YOUR CHILD WILL BE ATTENDING AN INFORMATIONAL SESSION THIS WED. SO EXPECT PAPERWORK COMING YOUR WAY. LOCKERS NEXT WEEK I WILL BE SENDING HOME INFORMATION ON LOCKER PAINTING DAYS. Be thinking about how you want to decorate your locker this year. ALSO BRING A LOCK SO THAT YOUR ITEMS ARE SAFE. I RECOMMEND A COMBINATION LOCK. Warm Wishes, Ann Fournier August 23, 2014 Greetings Folks, We are going to have an exciting start to our new school year!!! I am so looking forward to seeing you. This year our Social Studies focus will be on Ancient World History. In Literature and Writing our beginning themes will include "Our Personal Cultures" and "Identity." Take these last days of summer to relax, enjoy family, get your needed sleep, and prepare for the start of school. Preparing for School: * Bring School Supplies (refer to Ms. Fournier's website supply list)- be GREEN use as much from previous years as possible. All donations are greatly appreciated by all!!!! * This week in class you will need your 3 Ring Binder (filled with paper, pencil pouch,class dividers), art box, 2 Composition Book, a spiral 8 x 11 notebook and a combination lock for your locker. * We will be using the 2 composition books, spiral notebook, scissors, liquid glue, and colored pencils daily during Core. Be prepared:) * Monday, 9/2 bring a novel of your choice for Sustained Silent Reading- the school library usually doesn't open until next week!!!! * Be prepared to share yourself and begin a new year of discovery, introspection, and creativity!!!! Best Wishes preparing for day one. Don't hesitate to send me an email if you have any questions or simply want to touch base. In the Spirit of da Vinci, Ann Fournier Greetings, Ya-hoo we are almost to the end of yet another year of learning. This up and coming week brings much closure. It is the week we show our final understanding of ourselves as writers, complete a final U.S. History assessment, tidy our lockers and classroom, and celebrate our Core as it was this year. And send our 8th graders off thoughtfully! Wow- this is a huge week in our Middle (and Middle- Age)school lives!!!!!! WALKING FIELD TRIP SLIPS GO HOME FRIDAY AND ARE DUE MONDAY, JUNE 9TH. TUESDAY, JUNE 10TH WE ARE WALKING TO STARBUCKS AND SHARING OUR WRITING PORTFOLIOS. THIS IS A TIME TO REFLECT AND SHARE OURSELVES AS WRITERS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO JOIN US. KIDDOS THAT WANT A SNACK CAN BRING SOME CASH$$$. EXPECT THESE TREASURES TO BE BROUGHT HOME THAT AFTERNOON- I ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO HOLD ONTO THESE PORTFOLIOS FOR FUTURE INTROSPECTION! UPCOMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS JUNE 5 - Performing Arts Capstone Show A Tech Rehearsal after school JUNE 6 - Performing Arts Capstone Show A - 12:15-2:45 p.m. JUNE 9 - Performing Arts Capstone Show B Tech Rehearsal after school JUNE 9 - LETTER TO CLASSMATE(S) CHECK-IN (ROUGH DRAFTS DUE) JUNE 10 - Performing Arts Capstone Show B - 12:15-2:45 p.m. JUNE 10- WALKING FIELD TRIP TO STARBUCKS TO SHARE WRITING….. JUNE 11 - 8TH GRADE TRIP - Wild Waves Trip - arrive at school 7 a.m. 7TH & 6TH GRADERS CREATE GIFTS TO OUR 8TH GRADERS Every year we make a gift for our 8th graders and present it to them, with the letters they all write, on the final day of school. We create these gifts on the day of the all-day 8th grade trip. I am supplying the makings and have already received the Metallic Sharpie donations requested last week (Thank You!!). JUNE 12-ROUND 3 LOCKER CLEAN OUT Please send your kiddo with bags, I recommend the standby reusable grocery bag kind. Your child will need support and a plan to take the ACCUMULATION of locker materials home!!!! PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR CHILD IN TAKING ALL ITEMS HOME. JUNE 12- PARTY FOR THE BOOK DRIVE WINNING CORE AND CLEAN THE ROOM FOR THE LOSING CORE!!! JUNE 12 - 8TH GRADE PROMOTION DAY - Rehearsal happens 2nd thru 4th periods - CEREMONY HELD AT BENSON H.S. - 8TH GRADERS MUST ARRIVE AT BENSON BY 3:45, go to cafeteria - CEREMONY STARTS AT 4:30, WITH RECEPTION TO FOLLOW JUNE 13 - CORE FAREWELL CELEBRATION - Letters to classmates DUE JUNE 13 - 8TH grade talent assembly - 11:45-12:45 JUNE 13 - LUNCH ON THE LAWN (bring sack lunch) - WHOLE SCHOOL - YEARBOOK SIGNING (yearbooks will be for sale that day) PARENTS YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US !!!!!!!! HOMEWORK AND CURRICULUM FOCUS: READING We will be doing an in class focus study using Zinn’s History of the United States: Reconstruction. WRITING * Pre-Civil War Journals due Monday but I encourage students to turn them in on Friday. * FAREWELL LETTERS TO CLASSMATES As you have heard previously, we have a farewell celebration on the last day of school in our core. During this celebration, we read aloud and exchange letters to one another. Students should be drafting these letters BEGINNING MONDAY.ALL LETTERS BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 13. This is unless your student will NOT be in attendance on June 13. In that case, those students will be exchanging their letters on June 10. Criteria went home Tues. 3rd DUE DATES:Monday, June 9 - Letter Drafting-Friday, June 13 - ALL LETTERS DUE FOR CELEBRATION SOCIAL STUDIES * Study Guide for ch. 19, 21 and 22 due Monday * Final Exam Monday THANKS FOR ANOTHER MEMORABLE YEAR!!!!!!! Ann . Greetings Families, We are in the home stretch of the 2013-14 school year!!!!!!! Please keep track of the following dates. Grades are current on Synergy as of today. I have ALL Late work and this weeks assignments posted. We are still in school and still in learning mode, no matter how sunny and close to the last day we get. Keep checking my site and the planner. Homework goes until the very last day. UPCOMING EVENTS: *MUSIC CONCERT TONIGHT AT 7 P.M. AM VS. PM ANNUAL BOOK DRIVE GOES FROM MON.-FRI. THE CORE THAT BRINGS THE MOST BOOK DONATIONS BY FRIDAY WINS A MOVIE AND TREAT PARTY ON THE LAST THURSDAY OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. THE LOSING CORE GETS TO PREPARE THE ROOM FOR THE END OF THE YEAR. ALL CORE AND SCHOOL LIBRARY BOOKS ARE DUE BACK BY FRIDAY, JUNE 7TH. *FUTURE 7TH & 8TH GRADE FORECASTING FORMS DUE JUNE 2 LINKS ON ONE OF THE FORMS WAS INCORRECT, HERE THEY ARE, AGAIN
JR. ROSE PARADE JUNE 4 - NEW RULES AROUND GOING . If a student comes to school and is expecting to attend the parade, the ONLY way we will release your child is if you physically come to the office and sign them out. PLEASE Let me know if your child will NOT be in core that day (IT WILL HELP ME PLAN FOR THE DAY). UPCOMING 8th GRADE EVENTS - JUNE 2 - Visual Arts Capstone Showcase & Reception - 5:30-7 p.m. JUNE 5 - Performing Arts Capstone Show A Tech Rehearsal after school JUNE 6 - Performing Arts Capstone Show A - 12:30 p.m. JUNE 9 - Performing Arts Capstone Show B Tech Rehearsal after school JUNE 9 - LETTER TO CLASSMATE(S) CHECK-IN JUNE 10 - Performing Arts Capstone Show B - 12:30 p.m. JUNE 11 - 8TH GRADE TRIP - Wild Waves Trip - all day JUNE 12 - 8TH GRADE PROMOTION DAY - Rehearsal happens 2nd thru 4th periods - CEREMONY HELD AT BENSON H.S. - 8TH GRADERS MUST ARRIVE AT BENSON BY 3:45, go to cafeteria - CEREMONY STARTS AT 4:30, WITH RECEPTION TO FOLLOW JUNE 13 - 8TH grade talent assembly JUNE 13 - CORE FAREWELL CELEBRATION - Letters to classmates DUE -FOR OUR FINAL FAREWELL AND COMMUNITY CIRCLE OF THE YEAR. CALLING ON 7TH GRADE PARENTS TO HELP WITH PROMOTION RECEPTION ON JUNE 12 It is a tradition at da Vinci that 7th grade families help with the 8th grade promotion reception. This allows families of 8th graders to be fully engaged in the ceremony. Alison Lanigan, one of our fabulous core teachers, spearheads this and NEEDS your help. Please contact her at: [email protected], if you would like to support her efforts. 7TH & 6TH GRADERS GIFT TO OUR 8TH GRADERS Every year OUR core 7th and 6th graders make a gift for their 8th graders and present it to them, with their farewell letters during our last community circle. We create these gifts on the day of the all-day 8th grade trip. I could use donations of silver, gold etc. metallic sharpies. I will provide ALL other materials. FAREWELL LETTERS FOR FINAL DAY OF SCHOOL CELEBRATION As you have heard previously, we have a farewell celebration on the last day of school in our core. During this celebration, we read aloud and exchange letters to one another. Students should be drafting these letters next Wednesday. OUR LETTERS ARE OUR FINAL WRITING ASSIGNMENT OF THE YEAR. Each student will write to two different classmates (so everyone will receive two). It is heartbreaking to not get a letter, so please make sure you check in on this FINAL writing piece. HOMEWORK READING chapter 21 and 22 in History Alive. Please note these chapters are on my website. SOCIAL STUDIES *Reading Notes ch. 21 due Tuesday, * Reading Notes ch. 22 due Wednesday, *STUDY GUIDE FOR FINAL EXAM GOES HOME WEDNESDAY: WE WILL WORK ON IT DURING CLASS TIME DUE MONDAY, 6/9 FINAL EXAM MONDAY, 6/9 WRITING * BRING A BROWN PAPER BAG FOR OUR PRE-CIVIL WAR CHARACTER JOURNALS MONDAY, 6/2 * DRAFT #8 MONDAY, * DRAFT #9 TUESDAY *FINAL TYPED PRE-CIVIL WAR CHARACTER JOURNAL DUE FRIDAY * BEGIN TYPING MONDAY FOR HOMEWORK- SEE REQUIREMENTS FOR LAYOUT AND DESIGN ELEMENTS. *FAREWELL LETTERS TO CLASSMATES, ROUGH DRAFTS DUE FRIDAY 6/6 AND FINAL LETTERS DUE 6/13 FOR OUR FAREWELL CELEBRATION. MANY THANKS, ANN FOURNIER MAY 25, 2014 Greetings Families, Thank you so much to ALL who attended Tuesday night's PTSA meeting. Your attendance, letters and support for our current CORE program is encouraging. Wednesday we had some opportunities to express our school mission and VOICE our thoughts for program/schedule options for next year. I encourage you to keep involved, as your vision for your child must lead this discussion of “change.” UPCOMING EVENTS: NO SCHOOL MONDAY, MAY 26 - MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE, have a terrific long weekend. THIS WEEKS 8th GRADE EVENTS - {I know, it's a lot}
Due to the havoc and chaos this event creates at school with early releases and phone calls, PLEASE BE AWARE we have had to alter our rules around it. If this is an important annual event for your and your family to attend, please keep your child with you the entire day. If a student comes to school and is expecting to attend the parade, the ONLY way we will release your child is if you physically come to the office and sign them out. 7TH GRADE PARENTS NEEDED: YOU ARE NEEDED TO HELP WITH PROMOTION RECEPTION ON JUNE 12. It is a tradition at da Vinci that 7th grade families help with the 8th grade promotion reception. This means using cut flowers from your garden for centerpieces, gathering cookies/cupcakes and punch, helping with set up and clean up at Benson High School. Our amazing Core teacher, Alison Lanigan, heads the reception. Please contact her at: [email protected], if you would like to support her efforts. 7TH & 6TH GRADERS GIFT TO OUR 8TH GRADERS Every year our cores 7th and 6th graders make a gift for their 8th graders and present it to them, with the letters they all write, on the final day of school. We create these gifts on the day of the all-day 8th grade trip. THIS WEEKS CURRICULUM FOCUS AND HOMEWORK READING
WRITING
WARM WISHES, ANN FOURNIERMAY 19, 2014 Greetings Families, Students created Pre Civil War characters and regional setting murals this week. Next week we will begin writing memoir style journals from the perspective of our storyline characters (incorporating primary source research regarding historical context). Student’s have done an amazing job researching the time period and societal role of their person. UPCOMING EVENTS: PTSA MEETING ON WEDNESDAY MAY 20 at 7p.m. I hope to see you at the upcoming PTSA meeting Tuesday, May 20. Here is a link to a recent Oregonian article regarding next year's proposed changes. Please make yourself heard if you are in support of keeping our Core classes as they are currently. POETRY SLAM COMPETITION The competition is open to the entire school. The Grand Slam Champion wins $100, second place receives $50, and third place receives $25 (all cash prizes come from our terrific PTA). THIS WEEKS CURRICULUM FOCUS AND HOMEWORK:\ READING * CHAINS NOVEL PROJECT AND NOVEL ARE DUE MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!! * WE BEGIN OUR LAST FREE CHOICE NOVEL STUDY OF THE YEAR! STUDENTS WILL NEED A SELF SELECTED NOVEL FOR NIGHTLY HOMEWORK AND TO BRING DAILY FOR 15 MINUTES OF SSR. WE WILL HAVE LIBRARY TIME ON MONDAY IF YOUR CHILD DOES NOT CURRENTLY HAVE A NOVEL. SOCIAL STUDIES WE WILL LEARN ABOUT WEST AFRICAN CULTURE, AND THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE. STUDENTS WILL BEGIN CREATING MINI DRAMA’S THAT ILLUSTRATE ASPECTS OF SLAVERY IN THE UNITED STATES. THEY WILL READ PRIMARY SOURCES AND BEGIN SCRIPTS LATER IN THE WEEK. WRITING * PLEASE REFER TO YOUR STUDENTS PRE CIVIL WAR JOURNALS. WE WILL HAVE DAILY WRITINGS INTEGRATING OUR HISTORY CURRICULUM. OUR WRITING FOCUS IS ON ORGANIZATION AND IDEAS AND CONTENT. Thank you all for the support you provide on the homefront. Next week I will provide you with information on how we prepare to say “goodbye” to our dear 8th graders. I will also have some information on closing the school year. Warm Regards, Ann Fournier Greetings Families, Thank you for all your kind thoughts and deeds appreciating teachers. It was fun to have a different treat each day. Thursday’s luncheon was simply lovely and delicious. THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY!!!! MOSTLY I THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR CHILD WITH ME. CORE CHANGES FOR NEXT YEAR: Here are a few ways to let your opinions be heard:
POETRY SLAM COMPETITION The competition is open to the entire school. The Grand Slam Champion wins $100, second place receives $50, and third place receives $25 (all cash prizes come from our terrific PTA). Since we are trying to rebuild a culture around this competition, Ms. Wasson could use the following supports: 1. Names of people who you think might be interested in being a judge 2. Encouraging your kiddo to compete 3. A few gift cards for kids who get 4th, 5th, & 6th places (SCRIP is great for this & they need only be $5 - Staccato, Powells Books, etc. THIS WEEK CURRICULUM AND HOMEWORK” READING * WE ARE FINISHING THE NOVEL “CHAINS.” STUDENTS HAVE A NOVEL PROJECT AND JOURNAL QUESTIONS RELATED TO CLOSE READING OF THE TEXT. DUE FRIDAY * FINAL TEST ON THE NOVEL IS FRIDAY. SOCIAL STUDIES WE ARE BEGINNING OUR PRE-CIVIL WAR STORYLINE. STUDENTS CHOSE THEIR ROLE IN SOCIETY AND NEED TO COMPLETE “CHARACTER RESEARCH” OVER THE WEEKEND- DUE MONDAY. * BRING MATERIALS TO CREATE CHARACTER DOLL ON TUESDAY. * WE WILL MAKE OUR NORTH AND SOUTH REGION MURAL ON MONDAY- THIS IS A COOPERATIVE GROUP PROJECT. WRITING: STUDENTS WILL BE WORKING ON USING THEIR RESEARCH OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES TO CREATE A HISTORICAL FICTION CHARACTER JOURNAL. THE TIMELINE AND CRITERIA OF THIS INTEGRATED READING, WRITING, AND HISTORY PROJECT GOES HOME ON MONDAY. THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SCOTTISH STORYLINES!!!!!!!!! DAILY WRITING IS REQUIRED. VOCABULARY: FINAL WWW LIST #12 DUE TUESDAY, 5/17 Thank You, Ann Fournier May 5, 2014 Greetings Families, This week was busy with the drafting and crafting our Science Fiction Stories. Our students have a wealth of creative ideas stemming from alternative universes, time travel and alien intelligences. I am so excited to hear them share their knowledge of the genre on Monday during our community circle of writers. We also completed a Geography Challenge in which students looked at four different types of graphs and maps to compare the industrial Northern states with those of the agricultural South. Summer is in the air!!! Last week students were feeling as if the year was already coming to a close. We are still in learning mode and will be until the very last day. Please keep to the homework routine and check to make sure your child is coming to school prepared. Ask your child if they have or need the following: 1. a pencil 2. lined paper 3. colored pencils 4. glue 5. colored markers 6. black sharpie Everyone needs these supplies to be successful! FIELD TRIP THANK YOUS THANK YOUS ALL AROUND FOR THE PARENTS WHO GRACIOUSLY VOLUNTEERED TO go on our recent field trips. IMPORTANT EVENTS AND DATES TO REMEMBER: DUE TO THE ALL-DAY DANCE REHEARSAL ON THURSDAY, MAY 8, OUR SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS: MONDAY - EVEN PERIODS - 2, 4, 6 TUESDAY - ODD PERIODS - 1, 3, 5, 7 WEDNESDAY - PERIODS 1-7 THURSDAY - PERIODS 1-7 FRIDAY - PERIODS 1-7 POETRY SLAM COMPETITION Competition solo poets compete against other solo poets. The competition is open to the entire school. The Grand Slam Champion wins $100, second place receives $50, and third place receives $25 (all cash prizes come from our terrific PTA).Since we are trying to rebuild a culture around this competition, I could use the following supports:
Next week is Teacher Appreciation. Please see the awesome bulletin board Katie, the counselor, created. It's in the main hallway between the auditorium doors and displays various wish list items teachers could really use. The circles can be taken from the board as reminders. HOMEWORK: Please note I was out on Friday so DAILIES, AND BOOK PROJECT #1 ARE DUE MONDAY 5/5. READING *STUDENTS WILL NEED TO READ CHAPT. 16-30 OF THE NOVEL “CHAINS” FOR HOMEWORK. WE WILL HAVE TIME MON., WED.. AND THURS. FOR IN CLASS READING AND RESPONDING. *STUDENTS WILL NEED TO HAVE JOURNAL QUESTIONS ODDS OR EVENS DONE BY FRIDAY. * BOOK PROJECT #2 IS DUE FRIDAY. SOCIAL STUDIES PRE CIVIL WAR CHARACTER RESEARCH DUE MONDAY, 5/12 WRITING Science Fiction story due Monday 5/5 Typed WE ARE BEGINNING OUR STORYLINE AND CHARACTER JOURNAL.THIS WEEK STUDENTS WILL COMPLETE CHARACTER RESEARCH AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY CITING SOURCES WHICH IS DUE MONDAY, MAY 12 (Research is 40% of the writing portion of the character journal grade). More information coming your way later this week. VOCABULARY
Greetings Families, We had a busy week!!!! We began with Mini-Dramas on the various groups moving west and ended with our round one of “The Giver” field trips. THANK YOU PARENT CHAPERONES- YOU ARE ALL AMAZING TO TAKE TIME AND ENERGY TO JOIN OUR OUT OF SCHOOL ADVENTURES!!!!!! UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS: BALLET HISPANICO: FIELD TRIP SLIPS ARE DUE MONDAY!!!!!!MAKE SURE YOUR KIDDO HAS SHARED THESE WITH YOU. DUE TO NEXT WEEK'S FIELD TRIP TO SEE BALLET HISPANICO, OUR BELL SCHEDULE HAS BEEN CHANGED: THE GIVER FIELD TRIP: Thursday, May 1st 10:30-1:30 Chaperones: Mila’s Mom Irina Maisie’s Mom Beth Nick’s Mom Marketa Haley’s Mom Katie Carson’s Mom Becky Elliot’s Mom Jill *PARENTS ALLOW ENOUGH TIME TO CHECK INTO THE OFFICE FOR YOUR VISITOR BADGE PRIOR TO OUR LEAVING TIME AT 10:30. HOMEWORK and THIS WEEKS CURRICULUM FOCUS READING HOMEWORK: *READ 30 MINUTES NIGHTLY, *LITERATURE GROUP PROJECT AND *JOURNAL QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTERS 1-15 DUE FRIDAY FOR OUR LIT. GROUP MEETING. CURRICULUM FOCUS: CLOSE READING OF THE NOVEL “CHAINS”- COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS AND BOOK PROJECT FOR CH. 1-15. SOCIAL STUDIES: * “Westward Ho Booklets” are due Monday * FINAL EXAM ON MONDAY CURRICULUM FOCUS: Slavery in the Southern States. The differences in Northern and Southern economies. WRITING: * “DAILIES” GO HOME MONDAY DUE FRIDAY * VOCABULARY IS DUE MONDAY/ TEST *WWW LIST #11 DUE TUESDAY/TEST SCIENCE FICTION UNIT I would like to squeeze an Imaginative Science Fiction Writing Assignment this week before we begin our Pre-Civil War Character Journals and STORYLINE. We will begin drafting on Tuesday and Final typed draft will be due next Monday. CURRICULUM FOCUS:Using the writing process to develop Imaginative Science Fiction Stories. Analysis and use of Science Fiction genre elements within students own pieces. Thanks for all you do at home to support your child!!!!! Kind Regards, Ann Fournier Greetings Families, This evening is the DA VINCI AUCTION!!!! I am so sad to not be able to attend this years event, because of family obligations. This is the one fundraiser da Vinci relies on for the hiring of teachers and funding curriculum materials. I use these funds for novels, art supplies, and supplemental materials. Thanks for all you do to support our program. LITERARY SOCIAL FOR THE NOVEL CHAINS IS TUESDAY, APRIL 21ST. STUDENTS CAN BRING A BAG OF COOKIES OR A BOX OF JUICES BOXES TO HELP US IN OUR CHARACTER SOCIAL. STUDENTS WILL GET ROLES THAT INTRODUCE THEM TO THE NOVELS CHARACTERS. THEY WILL BEGIN TO ENGAGE IN THE NOVEL BY MAKING PREDICTIONS AND CONNECTIONS. FIELD TRIPS TO THE PLAY THE GIVER Friday, April 25th 9-12:00 Kiddos can bring $ for Starbucks, prior to the play. Chaperones: Aubree’s Mom Joelle Liam’s Mom Catherine Bella Perini’s Mom Ruby Adrian’s Dad Geoff Thursday, May 1st 10:30-1:30 Chaperones: Mila’s Mom Irina Maisie’s Mom Beth Nick’s Mom Marketa Haley’s Mom Katie Carson’s Mom Becky Elliot’s Mom Jill Holden’s Mom Joan THIS WEEKS CURRICULUM: READING We are beginning the novel Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.
*Students will be writing “Do’s and Don’t Pamphlets” on How to Survive the Oregon Trail (the focus is on geographic challenges). *Our next writing piece will be a Fantasy or Science Fiction Imaginative story. SOCIAL STUDIES MINI DRAMAS ARE MONDAY ON THE GROUPS RESPONSIBLE FOR WESTWARD EXPANSION. * STUDENTS WILL BE WRAPPING UP OUR UNIT ON WESTWARD EXPANSION BY COMPLETING A STUDY GUIDE FOR THURSDAY’S FINAL EXAM. VOCABULARY
Ann Fournier Mail Delivery SubsystemDelivery to the following recipient failed permanently: [email protected] Te...6:43 PM (0 minutes ago) 7 older messagesMail Delivery [email protected] Google tried to deliver your message, but it was rejected by t...6:43 PM (0 minutes ago) Mail Delivery Subsystem <[email protected]> 6:43 PM (0 minutes ago) to me Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently: [email protected] Technical details of permanent failure: Google tried to deliver your message, but it was rejected by the server for the recipient domain exacttarget.com by mail.messaging.microsoft.com. [207.46.163.30]. The error that the other server returned was: 550 5.4.1 [email protected]: Recipient address rejected: Access Denied ----- Message truncated -----Click here to Reply or ForwardRue La La - Louis Vuitton is here.The most chased-after bags, for a steal. (Believe it.) Today on Rue La La.Why this ad?Ads – 0.03 GB (0%) of 15 GB usedManage©2014 Google - Terms & Privacy Last account activity: 4 hours agoDetails Greetings Families, The sun is shining and we are about to enter the final quarter of the year. This is a great time to spring clean those three ring binders and reorganize materials. We are extremely low on colored pencils and markers. Take this weekend to do an inventory of art supplies. UPCOMING DATES:
WEEKEND HOMEWORK Practice Persuasive PREZI’S and Speeches on a Controversial Topic SPEECHES ARE SCHEDULED BY LAST NAME: Monday A-F, Tuesday G-M, and Wednesday N-Z This Weeks Curriculum : OAKS READING TESTING TUESDAY-FRIDAY
ANN FOURNIER Greetings Families, This week is the last of the grading period! I cannot believe how quickly the year is passing. Please take time to look into Synergy at your child’s progress. Tuesday, 4/8/14 is the last day to turn in any past due assignments. I will be spending hours of my personal time to score and give feedback to students on their persuasive controversial issue pieces that are due Monday. In order to have time to score incoming work, my gradebook closes Tuesday. Please know that your children may be coming home with information about the changes in program offerings here at da Vinci. The da Vinci staff was informed on Tuesday by our building administration that in order to be in State compliance more time needed to be allocated to Math and Science. This means that Core is reduced from three to two periods. This will impact our school in many ways. I was not quite ready to share this news with my students or you, because the impact is still being digested. Many of my students had heard from their Math and Science teachers and seemed to have many questions and some concerns. This change in scheduling means that some students will have a different teacher for History then they do for Literature/Writing, whereas prior they have had three class periods (History, Writing, Literature) with the same teacher. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Locke . At da Vinci your voice and vision is encouraged. NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, APRIL 11 - TEACHER GRADING DAY END OF THIRD QUARTER APRIL 10 OAKS READING TESTING BEGINS MONDAY 4/14 It is vital your child is in school and on time. OAKS testing is part of your child’s permanent academic record. Please plan thoughtfully appointments that may make your child late to school or pull them out of school early this week. Testing make-up sessions are more disruptive than the test itself. MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A HEALTHY SNACK, A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP, AND BREAKFAST ( note these are ALWAYS recommendations). RUN FOR THE ARTS Pledge forms are due Tuesday, April 8. The run is planned (weather permitting) for Wednesday, April 9. We could definitely use parent volunteers.Join us if you are able it is a great experience to see the school running to support the ARTS. All money is due April 23. WEEKEND HOMEWORK: EDIT AND REVISE PERSUASIVE LETTER ON A CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC, TYPE YOUR FINAL COPY AND BIBLIOGRAPHY (STUDENTS WERE GIVEN A MLA FORMAT SHEET FOR TYPING CRITERIA TODAY). USE MY WEBSITE WRITING SUPPORT OSLIS LINK TO FORMAT YOUR BIBLIOGRAPHY. ALSO DOUBLE CHECK THAT YOU HAVE USED PARENTHETICAL CITATIONS CORRECTLY- USING THE FORMATTING SHEET GIVEN TODAY!!!!! HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEK *Create your PREZI Multi-Media Presentation for your Persuasive Controversial Speech. * Speeches are by LAST NAME: Monday 4/14 A-F Tuesday 4/15 G-M Wednesday 4/16 N-Z IN-CLASS CURRICULUM FOR THE WEEK SOCIAL STUDIES: WE WILL CONTINUE OUR STUDY OF WESTWARD EXPANSION, INCLUDING LEWIS AND CLARK AND PIONEER LIFE. WE WILL BE WORKING ON OUR ART INTEGRATED “WESTWARD HO BOOKLETS.” WRITING: NOTECARD WRITING FOR SPEECHES, AND PRACTICE PUBLIC SPEAKING. PREZI PRODUCTION AND ONGOING PRACTICE FOR SPEECHES ARE HOMEWORK. REMEMBER PARENTS MAKE FOR EXCELLENT AUDIENCES. READING: THIS WEEKS READING WILL BE PRIMARY SOURCES FROM THE JOURNALS OF LEWIS AND CLARK. WE WILL ALSO EXPLORE SOME HISTORICAL JOURNALS AND TEXTS ON THE PIONEER EXPERIENCE. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO ON THE HOMEFRONT! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND. WARM REGARDS, ANN FOURNIER Greetings Families, I hope that you have all been enjoying your Spring Break. I had such plans of gardening and Spring cleaning, but have instead read three books, watched all the Oscar nominated movies out on Redbox, graded papers, and spent time with my girls. I want to thank all of our dedicated chaperones- you made our library trip a success. We so appreciate your time and energy. CLASSROOM NEEDS
HOMEWORK OVER BREAK
READING OUR NEXT BOOK study is Chains by Laurie Halse-Anderson. If you are able secure your own copy for reading at home. SOCIAL STUDIES When we return from break we will continue your studies of early American Government. VOCABULARY
RESEARCH IS DUE MONDAY, 3/31. WE WILL DRAFT A PARAGRAPH A DAY- PLEASE REFER TO THE TIMELINE THAT GOES HOME ON TUESDAY 4/1.
Ann Fournier Greetings Families, Here is a brief synopsis of our week before Spring Break. I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine. Library Field Trip AM Core Library Thursday, March 20th from 9-11:30 Parent Chaperones Lydeth’s Mom- Elizabeth Liam’s Mom- Katherine Aubree’s Grandpa Library Field Trip PM Core Library Wednesday, March 19th 11:40-2:40 Parent Chaperones Elliot’s Mom- Jill Carson’s Mom or Dad- Becky or James Nick’s Mom- Marketa Elie’s Mom- Molly Chloe’s Dad-Sean DIVERGENT - THE MOVIE - BEST DAY EVER, PART II, MARCH 21 As a school we will be walking to Lloyd Cinemas. Stay tuned as walking times have not yet been announced. If you're chaperoning, please check with the office when you should arrive, or email Katie Loewen, school counselor. OVERDUE CLASSROOM & DA VINCI LIBRARY BOOKS We recently went through our classroom library checkouts and discovered that many books have been checked out since September and October. Students have been informed to return these books immediately and either check them back in or RE-check them out. PROJECT SECOND WIND Our school's annual food drive is in full swing. Please donate non-perishable items to your child's core class by March 20. Cash/Check donations also applicable. $1 is equivalent to four pounds of food. LATE START WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 - SCHOOL BEGINS AT 10:15 HOMEWORK READING : LIT. GROUP BOOKLETS WITH BOOK REVIEWS ARE DUE MONDAY
We are ending our Constitution and Government Unit and beginning our unit on Westward Expansion. VOCABULARY
* Persuasive Shoe Ad. Campaign * We begin our research on our Controversial Topic Persuasive Letter/Speech and PREZI Project. Must find three sources of information on topic. Have a lovely week and I look forward to seeing you prior to break and if you are chaperoning any of our trips. Much Thanks, Ann Fournier Greetings Families, THANKS FOR GETTING YOUR LIBRARY AND “GIVER” PLAY PERMISSION SLIPS IN. I ALSO THANK THOSE WHO ARE ATTENDING THE TRIPS. I WILL SEND OUT A LIST LATER THIS WEEK REMINDING CHAPERONES OF DATES AND TIMES FOR THE LIBRARY TRIP!!! ALSO THERE ARE A FEW KIDDOS THAT DID NOT RETURN SLIPS, PLEASE DO SO BY MONDAY. Please make sure to check grades on Synergy at least once a week. I will update this Sunday evening by 9:00. Encourage your child to do so as well. Please make sure your child memorizes their ID number and password. They will be using them frequently as we are gearing up for OAKS testing and that's how they login. DIVERGENT - THE MOVIE - BEST DAY EVER, PART II Students received a PINK permission letter this week regarding our ALL SCHOOL viewing of the movie, based on the novel DIVERGENT. PERMISSION FORM & FEE DUE MARCH 11. If form is lost, download another from front page of my website.We cannot accept late forms as we need to get an accurate count of folks attending to Regal Cinemas on March 11. We will need chaperons as well. If you're interested, please mark chaperon area on the PINK form. No child will be turned away due to an inability to pay the $7 fee.Please, simply indicate your needs on the form. If you are able, please donate an extra $7 for a student. WE ARE GOING TO SEE THE SHOW OPENING DAY, MARCH 21. We walk, as a school, to the Lloyd Center Cinema (the one outside) and after back to school for an extended lunch. Parents, there is also a talent show that day. Feel free to join us for the entire day. OVERDUE CLASSROOM & DA VINCI LIBRARY BOOKS We recently went through our classroom library checkouts and discovered that many books have been checked out since September and October. Students have been informed to return these books immediately and either check them back in or RE-check them out. Books that are damaged or lost MUST be replaced before spring break. Get a copy of CHAINS by Laurie Halse Anderson If you are able please pick up a copy of this novel for right after Spring Break. We will begin our Pre-Civil War storyline and will be reading “Chains” as part of our integrated unit. PROJECT SECOND WIND Our school's annual food drive is in full swing. Please donate non-perishable items to your child's core class by March 20. Cash/Check donations also applicable. $1 is equivalent to four pound of food. HOMEWORK WRITING THIS WEEK STUDENTS HAVE VOCAB. WITH A WRITING COMPONENT AS HOMEWORK. WE WILL WRAP UP THE DWA AND WRITING A PERSUASIVE/ARGUMENTATIVE PIECE. 10 MIN. PARENT EDITS GO HOME WED. AND TYPED FINAL DRAFTS ARE DUE FRIDAY. VOCABULARY
READING
We will be analyzing the Constitution and Branches of Government in Teams this week. Students will partake in a Bar Exam, those that pass will receive a Diploma and be trying cases. Many Thanks, Ann FournierGreetings Families, MIDTERM GRADES ARE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH UPCOMING FIELDTRIPS: WE HAVE TWO UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS CENTRAL LIBRARY TO DO RESEARCH ON a CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC FOR OUR PERSUASIVE/ARGUMENTATIVE SPEECHES AND PREZI’S. THE OTHER TRIP IS TO SEE THE PLAY “THE GIVER” BASED ON THE NOVEL BY LOIS LOWRY. TOTAL COST $12. PERMISSION SLIPS AND PAYMENT DUE FRIDAY. HOMEWORK READING/WRITING - *JOB #3 IN LIT. GROUP BOOK DUE FOR LITERATURE GROUP MEETINGS ON FRIDAY. READ NIGHTLY FOR 30 MINUTES TO BE ¾ OF THE WAY THROUGH YOUR NOVEL BY FRIDAY. *DAILIES GO HOME MON. DUE FRI. * THIS WEEKS IN CLASS WRITING FOCUS IS PERSUASIVE/ARGUMENTATIVE ON DEMAND WRITING USING EVIDENCE FROM THE TEXTS TO CITE SOURCES. ASSIGNMENT SHEET AND GOAL SETTING GOES HOME ON MONDAY, 3/3. PLEASE SIGN AND GO OVER YOUR CHILD’S GOALS. THIS MIGHT BE A GOOD TIME TO CHECK GRADES TOGETHER ON SYNERGY. ALL GRADES ARE CURRENT AND UP TO DATE. SOCIAL STUDIES *AC/DC INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK CHECK ON READING NOTES 7 IN INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK IN MONDAY 3/3 * WE ARE WRAPPING UP THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR AND BEGINNING TO EVALUATE THE CONSTITUTION AND BILL OF RIGHTS. CHAPTER 8 READING NOTES IN INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK ARE DUE FRIDAY. VOCABULARY WWW List #8 will be due on Tuesday, MARCH 11TH for the test Best Wishes, Ann Fournier APRIL 11, 2014 Greetings Families, The sun is shining and we are about to enter the final quarter of the year. This is a great time to spring clean those three ring binders and reorganize materials. We are extremely low on colored pencils and markers. Take this weekend to do an inventory of art supplies. UPCOMING DATES:
WEEKEND HOMEWORK Practice Persuasive PREZI’S and Speeches on a Controversial Topic SPEECHES ARE SCHEDULED BY LAST NAME: Monday A-F, Tuesday G-M, and Wednesday N-Z This Weeks Curriculum : OAKS READING TESTING TUESDAY-FRIDAY
ANN FOURNIER Dear Families,21 FEBRUARY 2014 Once again I want to thank you for all your support and words of encouragement during PAT’s and PPS contract negotiations. It has been an incredibly uncertain time for all of us who are engaged in creating successful learning experiences for PPS students. I will be at the Oregon Writing Project Annual Seminar FEBRUARY 25. Zach Melzer will be teaching that day! Zach spent last year with Mr. Myers Core student teaching and I know students will be left in good hands. MONDAY I WILL BE SENDING HOME A YELLOW PACKET WITH A PERMISSION SLIP FOR YOUR CHILD TO VIEW THE PG-13 VERSION OF REVOLUTION ON FRIDAY. I AM ALSO SENDING HOME A SUPPLY LIST. IT HAS BECOME APPARENT THAT MANY KIDDOS NEED ITEMS TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT SCHOOL. PLEASE CHECK IN WITH YOUR CHILD TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE ALL ITEMS. HOMEWORK: READING *Students do have nightly reading HOMEWORK. Students need to be half way through their novels by Friday and be prepared for their Literature Group Meeting. Lit. Group Jobe #2 is due at the time of their meeting. WRITING *Vocabulary goes home Monday and is due Friday prior to their test. * WWW due Wed. Test Wed. *CHARACTER ANALYSIS ESSAY FINAL MLA TYPED PAPER DUE Monday *ALL DRAFTS, TIMELINE WITH PARENT INITIALS, AND SELF, PEER AND PARENT EDIT SHEET DUE MON. *BRING YOUR WRITING JOURNAL DAILY THIS WEEK. THIS WEEKS WRITING FOCUS IS ON PERSUASIVE AND EXPOSITORY WRITING (CITING SOURCES, EMBEDDED QUOTES, AND CREATING END NOTES). SOCIAL STUDIES *Our focus this week is the study of the Revolutionary War (History Alive ch. 7 and Interactive Notebooks Reading Notes 7). ASHLAND TRIPPERS ALL PERMISSION PAPERS & FEES MUST BE IN BY TUESDAY, FEB. 25. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, PLEASE COME TO THE AUDITORIUM WITH ALL OF YOUR GEAR, AND SACK LUNCH (don't forget that sack lunch, please) BY 8:15. Check in with Ms. Wasson to go over any medications, and gather school work from ALL your TEACHERS, if necessary. The bus will arrive at 9 a.m. You will be departing at 9:30. Upon your return to town on Friday, Feb. 28, Ms. Wasson will contact the office to give an ETA so you can come get your child. Contact Ms. Wasson with any questions or concerns. DA VINCI SNOWBALL DANCE: PARENT CHAPERONES, SET UP AND TEAR DOWN HELP NEEDED!!!!PLEASE CONTACT CONNIE IF YOU ARE ABLE TO HELP. TREATS ARE ALSO NEEDED- DONATIONS OF CHIPS, COOKIES, CANDY, POPCORN, ETC. CAN BE BROUGHT TO THE OFFICE ALL WEEK! THANKS FOR MAKING THIS A FUN EVENT FOR OUR CHILDREN. da Vinci's school dance will be Friday, February 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. Much Thanks, Ann Fournier NO SCHOOL MONDAY, FEB. 17 - NATIONAL HOLIDAY We all know that this coming week could be met with many challenges given PAT and PPS’s pending negotiations. I want to make sure your kiddos feel safe, connected and prepared for what may occur. On Tuesday, I will prep them for the weeks homework and project expectations and at the same time remind them that in case of a strike to hold onto ALL assignments until we are reunited (keeping in mind they will be DUE when we return). My goal is to not disrupt our learning opportunities. I also want to thank everyone for their support and words of encouragement. In case you did not receive Mr. Locke's email regarding next week's schedule, I've pasted it below.
PPS will communicate any significant changes to this schedule via phone calls to families, www.pps.net, the PPS Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pps.homepage) and Twitter @PPSConnect. The PPS Community Hotline is staffed from 7:30 am to 6 pm at 503-916-3260 if you have questions. The Hotline is not available Monday due to the holiday. HOMEWORK READING/WRITING - We have finished the novel The Outsiders and are working on our Expository Character Analysis Essay.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Best Wishes, Ann Fournier As I am supporting my Bargaining Team I will not be working outside of my school day- except to send you a brief Newsletter. I am postponing our Soc and Greaser End of The Outsiders Novel Party until Friday, 2/14. Given our snow days and the possibility of no school again on Monday and the upcoming holiday of LOVE- Friday is best!!!!!!! This gives families and students more time to plan character costumes, bring a snack to share, and complete novel extension projects. I will also send home class lists so students can bring VALENTINES. Kiddos that bring valentines are asked to include ALL classmates. Homework: Check my Core websites CALENDAR This week at a Glance: Literature: Partner Character Sillouette Project: Students will create a collage based character from the OUtsiders that is filled with excerpts from the novel that illustrate how the character changes and develops in the novel. Writing: Dailies are due Monday!!!!! WWW notebooks due Test is Monday!!! Bring your novel The Outsiders daily to use in drafting and referencing (citing evidence from the novel to support thesis) for our Expository Character Analysis Essay. Timelines will go home Monday and require parents to check in daily. We will draft a paragraph a day (this is a five paragraph essay). U.S. History: Students will become a character from Colonial Pre Revolution and using research create a persuasive/propaganda poster for a Town Meeting. We will have Loyalists, Patriots and Neutral characters. The Loyalists and Patriots will use arguments to sway Neutral characters to their side!!! Stay warm and safe- read a good book, enjoy your family time!!! Warm Wishes, Ann Fournier Greetings Families, Last week, I informed students and families that I will be doing my best to adhere to the Teacher's Union Contract working hours.This is very hard for me, given that I am accustomed to working an additional 10 hours above my contract each week to score student assessments, create lesson plans, tutor students, attend meetings, create this newsletter, update my website and answer parent emails. This means that I will not be answering emails or phone calls after 3:30 during the week, nor will be I be able to do this on the weekends. I am choosing to spend my time working with students or on the planning it takes to prepare for their lessons. SCHOOL WIDE SPELLING BEE - WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5 - ALL ARE WELCOME. HOMEWORK: PLEASE REFER TO MY CALENDAR ON OUR CLASS WEBSITE THANK YOU, ANN FOURNIER NO SCHOOL MONDAY, JANUARY 27 - TEACHER GRADING DAY The second quarter ended today. This made it the final day to turn in any late and/or missing work. I've been pretty quiet about the relations between the PPS district and its’ teachers. I do need to inform families that during our contract negotiation period, we are working to our contract. That means the hours of school work I do at home and the 45 minutes early I get into school- stops. This may affect my ability to update my website and send out my weekly newsletter, and answer emails outside of the workday. Lastly, this will affect my ability to be available for meetings outside of contract hours. I will strive to create the least amount of disruption to the service I provide my students. Students should not be penalized during this time! HOMEWORK READING - The Outsiders
* Chapt. 6 Reading Notes due Friday * (GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR chapter LINK) VOCABULARY * Goes home Tues. due Fri. TEST Fri. WRITING * Personal Narrative using Smiley Face Tricks * Rough Draft due Wed. * Revision due Thurs. Parent 10 Minute Edit homework Thurs. evening * Revision #2 due Friday * Final Typed story due Monday for community sharing (use MLA typing format criteria found on my websites Writing Links) Warm Wishes, Ann Fournier Greetings Families, NO SCHOOL MONDAY, JANUARY 20 - IN OBSERVANCE OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. LATE START WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22 This week we had the great fortune to have a traveling Black History Exhibit come to da Vinci. Historian Khalid el-Hakim brought his collection of over 5,000 black history artifacts for our entire school to tour through. It was intense, extremely informative, and paired well with out upcoming Holiday on Monday, celebrating the life of Martin Luther King. Be sure to discuss the exhibit and the importance of Monday’s holiday. On Monday, there will be some great Biographies and historical t.v. shows and local events to visit. The second quarter of the school year ends next Friday. Now is a great time to review grades on Synergy. I have entered lots of new grades and would like students and families to check in on this quarter's progress. Students are also bringing home an “ASSIGNMENT SHEET WITH GOAL SETTING” DUE TUESDAY. WEEKEND HOMEWORK *ASSIGNMENT AND GOAL SETTING SHEET DUE SCHOOL WEEK HOMEWORK *THE OUTSIDERS CH. 5-8 WITH JOURNAL PAGES 9-12 * DAILIES:GO HOME TUES. DUE FRIDAY * QUIZ ON “COLONIAL UNREST” FRIDAY WARM REGARDS, ANN FOURNIER HAPPY 2014! We had a great week back!!! This week the flu has surfaced at da Vinci and has caused students to miss classes. Stay healthy, sleep-drink H2O-eat well-relax!!!!!! HOMEWORK SODA SHOP CHARACTER PARTY MONDAY: BRING AN AUTHENTIC 1960'S TREAT TO SHARE!!! READING - Bring your Outsiders novel and a Soda Shop treat for Monday’s 1960’s Character Party. 13 COLONIES MAP STUDY
MONDAY-FRIDAY HOMEWORK
VOCABULARY
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS: BLACK STUDENT UNION Our next BSU meeting is Monday, January 13, from 3 to 4 p.m. in my classroom. If you missed our December meeting, we asked students who want to work on the StoryCorps project to select who they would like to interview. We need to know who this is in January to set up interviews. Parent meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 4:30. ASHLAND TRIPPERS The $100 deposit was due January 10. THE FINAL DAY TO RECEIVE ANY REFUNDS IS JANUARY 31 - NO EXCEPTIONS. Students are responsible for checking in with their teachers prior to the trip and keeping up with homework and assignments. More information and a permission packet will come when we return from break. Best, Ann Fournier da Vinci Arts Middle School Greetings Families, WELCOME TO 2014! SCHOOL RESUMES MONDAY, JANUARY 6. Here are a few reminders to take care of before we head back to school on Monday:
Upcoming Units After Break • The Outsiders (whole class novel study), and Year Book Project 12/13 • Expository writing begins 12/13 • Colonies map due Friday, test on Map and Colony Reading Notes Friday, 12/10 • Road to Revolution 12/13 * Vocabulary due Friday, 12/10 Test * WWW Test Monday 12/6 I hope you've all taken these last few weeks to rest, rejuvenate and reconnect. We have three more weeks until the close of the second quarter. I can't wait to see everyone on Monday!!!! Happy 2014! Ann Fournier Writing/Literature/History educator da Vinci Arts Middle School 503.916.5356 December 20th Greetings Families, Have a relaxing and invigorating WINTER BREAK! SCHOOL RESUMES JANUARY 6, 2014 Thank you all for working so diligently over the last few weeks. There is no specific homework if your child is current and has turned in all assignments. If your kiddo was absent or did not turn in any of our major work these past two weeks then spending Break time to complete work is recommended. Remember late work is not accepted past two weeks and each day late 10% is docked off their total score. Midterms have been completed and should be out to families by this weekend. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK SYNERGY to have a better view of how your child is progressing in core. This week students turned in 7 page Colony Journals, Novel Post Card Projects and The Misfits Dialogue Journals with their Finals. Please note these assignments take many hours to score and you will not find immediate feedback. My goal is to complete scoring during Winter Break so check for those grades check after 12/28. Please pick up a copy of the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. We will begin reading it after winter break. PLEASE BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW IF PURCHASING THIS BOOK WILL BE A HARDSHIP FOR YOUR FAMILY. I will find a book for your child. I have already had some generous offers and donations!!! Thank you ALL for supporting our academic offerings. Upcoming Units After Break • The Outsiders (whole class novel study), Year Book Project • Expository writing • Colonies map test • Road to Revolution Have a fantastic winter break with your loved ones!!! I look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year! Warm Wishes, Ann Fournier Da Vinci Arts Middle School DECEMBER 13TH Greetings Families, The midterm is Tuesday!!! Check Synergy often to track your child’s progress- this helps to avoid the surprise Midterm Grades. That being said we are wrapping up our curriculum this week so that students get a real mental reprieve from school over winter break. Thank you for helping your kids put forward their best efforts these last few weeks. Please be sure to pick up a copy of the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. We will begin reading it after winter break. Stay tuned for a reading plan. PLEASE BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW IF PURCHASING THIS BOOK WILL BE A HARDSHIP FOR YOUR FAMILY. LOCKER CLEAN OUT ThursDAY Please remind your child that we're having a locker clean out on Thursday. Please send them with some extra Reusable Grocery Bags to put items that need to go home. They may need a ride home at some point next week so they can carry home any dance clothes for laundering and/or lunch containers for washing. You know your child’s hoarding behaviors so plan accordingly. ASHLAND TRIP Applicatons for this year's trip are now in the office. Trip dates are February 26, 27, and 28. Applications require teacher signatures, parent signatures, and a current grade printout from Synergy. Applications are due by December 17. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED, NO EXCEPTIONS. If considering the trip, please be sure to READ through it all carefully. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Wasson at [email protected]. WEEKEND HOMEWORK
NO NEW VOCABULARY UNTIL WE RETURN FROM WINTER BREAK. THIS WEEKS HOMEWORK * THE MISFITS JOURNALS, (THEME QUESTIONS 1-28 , ADOLESCENT ISSUES, ADULT LIFE LESSONS,CHARACTER NOTES, AND INTERESTING VOCABULARY) DUE MONDAY. *BRING YOUR NOVEL DAILY FOR OPEN BOOK FINAL EXAM. * Colony Journals are due THURSDAY. * POSTCARD BOOK PROJECTS AND ONE MINUTE BOOK TALK PRESENTATIONS TUES.-THURS. OUR CORE WINTER CELEBRATION IS FRIDAY BRING SOMETHING to SHARE , WE WILL SIGN UP ON MONDAY. ALSO FRIDAY IS OUR SECRET GIFT EXCHANGE. STUDENTS MAY BRING A HOMEMADE GIFT, a piece of POETRY, A CD,A CANDY BAR, A GENTLY LOVED BOOK…….-THE GOAL IS NOT TO SPEND MONEY. WRAP IT AND PUT THE NAME OF YOUR SECRET PERSON ON THE FRONT. SHHHHHHHHH IT’S A SECRET. WARM REGARDS, ANN FOURNIER Welcome back from the week of Thanksgiving Break. I, like many kiddos, returned with a fever, no voice and coughs. I hope all, including myself, are on the mend and can get back to our best selves next week. Regardless, we were incredibly productive this week!!!! Students are up to chapt. 25 in The Misfits and completed their Colony Brochure research projects. BRAVO!!! Against my doctor and husbands wishes I went ahead with our two field trips this week and they were worth the relapse! THANK YOU PARENTS FOR TAKING TIME OUT OF YOUR LIVES TO CHAPERONE!!!!! Our class experience at the museum would not have happened without your support. WEEKEND HOMEWORK
assignment and goal setting sheet goes home Mon.. due Tues. with parent initials VOCABULARY goes home Monday due Friday/ TEST Friday DECEMBER 13. * Postcard Book Project and One Minute Book Talk for NOVEMBER INDEPENDENT READING CONTRACT novel goes home Monday. There is no reading homework this week or upcoming weekend so that students can prepare. Remember parents make for great audiences and can keep track of the 1 Minute time. * Bring a paper bag FRIDAY for journal making * COLONY JOURNAL we will have class time daily- please check in at home to assure your child is utilizing this time:) DA VINCI ARTS FAIR I hope to see everyone at our annual arts fair. It begins Saturday from 10 to 6 and continues Sunday from 10 to 4. Come support our school in a big way and do some holiday shopping as well. BLACK STUDENT UNION MEETING Our BSU next meets on Monday, Dec. 9 from 3 to 4 p.m. in Ms. Wasson’s room.Many Thanks, Ann Fournier NO SCHOOL WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25-29 It was great to see you at conferences!!!! I hope that the break brought you opportunities for rest and relaxation. Field Trips to the ART MUSEUM: *PM CORE WED. 12/4 bring a sack lunch or $ to purchase at Pioneer Place *AM CORE THURS. 12/5 if desired bring $ for hot cocoa I will send home notice of times and chaperones on Monday 12/2! WEEK OF THANKS HOMEWORK
Homework for the Week of 12/2 * Final draft of Colony Brochure due Friday
Warm Regards, Ann Fournier Greetings Families, It is hard to believe we are entering the last week of school for the month of November. Please encourage your child to do their best and that every moment of the school day is important. Getting kids to school on-time, monitoring the completing of homework, checking teacher websites, monitoring grades on Synergy, reading the planner are all the ways we as parents support our children in being successful learners. HOLOCAUST SPEAKER Monday, Nov. 18. I will be taking both of my cores to this event. Parents are welcome to join us. The event is being held in the auditorium from 12:55 to 1:55. Our speakers work with the SHOAH Foundation and have a wealth of experience, passion, and knowledge surrounding this monumental era in history. DONATION DRIVE FOR THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCE CENTER This week our LEO Leaders introduced our school fundraiser for the Domestic Violence Resource Center. We will continue collecting funds through next week. Cores are competing for a root beer float party. Please consider donating to this worthy cause root beer float party or not. CONFERENCES Conferences continue Nov. 25 and 26. Schedules for all teachers are on a long table outside of the main office. Please make sure you sign up to see your child's teachers. PLEASE BRING YOUR CHILD TO THEIR CONFERENCES. *Arrive early. This will ensure you won’t miss your conference with me. IF YOU MISS YOUR CONFERENCE OR ARRIVE LATE, it may be difficult to reschedule. While the goal is to meet with each family during conferences, rescheduling may difficult because my conference schedule is packed. I will do my best to accommodate all families. BLACK STUDENT UNION MEETING Our BSU next meets on Monday, Nov. 18 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Ms. Wasson’s room. WEEKEND HOMEWORK
* Monday final essay is due * Vocabulary goes home Mon. due Fri. / TEST FRI. * COLONY BROCHURE Project has a daily parent check in and TIMELINE. This goes home Monday and the timeline and rough draft of the brochure is due FRIDAY. * “THE MISFITS” READ CH. 1-10 BY FRIDAY- STUDENTS WILL BE WORKING ON COMPLETING THEIR CHARACTER DIALOGUE JOURNALS. Thanks for all you do!!!! Ann Fournier Greetings Families, NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 - TEACHER GRADING DAY Our new quarter begins on Tuesday!!! NO SCHOOL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 – HOLIDAY RESCHEDULED FIELDTRIPS TO THE ART MUSEUM: Please sign up the permission slip and chaperone signup. Thank you!!! They will be due back on Friday 11/15. AM CORE:Art Museum: THURS. 12/5 8:30-11:45 PM CORE:Art Museum: WED. 12/4 9:30-1:15 CONFERENCES We are fast approaching Parent/Teacher/Student conferences (I stress student). Schedules for all teachers are on a long table outside of the main office. Please make sure you sign up to see your child's teachers. Teachers do not manage their own schedules.You will need to call the office or come in to make an appointment. TEACHERS EXPECT STUDENTS TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE. WEEKEND HOMEWORK * EXPLORER WANTED POSTERS WITH A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CITED SOURCES DUE TUESDAY, 11/12 * WORD WITHIN A WORD LIST #2 due Test Tuesday * READ YOUR INDEPENDENT NOVEL: FINAL READING CONTRACT BOOKMARKS DUE DEC. 1ST. * BRING A BOX OF COOKIES OR JUICE BOXES FOR "THE MISFITS" TEA PARTY FRIDAY. STUDENTS WILL BECOME CHARACTERS FROM THE NEW NOVEL WE WILL BEGIN. *CHARACTER ANALYSIS ESSAY: PARAGRAPHS 1-3 DUE TUESDAY 11/12 PARAGRAPH 4 DUE WED. 11/13 PARAGRAPH 5 DUE THURS. 11/14 Parent 10 Minute Edit goes home. final typed essay due MONDAY 11/18 UPCOMING PROJECTS AND UNITS: * COLONIAL AMERICA * THE WHOLE CLASS NOVEL “THE MISFITS” BY JAMES HOWE- PLEASE PICK UP A COPY FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU KNOW THEY MAY NEED MORE TIME TO COMPLETE JOBS. Warm Regards, Ann Fournier Greetings Folks, THANK YOU PARENTS THAT WERE ABLE AND WILLING TO CHAPERONE AT OMSI. THE SHERLOCK HOLMES EXHIBIT REALLY TESTED OUR DETECTIVE SKILLS!!!! UPCOMING CORE FIELD TRIPS: AM CORE: chaperones: Sarah- Phoebe’s Mom, John- Josey’s Dad, Geoff- Adrian’s Dad, Aubree’s Grandparent Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/7 8:30-11:45 PM CORE: chaperones: Sean- Chloe’s Dad, Alison-Kate’s Mom, Beth- Maisie’s Mom Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/6 9:30-1:15 WEEKEND HOMEWORK * read 30 minutes and record time on your Reading Contract: Due Dec. 2nd * Vocabulary lesson 20 due Monday, test Monday. * Word within a Word group List 2 due Tuesday, 11/12, test 11/12 VOCABULARY NEXT WEEK HOMEWORK FOR MONDAY – THURSDAY • A paragraph a day is due for Character Analysis: Parents please initial timeline daily beginning Tuesday, 11/5!!! • Independent Novel and Reading Bookmark Contract due Dec. 2nd • Research Homework Monday Night 11/4 for explorer Poster Research Project NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO CHECK YOUR CHILD'S BINDER. IS IT A DISASTER? DO YOU NEED TO REPLENISH SUPPLIES? DO THEY NEED A NEW BINDER BECAUSE THE RINGS ARE BROKEN? DO THEY NEED NEW FOLDERS OR MORE LOOSE LEAF PAPER? PLEASE DO THIS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. With the grading period for quarter one closing next Thursday, please be sure to check grades on Synergy. Check in with teachers to see if there's work that can be turned in or can be made up. NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 - TEACHER GRADING DAY CONFERENCES TEACHERS EXPECT STUDENTS TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE. We are approaching conferences !!!!Schedules for all teachers are on a long table outside of the main office. Please make sure you sign up to see your child's teachers. Teachers do not manage their own schedules, PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR EMAIL ME ABOUT MAKING AN APPOINTMENT. You will need to call the office or come in to make an appointment. DA VINCI HOUSE PARTIES Our school's Foundation committee is hoping to hold house parties again this year to get a jump start on State budget shortfalls that most often result in the loss of teachers in schools. Our house parties last year were pretty successful and the Foundation is hoping they will gain even more momentum this year. These parties primary function is to raise funds (obviously) but they are also a great way to create bonds between core families and to get to know your child's teachers on a deeper level. If you're interested in hosting a party, please let me know or contact Mary Sauve at, (510) 847-4484. WARM WISHES, ANN FOURNIER UPCOMING CORE FIELD TRIPS: Parents I really need volunteers to accompany us!!! Let me know if you can join us on any of our learning excursions outside of the classroom. AM CORE: Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/7 8:30-11:45 OMSI: Sherlock Holmes Mystery Exhibit 10/29 9-11:30 PM CORE: Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/6 9:30-1:15 OMSI: Sherlock Holmes Mystery Exhibit 10/30 10-12:30 We had gorgeous weather, met incredible staff, learned tons about soil, plants, water and animals!!! It was an incredible week at Camp Howard. Sixth graders please make sure you're checking my website for due dates for next week. HELP FIELD TRIP CHAPERONES NEEDED FOR THIS TUESDAY- AM CORE. IF YOU ARE AT ALL ABLE TO JOIN US PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL. WE NEED 3 MORE WILLING PARENTS INORDER TO ATTEND OMSI. UPCOMING CORE FIELD TRIPS: Parents I really need volunteers to accompany us!!! Let me know if you can join us on any of our learning excursions outside of the classroom. AM CORE: Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/7 8:30-11:45 OMSI: Sherlock Holmes Mystery Exhibit 10/29 9-11:30 PM CORE: Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/6 9:30-1:15 OMSI: Sherlock Holmes Mystery Exhibit 10/30 10-12:30 TOTAL COST $15 make checks payable to da Vinci Arts Middle School. If you are able to donate extra funds towards scholarships that would assist those in need. THANK YOU! WEEKEND HOMEWORK
THIS WEEKS HOMEWORK: * Monday is Reading Bookmark Contract check in * Vocabulary goes home Monday and is due back Friday-test Friday * TYPED FINAL SCARY STORIES ARE DUE THURSDAY FOR OUR CAMPFIRE READINGS * BRING A TREAT TO SHARE FOR OUR SCARY STORY CAMPFIRE READING PARTY\ CONFERENCES We are fast approaching Parent/Teacher/Student conferences (I stress student). Schedules for all teachers are on a long table outside of the main office. Please make sure you sign up to see your child's teachers. Teachers do not manage their own schedule. ALL TEACHERS EXPECT STUDENTS TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE. DA VINCI HOUSE PARTIES Our school's Foundation committee is hoping to hold house parties again this year to get a jump start on State budget shortfalls that most often result in the loss of teachers in schools. Our house parties last year were pretty successful and the Foundation is hoping they will gain even more momentum this year. These parties primary function is to raise funds (obviously) but they are also a great way to create bonds between core families and to get to know your child's teachers on a deeper level. If you're interested in hosting a party, please let me know or contact Mary Sauve at, (510) 847-4484. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: In Literature we will be reading a Sherlock Holmes mystery,” The Raven” by Edgar Alan Poe, and suspense story “The New Kid”. In writing we will work on setting and character description and drafting our suspense stories for our Campfire reading on Thurs. Oct. 31st. Our focus in U.S. History is the era of exploration and beginning our Explorer Wanted Project. Many Thanks, Ann Fournier Greetings Folks, Thanks so much for volunteering and helping with locker painting!!!! The supplies you purchased, time you volunteered and ideas you encouraged made this years locker painting a success. I will add some locker painting pics. to my website later this week. If your child still needs to finish painting their masterpiece, they can do so after school WITH PARENT SUPERVISION. Please have your own drop cloths, paints, rags and brushes. UPCOMING CORE FIELD TRIPS: Permission Slips go home on Monday and are due back Friday. Parents I really need volunteers to accompany us!!! Let me know if you can join us on any of our learning excursions outside of the classroom. AM CORE: Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/7 8:30-11:45 OMSI: Sherlock Holmes Mystery Exhibit 10/29 9-11:30 PM CORE: Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/6 9:30-1:15 OMSI: Sherlock Holmes Mystery Exhibit 10/30 10-12:30 TOTAL COST $15 make checks payable to da Vinci Arts Middle School. If you are able to donate extra funds towards scholarships that would assist those in need. THANK YOU! OUTDOOR SCHOOL: OCT. 23-25TH!!!! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT KATIE LOEWEN. I CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE THIS EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR CHILD. CAMP HOWARD IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SITES. LATE START WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16 MIDTERM progress reports should be making their way to you. Please contact me if you have any questions. Synergy logins for parents were supposedly sent out this last week. If you did not respond to this email you will receive your login information in the mail around Oct. 11th. Thank you for your patience. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: Reading: We wrap up our Holocaust Literature study of Milkweed and begin our mystery and suspense genre study. Writing: Vocabulary study and Persuasive Letter writing. Social Studies: GROUP NATIVE AMERICAN STORYLINE BEGINS: Research native American group, create a character doll and setting diorama, draft script for mini drama play. HOMEWORK: · Milkweed Literature Group Book due and final meeting this Wed.,Oct. 16th. Front cover design and Persuasive Letter for back page will culminate our novel study.
Shannon Wasson Create a free website with Greetings Folks, This week seemed to fly. Students are doing a team building cooperative project- creating Native American mini-Dramas. We are finishing up our study of Native American culture groups. Our next unit will focus on the colonization of the America's. In writing and reading students will be exposed to the genres of Suspense and Mystery. UPCOMING OCT. 31ST CAMPFIRE READINGS: On Oct. 31st we will share our stories in the dark around imaginary campfires ("campfire readings"). And then we will celebrate our writings. Students will sign up to bring a spooktacular treat this Monday. UPCOMING CORE FIELD TRIPS: Permission Slips go home on Monday and are due back Friday. Parents I really need volunteers to accompany us!!! Let me know if you can join us on any of our learning excursions outside of the classroom. AM CORE: Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/7 8:30-11:45 OMSI: Sherlock Holmes Mystery Exhibit 10/29 9-11:30 PM CORE: Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/6 9:30-1:15 OMSI: Sherlock Holmes Mystery Exhibit 10/30 10-12:30 TOTAL COST: $15 make checks payable to da Vinci Arts Middle School. If you are able to donate extra funds towards scholarships that would assist those in need. THANK YOU! I WAS OUT OF THE BUILDING FRIDAY SO THE DUE DATE FOR PERMISSION SLIPS AND $15 IS MONDAY!!! OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR 6TH GRADERS HAPPENS THIS WEEK. Please make sure to have your 6th grader at school on Wednesday, October 23 at 9:45 for departure to camp. Students will return to school on October 25. I can hardly wait to share this experience with your child. Don’t forget to pack for the possibility of rain and bring layers for the chilly mornings in the forest. WEEKEND HOMEWORK FOR TUESDAYS MINIDRAMA Due Monday: · HOMEMADE PROPS/ARTIFACTS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN MINI DRAMAS. HAVE FUN AND GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR REUSE OF MATERIALS FOUND AT HOME OR IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD. · COSTUMES FOR NATIVE AMERICAN MINI DRAMA · SCRIPT MANAGERS: TYPED SCRIPTS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN MINI DRAMA THIS WEEKS HOMEWORK: * READ NIGHTLY FOR 30 MINUTES: FILL OUT YOUR BOOKMARK READING. YOUR INDEPENDENT NOVEL MUST BE READ BY NOV. 30TH.CONTRACT- DUE FOR CHECK IN NEXT MONDAY 10/28 * NO VOCABULARY B/C OF OUTDOOR SCHOOL. WORD WITHIN THE WORD GROUP; LIST 1 DUE MONDAY, OCT 28TH * NATIVE AMERICAN MINI DRAMA DRESS REHEARSAL IS MONDAY . THE OPENING ACTS WILL BE ON TUESDAY!!!! MANY THANKS, ANN FOURNIER Thanks so much for volunteering and helping with locker painting!!!! The supplies you purchased, time you volunteered and ideas you encouraged made this years locker painting a success. I will add some locker painting pics. to my website later this week. If your child still needs to finish painting their masterpiece, they can do so after school WITH PARENT SUPERVISION. Please have your own drop cloths, paints, rags and brushes. UPCOMING CORE FIELD TRIPS: Permission Slips go home on Monday and are due back Friday. Parents I really need volunteers to accompany us!!! Let me know if you can join us on any of our learning excursions outside of the classroom. AM CORE: Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/7 8:30-11:45 OMSI: Sherlock Holmes Mystery Exhibit 10/29 9-11:30 PM CORE: Art Museum: Native American Exhibit 11/6 9:30-1:15 OMSI: Sherlock Holmes Mystery Exhibit 10/30 10-12:30 TOTAL COST $15 make checks payable to da Vinci Arts Middle School. If you are able to donate extra funds towards scholarships that would assist those in need. THANK YOU! OUTDOOR SCHOOL: OCT. 23-25TH!!!! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT KATIE LOEWEN. I CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE THIS EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR CHILD. CAMP HOWARD IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SITES. LATE START WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16 MIDTERM progress reports should be making their way to you. Please contact me if you have any questions. Synergy logins for parents were supposedly sent out this last week. If you did not respond to this email you will receive your login information in the mail around Oct. 11th. Thank you for your patience. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: Reading: We wrap up our Holocaust Literature study of Milkweed and begin our mystery and suspense genre study. Writing: Vocabulary study and Persuasive Letter writing. Social Studies: GROUP NATIVE AMERICAN STORYLINE BEGINS: Research native American group, create a character doll and setting diorama, draft script for mini drama play. HOMEWORK: · Milkweed Literature Group Book due and final meeting this Wed.,Oct. 16th. Front cover design and Persuasive Letter for back page will culminate our novel study.
Many Thanks, Ann Fournier It's going to be one busy short week full of Outsiders work, vocabulary, locker painting, and core retreat preparation. There's NO SCHOOL Friday, October 11, The MIDTERM is Tuesday, October 8. Progress reports should reach families by the weekend. Please contact me if you have any questions. Synergy logins for parents were supposedly sent out this last week. Currently none of our students can login yet. The district is still working on this. Thank you for your patience. LOCKER PAINTING HELP NEEDED I could still use a few helpers with locker painting. The days & times are: October 9, 1:30-2:45 October 10, 8:15-9:15 PLEASE JOIN US IF YOU ARE ABLE! FINISH UP THOSE LOCKER SKETCHES - A few students still need to finish their sketches before I can give them the thumbs up . Please be sure your child speaks with you about their locker painting needs and plans. Students are required to bring all their needed supplies: brushes, mixing containers, paint clothes, paint, sharpies, etc. HOMEWORK NO READING OR VOCABULARY DUE TO BOOK PROJECTS AND IT BEING A SHORT WEEK. * Typed Book Review and Paper Plate Novel Project are due Tuesday. * One Minute Book Review Presentations for in class Book Auction are by students last name: Tuesday A-F, Wednesday G-M, and Thursday N-Z * We will be typing our Childhood Narratives Monday and Tuesday during class all remaining typing must be done at home. Stories are due Wednesday for Community Sharing. * Milkweed Literature Group Booklets are due Wednesday, October 16th with a cover, all pages complete and with back persuasive letter. Best Always, Ann Fournier Create a free website with
WEEKEND HOMEWORK
LITERATURE AND READING: AT HOME BOOK PROJECTS GO HOME TUESDAY. STUDENTS HAVE ONE WEEK TO COMPLETE THE CRITERIA for their Independent Novel. PERSUASIVE BOOK REVIEW PRESENTATIONS BEGIN: LAST NAME TUESDAY, 10/8 A-F WEDNESDAY, 10/9 G-M THURSDAY, 10/10 N-Z In class we will be reading Milkweed and completing our Literary Luminary Job. This is where students identify, analyze, and connect with the authors use of literary devices (symbolism, allusion, similes, sensory imagery, adages etc….). Writing: Our focus will be on drafting “Childhood Narratives.” Students will use the criteria found in the “Narrative Analysis,” to write compelling stories. Vocabulary: Students will be studying words from their Literary Terms Glossary. They will complete their word study in their writing journals (same as last week). Work is due Friday and the test is on Friday and will cover spelling and knowledge of the words meaning. History: This week we begin our study of Native Americans. HOMEWORK: READING HOMEWORK DUE MONDAY BOOK PROJECTS DUE TUESDAY, 10/8 & PERSUASIVE BOOK REVIEW 10/8-20/20 CRITERIA GOES HOME TUESDAY. VOCABULARY ON LITERARY TERMS GOES HOME MON. DUE FRI. TEST FRI. NO READING THIS WEEK SO STUDENTS MAY WORK ON BOOK PROJECTS AND PRESENTATIONS Cold and flu season is already upon us. Over the last week I've had quite a students home due to sickness. Please be sure to KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME IF THEY ARE STILL CONTAGIOUS. BE SURE YOUR CHILD IS GETTING AMPLE SLEEP. If your child is home sick I encourage you to check with the office and contact your child’s teachers about missed assignments, and pick them up from the school office. Given the academic rigor of Middle School it is overwhelming to get behind. Stay well and thanks for supporting our program. Ann Fournier Thanks so much for coming to Open House! It was great to welcome new families and visit with returning folks!!!!!! THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: LITERATURE: * This week we begin our Literature Group novel Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli. Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli takes us to one of the most devastating settings imaginable—Nazi-occupied Warsaw of World War II—and tells a tale of heartbreak, hope, and survival through the bright eyes of a young orphan. Students will have a weekly Job due for Friday’s Literature Group Meetings. * I NEED BOOK GROUP PARENTS TO ASSIST WITH DISCUSSION OF Milkweed. Book group meeting dates and times are: October 4, & 10th. A.M. CORE MEETS: 8:30-9 on the 3rd ; on the 10th, the group will meet following locker painting 10:30. P.M. CORE MEETS: 12-12:30 on the 3rd & the 10th is TBA. * Remember students will also be reading their Independent Novel for reading homework. Our first novel is due Tuesday, Oct. 1st. WRITING:
SOCIAL STUDIES: EDIBLE MAPS ARE DUE AM CORE MONDAY AND TUESDAY FOR PM CORE THIS WEEK OUR FOCIS WILL BE ON GEOGRAPHIC FORMS, AND LOCATION USING LONGITUDE AND LATITUDE. FRIDAY WE WILL HAVE A TEST ON THE GEOLOGY OF THE U.S. AND ON THIS WEEKS FOCUS. HOMEWORK
SPIRIT WEEK The week of September 30-October 4, students will be dressing up to show their school spirit. MONDAY - Pajama Day TUESDAY - Cats VS. Dogs Day WEDNESDAY - Decade Day THURSDAY - Fandom Day FRIDAY - Portland Day OUTDOOR SCHOOL forms for Outdoor School Information and paperwork for Outdoor School has been given to students. ALL PERMISSION PAPERWORK IS DUE. There are still a couple families who have not turned in their permission forms. I will be taking our 6th graders October 23-25. Many Thanks, Ann Fournier Hi Folks, We had an amazing first full week of school! This week students shared themselves with the class through their Random Autobiography poems. Students’ writing pieces not only utilized a variety of poetic techniques, but also showed trust in sharing their personal experiences with their classroom community. Thank you for all the wish list donations!!!! We had many folks supply us with tissues, wipes and hand sanitizer. If you are inclined to donate we could use letter stickers and scrapbook paper for upcoming projects.. This Week at a Glance: Writing: MY SUMMER MOVIE POSTER is DUE MONDAY, 9/19 & MOVIE REVIEW IS DUE THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 – We will begin drafting our Summer Movie Reviews on Monday. Students will utilize review writing techniques and the writing process to draft reviews. Students need to remember to use the typing criteria sent home on Monday when completing Final Drafts. VOCABULARY: THIS WEEKS VOCABULARY WORDLY WISE GOES HOME MONDAY AND IS DUE BACK FRIDAY. OUR TEST WILL BE ON FRIDAY cOVERing SPELLING AND DEFINITIONS. Later this month I will be sending home information regarding Word Within a Word, a program used for students’ needing enrichment in the area of word study. This program does cost each student $20 for their own book (unfortunately the district does not provide this program). More will be coming your way soon. READING: Reading H.W. is due Monday. Students’ will continue their Independent Novel Study. There first Novel Project on their self-selected will be due the second week of Oct.- giving them one month to read their novel. Our first novel will be “MilkWeed” by Jerry Spinelli. We will begin this novel on 9/26. This will be in class only, but if your child needs longer to complete assignments you may wish to pick up their own copy (I only have enough for in class reading). Social Studies: We are finishing up our maps of the physical features of the U.S. Students are working with a partner to complete geography challenge questions. Kiddos will need a fine tip sharpie and colored pencils to complete their maps. Monday they will bring home criteria for our U.S. Edible Map Geography Projects. This is an at-home project that they may do with a partner. Look for the criteria on Monday. Projects for A.M. Core are due Mon. 9/23 and P.M. Core 9/24 Upcoming Dates: · LATE OPENING WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18 - School begins at 10:15. · OUTDOOR SCHOOL PAPERS DUE WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18th. We will be going Oct. 23rd-25th . Our Outdoor School site is my favorite- Camp Howard. I used to go to Summer Camp there every year as a child. It is simply beautiful! · BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT THURSDAY, SEPT. 19 FROM 6 TO 8 P.M. – Can’t wait to see you all!!!! · SCHOOL PICTURE DAY IS FRIDAY, SEPT. 20 - Picture packets will come home this week. · LOCKER PAINTING - Locker painting information will be coming home soon. I'll be hoping for volunteers and students will need to sketch their plans by October 3 for approval. I hope that the back to school routine is going smoothly. Kiddos need to bring water bottles and healthy snacks (string cheese, almonds, fruit, trail mix, protein bars, yogurt….etc.) daily to Core. We are together for three 45 min. periods and a mid time snack helps keep the focus. See you at Back to School Night!!!!! Ann Fournier Greetings all, We had a great first week back!!!! The first few days of Middle School is filled with an overwhelming amount of “firsts.” These “firsts” include using a locker, switching classes, managing homework from a variety of teachers, being in a multi-age setting etc. Not only was there the excitement of new opportunities, but also the return to routine. It is always inspiring seeing my seventh and eighth graders helping and encouraging our new sixth graders. This year we are going to have a warm community that encourages sharing and learning opportunities!!!! Thank you all, that took the time to fill out my Parent Survey, and the Registration Packet. I also appreciate the tissue, wipes, hand sanitizer and misc. art supplies. We do need MORE, so if you have a chance please supply your kiddo with those necessary class items. Allergies and colds are on there way! This Week at a Glance: Reading: Getting in the routine of reading our independent novels. Students need to bring a novel Monday, Wednesday and Friday for SSR. They will also have 30 minutes of reading homework each night. Our first novel project will go home week two of October (giving students one month to complete their independent novel choice). We will also begin the novel study of Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli. Writing: Students have their typed final copies of their Random Autobiographies due Monday, 9/9. We will be working on self portraits Mon.-Tues. and share poems in a Community Circle on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday we will begin drafting our “Summer Movie Poster Projects.” This is an art integrated lesson that incorporates both review and narrative writing. Bring glue and a magazine (any appropriate magazine donations welcome).Vocabulary will begin next week, expect more information in next weeks newsletter. U.S. History: Students are finishing their State Physiographic Puzzle Piece Presentations Monday. This week Tues.-Fri. we will work on studying and completing a map of geographic features that divide the U.S. into its’ varied regions. Bring colored pencils and a fine tip black sharpie to Core. SCHOOL SUPPLIES PLEASE CHECK MY SUPPLY LIST LINK SO THAT YOUR KIDDO IS PREPARED FOR CLASS.When doing your back-to-school shopping or if you find a good sale, our core is in desperate need of the following: Colored pencils Wide & fine tipped markers - assorted colors Oil pastels (Cray-pas) Assorted SCRAPBOOK PAPERpaper (8.5x11 & 8.5x14) Sharpies (all tip sizes & colors) TISSUE, HAND SANITIZER DISINFECTING WIPES OUTDOOR SCHOOL- SIXTH GRADERS DON'T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR O.D.S.- OCTOBER 23-25. YOUR CHILD WILL BE ATTENDING AN INFORMATIONAL SESSION THIS WED. SO EXPECT PAPERWORK COMING YOUR WAY. LOCKERS NEXT WEEK I WILL BE SENDING HOME INFORMATION ON LOCKER PAINTING DAYS. Be thinking about how you want to decorate your locker this year. ALSO BRING A LOCK SO THAT YOUR ITEMS ARE SAFE. I RECOMMEND A COMBINATION LOCK. Many Thanks Ann Fournier, Greetings All, We are going to have an exciting start to our new school year!!! This year our Social Studies focus will be on U.S. History (Colonial-Reconstruction Periods). In Literature and Writing our beginning theme will be on "Introducing our Personal World's" and "New Beginnings." Take these last days of summer to relax, enjoy family, get your needed sleep, and prepare for the start of school. Preparing for School: * Bring School Supplies (refer to Ms. Fournier's website supply list)- be GREEN use as much from previous years as possible. All donations are greatly appreciated by all!!!! * This week in class you will need your 3 Ring Binder (filled with paper, pencil pouch,class dividers), art box, Composition Book, a combination lock for your locker. * Monday, 9/10 bring a novel of your choice for Sustained Silent Reading- the school library usually doesn't open until next week!!!! * Be prepared to share yourself and begin a new year of discovery, introspection, and creativity!!!! *Registration Packets and Parent Survey go home Wednesday, due back Friday for Core Prize. HOMEWORK for the first Week: * "Random Autobiography” Poem Rough Draft due Friday, 9/6 Final Typed Copy due Monday 9/9 * State Puzzle Presentation Research Project: Research on State due Thurs. 9/5, Symbolic State Puzzle Piece and Oral Presentation due Friday 9/6 * Registration Packet and Parent Survey due Friday= donuts on Monday * Friday 9/6 bring glue and a magazine (feel free to donate any school appropriate magazines for on going art projects) for creating our self-portrait collage to school on Friday 9/6. New Classroom Mural For the last two weeks,four fabulous Core Alumni have been working on a mural for our classroom. I can't wait for you to see the gift of their efforts. We will have a reminder of Natalie Price, Ella Kidder, Lucile Williams and Sarah Hamilton's creative spirit with us- always !!! Special recognition is given to Natalie Price for designing and organizing the project. I can't wait for their gift to be shared with you Wed.! Best Wishes preparing for day one. Don't hesitate to send me an email if you have any questions or simply want to touch base. In the Spirit of da Vinci, Ann Fournier I can hardly believe we are already at the end of another school year. This year has been wonderful, being a part of your kiddos world!!! I struggle this time of year knowing that our classroom community will be altered when we say goodbye to our 8th graders. I am excited for this new opportunity for growth they will experience in High School, but also sad that they will no longer be a part of our daily experiences here in room 304! Our focus for this week will be to organize ourselves for the process of closing the school year. That means cleaning lockers, creating farewell presents, organizing our classroom, and celebrating our studies (Romeo and Juliet party), and saying goodbyes! HELP NEEDED: Our classroom library and annual BOOK DRIVE closed today. AM CORE STUDENTS CAME IN WITH 90 BOOKS WINNING A PARTAY. THANKS TO ALL THAT DONATED- THIS SUPPORTS ALL STUDENTS’. PLEASE RETURN BOOKS FOUND AT HOME! Parent Volunteer Reception - For all of the various duties our parent volunteers take part in throughout the school year, we'd like to thank you!! LIT. GROUP VOLUNTEERS AND FIELD TRIP CHAPERONES- please attend on June 12 from 1:30 to 2:30. Thank you so much for all you do to support our school. 8TH GRADE PROMOTION RECEPTION HELP NEEDED - It is da Vinci tradition to ask 7th grade families to help plan the 8th grade promotion reception. All families can help by donating blooms from your home gardens (or elsewhere) to create bouquets for tables at the reception. Please bring donations to the office on June 13 between 7:45 and 2:45. We'll need help trimming and arranging bouquets as well. Please contact core teacher, Alison Lanigan at [email protected], if you'd like to help in any way. FINAL WEEK OF SCHOOL JUNE 10-14 · MONDAY: 8th graders ONLY - Wild Waves trip June 10 - If your 8th grader is NOT attending the Wild Waves trip, please, if possible, do NOT send your 8th grader to core. This is the only day our 6th & 7th graders have to create a gift for the 8th graders. If they're here, it's awkward and hard to keep the gift a secret. Students attending the trip need to report to school at 6:45 a.m. Bus departs at 7. Return time is 6 p.m. · MONDAY 8TH GRADE FAREWELL GIFTS WE ONLY HAVE ONE DAY TO MAKE THESE GIFTS! This is a special day for our 6th and 7th graders to focus their energies on creating a representation of our Core. This is a present that will remind them of the times they spent together as a community. ·
ELLA’S MOM, GEOFF- ADRIAN’S DAD, BETH- IRIS’S MOM, CARSON’S DAD, NIKI’S MOM, MARETTA’S MOM
8th graders MUST report to the Benson High School cafeteria at 3:45 Promotion begins promptly at 4:30 with a reception to follow in cafeteria. · FRIDAY: CORE FAREWELL CELEBRATION JUNE 14
HOMEWORK & ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION LOCKER CLEAN OUT WEDNESDAY: PLEASE SEND YOUR CHILD WITH NEEDED REUSABLE BAGS FOR LOCKER CLEAN OUT. STUDENTS WILL BE BRINGING HOME EVERYTHING THEY HAVE ACCUMULATED OVER THE SCHOOL YEAR!!!! CHECK IN TO SEE IF YOUR CHILD NEEDS TRANSPORTATION HOME. READING
WRITING FAREWELL CELEBRATION LETTERS ALL STUDENTS
THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL SCHOOL YEAR. I WILL DEARLY MISS ALL OF OUR 8TH GRADERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. I WISH YOU THE BEST OF FUTURE EXPERIENCES. WARM REGARDS, ANN FOURNIER
HOMEWORK & ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION READING This week we will be reading “The Comedy of Errors” by William Shakespeare!!! The only reading Homework is to return *ALL LIBRARY BOOKS AND OUR ANNUAL BOOK DRIVE!!!!! IF WE REACH 5O BOOKS WE WILL HAVE DONUTS NEXT WED. during our showing of Romeo and Juliet! WRITING FAREWELL CELEBRATION LETTERS
PUPPETS AND TYPED SCRIPTS DUE MON. 6/3.We will finish up our tour of the Renaissance and present our TALK SHOWS OF OUR RENAISSANCE CHARACTERS ON TUESDAY!!!!! Our last AC/DC Interactive Notebook check will be on THURS. June 6th. RENAISSANCE AND SHAKESPEARE FINAL WILL BE ON WED. 6/7. OPEN NOTES 6TH AND 7TH GRADERS. CLOSED BOOK FOR 8TH GRADERS. Here's a list of upcoming events: 8th graders ONLY - Capstone presentations begin week of June 3
WARM REGARDS, ANN FOURNIER Greetings Folks, This week was filled with disagreements and varied points of view!!!! It has been a great experience debating controversial issues in the sharing of our persuasive speeches. Students expressed a range of opinions on issues ranging from fluoridation in our drinking water, same sex marriage to genetic cloning. This is also the beginning of our busiest time of the school year. We have had dance concerts, music concerts, drama productions, and Capstone work all within this past week. Much of what's going on involves our 8th graders and their families. Please be sure to check the da Vinci calendar and the Scroll to be aware of all the events. TWO WEEKS AT A GLANCE: of upcoming events:
HOMEWORK & ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION READING
SOCIAL STUDIES: STUDENTS WILL BE TAKING A TOUR OF FLORENCE ITALY: THE CENTER OF RENAISSANCE ART AND CULTURE. BEST WISHES ALWAYS, ANN FOURNIER I AM VOLUNTEERING AT THE DANCE CONCERT THIS EVENING AND I’M EXCITED TO SEE ALL OUR STUDENT DANCERS!!!!!! THIS IS A VERY BUSY TIME OF THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH DANCE CONCERTS, BAND PERFORMANCES, ART CAPSTONES, FINAL PROJECTS ETC. PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR CHILD IN THEIR EFFORTS BY PLANNING AHEAD, KEEPING A FAMILY CALENDAR, MANAGING TIME AND BUILDING IN RELAXATION AND FAMILY TIME. ROMEO AND JULIET TEA PARTY IS MONDAY!!!!! IF YOU CAN, BRING A BOX OF COOKIES OR A CONTAINER OF JUICE BOXES TO HELP US PAR-TAY. THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR US TO BEGIN TO PREDICT PLOT AND CONFLICTS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MEETING CHARACTERS FROM THE PLAY!!! HOMEWORK & ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION READING * THIS WEEKS HOMEWORK:Students should be reading self-selected novels 30 minutes nightly for homework .LITERATURE GROUP JOB ;#3 DUE MONDAY 5/20 STUDENTS NEED TO BE ¾’S OF THE WAY THROUGH THEIR FANTASY/SCI. FI. NOVELS. BOOKS ARE COMPLETED BY MONDAY, 5/20 LITERATURE GROUP JOB #4 DUE MONDAY 5/27. *IN CLASS WE WILL BE HAVING A LITERARY TEA PARTY FOR ROMEO AND JULIET MONDAY, 5/20. BRING A BAG OF COOKIES OR A CONTAINER OF JUICE BOXES TO CORE.
NO VOCABULARY SO THAT STUDENTS MAY FOCUS ON MEMORIZING SPEECHES, TYPING AND CREATING PREZI’S WRITING WE WILL FINISH OUR ROUGH DRAFTS ON MONDAY. OUR FOCUS WILL BE ON OUR CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH AND ON TYPING INSTRUCTIONS. MONDAY-WEDNESDAY WE WILL BE WORKING ON CREATING OUR PREZI’S DURING WRITING PERIOD IN THE COMPUTER LAB. SPEECH RESEARCH
THURS. N-Z and FRIDAY A-M SOCIAL STUDIES This week we started our Renaissance unit. Students learned about what factors contributed to Europe's transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Our focus this week will be on researching a Renaissance figure and their achievements. Working with a partner students will create busts and illustrated pedestals for their Renaissance figures. These pedestals will summarize key aspects of the lives and achievements of Renaissance figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Nicolaus Copernicus, and William Shakespeare. Greetings all, I want to tell everyone how grateful I am to work in our awesome community. Thanks for you and your children’s kind words and notes of appreciation this week. The lovely flowers from gardens, coffee gift cards and gourmet chocolates made me feel well loved!!!! Words cannot express my appreciation. Thank you, again, for being so generous and thoughtful. MIDTERMS ARE TUESDAY, MAY 14TH. PLEASE CHECK EDBOX WITH YOUR CHILD SO YOU ARE AWARE OF THEIR PROGRESS. OUR GRADES ARE CURRENT EXCEPT FOR OUR MEDIEVAL JOURNAL SCORES. I PLAN TO BE FINISHED READING AND SCORING ALL 63 PROJECTS (MINIMUM 7 PAGES EACH=441 pages total) SUNDAY. END OF THE YEAR CORE COMMUNITY FIELD TRIP TO SKY HIGH I SENT HOME FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIPS AND WAIVERS TO SKY HIGH. WE WILL BE CELEBRATING OUR TIME TOGETHER BY BOUNCING AT SKY HIGH ON JUNE 11TH FROM 11-1. PLEASE SIGN FORMS AND SEND IN $20 (checks made payable to da Vinci) by Friday, May 17th. This will be 8th grade parents last opportunity to chaperone a Core Field Trip. HOMEWORK & ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION READING • Students should be reading self-selected novels 30 minutes nightly for homework and completing their Lit. Group Jobs. Job #2 is due Monday for our second Sci. Fi./Fantasy meeting. VOCABULARY * No Vocab. This week as our focus will be on creating our Prezi’s and Persuasive Speeches. * WWW List #11 and Test Next Monday due to the Dance Concert. WRITING SPEECH RESEARCH * Bibliographies MLA Format are due Monday, May 13th. * Students may use the Internet, encyclopedias, dictionaries, print sources, media sources, human sources, surveys, and more. Remember, I expect 8th graders to use at least 4 sources, 7th graders to use at least 3 sources, and 6th graders to use at least 2 sources. Students may use more than the minimum requirements, but not less. I encourage them to use the databases through Multnomah County Library. There is a helpful site on my websites links called CITATION MAKER that can help with knowing what information to collect from particular sources. • Our timeline and requirements will go home Monday please initial off daily after your kiddo shares their writing with you. • This week students complete their first draft focusing on the below criteria: 1. An affective HOOK - Does it grab the reader's attention? 2. A solid THESIS statement and explanation of the PROBLEM 3. Do they have enough background information in introduction and/or body paragraphs? 4. Topic sentences in the body paragraphs 5. Appropriate amount of EVIDENCE to support their thesis and solutions to the problem SOCIAL STUDIES Our focus for the next 4 weeks is the Italian Renaissance. Warm Regards, Ann Fournier Ann Fournier Writing/Literature/History Teacher da Vinci Arts Middle School Creative minds for challenging times. www.pps.k12.or.us/school/davinci Greetings all, Thank you all very much for supporting our field trip last week. The play “Gathering Blue” really supported our Fantasy/Science Fiction genre study. This week we will continue to draft our own imaginative “Fantasy” stories utilizing the “Seven Elements of Fantasy” writing we were introduced to last week. On Monday we will have a guest speaker from Multnomah County School Corp introduce us to how to do research. We will explore a variety of websites and databases that will help students complete their research on a controversial issue. HOMEWORK & ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION READING
VOCABULARY No vocabulary this week due to our writing and research projects.
WRITING Students will be editing their rough drafts of their Fantasy Stories on Monday. Parent 10 Minute Edit is homework Monday evening. Final Drafts typed MLA format are due Wednesday for Community Sharing. On Thursday we begin our Argumentative Speeches on a Controversial Issue. Students must have all research and bibliographic information on Friday. 8th graders must have 4 sources, 7th graders 3 sources and 6th graders 2 sources. Bibliographies are due Monday using MLA citation maker- refer to my helpful cites on my webpage. SOCIAL STUDIES We will be focusing on the beginning of the Renaissance. In the spirit of da Vinci, Ann Fournier
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