Dear parents ,
Please enjoy some of the pictures from our most recent field trip - JA BIZtown! Your children were so well behaved, respectful, and fulfilling on their assignments (overall) - I am so proud of them and you ought to know just how wonderfully they completed their job assignments! Yay!
Thank you to those parents who were there at the fieldtrip in the trenches with children creating successfull businesses (Rick West, Patricia Koehler, Debora Mori, Laura West, and Aisha Carpenter). If for some reason I have forgotten you, please understand it is not because I don't value your contribution.
We have another fieldtrip coming up on April 19th and I will need from 6-7 drivers. We will be visiting Smith Ranch Julian where your children will get to pan for gold, visit a mine, and listen to a great historian and story teller. The cost for children is $7 and for adults is $10. Please let me know ASAP if you can drive. If I don't get enough drivers, the trip will have to be canceled. We will leave shortly after 9am and we will start the tour at 11am. Lunches will need to be packed and the trip will be over at approximately 1pm. It's a lot of driving, but totally worth it. I took my kids last year and it was a great success!!
Kim
Arriving at Smith Ranch
Arriving at Smith Ranch!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Biztown Update
Dear Families,Your children have all been assigned their jobs and are now working in business groups (see photo). That means they are working in cross-age groups, determining business costs, writing advertising, applying for loans, and signing promissory notes for their company. Biztown is next Thursday, March 17th. Parent volunteers need to arrive at the Junior Achievement location by 8am for a 90 minute training. The location is 4756 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120. The phone number is (619) 682 5155. Students from I.A. will arrive at 9:30am. I would like all students to arrive at I.A. at 8:30am that day as we will be walking from I.A. to Biztown. All parents who are volunteering can drop your children in child care early and for free. I still need payments of $20.00 from those children who have not paid for Biztown.
In math, your kids are determining travels routes from Chicago to Los Angeles and determining the distance rounded to the nearest 10 miles as well at the time it take
s to travel that distance. They are creating posters showing their work.
s to travel that distance. They are creating posters showing their work.In writing, they are completing their autobiographical narratives (some are finished) and moving onto writing a piece based on one of their own interests. We continue to develop vocabulary through identifying our own interest words and some guided. Your kids look at context to determine meaning as well as synonyms and antonyms to develop vocabulary.
In science, students are crazy about AMBooks, an on-line science program. Stop by to see. The graphics are beautiful and the content engaging.
This week we also had the pleasure of having two guests in our classroom. Nancy Cox, an employee of the school district came into our morning meeting, read a book, and worked with the group on appropriate participation (see photo). Also, Patricia, Sophia's mom came in with the Cash Flow game (a game designed to teach how to get out of the rat race) and got the kid's prepared to play, plus started the game. She will be back next Friday to continue playing. If there any other parents who would like to come into the classroom and share your expertise, you are welcome!
That's it for now!
Kim
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Updates!!!!!!!!
Dear families,
Your children have been working hard learning lots of concepts for Biztown. This week they will be interviewed for a position at Biztown and have had the opportunity to practice interviewing skills! They have also completed job applications and thought about their personal skills and how they might fulfill their job positions. Next, they will be working with their business groups during Biztown training, so that means they might be with me, Bill, or Jennifer.
Thanks to all the families that came to the board meeting tonight. I know it was a committment that required you being away from your home and I appreciate it. You are all such great parents!
Your children have been working hard learning lots of concepts for Biztown. This week they will be interviewed for a position at Biztown and have had the opportunity to practice interviewing skills! They have also completed job applications and thought about their personal skills and how they might fulfill their job positions. Next, they will be working with their business groups during Biztown training, so that means they might be with me, Bill, or Jennifer.
Thanks to all the families that came to the board meeting tonight. I know it was a committment that required you being away from your home and I appreciate it. You are all such great parents!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Weekly Update!
Dear Families,
There is a lot of news to share this week. First, I want to thank all of the parents who helped with our field trip to the Microsoft store in Fashion Valley! I so appreciated the help getting organized in the classroom and during the walk to the trolley station and back. The students did a great job listening to the Power Point presentation, but the parent assistance during their Power Point creations was invaluable. Thanks! I did make a mistake on the trolley cost. I thought it was $3.00, but it turned out to be $5.00, so if you could all send in the extra $2.00, I can repay I.A.
We also celebrated Valentine's Day on the afternoon of the field trip. Thanks again to all the parents that sent goodies and cards for the students to share. I think they had a bit too much sugar!
Our next field trip will be on March 17th to Junior Achievement's Biztown. The cost is $20.00 per student. Please start sending your money in to the classroom. This event was a big hit last year and one the kids talked about for a long time afterwards. There are a couple of things I need help with. On March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd we need parent volunteers to come to I.A. to interview students for jobs. This is at your convenience and for only the amount of time you have to spare. We will pull students out of class when parents arrive for the interviews. They will be given assistance about how to interview and will have the opportunity to sign up for three jobs of their choice. By the way, please have your children dress-up a bit for their interviews on those days. Last year almost everyone got the job they wanted. Please stop by the classroom to see a list of jobs and companies. We will, however, be dividing the companies up between classes attending. Next, the day of the field trip, I need at least five volunteers to go to Biztown for the day. You will be asked to arrive there at 8am for training. Our class will arrive at 9:30am and as a volunteer you will help in the companies they are working in. Please let me know as soon as possible as your help will make the program a success!
Star testing for all fourth grade students will begin on March 1st. On that day, fourth graders will be engaging in the writing portion of the test. It is very important that your child be in school that day. This is an untimed test, but we are figuring it will take about 75 minutes. I have been working with your children on writing, but they may want to put in a little extra time at home practicing how to write an introduction, paragraphs with topic sentences and details to support it, and a conclusion.
I am looking for speakers for the classroom and want to turn to parents first. Many of you have skills or talents that you could share with the class. For instance, if you are passionate about a craft, type of art, computer skill, mechanical skill, specific topic in science, etc...I would love to make plans with you to come in and speak/teach the class about it. Please contact me at kim@innovationsacademy.org and let me know what you might enjoy sharing. You might even bring in a favorite age-appropriate book to read!
There is a lot of news to share this week. First, I want to thank all of the parents who helped with our field trip to the Microsoft store in Fashion Valley! I so appreciated the help getting organized in the classroom and during the walk to the trolley station and back. The students did a great job listening to the Power Point presentation, but the parent assistance during their Power Point creations was invaluable. Thanks! I did make a mistake on the trolley cost. I thought it was $3.00, but it turned out to be $5.00, so if you could all send in the extra $2.00, I can repay I.A.
We also celebrated Valentine's Day on the afternoon of the field trip. Thanks again to all the parents that sent goodies and cards for the students to share. I think they had a bit too much sugar!
Our next field trip will be on March 17th to Junior Achievement's Biztown. The cost is $20.00 per student. Please start sending your money in to the classroom. This event was a big hit last year and one the kids talked about for a long time afterwards. There are a couple of things I need help with. On March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd we need parent volunteers to come to I.A. to interview students for jobs. This is at your convenience and for only the amount of time you have to spare. We will pull students out of class when parents arrive for the interviews. They will be given assistance about how to interview and will have the opportunity to sign up for three jobs of their choice. By the way, please have your children dress-up a bit for their interviews on those days. Last year almost everyone got the job they wanted. Please stop by the classroom to see a list of jobs and companies. We will, however, be dividing the companies up between classes attending. Next, the day of the field trip, I need at least five volunteers to go to Biztown for the day. You will be asked to arrive there at 8am for training. Our class will arrive at 9:30am and as a volunteer you will help in the companies they are working in. Please let me know as soon as possible as your help will make the program a success!
Star testing for all fourth grade students will begin on March 1st. On that day, fourth graders will be engaging in the writing portion of the test. It is very important that your child be in school that day. This is an untimed test, but we are figuring it will take about 75 minutes. I have been working with your children on writing, but they may want to put in a little extra time at home practicing how to write an introduction, paragraphs with topic sentences and details to support it, and a conclusion.
I am looking for speakers for the classroom and want to turn to parents first. Many of you have skills or talents that you could share with the class. For instance, if you are passionate about a craft, type of art, computer skill, mechanical skill, specific topic in science, etc...I would love to make plans with you to come in and speak/teach the class about it. Please contact me at kim@innovationsacademy.org and let me know what you might enjoy sharing. You might even bring in a favorite age-appropriate book to read!
Next Thursday, February, 24th your children will be included in an all school photo for our yearbook. I'm just letting you know in case your child has something special he/she wants to wear or if they want to do something special with their hair. I forgot my own daughter's picture on picture day at her school this year and she ended up getting upset because of what she was wearing. Geez!
Also, just so you know, I will be out of class next Friday as I will be attending some professional development. We always have great subs, so not to worry - again just wanted to let you know.
We are starting to use gmail as a way for your children to type their documents. This means we would set up a gmail email account for your child. Please let me know if you are opposed to this. I will be sending a reminder needing a parent signature next week, so please check with your child regarding it.
Finally, in April, I will be planning a field trip to Smith Ranch in Julian. This is a very exciting trip and I will write more about it on my next BLOG, but you can ask your children about it now!
Take Care
Kim
Finally, in April, I will be planning a field trip to Smith Ranch in Julian. This is a very exciting trip and I will write more about it on my next BLOG, but you can ask your children about it now!
Take Care
Kim
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
BLOG Update!
Dear Families,
We have a lot of activities coming up and I will need your help on some of them:
1. On February 15th, we are taking a field trip to the Microsoft store in Fashion Valley. I need $3.00 per child and adult companion in order to make sure we have our trolly tickets to Fashion Valley and back. Your children will be exposed to Power Point and will learn more about how to navigate through Microsoft Word. We will leave promptly at 9 o'clock and walk the mile to the trolly station. The tour is from 10:00-12:00 and then I thought we would have lunch in the food court. Please make sure to pack a lunch as I do not want to be chasing students among the many restaurant food choices. When we return to the classroom, I would like to celebrate Valentine's day with some treats and cards from those children who would like to participate. I am hoping for parent participation regarding treats like cupcakes, etc...
We have also finished out first unit on Biztown and are on to the next unit. Your children have learned about the circular flow of the economy, philanthopy, free-markets, and scarcity. They have even had the opportunity to design their own product. For Biztown, we will need parents to volunteer to interview for jobs and also go to Biztown the day of the fieldtrip. This is an early committment (you start at 7:30am and must be ready to meet your children at 9am when they arrive). I can tell you from last year's participants, they felt like it was a wonderful and meaningful experience. I will be explaining more during our parent meeting this Thursday, February 10th, from 5-6pm. Please come and join in!
Kim
We have a lot of activities coming up and I will need your help on some of them:
1. On February 15th, we are taking a field trip to the Microsoft store in Fashion Valley. I need $3.00 per child and adult companion in order to make sure we have our trolly tickets to Fashion Valley and back. Your children will be exposed to Power Point and will learn more about how to navigate through Microsoft Word. We will leave promptly at 9 o'clock and walk the mile to the trolly station. The tour is from 10:00-12:00 and then I thought we would have lunch in the food court. Please make sure to pack a lunch as I do not want to be chasing students among the many restaurant food choices. When we return to the classroom, I would like to celebrate Valentine's day with some treats and cards from those children who would like to participate. I am hoping for parent participation regarding treats like cupcakes, etc...
We have also finished out first unit on Biztown and are on to the next unit. Your children have learned about the circular flow of the economy, philanthopy, free-markets, and scarcity. They have even had the opportunity to design their own product. For Biztown, we will need parents to volunteer to interview for jobs and also go to Biztown the day of the fieldtrip. This is an early committment (you start at 7:30am and must be ready to meet your children at 9am when they arrive). I can tell you from last year's participants, they felt like it was a wonderful and meaningful experience. I will be explaining more during our parent meeting this Thursday, February 10th, from 5-6pm. Please come and join in!
Kim
Sunday, January 30, 2011
BLOG Update!
Dear Families,
Wow, can you believe January just raced by! Report cards went home on Friday, so please check your child's backpack. If for some reason you did not receive it and your child does not know where is went, I have all report cards saved on my computer. Please let me know if you need another copy. One of the parents that received the report card was surprised not to find more of the "S" rating on his child's card. Please know this is the first report card for the year and reflects where your child is now regarding the standards listed. We have five more months for your child to develop their skills. We are at a point in the year where I am starting to see growth in behavior with many students. For instance, I had one student who had a hard time learning how to raise his hand to contribute. Just recently, he has started to self-monitor and almost never "calls out" anymore. Also all students are tracking their participation in class. They keep a 3X5 card at their desk and tally how many times they make meaningful contributions. I set expectations daily, but almost all students are exceeding those expectations. Students who never raised their hand to contribute are now speaking up. GO THIRD AND FOURTH GRADERS!!!!!
All student have given their animal speeches at this time. Animal art is displayed right outside my room, so stop by and see their work.
We are also working on autobiographical narratives. I need red pens for editing - our next BIG challenge. If you could send your child with a red pen or if someone is willing to buy 20 red pens I would appreciate it. We have been editing the morning message since the beginning of the year. Most students can easily point out my errors. Now, it is time for them to start editing their own and other's work. For those children that are behind on this writing assignment, you may see some work coming home. I am also setting clear expectations on the amount of work to be completed as there are times when students are choosing to talk to friends rather than work on writing. I hope that is "OK" with parents. Please notify me if it is not.
You will be seeing some changes in my classroom this week. The goal at IA is for education to be student-centered. Children will start to be much more in charge of their learning and investigating their interests more than a curriculum that I set up. The room will also be changing in its configuration. Should you have any questions regarding these changes, please feel free to email me or stop by!
This week a lot of time will be alloted for the POL's I mentioned in my last BLOG. Students will be thinking and reviewing what they have learned so far this year. Each student will be required to stand in front of the group and talk about a content area and project that they have learned from. They have been asked to talk about challenges as well. Reflection is a BIG part of being an excellent teacher and I think the same goes for learners.
We are engaging in BIZtown lessons and will continue doing so until our trip in March. I need parent volunteers to interview students and go to BIZtown the day of our fieldtrip. I will be posting exact dates soon, but please think about whether you can contribute to this valuable Real-Life experience with your child.
Please send in $3.00 for a trolley ride to Fashion Valley and a fieldtrip to the new Microsoft Store. We will be going the third Tuesday in February and I will be setting the topics to be covered with a Microsoft associate this week. Finally - our first fieldtrip!!! Parents are welcome to chaperone.
That's it for now and I hop my BLOG has given you a "PEEK" into your child's day.
Kim
Wow, can you believe January just raced by! Report cards went home on Friday, so please check your child's backpack. If for some reason you did not receive it and your child does not know where is went, I have all report cards saved on my computer. Please let me know if you need another copy. One of the parents that received the report card was surprised not to find more of the "S" rating on his child's card. Please know this is the first report card for the year and reflects where your child is now regarding the standards listed. We have five more months for your child to develop their skills. We are at a point in the year where I am starting to see growth in behavior with many students. For instance, I had one student who had a hard time learning how to raise his hand to contribute. Just recently, he has started to self-monitor and almost never "calls out" anymore. Also all students are tracking their participation in class. They keep a 3X5 card at their desk and tally how many times they make meaningful contributions. I set expectations daily, but almost all students are exceeding those expectations. Students who never raised their hand to contribute are now speaking up. GO THIRD AND FOURTH GRADERS!!!!!
All student have given their animal speeches at this time. Animal art is displayed right outside my room, so stop by and see their work.
We are also working on autobiographical narratives. I need red pens for editing - our next BIG challenge. If you could send your child with a red pen or if someone is willing to buy 20 red pens I would appreciate it. We have been editing the morning message since the beginning of the year. Most students can easily point out my errors. Now, it is time for them to start editing their own and other's work. For those children that are behind on this writing assignment, you may see some work coming home. I am also setting clear expectations on the amount of work to be completed as there are times when students are choosing to talk to friends rather than work on writing. I hope that is "OK" with parents. Please notify me if it is not.
You will be seeing some changes in my classroom this week. The goal at IA is for education to be student-centered. Children will start to be much more in charge of their learning and investigating their interests more than a curriculum that I set up. The room will also be changing in its configuration. Should you have any questions regarding these changes, please feel free to email me or stop by!
This week a lot of time will be alloted for the POL's I mentioned in my last BLOG. Students will be thinking and reviewing what they have learned so far this year. Each student will be required to stand in front of the group and talk about a content area and project that they have learned from. They have been asked to talk about challenges as well. Reflection is a BIG part of being an excellent teacher and I think the same goes for learners.
We are engaging in BIZtown lessons and will continue doing so until our trip in March. I need parent volunteers to interview students and go to BIZtown the day of our fieldtrip. I will be posting exact dates soon, but please think about whether you can contribute to this valuable Real-Life experience with your child.
Please send in $3.00 for a trolley ride to Fashion Valley and a fieldtrip to the new Microsoft Store. We will be going the third Tuesday in February and I will be setting the topics to be covered with a Microsoft associate this week. Finally - our first fieldtrip!!! Parents are welcome to chaperone.
That's it for now and I hop my BLOG has given you a "PEEK" into your child's day.
Kim
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Presentations of Learning
Dear Parents,
We are continuing to study economics through the Biztown program. I will be sure to provide you with volunteer opportunities as soon as Michelle advises me!
One of the primary issues I want to make you aware of today is something your child is going to be required to do and that is a "Presentation of Learning". Your child will be expected to speak about something they learned in a project as well as a content area. I will be working with your children on this important area of their learning, but would love it, if you could also discuss this with them.
I have tried on numerous occcasions to provide you with pictures of the classroom, but have had difficulty with this task. It is either my computer or operator error. I will continue to try!!!!!!!!
Kim
We are continuing to study economics through the Biztown program. I will be sure to provide you with volunteer opportunities as soon as Michelle advises me!
One of the primary issues I want to make you aware of today is something your child is going to be required to do and that is a "Presentation of Learning". Your child will be expected to speak about something they learned in a project as well as a content area. I will be working with your children on this important area of their learning, but would love it, if you could also discuss this with them.
I have tried on numerous occcasions to provide you with pictures of the classroom, but have had difficulty with this task. It is either my computer or operator error. I will continue to try!!!!!!!!
Kim
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