Levels of Engagement

 

We're starting the year fresh! Winter break was three long (glorious) weeks, but now we're ready to get back to work!

This week we discussed six different "levels of engagement", and came up with distance learning examples for each level. 

Then students filled out a self-assessment of their pre-Winter Break level of engagement, and listed some ways they plan to make adjustments for the rest of the year.

They came up with some great strategies! Looking forward to a great second half of the year. 😊 

 

Hi, Sky Watchers!

Don't miss the Great Conjunction of 2020 on December 21st!

In space, Jupiter and Saturn are more than 400 million miles away from each other, but they will align in the night sky on Dec. 21 in an event astronomers call the "great conjunction" — also referred to as the "Christmas Star" — marking the planets' closest encounter in nearly 400 years.

Read about it here:

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/the-great-conjunction-of-jupiter-and-saturn

https://www.space.com/great-conjunction-jupiter-saturn-2020-fun-facts

There's been so much going on, I almost forgot that it's Computer Science Education Week!

Computer Science Education Week is held annually in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906).

This year it is December 7th-13th!

Traditionally, we "celebrate" with an Hour of Code.

I am planning to have students spend some time on coding activities tomorrow, but we'll only have time to try out a small fraction of the options. Here's the link for them to explore on their own:

www.hourofcode.com
www.code.org

 

NASA Posters

 

Did you guys know that NASA creates cool posters that you can download and print for FREE

I have a few up in my room -- If I didn't think it would be too distracting for students, I would have many more! 🤣

The Galaxy of Horrors set is so fun! https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/alien-worlds/galaxy-of-horrors/

I have one of the Visions of the Future posters. (Mars, of course!) https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/visions-of-the-future/

I also have a couple of the Moon to Mars posters, which are based on NASA's plan to make the Moon a "pit stop" for the first human voyage to Mars: https://moon.nasa.gov/resources/377/moon-to-mars-posters/

The Exoplanet Travel Bureau series: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/alien-worlds/exoplanet-travel-bureau/

Solar System & Beyond series: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/resources/925/solar-system-and-beyond-poster-set/

Anxiety

Last week during a zoom, we had a conversation about how we are feeling about school.

Around this time of year it is typical for some students to start to feel overwhelmed. 5th grade is a big step up from 4th, and the pace doesn't slow. Between social studies projects, STEM projects, book reports, and all of the math -- it is a lot.

Distance learning can make overwhelmed students feel even more stressed. Not only are typical teacher "check-ins" almost impossible, students are missing the social support of having other kids in the room with them with whom they can commiserate or lean on -- not to mention the opportunity to "shake it off" during Recess and Lunch on the Upper Yard!

I just wanted to remind you all to check in with your kids, and to be aware that they're not too young to suffer from anxiety and depression. The puberty hormones will be kicking in soon, if they haven't already, and that will definitely throw their emotions out of wack.

As always, please let me know if you are noticing anything that you think I should be aware of. I will help in any way I can.

*EDIT* A parent messaged me for clarification about why typical teacher "check-ins" are almost impossible, so I thought I would post here. When we are on campus, it is easy for me to find a moment to have a private word with a student before school, during recess, walking to the bus at the end of the day, etc. During distance learning, teachers are not allowed to zoom one-on-one with students, or even to go into breakout rooms with students by themselves. In addition, we are cautioned to limit private emails to students to classwork related matters. That means that almost all communication happens in groups. This is challenging when trying to assess difficult emotions.

 

Save the Date: School Picture Day + Material Pick Up/Drop Off

Friday, September 11th from 12:00-3:00

 

Save the Date: Community Back to School Night

Tuesday, September 8th

Schedule:

5:00        EL Program Options (webinar)

5:30        Principal's Welcome + CFF Announcements (webinar)

5:50        Council Candidate Introductions & Elections (zoom)

6:00        Grade-Level Team Presentations (zoom)

See you there!