The Connect
A Newsletter from Mrs. Kaneshina and Mrs. Daley
Sage-N-Scribe In Social Studies
A Kagan Structure at Work
Students are placed in pairs and take turns as either the "Sage" or "Scribe."
Sages either consider the question and talk their way through the problem while instructing the Scribe what to write. In this activity, the Sage is the one to read the passage to the Scribe and then summarize the section so that the Scribe can write down the summary. Scribes follow the directions of the Sage and write what the Sage says unless they see that the Sage needs assistance or a correction. After each reading section, students switch roles and continue to take notes. This definitely supports the old saying that "Two Heads Are Better Than One" !
Scientific Labs with Mrs. Kaneshina
Parents - We Are Thankful For You!
Which brings me to why I am writing this small written acknowledgment - this year has been a beautiful exception to the rule that students lose their focus during the month of "November Naughtiness". Instead, this year I have observed young adults supporting each other in their academics with gestures of kindness and support.
Just this week I have seen students offer a pencil to another student who habitually loses all of his writing utensils, and will probably lose their pencil before the class period is over. I have witnessed students help a classmate who has dropped all of their papers on the floor, I have watched when another student buys his friend lunch to fill in a gap during a time when the friend's lunch account was empty. These actions may seem like an everyday kindness, but in middle school reality, this is a huge show of support. The normal middle school response would be to act like it didn't happen or laugh at the misfortune of the other student.
I attribute this caring behavior to you - the fabulous parents of our 8th-grade kiddos. You have done your job of raising your child as a stellar citizen. I am so grateful! This year, at my families Thanksgiving table, when we share what we are thankful for I will be sharing how grateful I am to have the opportunity to teach such amazing and kind students. Again, parents, this is a reflection of you and your families expectation of greatness - this teacher thanks you from the bottom of her heart!
Have a restful Thanksgiving Break!
Mrs. Daley
News You Can Use
Reminders:
November 19 - 23 - Thanksgiving Break
Mon. Nov. 26 - Family Life Begins
Mon. Nov. 26 - Minimum Day
Mon. Nov. 26 - Spelling Bee
Fri. Nov. 30 - Spirit Day - Twin Day
Mon. Dec. 3 - CJSF Meeting - After School
Mon. Dec. 10 - Minimum Day
Wed. Dec. 12 - Winter Band Concert
Mon. Dec.10- Thurs. Dec 14- i-Ready testing
Fri. 12/19- Grades close for the First Half of Trimester 2
Wed. 12/20-Minimum Day
Winter Break-December 21 - January 4
Mon. Jan. 7-Return to school
Fri. Jan. 11 - Progress Reports Sent Home
Fri. Jan. 11 - CJSF Meeting After School