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February 19, 2019
Celebrate Metacognition
Yep. It's true. Kids aren't born with a natural ability to think about their thinking and learning - it has to be explicitly taught. And who better to do that, than us middle school folk! So, let's talk metacognition and all the things it entails through the article below. It's a great resource for explaining basic ideas around the why, what, and how on this topic AND how to drive your own brain. WHAT?! That's right - you're going to gather insight on how to drive your own brain.
Some thoughts to consider while you enjoy this reading:
- How is your definition of metacognition similar/different from the one provided in the article?
- What are some of your favorite metacognitive thinking tools from the article? There are a lot to choose from - if you need a quantity for focus - choose 3.
- Do you currently plan for metacognitive strategies in your lesson?
Notice: Please be prepared for further discussion on this article at PD this week. That means...you're expected to read the article prior to PD.
Arrrgh you ready to drive your brain?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
STAFF ONLY:
- Calling Interested Teachers: There is an opportunity for students to be part of and share a creative film through Student Voices Campaign. It is a statewide video competition for students grade -12. Top notch videos will be shared in front of a statewide audience. If you think you know of a student who might be interested in making their voice heard or would like to help facilitate students who are interested in pursuing this, please let Edwards or Anzelc know this week. Here's a link to the site for more info http://studentvoicescampaign.org/. There's also a video that shares more about it https://youtu.be/P5TEt_kp3go.
- Instructional Rounds: Get pumped! Rounds for English are Tuesday! Rounds for math and social studies are next week.
- Q3 Conferences: Invites should go out Feb 25. Please plan to call parents who don't respond to initial electronic invite. This is our last conference week of the year - let's make it count and ensure our kiddos are set up for success in their SLC! Yasss!
- ELPAC Testing: ELPAC group testing is Feb 20. Help us test on time by reviewing the doc and sending students accordingly. Individual testing is Feb 19, 21, 26 & 27. Students will be called out of class individually for this one. Please see Edwards or your google notice for any questions. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11FeT1pBcX9yeBmqOKZ83gI6OUrjVoD7lv05zmNB2vjQ/edit#gid=0.
- 6th SOM: The next one will be Feb 22 at 1:40 in the amp!
- Pennies For Patients: Be sure to lock and store your funds at night!
- Computer Carts Keys: Reminder of new expectation station.
- Grant Opportunity: Is there a use for $300 for instructional materials in your classroom? The 2019 Education Matters Grants program is underway. Schools financial Credit Union will award at least 10 teachers with with a $300 grant to purchase curriculum materials. Simply describe the materials needed (such as books, technology or manipulatives) and how students will benefit from using them. Enter prior to Feb 28 on their Facebook page at: http://woobox.com/h3z7z7.
- All Advisory Afternoons: Fri Feb 22 for 7th grade field trip and Fri Mar 8 for SLC prep. Please plan accordingly.
Advisory Trash Pick-Up: Tue 2/19: Charlton & Hara; Wed 2/20: Harrigan & Holdredge; Fri 2/22: Kees & Kons.
PARENTS & FAMILIES:
- 8th Grade Parent Info for NP3 HS Incoming 9th: NP3 HS counselors will be visiting 8th grade Advisories the week of April 8. Students will learn about courses they will be taking in 9th grade and participate in the course selection process. For more information please read the letter from our HS counseling team: https://natomasunified.org/content/uploads/sites/16/2019/02/8th-scheduling-letter.pdf. For more information on elective courses view the video below (it will also be shown in Advisory classes). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03Z8eCSkffM.
- 2019-2020 Calendar: Our 19-20 calendar can now be found on our MS website! Take a look. Vacation go-ers, please plan trips during designated break times only. https://natomasunified.org/content/uploads/sites/16/2019/02/2019-2020-MS-Calendar.pdf.
- Pennies for Patients: Let's GIVE for an awesome cause! Student Government has started their annual "Pennies for Patients" drive to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Sacramento. The drive will continue through the end of the month. Donations are collected within each Advisory. Classes with the most money at the month's end will receive a celebration. Checks should be written to NP3 Boosters.
- Outdoor Club Field Trip: Outdoor Club will be explore and hike the "Sweetwater Trail" in El Dorado Hills Feb 23. The trip begins 9:45am and students are expected to return 3:30pm. If you would like to join Outdoor Club or attend the field trip please see Ms. Marinkovich or Mr. Hara. All are welcome.
- 6th Grade Popcorn Sales: 6th grade will be selling popcorn to help raise money for Science Camp Feb 15 - Feb 22. If you would like to buy some or have any questions see Mr. Kers.
- 7th Grade Bay Area Field Trip: 7th graders are headed to the bay area Fri Feb 22. They will visit UC Berkeley campus and Exploratorium. This is an exciting way for our students to be exposed to college life and culture. For 7th grade students not attending the field trip, is a regular school day at campus. Mrs. Ounkeo will be teaching all 7th grade curriculum this day.
- Carnival Dance: We have a dance coming up! Get ready for some fun after school on Mar 1. The dance is from 3:30-5:30pm and tickets are for sale the week of during lunch. Please make sure your student is picked up promptly at 5:30pm.
- Run for Rhett Info: Run for Rhett after school practices begin Feb 27. If you would like to train to run a 5K with other NP3 Pirates, then check out our Pirates Run tab on our website or contact Ms. Clark for more information. https://natomasunified.org/np3m/beyond-the-classroom/pirates-run/.
- NP3 Skate Night: Join us Mar 8 from 4:00-6:00pm at Foothill Farms Skate for NP3 Skate Night. The Event Planning Action Team will be selling tickets for $8 during lunch in the quad Feb 25 - Mar 8. Your ticket includes entry and skate rentals. For any questions, contact Ms. Holdredge. We look forward to seeing you there!
Calling All Artists: The City of Sacramento is organizing / inviting children ages 5+ to submit their artistic ideas for the "Waterfront Idea Makers" Kids Competition!
One of the entries may win up to $100. Each age category will be judged by a City Council Member. Visit the attached link for info. http://www.cityofsacramento.org/wim
- DC/NYC attendees ONLY: March 2019 DC/NYC attendees only - our final meeting is Thu Feb 21 6:30pm in the Gym. This is a mandatory parent and student meeting regarding flights, itineraries, hotel details, packing, discipline, and all other important details. Please bring $50 for baggage fees-this can be in the form of cash or check made out to NP3 Boosters. Please contact Ashley Silas if you have any additional questions asilas@natomasunified.org.