.We.Are.Cougar.
The Nerve Center of All Things 8th Grade
New Beginnings
We spent the first week of school getting to know one another (more like me getting to know the students, and the students getting to know me). Expectations were set in the classroom and through junior high. We attempted to create a Class Constitution which resulted in a very insightful conversation about the need for respect and self-control. With all the excitement of a new year, a new classroom, a new homeroom teacher, and the last year as a class, there were some challenges the first day. With that said, I am pleased with the level of trust that the students placed on me with what they shared of their expectations, their frustrations, and their perspective. I brought their insights, as a new member of administration to the staff and it was well received.
The second day was an improvement with students learning how to self-check and self-correct behaviors that were outside of the scope of respect and self-control needed for a productive and safe learning environment. We met all of our teachers in their learning spaces and practiced navigating the room switches. We met as a junior high to go over the Code of Conduct and highlight some policies that needed revisiting. The day ended with a group picture to mark the end of the last first week of school. (We will take another class picture when we have full attendance.)
CLASS ACTIVITIES (OVERVIEW)
This week, I will be meeting with Room Parents to discuss the activities for the coming year. Those in Student Council have already gone on their retreat. On Sept. 29, we will spend the day at Mt. Hermon | Adventures. More details on this later. In March, we will be traveling to Washington DC and Gettysburg. I hear that we have a White House Tour booked! In May, we will tour the Immigration Station on Angel Island and conduct a walking tour of San Francisco to learn about the influences of the Gold Rush as well as the city's involvement in many of the movements that make this city great. There may be other field trips planned, so stay tuned!
CLASSROOM SUPPLIES, EXPECTATIONS, & WELLNESS
A reminder to make sure students come to school with a fully charged laptop, binders or pendaflex folders, notebooks, writing implements, lunch (if not partaking of hot lunch program) and snack. This year, students have a 3-minute passing period and a 10-minute mid-morning break. Please make sure students are having a substantial breakfast before coming to school. Lunch break is 45-48 minutes with enough time for students to eat lunch and "move".
Religion journals went home on Friday to be covered, with the idea of expressing the student's personality. Please make sure covers stay intact so as not to "leave behind" parts as it travels from bin to desk to backpack to home, and back. They need to be in the classroom for our first religion class on Tuesday.
Please check with your students as they received their class schedules and Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct needs to be signed by both parent and student and returned to school on Monday. Class schedules are also available on SchoolSpeak.
HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
High School Information is posted on SchoolSpeak. Please note the schedule for High School Information nights at six of our elementary schools. It is a productive way to acquire the needed information to proceed with admissions to our diocesan high schools. Please be sure to attend and speak directly to the Admissions Directors regarding your questions and concerns.
This year, a High School Preparatory class is one of the Friday classes offered to 8th Grade. Students will write introductory essays, practice for face-to-face interviews, learn about time management, resilience, perseverance, wellness and balance. We will invite admissions staff from high schools of interest to speak to the students regarding the application process and what to expect. Guest speakers will present on the realities of high school life for which students need to prepare. Soon to come is a timeline of important dates and tasks.
IMPORTANT! Registration for Shadow Days are open or soon will be. Check the individual school websites for instructions and availability. PLEASE DO NOT SCHEDULE SHADOW DAYS during testing weeks (Sept. 1-18), during the class retreat day (Sept. 29), during the first school mass (Sept. 4), Country Fair (Oct. 9), or Halloween Carnival (Oct. 30). There may be other dates, so please check with me to make sure your child is not missing an important part of their 8th grade year.
MENTORS NEEDED: I have designed a year-long capstone project that will incorporate entrepreneurship, innovation, social justice, and advocacy using 21st century learning skills. It would be ideal for groups and individuals completing this project to have one mentor each to help them project manage, design, and prepare for implementation. More on this later, but please let me know if you or someone you know might be interested. A commitment to Skype during class time at least once a month is needed.
As always, if there is anything that I need to be made aware, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email. I promise to respond with acknowledgement of your email within 24 hours. You are welcome to pop in before or after school to introduce yourself and say hello. Thank you for entrusting the care and formation of your children to me and to the faculty and staff at St. Mary School.