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Some items to note...

I am sure that you are all aware that there is a labour action going on, and as a result, I will not be able to send emails, or update the blog starting Monday morning...so I thought I would send out some notes to you all, and hope that a) I cover every question that might be out there and b) that this issue is sorted out soon so we can get back to business as usual.  The education of the students is a balance of the school, the students, and the parents all working together, and communication is key, so I look forward to a quick end to this situation.

Here we go...

I believe that the school is arranging a special morning for class meetings, as we were not allowed to run them in the evening, and we feel that they are such an important part of the way we run things at Churchill.  I will propose a potential second meeting, or open house night once the labour action is over, but for now Class meetings will be on September 24th at 8:15am until 8:45am.  I believe that there is a CASC annual breakfast event planned for 7:30 am that morning. 

I will try to run through regular class meeting highlights...but the half hour will be really short, and I know that many will not be able to make it at that time, so I will also try to include some of the details we will cover in this email.  If you ever have questions, please contact me...which leads me to ...

Communication

Even in a non labour action situation, the best way to get information to me that is time sensitive is to write a note in your child's agenda, and have them give it to me at the start of the day.  We are using pink notebooks for agendas.  It is a three column approach.  The margin is for the date, then the lines are divided into left and right columns.  On the left they write down the day's agenda from the board, so that they have a record of what we have done in class that day.  This is great for talking points, at home when you wish to ask about the day your child has had.  On the right hand side of the page they write down Notes that we make on the board at the end of the day regarding important events, items that need to be brought in, or home, trips, etc.  

You can contact me by email, but please make sure that this is not time sensitive information you are emailing me about as I don't check emails once the day has started, and sometimes I check them super early from home.  I can try for about a 24-48 hour turnaround time on emails, so general information, or questions can be emailed for sure.  Just don't email me to tell me about little Johnny needing to be picked up early today, as I won't be reading it until the end of the day, or tomorrow even.   The office would also like me to remind you to try and arrange end of day routines with your child before the day starts.  We are besieged with dozens of calls a day where parents are calling up to classes to tell their child about changes to end of day pickup.  It happens, but it also sometimes seems like the same people call day after day, and this creates a disturbance for the office, and the students in class.  

Indoor Shoes

As I wrote in the newsletter home, and on the blog earlier, each child needs indoor shoes for the gym.  We change into these each transition into the class, so that we can keep the class safe, and clean.  Each student has shelf space above their hook, for shoes to be left in the evening.  Students must have closed toed, non marking, supportive footwear for phys ed, or they will be asked to sit out for their own safety.  In middle school the shift will be to footwear and a change of clothes for phys ed, so footwear is a good spot to start in 5/6.

Group Snack

We would usually set this up at the parent meeting, and would have it in place by now.  It is a school tradition.  I ask that if you are not interested in having your name on the group snack schedule, please email me directly, and I will make sure that when we make it up, you are not included to bring in snack on the schedule.  It is meant to be a healthy snack focus, and there are 24 students in the class.  We have one nut allergy, and some students who do not eat gluten, so providing a couple of options is a good way to go (ie, cheese and crackers, with a bit of fruit, if you use rice crackers, will be ok for most).  Not everyone likes everything brought in each day, and similarly, some days the snack will not be ok for some food sensitivities, but the hope is that overall we can be aware, and most snack will be ok for most of the students.

Class volunteers.

I have Dan working with us on Wednesdays as a math volunteer, and am looking for reading volunteers to come in (at their leisure) to take students out to read aloud.  Children reading out loud improve their overall sight vocabulary, and spelling, and pronunciation, and general literacy, far more than reading to themselves.  So often I meet students who's parents say that they read voraciously, and yet results in class show gaps in comprehension.  Many fast readers skim, and do not fully digest what they read.  They read for the general ideas, but get lost in the details, so they just skip them.  Reading out loud corrects this, and forces students to slow down.  My goal is to have students go out to read for ten minutes at a time, to volunteers, over the course of the school year.  If every student reads out loud three times with a volunteer by winter break, I will consider that a great success.  Let me knwo if you can make it in.

Also on the volunteer topic, please let me know if you are often available in the day for field trips.  Once we get the green light to book them, I will need to know what kind of availability we have with parents, as this can be tricky to coordinate.

Homework...

Progressive educators have shifted away from homework over the past 25 years, as more and more studies support the notion that more homework does not correspond with better understanding, higher grades, or better outcomes intellectually.  Homework for homework's sake is the pitfall, but so is the idea of school becoming the all consuming focus of our children's lives.  My opinion, and approach, is to provide students with tasks, over the course of the school year, that will build skills they need to be successful in school, and in life.  As far as homework goes, we will have project based assignments, that are directly connected to topics we are looking at in class.  A few of these will be math projects, a few will be science and social studies assignments.  An expectation across the province, for students at this level, is that they be reading at home, and I would say a minimum of 20 minutes a day must be spent on this.  Mark Twain said it best when he was quoted "Those who do not read have no advantage over those who can not read."  To support this reading we will be working towards the use of a reading journal later on this year, where students will record what they are reading each week in the log, and then they will reflect on something they wrote by answering some prompts I give them to share information from their readings.  We will try to get to this by November.  Ultimately the goal is for students to take ownership for the completion of a task, and the submission of their work.  This will prove to be the greatest challenge for many students, not the actual reading or writing,  but the remembering to take it home and bring it back, which is why we will do it.  In total this should be about 20 - 30 minutes of work per week, on top of the reading they likely already do for fun.  

At any time, if work that is to be completed at home, is not finished, or you know it will prove a challenge, just contact me so we can sort something out.

Forms

I know that the office sent home forms at the start of the year.  They are gathering them, and we will hear this week of any that are outstanding.  Please get these in.  Some, like the media permission forms, we need before many events or activities can take place.

Finally...

This is going to be a trying time for us all due to the labour situation.  I apologise for any inconvenience it causes our community in the coming weeks.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  I hope to see many of you on Thursday morning.  FYI the class has settled in quite well this past week.  They are sharing great experiences, helping each other out, and, overall, acting like the great community members they are.  I think we are going to be able to do some remarkable things together as a class this year.  We have been working on some great character development topics, and we will continue to work on team building activities as we go forward.  Ask your child about Tchoukball later this week, and ask them about the Omniball...I am getting that ready for them tomorrow I believe...

Take care,  

Ray
ps.  We spoke about wolves this past week, when we did a main topic exercise in comprehension...and I told them about a great video.  We will look at it this week...and try to pick out the main idea.  Here it is as a preview...

Week 1 Done!

As I write this, the class is out for their second nutrition break, but I told them I would share a video we watched in class, so I thought I would fire off a few words to reflect on the week that was.
Just based on how much louder they are today during break time, with Tuesday, I would say that everyone is settling in and feeling more comfortable in the class.  We went from awkwardly sitting in the circle on Tuesday, to today's brown bag presentation where everyone was engaged, asking questions, and chomping at the bit to have a chance to show their items.
Another sign that they are feeling more comfortable was a dance break we took today (ask your child why "bird" is the word?) where every single student was up and engaged, and frantically dancing to the beat.  It looks like this is shaping up to be a really strong and involved group.
We have run through some basic math fact diagnostics, and language based assessments, and are moving on to get our hands dirty next week with some exploration in math, language, and science.  With the election a month away, we will also be looking at aspects of government in grade 5, and Canada's links to the world in grade 6.
The video below was the introduction we used as we started our own "letters to my future self" today in our communication period.  They found it entertaining, and inspiring.  This week has been all about inspiration.  So far they have supplied me with a lot of inspiration looking forward.
Here is to a great start.  Happy first weekend!

Inspiring Story For Thursday

We will be looking at this story in class on Thursday, so here is a sneak peek for anyone who gets online to check the blog tonight...

Day One!!!

Today was a blur, and we packed a lot in.  At the end of the day we worked on some tools for communicating with the home.  A newsletter and schedule went home, as did our 'Agendas' which we are going to work on over the first few days.  Eventually this will be a place where students will record the events from the day (daily agenda) and any notes that need to go home regarding upcoming activities of assignments.  There will be a section in the back for parents to use when needing to send in messages for me.  We were pressed for time, so this was not completed by everyone, but will be starting tomorrow.
Tomorrow we will be looking at inspiring videos messages, and creating guidelines/words of inspiration for the year.
Today we did some introduction activities, visited Shellie in French class, helped get the gym set up for the year by moving some items around, and did some reflective talk on our summers.  Tomorrow will get us right down to work.  I promised the class that if we work hard...we will play hard.  Tomorrow we will put that to the test.
Each student has a brown bag homework assignment.  They need to bring in five items (in the bag) that reflect themselves in some way, and share them with the class.  This is due tomorrow! (but is meant to be fun...so no pressure really.
I learned a lot about the class today.  I know all about family camps, house pet names (Mickey?), book reading challenges, scrabble champions, and more.  I think it will shape up to be a really interesting year with this group.
Please note the date and time of next weeks family meeting for parents, in room 308, at 6:00pm.  There is a CASC meeting afterwards in the school.
The quote for today was 'Don't wait for the perfect moment - take the moment, and make it perfect'....and today was pretty close to a perfect first day thanks to this great group of learners.
Now for day 2!

Welcome to Room 308

Here we go, ready to start another year of exciting things at Churchill Alternative!  I am ready for lots of fun and adventures in learning after a fantastic summer, and I hope that you can all say the same.  Over the break I taught summer school in July, while Arlo and Otis spent their time at parks, museums, and the library with their mom, and baby brother Oscar.  In the afternoons Jenny, the boys, and I would typically head to a splash pad, the beach, or out for a bike ride or walk.  Arlo and Otis love keeping busy, so I put them to work hauling dirt and rocks when I spent some of my summer doing some landscaping and building around my house.  A few camping trips, and a trip to Toronto (Ripley’s Aquarium and Canada’s Wonderland) kept us busy for the rest of the summer, and now here we are, back and ready for school.

To get a quick run down of some important items to be aware of in the opening weeks of Room 308’s 2015/16 school year please read the following, or check it all out on our class blog at www.alternativeschooladventure.blogspot.com, and contact me if you have any questions.

Class Meeting

We all know that education at Churchill relies heavily on the partnership between the school, the student, and the home so rather than waiting until everyone has settled in and those questions on the tips of your tongues are forgotten we are going ahead with our class meeting on Tuesday, September 15^th, 2015, at 6:00pm.  Our room is number 308, on the third floor beside the computer lab.  You can get acquainted with our room and the way in which things will run over the course of this year.  Items of discussion will be; volunteering in the classroom, field trips, guest speakers, overnights, curriculum topics, homework, and general information.  If you have individual concerns regarding your student you can approach me at this time and we can schedule a meeting for a future date.  All parents are encouraged to attend this event as it is a great way to bring up ideas/concerns, and get to know the other families that are a part of our Room 308 community.  I look forward to meeting you all.

Class Blog – www.alternativeschooladventure.blogspot.com

Our class blog is one of the most effective ways to stay informed with what is going on in our class (short of stopping in regularly).  On it the students and I will post everything from important dates and assignments/handouts, to artwork and pieces of the student’s writing.  I will try to send out reminders to check the blog when info has been posted, but you may just want to add it to your “favourites” folder and check from time to time.    This will take the place of regular newsletters for the most part.  Please let me know if you cannot access the site, or if you do not regularly have internet access and I can make alternate arrangements.

                                                                               

                               

Forms

Inevitably the first week or two will be a time to read, sign, and return countless forms.  As repetitive as this seems it is a necessary administrative aspect of the start of school, and we need those forms to ensure that proper information is exchanged.  Please return these ASAP so that we can get this out of the way and get on with the year.

Agendas

Being well organized is the first step to student success.  As we prepare our students for the challenges of middle school, and beyond, keeping track of what is happening, and what is coming up, is vital.  We will be creating our own personal agendas in class, and will use them regularly to keep ourselves on track.  This will provide a great opportunity for communication between the class and the home.  In it you will find a brief rundown of what we have done each day, and some reminder notes for things that are upcoming.  At the class meeting we will discuss how to use this as a way to send in messages from home.

Nut Restricted

Just a reminder that Churchill continues to be a “Nut Restricted” school, in an effort to create a safe environment for a number of seriously allergic members of our school community.  More information is available through the office concerning the details of this policy, but basically the main item to be aware of are that students are asked to not bring food to school that contains nuts (especially peanut butter). 

Volunteers and Volunteer Co-ordinator

Yes we still welcome (and need) volunteers in grade 5/6.  It may not always be glamorous work, but it is always a valuable contribution that you make to our learning environment when you can find the time to join us in class. You are all encouraged to help out in class whenever possible.   If you have a particular strength or area of expertise (or a great connection) let Ray know so we can make use of it.  We are in need of one or two people who are willing to take charge of our volunteer and snack schedule on a month-by-month basis.  If you are able to help us out with this please let me know right away so we can start to organize the school year.

We are also looking for a math- strong volunteer who would be able to work with a math group once a week.

Our read aloud program greatly benefits student literacy in our class, and relies heavily on our volunteers.  This year we would like to improve on our performance last year, which say each student reading aloud three times a term to a volunteer.   If you are able to share some time with us please let Ray know at the class meeting.

Group Snack                   As is the custom here at Churchill the students of room 308 will be participating in a group snack program, which will be shared during the first nutrition break.  The benefits to this are obvious in that you do not have to provide different snacks each day for your child, you just have to provide snack for the whole class once every 25 school days.  However there are some concerns that must be considered with a program such as this.  We will discuss diet restrictions in our class, but usually we have to consider that there are likely members of our class who are allergic to certain foods, or are vegetarian, etc.  The following dietary concerns were shared in our first circle meeting:

                                                             Peanut allergy and some gluten intolerances      

Following the “Healthy Snack” policies that the school promotes the students in past years made up some guidelines to keep in mind when choosing snack for the class.

 -low sugar items          -healthy foods high in vitamins            -variety             -focus on fruits and vegetables

 If a relatively “sweet” snack is being provided it should be combined with another item such as carrot sticks, fruit pieces, cheese and crackers, etc. 

In the past we have had nearly one hundred percent participation in this program, but this does not mean that all must take part.  If you would prefer to send you child with their own snack each day, and not have them take part in the sharing of snack simply let me know and I will make sure that your child’s name is not on the schedule.  We will probably set a schedule from the second week of school, and try to arrange following months through the volunteer co-coordinators.

 Terry Fox Day  

The Terry Fox Run is one of the most exciting, and memorable dates on the Churchill calendar.  It is a great community event that families always enjoy participating in.  Please look for forms and pledge sheets coming home.  Help us reach our goal.    This year we will hold our Terry Fox run on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 23^rd.

Shoes and Gym

Footwear that students use outside on the yard is not to be worn in the classroom, library, or gymnasium.  This is particularly an issue during the wet and winter months, but it is a practice that we will try to get used to from the beginning of the year.  Many of the students play in the sandy areas of the schoolyard at recess and lunch hour, and they carry in a considerable amount of sand, dirt, and stones on and in their shoes.  They all have hooks, and shelf space in our classroom to keep their shoes, and many decide that they want to have separate “gym” shoes and indoor shoes.  At no time are students to be walking without footwear in the school.  Regarding “gym” shoes, they must be shoes that can be laced up, are not worn for everyday use outside, and have non- marking soles.  This is standard practice for school gyms in order to provide a safe environment for participants.  If students feel so inclined to change before and after gym they are welcome to (this will be the policy in middle school).

Scholastic               

Our first Scholastic Book Club order forms went home today, and is due Sept 18^th .  By participating in the Scholastic program students get fantastic deals on popular books and Scholastic donates books to the classroom.  The general practice in our class is that two weeks is given between when the forms go home and when the last ones have to be handed in, and delivery usually takes two to four weeks after that date.

Dates of Importance

Class Meeting                                                    September 15^h - 6:00 pm

CASC Barbacue                                                 September 17^th

CASC Meeting                                                    September 15^th  - 7:00pm

1^st Tree Family Day                                            September 25^th

Thanksgiving                                                     October 12^th

Math Freaks Come out at Night                  October 29^th

Progress Reports                                              November 12^th

PA Day                                  October 9^th and November 20^th  

Wish list

Not everyone can make it in to volunteer for various reasons, but often I am asked if there is anything else that they can do for the class.  Here are a few roles that need filling and items that we could benefit from.  Let me know if you are able to take care of any of the following “wishes”.

Feed the Frogs - Purchase a dozen crickets from a pet store every week for our class pets.

Class visitors -      The next best thing to a field trip is a guest to the classroom.  If you are (or know) a musician, author, journalist, known athlete, etc. who would be willing to share with the class please let me know and we can arrange a visit.

Public Library Contact - Go online or in person to the Ottawa Public Library every few weeks and sign out/return books for class use based on the subjects being covered.

Laundry Service- We have towels, cloths, and a sofa cover that needs periodic washing.

Math Group Volunteer- Work with a group every week on math related activities.

Read Aloud Volunteers–  Give students in the class a chance to read out loud.

Hand Sanitizer -   Our class pump of hand sanitizer sits by the door and gets well used around recess and at other times during the day.  Refills are needed two or three times a year.

Magazines -          We have cleared out our old supply of old magazines for projects.  New ones to read, or older ones to cut up, would be appreciated.

Regards Ray Kalynuk     

and the students of Room 308