We are taking a one-week break from our stories.  We’ll pick up with them on November 6th with a heavy dose of peer critique.  We have a lot going on this week — here’s a day-by-day overview:

Monday:  In lieu of report cards and “grades,”  CHOICE uses a rubric system to communicate student progress.  I think I’m going to try a new format this year and I’m hoping it tells a better story of growth.  A big part of our rubric system is that students have the opportunity to self-reflect on their progress.  Students will be completing this reflection in class on Monday.  These rubrics (along with your student’s math rubrics) will be shared back with you on November 15th.  Students will also be updating their book padlets and book plans with their latest reads.  I’m also hoping to have time to prepare students about our Film Festival Event on Monday as well — but we’ll see.

Tuesday: Self-Evaluation Rubrics due by beginning of class.  And…. HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA!!!  <insert creepy halloween music here>  We’ll have fun with Edgar Allen Poe and then some of your children may simply be “doomed.”  I’m so sorry….

Wednesday:  Grammar Play Preparation!

Thursday:  Grammar Play Performances and Reading/Conference day.

Friday:  The entire CHOICE program Is going to see a performance of this awesome animated documentary about orphans in Swaziland.  The film is called Liyana and you can find information about the film here. We are going to be the very first audience in Colorado to see this film!   After the screening, we’ll have the chance to talk with festival programmers about why film festivals exist.  As part of CHOICE tradition, students should plan on dressing nicely for the event.

Have a great week!   -JF