Daily Archives: March 1, 2020

Co-op Update — March

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Lots happening in co-op these days, but not a ton of “news” to report.  We’ve been participating in the “No Place for Hate” school program, continuing with our read-aloud, playing games, and just connecting about upcoming events (Athletic Day, etc.). A few notes:
  1. Contributions to CHOICE reflection should be complete and in portfolio by Tuesday, March 17th.
  2. Athletic Day is March 20th.  Students are either going to Eldora or to the Apex Rec Center.  Students who are planning to ski and do not already have an Eldora lift pass need to bring in $50 to Mr. Trasky for a lift pass.  Otherwise, there are no fees.  Students should pack a sack lunch for the day.
  3. Spring trip will be announced Wednesday!  Drum roll….
  4. CMAS will take place 3/30, 3/31, and 4/2 for LA/Math in the mornings.  CMAS Science (8th grade) will take place during the week of April 13th during 8th grade Seminar.  I’m sure the school will be disseminating more details as they come available.
  5. Students shared 2nd trimester rubrics for Math/LA last week.  If you haven’t gotten those, ask your student.  These rubrics should also be printed out and inserted into physical portfolios or links made sharable and added to digital portfolios.
  6. Coin wars.  Student council is doing another round of “coin wars” to help fund a school for girls in Pakistan.  Students can bring in spare change through March 6th.
  7. We are currently slated for a special “Voyagers” Field Trip at the Boulder Planetarium on March 19th.  Students will need a sack lunch and should plan on wearing their best 70s or 80s garb for that performance.
Stay tuned to the CHOICE Weekly for further updates.
Thank you for all your support!   -JF

8th Grade Seminar Update — March

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Here’s what’s happening in 8th Grade Seminar:

There’s a myriad of ways to read TKAM.  Some students may read it independently.  Others may join us for “read-aloud” during class.  I also have audio links here.  This is a super challenging text (especially at the beginning) and I encourage all students to listen to the audio and track as they track the book.  I have audio links available here (and on Google Classroom).

In class, we are continuing to practice those strategies that “good” readers do to better understand and delve into text.  We’ll continue to annotate, learning about “Atticus-isms,” determining what makes an important passage in a book, performing skits, cementing our understanding of figurative language, and continuing our conversations about To Kill A Mockingbird. Here’s a link to our book group menus to give you a taste of what this looks like in class.

 

Upcoming Dates Of Note:

  • Every night: Read 30 minutes.  Students should not be reading ahead in TKAM, so they will likely need a book on the side to meet the CHOICE reading requirement.  I’ll be recommending books in class (and students are always welcome to email me) — but here’s also a padlet of book recommendations.
  • Tuesday:  Chapters 3 and 4 in TKAM with annotations. (We’ll be reading chapter 3 together in class on Monday).  Skit performances on Wednesday.
  • Wednesday:  Book Group Menu #2 Due
  • Monday, March 9th:  Chapters 5-8 of To Kill A Mockingbird with annotations.  “Surprise” reading-check quiz on that day.
  • Tuesday, March 10th:  Book Group Menu #3 Due
  • Wednesday, March 11th:   “Speed dating” with books.  Students will have the opportunity to “date” some books and will need to identify a choice novel outside of TKAM to read over Spring break.  
  • Monday, March 16th:  Chapters 9-11 w/annotations due.
  • Tuesday, March 17th: “Reverse” Book Menus due.
  • Thursday, March 19th, Friday, March 20th, Monday, March 30th:  No class — Voyagers Field Trip, Athletic Day, CMAS
  • Tuesday, March 31st:  Chapters 12-14 w/annotations
Thank you so much for the opportunity to teach your student!  -JF
Ps. Unofficial Endorsement:  In my official capacity of a parent (and not employee of BVSD), wanted to let you know that if your 8th grader is still figuring out plans for the summer, Boulder Youth Corps and Boulder Junior Rangers are amazing programs.  A number of former CHOICE students have really enjoyed this opportunity. Students learn responsibility, work as part of a team, and also earn good $.  (Starting salary is $12/hour!)