This week we are building on that foundation. Students are learning how to write and solve simple equations using transformation steps. This requires the use of all the algebraic habits of mind that were being developed in September. Algebra is sometimes tricky in the early stages. Many students struggle with the abstractness of the subject, especially as they first begin. This week's work is one of the first big steps in that direction. If your child gets stuck on any homework, encourage them to write down the questions they are struggling with. What questions would help your child get un-stuck?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A Note about Pre-Algebra from Mr. Lawrence
Seventh Graders have had a big, fast start to math this year. The first several weeks were spent on a geometry unit. During this time, students developed formulas to calculate the areas of rectangles, squares, triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids. Students also developed ways to calculate volumes of prisms: boxes (rectangular prisms), traingular prisms, trapezoidal prisms, parallelogram prisms, etc. Through this study, students got used to using letters to stand for numbers that can vary (variables). They also learned a variety of algebraic habits: working backwards through a problem, using inverse operations, and generalizing their arithmetical thinking.
This week we are building on that foundation. Students are learning how to write and solve simple equations using transformation steps. This requires the use of all the algebraic habits of mind that were being developed in September. Algebra is sometimes tricky in the early stages. Many students struggle with the abstractness of the subject, especially as they first begin. This week's work is one of the first big steps in that direction. If your child gets stuck on any homework, encourage them to write down the questions they are struggling with. What questions would help your child get un-stuck?
This week we are building on that foundation. Students are learning how to write and solve simple equations using transformation steps. This requires the use of all the algebraic habits of mind that were being developed in September. Algebra is sometimes tricky in the early stages. Many students struggle with the abstractness of the subject, especially as they first begin. This week's work is one of the first big steps in that direction. If your child gets stuck on any homework, encourage them to write down the questions they are struggling with. What questions would help your child get un-stuck?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Events Around the Corner
October 21-22: Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 this week on October 21 (after school and evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at this time. You should have already received an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
October 28: Math Night
On Thursday, October 28 at 7pm, Mustard Seed invites all parents in Grades 3 - 8 to come to "Conversations with Parents, Math Night". This will be the first of a few "Conversations with Parents" on academic topics that are planned for this year. [On November 16, we will do "Conversations with Parents, Science Night", so mark that date as well.]
The focus on October 28 is Fostering Algebraic Thinking. The night will include:
looking at how algebraic thinking is fostered in the early years, and how it develops through a student's career at Mustard Seed.
listening to recent MSS graduates speak about their high school experiences in math. Were they well prepared? In what ways? What might have been stronger?
speaking with parents, teachers, and alumni guests on the subject of mathematics at Mustard Seed School. (This is the perfect time for parents to ask questions and share thoughts.) We are looking forward to seeing alumni come with stories, along with parents. See you then!
November 5: Movie Night!
On November 5, the world premiere of A Shared Space: Learning from the Mustard Seed School! will take place at the Liberty Science Center. Eighth Grade Students have already been registered for the third showing and, with your permission, will serve as ushers during this last show and then attend the desert with guests. This is free of charge for 8th grade students. Please know that we do realize this is the same day as the COOP test, which means that several students will not be in school during the day (due to the test), but will come to the show in the evening.
We do hope parents will attend as well. You may register for any of the three showings at:
www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary November 5th is the only opportunity to see the documentary this year, as the film is being entered in film festivals and will not be in wide release. All people attending (including MSS students other than 8th graders) must purchase tickets in advance. We are anticipating a big crowd, so get your tickets early. Tickets will not be available at the door. As always, let us know if the cost creates a hardship for your family.
Until the big day, do stay tuned for webinars and read what filmmaker Brian Fuller says about the film at: http://www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary/interview-with-brian-fuller
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 this week on October 21 (after school and evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at this time. You should have already received an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
October 28: Math Night
On Thursday, October 28 at 7pm, Mustard Seed invites all parents in Grades 3 - 8 to come to "Conversations with Parents, Math Night". This will be the first of a few "Conversations with Parents" on academic topics that are planned for this year. [On November 16, we will do "Conversations with Parents, Science Night", so mark that date as well.]
The focus on October 28 is Fostering Algebraic Thinking. The night will include:
looking at how algebraic thinking is fostered in the early years, and how it develops through a student's career at Mustard Seed.
listening to recent MSS graduates speak about their high school experiences in math. Were they well prepared? In what ways? What might have been stronger?
speaking with parents, teachers, and alumni guests on the subject of mathematics at Mustard Seed School. (This is the perfect time for parents to ask questions and share thoughts.) We are looking forward to seeing alumni come with stories, along with parents. See you then!
November 5: Movie Night!
On November 5, the world premiere of A Shared Space: Learning from the Mustard Seed School! will take place at the Liberty Science Center. Eighth Grade Students have already been registered for the third showing and, with your permission, will serve as ushers during this last show and then attend the desert with guests. This is free of charge for 8th grade students. Please know that we do realize this is the same day as the COOP test, which means that several students will not be in school during the day (due to the test), but will come to the show in the evening.
We do hope parents will attend as well. You may register for any of the three showings at:
www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary November 5th is the only opportunity to see the documentary this year, as the film is being entered in film festivals and will not be in wide release. All people attending (including MSS students other than 8th graders) must purchase tickets in advance. We are anticipating a big crowd, so get your tickets early. Tickets will not be available at the door. As always, let us know if the cost creates a hardship for your family.
Until the big day, do stay tuned for webinars and read what filmmaker Brian Fuller says about the film at: http://www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary/interview-with-brian-fuller
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
October Events
Spruce Lake
Another wonderful time at Spruce Lake. Seventh graders learned the importance of communication in their challenge courses. Pictures will be coming soon.
Parent Teacher Conferences - October 21 & 22
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 on October 21 (after school & evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at that time. You will receive an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
Upper School Parent Conferences, Grades 4-8
October 21 (after school)
October 22 (during the day, until about 5:00 PM)
No school for students in grades 4-8 on October 22, due to conferences.
Students in grades 6-8 attend conferences.
School is in session for younger children that day.
Another wonderful time at Spruce Lake. Seventh graders learned the importance of communication in their challenge courses. Pictures will be coming soon.
Parent Teacher Conferences - October 21 & 22
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 on October 21 (after school & evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at that time. You will receive an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
Upper School Parent Conferences, Grades 4-8
October 21 (after school)
October 22 (during the day, until about 5:00 PM)
No school for students in grades 4-8 on October 22, due to conferences.
Students in grades 6-8 attend conferences.
School is in session for younger children that day.
October Service Project
Our worship theme for the month of October is "Buildings and Builders." During this month we will partner with the Esmirna School for the Deaf in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. One hundred deaf students attend the day school and their afterschool programs serve more than 250 poor children in the local neighborhood. As the number of children wanting to attend the school has grown, they have started building additional classrooms. One way Mustard Seed students can help this growing school is to provide school supplies!
Collection has started and it will continue through Thursday, October 28.
Each grade level at MSS will collect a specific item:
K: new boxes of crayons
1st: crayola markers
2nd: glue sticks
3rd: kids scissors
4th: tape (rolls of masking tape and scotch tape)
5th: one subject spiral notebooks
6th: pens
7th: pencils
8th: pocket folders
Our worship theme for the month of October is "Buildings and Builders." During this month we will partner with the Esmirna School for the Deaf in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. One hundred deaf students attend the day school and their afterschool programs serve more than 250 poor children in the local neighborhood. As the number of children wanting to attend the school has grown, they have started building additional classrooms. One way Mustard Seed students can help this growing school is to provide school supplies!
Collection has started and it will continue through Thursday, October 28.
Each grade level at MSS will collect a specific item:
K: new boxes of crayons
1st: crayola markers
2nd: glue sticks
3rd: kids scissors
4th: tape (rolls of masking tape and scotch tape)
5th: one subject spiral notebooks
6th: pens
7th: pencils
8th: pocket folders
School Picture Day October 18th
Once again this year, Irvin Simon Photographers will come to Mustard Seed to take individual and class group photographs. Please make note of the date--Monday, October 18.
Once again this year, Irvin Simon Photographers will come to Mustard Seed to take individual and class group photographs. Please make note of the date--Monday, October 18.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Upcoming Events
Spruce Lake
Spruce Lake is just around the corner! The dates are October 6th-8th. We will be leaving from school Wednesday morning and arriving back around 4PM on Friday. Here is a suggested list of what to bring:
PERSONAL (Based on a three-day program)
-Warm jacket, hat and gloves
-Sweater or sweatshirt
-3 shirts, including a warm shirt
-3 pairs of long pants or jeans
-6 pairs of socks
-Comfortable, practical footwear (including hiking and/or sneakers)
-OLD sneakers (not good hiking boots) for aquatic studies or rainy days
-Complete set of rain gear, boots, poncho or raincoat
-Face cloth and 2 towels
-Personal hygiene items (soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
-Flashlight
-Insect repellent
-Sleeping bag and pillow
-1 pair pajamas
-Personal medications
-Chapstick™
Parent Teacher Student Conference
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for 7th grade students and parents on October 21(after school & evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). In a few weeks, you will receive an email from the office about signing up for a time.
Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences. Please also note that for this conference, students do attend and participate.
Spruce Lake is just around the corner! The dates are October 6th-8th. We will be leaving from school Wednesday morning and arriving back around 4PM on Friday. Here is a suggested list of what to bring:
PERSONAL (Based on a three-day program)
-Warm jacket, hat and gloves
-Sweater or sweatshirt
-3 shirts, including a warm shirt
-3 pairs of long pants or jeans
-6 pairs of socks
-Comfortable, practical footwear (including hiking and/or sneakers)
-OLD sneakers (not good hiking boots) for aquatic studies or rainy days
-Complete set of rain gear, boots, poncho or raincoat
-Face cloth and 2 towels
-Personal hygiene items (soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
-Flashlight
-Insect repellent
-Sleeping bag and pillow
-1 pair pajamas
-Personal medications
-Chapstick™
Parent Teacher Student Conference
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for 7th grade students and parents on October 21(after school & evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). In a few weeks, you will receive an email from the office about signing up for a time.
Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences. Please also note that for this conference, students do attend and participate.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Welcome to the 2010-2011 School Year!
Back To School Night
Parents are invited to attend BTSN on Thursday, September 23rd. Upper School parents will meet in the Community Room at 7:15 PM and the night will begin at 7:30.
Parents are invited to attend BTSN on Thursday, September 23rd. Upper School parents will meet in the Community Room at 7:15 PM and the night will begin at 7:30.
Spruce Lake
This year's field trip will be on October 6th, 7th and 8th. More information will be provided in the following weeks. Also, I may be contacting some of the parents to be chaperones for the trip.
Daily Homework Posting
Starting next week the homework will be posted on this blog daily.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Summer Reading Entries (9/8/10)
A Wrinkle in Time
Meg Murry is a young girl with a flaming temper and low grades. Her 5-year-old brother, Charles Wallace, is something of a genius, but is thought by everyone at school to be an idiot. Their long-missing father gives them reason to be subject of most gossip in their town.
Meg, Charles, and their mother are eating a midnight snack when a mysterious tramp visits. Charles already knows her as Mrs. Whatsit. She informs them that there is such thing as a tesseract, and leaves.
Soon after, Charles, Meg, and their friend Calvin embark on a journey to other galaxies to fight the Dark Thing, the IT, that is engulfing Earth and imprisoning their father.
I enjoyed this book because of the challenge it gave. It's a very complicated book, which can be hard to understand, so even though I'd read it before, I decided to reread it.
The House of the Scorpions
Another book I read over the summer was The House of the Scorpions By: Nancy Farmer. This book I thought was really good but, it was complicated to understand.
So the story is about a boy named Matt, who is a clone of El Patron. El Patron is the ruler of a small country called Opium, which a strip of land between Mexico and the United States. In the book, Matt is not liked or discriminated because he is a clone. So the only family/friend he has is El Patron. The only reason for that is because El Patron made Matt just like him. So they were almost the same people. When El Patron gets sick, and needs Matt to give him a heart transplant, Matt doesn’t want to. So he decided to run away to to the United States. At first Matt wasn’t enjoying his time, and was struggling with getting money, and food. After he stays for a while he makes a friends that help him with everything he was struggling with, and they eventually became his family.
I would rate this book a 4/5. Just because I didn’t understand the book, so I had to re-read a lot parts. Overall, it was a good book, and once you get to the end, and you re-read parts you didn’t understand, it all makes sense. I would recommend this book to 7th and 8th graders.
A Wrinkle in Time
Meg Murray is the main charecter in A Wrinkle in Time. She had always been the odd girl out. It was hard because she was on of six in a family. When her father; a gifted scientist goes missing, Meg, her little brother Charles Wallace and her friend Calvin are taken through time and space to rescue him. Her father is trapped in the planet of ‘Camazotz’ which is taken over by evil forces. Everything that happens on the planet of Camazotz is the same. For example everyday kids all call their mothers at the same time everyday. I would be very upset if the world was like that. Just imagine if the same thing happened to everyone at the same time everyday! That would be bad and we would have boring world. Anyway, Meg I thought was very brave when she has to fight evil forces to rescue her father and younger brother who have been taken to the planet, and have been trapped under evil forces. But she did it, and she used not her strength or mind she used something nobody on Camazotz had, or any evil force had....Love. I think that is a lesson learned.
I really enjoyed reading this book, because I learned that if you don’t have strength or a lot of power in the mind, that love can really help you. How I thought about it is, if you really love someone or something you will risk your life to save or help it in any way.
I would rate this book at 4.5/5, because the book was very confusing but, it taught many lessons, and it was a good read. I would recommend this book to anyone in the ages of 12 and up.
Meg Murry is a young girl with a flaming temper and low grades. Her 5-year-old brother, Charles Wallace, is something of a genius, but is thought by everyone at school to be an idiot. Their long-missing father gives them reason to be subject of most gossip in their town.
Meg, Charles, and their mother are eating a midnight snack when a mysterious tramp visits. Charles already knows her as Mrs. Whatsit. She informs them that there is such thing as a tesseract, and leaves.
Soon after, Charles, Meg, and their friend Calvin embark on a journey to other galaxies to fight the Dark Thing, the IT, that is engulfing Earth and imprisoning their father.
I enjoyed this book because of the challenge it gave. It's a very complicated book, which can be hard to understand, so even though I'd read it before, I decided to reread it.
PC
Another book I read over the summer was The House of the Scorpions By: Nancy Farmer. This book I thought was really good but, it was complicated to understand.
So the story is about a boy named Matt, who is a clone of El Patron. El Patron is the ruler of a small country called Opium, which a strip of land between Mexico and the United States. In the book, Matt is not liked or discriminated because he is a clone. So the only family/friend he has is El Patron. The only reason for that is because El Patron made Matt just like him. So they were almost the same people. When El Patron gets sick, and needs Matt to give him a heart transplant, Matt doesn’t want to. So he decided to run away to to the United States. At first Matt wasn’t enjoying his time, and was struggling with getting money, and food. After he stays for a while he makes a friends that help him with everything he was struggling with, and they eventually became his family.
I would rate this book a 4/5. Just because I didn’t understand the book, so I had to re-read a lot parts. Overall, it was a good book, and once you get to the end, and you re-read parts you didn’t understand, it all makes sense. I would recommend this book to 7th and 8th graders.
NA
Meg Murray is the main charecter in A Wrinkle in Time. She had always been the odd girl out. It was hard because she was on of six in a family. When her father; a gifted scientist goes missing, Meg, her little brother Charles Wallace and her friend Calvin are taken through time and space to rescue him. Her father is trapped in the planet of ‘Camazotz’ which is taken over by evil forces. Everything that happens on the planet of Camazotz is the same. For example everyday kids all call their mothers at the same time everyday. I would be very upset if the world was like that. Just imagine if the same thing happened to everyone at the same time everyday! That would be bad and we would have boring world. Anyway, Meg I thought was very brave when she has to fight evil forces to rescue her father and younger brother who have been taken to the planet, and have been trapped under evil forces. But she did it, and she used not her strength or mind she used something nobody on Camazotz had, or any evil force had....Love. I think that is a lesson learned.
I really enjoyed reading this book, because I learned that if you don’t have strength or a lot of power in the mind, that love can really help you. How I thought about it is, if you really love someone or something you will risk your life to save or help it in any way.
I would rate this book at 4.5/5, because the book was very confusing but, it taught many lessons, and it was a good read. I would recommend this book to anyone in the ages of 12 and up.
NA
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Summer Reading Entries (9/7/10)
The Battle of Jericho
In the battle of Jericho written by Sharon M. Draper Jericho, a teenager in high school, was asked to be a pledge of the Warriors of Distinction, a club that has the latest shoes, clothes, and the best parties, but to be officially a Warrior of Distinction you must go through numerous tests including toilet swirly, beating, and even jumping out of a two story window. In this book Jericho gives up the chance of a life time. Part of a concert and a chance to get into Julliard just to get into a high school club. He loses the life of his cousin and best friend josh to the club. In this book you can learn many life lessons like never do stuff just for popularity.I would rate this book a 8 out of 10.
In the battle of Jericho written by Sharon M. Draper Jericho, a teenager in high school, was asked to be a pledge of the Warriors of Distinction, a club that has the latest shoes, clothes, and the best parties, but to be officially a Warrior of Distinction you must go through numerous tests including toilet swirly, beating, and even jumping out of a two story window. In this book Jericho gives up the chance of a life time. Part of a concert and a chance to get into Julliard just to get into a high school club. He loses the life of his cousin and best friend josh to the club. In this book you can learn many life lessons like never do stuff just for popularity.I would rate this book a 8 out of 10.
FR
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