Conference Schedule So Far
Thursday
10:00 Portia’s Family
10:45 Bobby’s Family
11:15 Devon’s Family
12:00 Reggi’s Family
12:45 Colin’s Family
2:00 Auyrn’s family
3:00 Ian’s Family
Friday
9 am Ray’s Family
10 am Auryn’s Family
10:45 Zack’s Family
Midnight TBD (next week, in my garden?)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
All School Service Day
HELP, HELP, HELP
We need more drivers and chaperones for Service Day on Thursday. The times are from 9-12 and it is a very special day at Trillium every year. If you can find the time to do it you will be put on a project and help students understand the value of service. Projects range from weeding in gardens to performing outreach for local nonprofits. It is a really great way to help the school and we would appreciate your help. There will be a lunch at the school at 12:30.
Email Billy at billy@trilliumcharterschool.org if you can volunteer for this event.
We need more drivers and chaperones for Service Day on Thursday. The times are from 9-12 and it is a very special day at Trillium every year. If you can find the time to do it you will be put on a project and help students understand the value of service. Projects range from weeding in gardens to performing outreach for local nonprofits. It is a really great way to help the school and we would appreciate your help. There will be a lunch at the school at 12:30.
Email Billy at billy@trilliumcharterschool.org if you can volunteer for this event.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Author's/artist's chair on Wednesday
Our sharing circle is going very well. I have been impressed by the work students have shared and their great attitude about author's circle. Sharing one's work, and giving thoughtful comments, is not easy work. Our advising has brought personal and thought provoking work to share, and has demonstrated maturity in their sharing of feedback.
If you are able to send in healthy snacks for this event, please do so. Homemade or store bought muffins, fruit, bagels, tea, juice--anything that helps contribute to the "cafe/pena/beatnick/poetry slam" feel we are working towards. Even donoughts!
Thanks!
If you are able to send in healthy snacks for this event, please do so. Homemade or store bought muffins, fruit, bagels, tea, juice--anything that helps contribute to the "cafe/pena/beatnick/poetry slam" feel we are working towards. Even donoughts!
Thanks!
Conferences--revised?
As part of the storyline, Celeste and I discussed having our final conferences be a student lead tour of their portfolio. Our vision was as follows: we would have three nights where students would present their portfolios to their families (and invited guests).
This would be a reflection of the "defense of PLP" approach students will experience in high school, only much more comfortable with an emphasis on the celebratory. They are beginning to accumulate a nice body of work that will represent their efforts--and their journey and process--well. One of our goals in the MS is to have students' work--their portfolio--do much more of the "talking". It is the their demonstration of learning--not just in product but also product and reflection--that can speaks volumes about their efforts and progress.
After your student walks you through their portfolio, you would then have time to visit the work of the other students presenting that night. Celeste and I would be there to answer to questions about the quarter and the work. We would also be available after the student's sharing for discussion.
This event would be more celebratory, have students sharing with wider audiences, and strive to let the student's efforts shine. Small groups of students would present each night. Families would also leave with a better grasp of storyline and thematic learning that is being proposed for the MS advising model next year.
If you have other concerns (or I do), we can--and please do-- make an appointment for a more traditional conference by email over the next week.
Please feel free to email me your reaction or post in comments. I would love for our advising to try this. It would not replace regular conferences at the beginning of the year, but would allow students time to really share their work and learning in a way that 20 minute segments won't do justice.
Thanks in advance for considering this!
This would be a reflection of the "defense of PLP" approach students will experience in high school, only much more comfortable with an emphasis on the celebratory. They are beginning to accumulate a nice body of work that will represent their efforts--and their journey and process--well. One of our goals in the MS is to have students' work--their portfolio--do much more of the "talking". It is the their demonstration of learning--not just in product but also product and reflection--that can speaks volumes about their efforts and progress.
After your student walks you through their portfolio, you would then have time to visit the work of the other students presenting that night. Celeste and I would be there to answer to questions about the quarter and the work. We would also be available after the student's sharing for discussion.
This event would be more celebratory, have students sharing with wider audiences, and strive to let the student's efforts shine. Small groups of students would present each night. Families would also leave with a better grasp of storyline and thematic learning that is being proposed for the MS advising model next year.
If you have other concerns (or I do), we can--and please do-- make an appointment for a more traditional conference by email over the next week.
Please feel free to email me your reaction or post in comments. I would love for our advising to try this. It would not replace regular conferences at the beginning of the year, but would allow students time to really share their work and learning in a way that 20 minute segments won't do justice.
Thanks in advance for considering this!
Activity Fees (don't shoot the messenger!)
A gentle reminder to families who still need to pay their activity fee.
Many families opted to send in their activity fee at the years start...and still need to...
Stephanie has the list, and I would rather not be the intermediary, just the messenger.
If you forgot the activity fee, please give it directly to Stephanie by leaving a check at the front desk.
All families agreed to pay the activity fee based on one of the school agreements in the registration packet. There were scholarships available for those that applied; this is a little different than last year as there was an application that needed to be submitted. Most scholarships were given out based on eligibility for free and reduced lunch.
Please email Stephanie with any questions--she has the details about scholarships and partial scholarships. The school strives to support those students who need it, contact Stephanie to make arraignments. You can feel free to CC me, but I have little knowledge and say. If you can't remember if you paid or not, please ask Stephanie--she has the list.
Getting our activity fees in is important as we plan for the campout--the fee covers the camp-out costs. We also have more end of year activities coming up, and the fees cover these.
Thank you for supporting Trillium and your student's rad education,
Many families opted to send in their activity fee at the years start...and still need to...
Stephanie has the list, and I would rather not be the intermediary, just the messenger.
If you forgot the activity fee, please give it directly to Stephanie by leaving a check at the front desk.
All families agreed to pay the activity fee based on one of the school agreements in the registration packet. There were scholarships available for those that applied; this is a little different than last year as there was an application that needed to be submitted. Most scholarships were given out based on eligibility for free and reduced lunch.
Please email Stephanie with any questions--she has the details about scholarships and partial scholarships. The school strives to support those students who need it, contact Stephanie to make arraignments. You can feel free to CC me, but I have little knowledge and say. If you can't remember if you paid or not, please ask Stephanie--she has the list.
Getting our activity fees in is important as we plan for the campout--the fee covers the camp-out costs. We also have more end of year activities coming up, and the fees cover these.
Thank you for supporting Trillium and your student's rad education,
We're going camping! Silver Falls!
Monday May 12, 2008
Dear Parents and Middle School Students,
We are going camping again! We are going to Silver Falls State Park. We are going Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning, May 21st – 23rd.
We need drivers! Our carpools will be loaded and on the way from Trillium around 1:00 Wednesday (please arrive with gear to be staged in the common space no later than 12:00). NOTE: We will most likely have morning classes on Wednesday as advisors spend significant time preparing during this time. We encourage you to drop your children off in time for school with their gear if at all possible. It is also helpful for students to already have a lunch plan when they show up at school (sack lunch is best). Snacks will be provided at the campsite before dinner.
It is about an hour and 15-minute drive depending on traffic. We shall leave for home from Silver Falls by 10:30 am Friday, and you can pick up your students at the usual end-of-school time (12:00 pm). IF you are driving on Friday, please be at Silver Falls by 10:00. Also, please decide on whether or not you can chaperone, help with meals and facilitate the cooking, and/or volunteer to drive back and forth. Let your advisor or liaison know as soon as possible
We will have email sign-up, phone calls, and a list at the front desk and with each advisor. Conferences are an excellent time to let us know how you can participate. Parent support makes this trip run smoothly and an extra chaperone or two for supervision and activity facilitation will be greatly appreciated.
As a staff we came up with a list of essentials for each student to bring:
Sleeping bag
Tent (please bring an extra to loan if you have one!)
Flashlight
Rain gear (you never know)
Sunscreen
2 pairs of pants (shorts optional)
2-3 short sleeve shirts
1 long sleeve shirt
1 jacket (this is important: it is always cold in the morning)
2 pairs of shoes
4 pairs of socks
Reading material
Journal (if you wish)
Frisbee, kite, games, disc (for disc golf) etc.
1 plastic bag
1 garbage bag
We have been asked about swimming. Our policy is to be advised by the rangers on site. If they feel it is safe and encourage it, we may find a suitable place with constant supervision. If there is any doubt about the safety we will NOT swim. If you have any personal reservations, please let us know and please do not pack a swimsuit for your student.
It can be very chilly and windy at any time in Oregon, even when the sun is shining beautifully. Be prepared by dressing in layers, and don't forget a jacket of some sort that will cut the wind factor. It always gets cold at night. Have warm, dry clothes available.
On this trip there will be required group activities led by parent volunteers and staff members after lunch both days (2-4 p.m.), as well as after campfire each night (these are required). This might include trips to the river, the surrounding forest, hiking, bacci, Frisbee, touch football, jump rope, soccer, and more. There will be plenty of time to read, hang out with friends, and have quiet time to oneself. We have experimented with allowing Boffer fencing on more than one campout. IT IS NOT ALLOWED ON THIS TRIP. Please let your students know.
There are some rules of course, and some things to leave behind:
* Your teacher will be organizing the sleeping arrangements in the tents. Once this is done NO ONE may move or change tents. Consider this rule set in stone. Lights out at 10:30 p.m. and this is also the signal for quiet time. If students cannot settle, they will be moved. Boys and girls sleep separately without exception.
* Please DO NOT bring along any electronic devices (this includes Walkmans, CD players, Gameboys, PSPs etc.). We are camping. Feel free to bring an acoustic musical instrument, board games, cards, books, or a song!
* Snacks will be provided so please, NO soda, NO candy, and NO sugary snacks. If you have a student with blood sugar issues, let the staff know.
* The adults will be doing the cooking. There is no need for you to bring matches, knives of any sort (even Swiss Army or Leatherman tools), campfire hatches, or tools of any kind.
* There will be parent chaperones sleeping over and helping with the carpool. Please consider every parent as a staff member of Trillium on this trip and give him or her the attention, gratitude, and respect that they deserve.
NOTE: If you have paid, the beginning of the year activity fee covers the price for the camping trip.
We hope that you and your student will participate in this end of the year event. It is a wonderful way to relax and get to know each other, as well as offer closure to the year. And please let us know, again, if you would like to help in any way. We need support. We look forward to having a great time. Thank you!
Kurt, Tobie, Nick, and Kirk
Dear Parents and Middle School Students,
We are going camping again! We are going to Silver Falls State Park. We are going Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning, May 21st – 23rd.
We need drivers! Our carpools will be loaded and on the way from Trillium around 1:00 Wednesday (please arrive with gear to be staged in the common space no later than 12:00). NOTE: We will most likely have morning classes on Wednesday as advisors spend significant time preparing during this time. We encourage you to drop your children off in time for school with their gear if at all possible. It is also helpful for students to already have a lunch plan when they show up at school (sack lunch is best). Snacks will be provided at the campsite before dinner.
It is about an hour and 15-minute drive depending on traffic. We shall leave for home from Silver Falls by 10:30 am Friday, and you can pick up your students at the usual end-of-school time (12:00 pm). IF you are driving on Friday, please be at Silver Falls by 10:00. Also, please decide on whether or not you can chaperone, help with meals and facilitate the cooking, and/or volunteer to drive back and forth. Let your advisor or liaison know as soon as possible
We will have email sign-up, phone calls, and a list at the front desk and with each advisor. Conferences are an excellent time to let us know how you can participate. Parent support makes this trip run smoothly and an extra chaperone or two for supervision and activity facilitation will be greatly appreciated.
As a staff we came up with a list of essentials for each student to bring:
Sleeping bag
Tent (please bring an extra to loan if you have one!)
Flashlight
Rain gear (you never know)
Sunscreen
2 pairs of pants (shorts optional)
2-3 short sleeve shirts
1 long sleeve shirt
1 jacket (this is important: it is always cold in the morning)
2 pairs of shoes
4 pairs of socks
Reading material
Journal (if you wish)
Frisbee, kite, games, disc (for disc golf) etc.
1 plastic bag
1 garbage bag
We have been asked about swimming. Our policy is to be advised by the rangers on site. If they feel it is safe and encourage it, we may find a suitable place with constant supervision. If there is any doubt about the safety we will NOT swim. If you have any personal reservations, please let us know and please do not pack a swimsuit for your student.
It can be very chilly and windy at any time in Oregon, even when the sun is shining beautifully. Be prepared by dressing in layers, and don't forget a jacket of some sort that will cut the wind factor. It always gets cold at night. Have warm, dry clothes available.
On this trip there will be required group activities led by parent volunteers and staff members after lunch both days (2-4 p.m.), as well as after campfire each night (these are required). This might include trips to the river, the surrounding forest, hiking, bacci, Frisbee, touch football, jump rope, soccer, and more. There will be plenty of time to read, hang out with friends, and have quiet time to oneself. We have experimented with allowing Boffer fencing on more than one campout. IT IS NOT ALLOWED ON THIS TRIP. Please let your students know.
There are some rules of course, and some things to leave behind:
* Your teacher will be organizing the sleeping arrangements in the tents. Once this is done NO ONE may move or change tents. Consider this rule set in stone. Lights out at 10:30 p.m. and this is also the signal for quiet time. If students cannot settle, they will be moved. Boys and girls sleep separately without exception.
* Please DO NOT bring along any electronic devices (this includes Walkmans, CD players, Gameboys, PSPs etc.). We are camping. Feel free to bring an acoustic musical instrument, board games, cards, books, or a song!
* Snacks will be provided so please, NO soda, NO candy, and NO sugary snacks. If you have a student with blood sugar issues, let the staff know.
* The adults will be doing the cooking. There is no need for you to bring matches, knives of any sort (even Swiss Army or Leatherman tools), campfire hatches, or tools of any kind.
* There will be parent chaperones sleeping over and helping with the carpool. Please consider every parent as a staff member of Trillium on this trip and give him or her the attention, gratitude, and respect that they deserve.
NOTE: If you have paid, the beginning of the year activity fee covers the price for the camping trip.
We hope that you and your student will participate in this end of the year event. It is a wonderful way to relax and get to know each other, as well as offer closure to the year. And please let us know, again, if you would like to help in any way. We need support. We look forward to having a great time. Thank you!
Kurt, Tobie, Nick, and Kirk
So many blogs...
Our storyline project has its own blog. It's address is: http://studentsforsocialaction.blogspot.com/
Not only are assignments listed there, but students will also be posting their journal entries--in character--about their trip.
Not only are assignments listed there, but students will also be posting their journal entries--in character--about their trip.
Back from Outdoor School
Back from a lovely time at outdoor school, camp songs still ringing in my head. this year students had a very positive experience. It was great to see them make new friends, work at their field stations learning about soils, water, plants, and animals, and go all out at recreation. They helped set up for meals, participate in campfire, and run the flag ceremony. One wonderful thing was when I asked the camp staff for their recommendations for the tree planting and final flag awards, every student--every one--had one of the camp adults single them out to recommend them. Some students were noted for their studious nature at their field stations, others for being comforting and friendly members of their cabin group. Some students shined during rec, others during campfire skits. I loved how the experience gave so many ways for students to stand out and excel.
One other thing...The Outdoor School Staff was so impressed by the way Trillium Students ask questions and engage in their world. One field instructor even said, "I have been waiting for the Trillium kids to come this week." I think that says something positive about our school.
I did come back with a cough, so expect a hoarse Mesa--I mean Tobie--next week.
One other thing...The Outdoor School Staff was so impressed by the way Trillium Students ask questions and engage in their world. One field instructor even said, "I have been waiting for the Trillium kids to come this week." I think that says something positive about our school.
I did come back with a cough, so expect a hoarse Mesa--I mean Tobie--next week.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Break...
We are on break! I will be posting more soon about next quarter...conferences...report cards...and more! Check back soon for the latest from Tobie's advising. I hope everyone is having a safe and relaxing break.
Audubon Society
In the final hours before break, our middle school advising accompanied our k-1-2 buddies to the Audubon Society. There we hiked through the sanctuary, helped our little buddies learn about animals and adaptations, and met some of the resident educational birds. Despite the allure of Spring Break, students managed to stay focused, to tromp about without complaint, and avoid being eaten by any birds of prey.
Project Fair & Math Night
A big thanks to parents, families, and friends who came and made both Math Night and the Project Fair a success.
For Project Fair, our advising had several students who had musical performances--from singing their own songs to raising the roof with the Trillium Fighting Flowers (the West African Drum Group). In our advising room, others shared their exploration into other cultures by making art and cooking up some delicious food from far off lands. There were projects from agro-ecology, comics written and inked, music recorded on garage band, and many essays and stories that students had been working on throughout the term. Artists and activists showed their work and environmentalist displayed research.
Math night brought in at least 60 students and their families to explore challenging and interesting stations geared towards students from kindergarden through middle school. Puzzles were solved, art was made, and code broken. A good time was had by all who attended.
If you missed these events, there will be others before the year's end.
For Project Fair, our advising had several students who had musical performances--from singing their own songs to raising the roof with the Trillium Fighting Flowers (the West African Drum Group). In our advising room, others shared their exploration into other cultures by making art and cooking up some delicious food from far off lands. There were projects from agro-ecology, comics written and inked, music recorded on garage band, and many essays and stories that students had been working on throughout the term. Artists and activists showed their work and environmentalist displayed research.
Math night brought in at least 60 students and their families to explore challenging and interesting stations geared towards students from kindergarden through middle school. Puzzles were solved, art was made, and code broken. A good time was had by all who attended.
If you missed these events, there will be others before the year's end.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Math Night
Thursday March 13th we will have a math night at Trillium. Come solve codes, try new games, and explore puzzles and other math mysteries. Students--either math lovers or those who could use inspiration--will benefit from the math night.
The Math night is being put on by student teachers in the OSU's Masters of Teaching Program. Please come and help make the night a success.
There will be games, fun, and prizes!
March 13th 5:30-7:30
Multi-purpose Room
The Math night is being put on by student teachers in the OSU's Masters of Teaching Program. Please come and help make the night a success.
There will be games, fun, and prizes!
March 13th 5:30-7:30
Multi-purpose Room
Saturday Scholarships!
For Families...great summer/scholarship opportunities:
Saturday Academy is committed to extending our educational enrichment
opportunities to students from populations historically underrepresented
in the sciences. Saturday Academy engages young people through in-depth
learning and problem solving by connecting them with community experts
who serve as instructors as well as role models. The primary focus of
our program is in science, engineering, math and technology, however a
substantial number of classes are offered in the humanities and arts.
WHAT/WHO: Scholarships for Saturday Academy classes
The following groups of students are eligible for scholarships funded by
the Intel Foundation:
· Hispanic/Latino/Latina, African-American and Native American
students
· ESL students who qualify for free or reduced lunch
*Students may use the certificates to sign up for any *math, science,
engineering, or computer* class that they find interesting.
WHEN: You can use the scholarships anytime now through summer on a first
come first serve basis.
WHY: Intel has provided us with these funds to scholarship
underrepresented students.
WHO: Please contact April Sandoval, Director of Outreach, to register a
student.
Because our classes are generally limited to 10 students and may fill
quickly, please encourage students to list an alternate class choice if
they have one. You can check on class openings on our website at
www.saturdayacademy.org . Please note
that enrollment is on a first come first served basis. Every effort
will be made to enroll students in a class of their choosing.
Thanks,
April
--
April Sandoval, Director of Outreach
Saturday Academy
PO Box 8728
Portland, OR 97207-8728
503.725.2347/telephone
503.725.2335/fax
Email:april@saturdayacademy.org
Saturday Academy is committed to extending our educational enrichment
opportunities to students from populations historically underrepresented
in the sciences. Saturday Academy engages young people through in-depth
learning and problem solving by connecting them with community experts
who serve as instructors as well as role models. The primary focus of
our program is in science, engineering, math and technology, however a
substantial number of classes are offered in the humanities and arts.
WHAT/WHO: Scholarships for Saturday Academy classes
The following groups of students are eligible for scholarships funded by
the Intel Foundation:
· Hispanic/Latino/Latina, African-American and Native American
students
· ESL students who qualify for free or reduced lunch
*Students may use the certificates to sign up for any *math, science,
engineering, or computer* class that they find interesting.
WHEN: You can use the scholarships anytime now through summer on a first
come first serve basis.
WHY: Intel has provided us with these funds to scholarship
underrepresented students.
WHO: Please contact April Sandoval, Director of Outreach, to register a
student.
Because our classes are generally limited to 10 students and may fill
quickly, please encourage students to list an alternate class choice if
they have one. You can check on class openings on our website at
www.saturdayacademy.org . Please note
that enrollment is on a first come first served basis. Every effort
will be made to enroll students in a class of their choosing.
Thanks,
April
--
April Sandoval, Director of Outreach
Saturday Academy
PO Box 8728
Portland, OR 97207-8728
503.725.2347/telephone
503.725.2335/fax
Email:april@saturdayacademy.org
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
PLPs
I am working to update/create Personalized Learning Plans with your student. Please talk about this at home. Some students have great ideas...and some are really stuck. The PLP works best when it is something that connects home and school--when families know what their student is doing, asks about the PLP work on a regular basis, and supports with ideas and materials. Things on the PLP can be outside of school events and activities.
Email me any ideas you have, items you would like to see on the PLP plan, or questions about the PLP time.
Thanks.
Email me any ideas you have, items you would like to see on the PLP plan, or questions about the PLP time.
Thanks.
Ice Skating/Lego Robotics Friday
Students will either attend the Lego Robotics Competition at the Convention Center or go Ice-skating (their choice). In either case, please send in Chinook Book or Entertainment coupons for ice skating. This helps keeps costs down and stretches our advising dollars farther. Even ask your neighbors, friends, etc.
Bring coupons on Thursday or Friday!
Students should wear active clothes for this PE adventure (and can bring in skates if they have them). Ice, Ice, Baby!
Bring coupons on Thursday or Friday!
Students should wear active clothes for this PE adventure (and can bring in skates if they have them). Ice, Ice, Baby!
Tobie Gone all Next Week
Next week I will be attending a conference in Denver, CO. I will be attending workshops on portfolios, alternative assessments, thematic learning and other exciting teacher-topics.
I plan on taking Monday and Tuesday as personal days, and attend the conference on Wednesday-Thursday (road trip!).
Quincy Chance, our PE and Health teacher, as well as our advising's adopted teacher (and my student teacher), will be my substitute for the week. Quincy has been with us since the camp-out, teaches with me in our math class, and works in small groups and one on one with students during advising. He has great relationships with the students and a firm grasp on things. I am sure everyone will have a great week together. He will be your contact if you have questions, although I will be checking my email all week and will be reachable by cell phone Wednesday-Friday.
Remember that we need rides for Friday, March 7th. Contact Genieveve White our liaison id you can help. Without rides, we can;t go...and the whole MS is attending. I will be sad to miss it.
I plan on taking Monday and Tuesday as personal days, and attend the conference on Wednesday-Thursday (road trip!).
Quincy Chance, our PE and Health teacher, as well as our advising's adopted teacher (and my student teacher), will be my substitute for the week. Quincy has been with us since the camp-out, teaches with me in our math class, and works in small groups and one on one with students during advising. He has great relationships with the students and a firm grasp on things. I am sure everyone will have a great week together. He will be your contact if you have questions, although I will be checking my email all week and will be reachable by cell phone Wednesday-Friday.
Remember that we need rides for Friday, March 7th. Contact Genieveve White our liaison id you can help. Without rides, we can;t go...and the whole MS is attending. I will be sad to miss it.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Testing
We are working on the first round of our computer based state tests. This first attempt will give us data to target reading support for those students that need extra focus. Any student that does not pass their test this round, will have other opportunities.
Over the next two weeks, we will also begin our math tests. With the math test, it is important for students to work slowly, write out the problems, and use the math tools that will be available.
While testing is not the only reflection of student's learning, teachers use it to help identify students that need extra support, classes that may need to be offered, and possible test-taking skill focus groups. Getting set up and started with the tests is always a little rough due to technology issues, but then things smooth out and the testing environment has been mellow.
Jess is our US testing coordinator. Thanks Jess!
Over the next two weeks, we will also begin our math tests. With the math test, it is important for students to work slowly, write out the problems, and use the math tools that will be available.
While testing is not the only reflection of student's learning, teachers use it to help identify students that need extra support, classes that may need to be offered, and possible test-taking skill focus groups. Getting set up and started with the tests is always a little rough due to technology issues, but then things smooth out and the testing environment has been mellow.
Jess is our US testing coordinator. Thanks Jess!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Friday Updates
Here is a sketch of Fridays to come.
There are still many open Fridays if you have suggestions and ideas.
February 1st- No school, teacher workday
February 8th- MS Exhibition Fair
February 15th-Field excursion/community service TBD
February 22nd-Auction Artmaking w/ buddies
February 29th-Ice skating
March 7th- Middle School Swim Trip
March 14th- Naydenoff
March 21st- Audubon Sanctuary Tour (w/ buddies)
April 11th- Community Service TBD
April 18th- Theater Brigade visit and buddy time
April 25th Jean's Farm (tentative)
May 2nd-Zoo Inquiry Science trip
May 9th-
May 16th-
May 30th- cabin trip (tentative)
There are still many open Fridays if you have suggestions and ideas.
February 1st- No school, teacher workday
February 8th- MS Exhibition Fair
February 15th-Field excursion/community service TBD
February 22nd-Auction Artmaking w/ buddies
February 29th-Ice skating
March 7th- Middle School Swim Trip
March 14th- Naydenoff
March 21st- Audubon Sanctuary Tour (w/ buddies)
April 11th- Community Service TBD
April 18th- Theater Brigade visit and buddy time
April 25th Jean's Farm (tentative)
May 2nd-Zoo Inquiry Science trip
May 9th-
May 16th-
May 30th- cabin trip (tentative)
Middle School Exhibition
Location: Trillium Charter School
Portland, OR 97211 US
|
When: Friday, February 8, 9:30AM
Dear advising families,
We have moved our "project fair/learning exhibition" to next Friday. While this is NOT the all-school project fair, it will be a time when middle school students will display work, performances, projects, and share experiences that have contributed to their learning in Q3.
It is during the morning; we hope to see you if your schedule allows.
Portland, OR 97211 US
|
When: Friday, February 8, 9:30AM
Dear advising families,
We have moved our "project fair/learning exhibition" to next Friday. While this is NOT the all-school project fair, it will be a time when middle school students will display work, performances, projects, and share experiences that have contributed to their learning in Q3.
It is during the morning; we hope to see you if your schedule allows.
Advising Family Event: African FIlm Festival
Host: Tobie Z.
Location: Kennedy School
Where: 33rd Ave, one block N Killingsworth, Portland, OR 97211 US
View Map |
When: Saturday, February 16, 2:00PM
Dear Advising Families,
Our first family advising event is...the free African Film Festival family day at the Kennedy School. Come and spend time with other families in our advising, while enjoying some fine African Films. These films should be appropriate for both your middle school student AND younger siblings. The first film, "The Red Glasses", begins at 2, followed by a second film "The Legend of the Sky Kingdom" starts at 3.
Please arrive early, as seating is limited. If folks RSVP, I will do my best to reserve a block of seats. Come and meet other families and middle school peers.
Thank You,
tobie
p.s.
Our family potluck, hosted by the Murphys, will be rescheduled. Look for the evite soon.
Location: Kennedy School
Where: 33rd Ave, one block N Killingsworth, Portland, OR 97211 US
View Map |
When: Saturday, February 16, 2:00PM
Dear Advising Families,
Our first family advising event is...the free African Film Festival family day at the Kennedy School. Come and spend time with other families in our advising, while enjoying some fine African Films. These films should be appropriate for both your middle school student AND younger siblings. The first film, "The Red Glasses", begins at 2, followed by a second film "The Legend of the Sky Kingdom" starts at 3.
Please arrive early, as seating is limited. If folks RSVP, I will do my best to reserve a block of seats. Come and meet other families and middle school peers.
Thank You,
tobie
p.s.
Our family potluck, hosted by the Murphys, will be rescheduled. Look for the evite soon.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
On-line Portfolios
We have started to work on on-line portfolios. We do not have an official system yet at Trillium, so we are "guerrilla portfolio-ing" it. We are using free-webs to build a portfolio to store and display our work. We have activated a setting so they are not available to the general public. Currently we are working on resumes that display work, volunteer and service learning (as well as other skills).
Please help your MSer find examples of their work and begin uploading it to their portfolio. One drawback of the program is that, due to its Java base, it runs slowly on school computers. Please help them collect pictures of work completed outside of Trillium (and of projects done in other classes). Have them show you their portfolio, and encourage them to work on it from home: adding writing, images, and examples. There are places to upload videos and claymation work, performances, and pictures. Please assist them in gathering and adding to enrich their portfolio in progress!
Please help your MSer find examples of their work and begin uploading it to their portfolio. One drawback of the program is that, due to its Java base, it runs slowly on school computers. Please help them collect pictures of work completed outside of Trillium (and of projects done in other classes). Have them show you their portfolio, and encourage them to work on it from home: adding writing, images, and examples. There are places to upload videos and claymation work, performances, and pictures. Please assist them in gathering and adding to enrich their portfolio in progress!
Potluck Postponed
The potluck at the Murphy's will be rescheduled. Look for your evite soon! Sorry for any inconvinience.
Introducing Writer's Workshop
In order to help focus on building a writing community, developing skills, and demonstrating our learning, the first period of advising will be used for a writer’s workshop for the rest of Q2 and into Q3. The format will still support student choice and work on the PLP—students will choose what their topics are, and use their work to explore different strategies and work in the medium of writing.
I have moved towards a more structured first period for a few reasons. The first is that the writing workshop model works best when done in a community—students will share, peer-edit, and ideally inspire each other. As a guide, I will be better able to assist students in focusing, developing and expressing their ideas, and gaining proficiency in the 6 traits of writing. Helping students in a hit-or miss manner, while managing a variety of projects in all areas of the school, was not working in terms of creating the teaching/learning environment needed for in-depth learning.
Students can pull ideas from their classes and PLP, or develop new ideas. We will work from the writer’s workshop model: a short mini-lesson, with large chunks of time for writing and conferencing. Students will be expected to take their writing through the entire writing process, from brainstorming to publishing. On occasions they will receive writing explorations/assignments, however, the majority of their work will be self-selected.
Feel free to email me with any questions.
I have moved towards a more structured first period for a few reasons. The first is that the writing workshop model works best when done in a community—students will share, peer-edit, and ideally inspire each other. As a guide, I will be better able to assist students in focusing, developing and expressing their ideas, and gaining proficiency in the 6 traits of writing. Helping students in a hit-or miss manner, while managing a variety of projects in all areas of the school, was not working in terms of creating the teaching/learning environment needed for in-depth learning.
Students can pull ideas from their classes and PLP, or develop new ideas. We will work from the writer’s workshop model: a short mini-lesson, with large chunks of time for writing and conferencing. Students will be expected to take their writing through the entire writing process, from brainstorming to publishing. On occasions they will receive writing explorations/assignments, however, the majority of their work will be self-selected.
Feel free to email me with any questions.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Breakfast Before Break
by Deontay Lukes
On Friday, December 21st Tobie's class went to Helzer's Restaurant for breakfast. Most of the class showed up. The food was cheap but very good. The eggs Benedict that I ordered was excellent, and the German pancakes and hash browns looked good, too. We used some of our advising money to pay for breakfast. We also had a chance to visit Isaac's Mom's store which is right next door. It was a great way to end the school year and start winter break.
On Friday, December 21st Tobie's class went to Helzer's Restaurant for breakfast. Most of the class showed up. The food was cheap but very good. The eggs Benedict that I ordered was excellent, and the German pancakes and hash browns looked good, too. We used some of our advising money to pay for breakfast. We also had a chance to visit Isaac's Mom's store which is right next door. It was a great way to end the school year and start winter break.
Fridays.
Students and I are working on our calendar for the new year. Many students are working to organize events. I will update you when more is finalized. There are several exciting options and service learning projects underway. Our time at the farm will begin again soon!
Let me know if you would like to help organize a Friday learning experience.
Let me know if you would like to help organize a Friday learning experience.
Upcoming Events
Please check this post regularly. Some days are subject to change. I will update and add new events as needed.
January 21st- MLK day. No school. Think of MLK and the work we still need to do to make our society just and equitable.
January 25th Advising Family Potluck. Hosted by the Murphys.
January 31st End of Quarter MS Project Fair. During the school day, students will share their projects. There will be several musical performances from our advising (African drumming, Pink Floyd performed by Elias and Zack, and original works by Michelle!). Western Martial Arts will also do a demo. Student work from Last year's Our Town Environmental Justice pilot will be on display.
February 1st and 4th--Teacher Planning. No School.
February 6th-Night at the Opera.
February 14th Field trip to African Film Festival (after lunch). Chaperons needed.
February 16th Advising Family day at the African Film Festival.
February 18th President day. No school. Check out what is going on with this year's election. You may have to be 18 to vote, but people of any age can work on campaigns. Who do you support and what are you doing about it? Don't let us crusty old people control your future without your say!
February 22nd. Swimming field trip for the whole MS. We need drivers.
March 20th All school Project Fair. This will be a big evening event. More details soon.
March 23rd to April 6th is SPRING BREAK!
January 21st- MLK day. No school. Think of MLK and the work we still need to do to make our society just and equitable.
January 25th Advising Family Potluck. Hosted by the Murphys.
January 31st End of Quarter MS Project Fair. During the school day, students will share their projects. There will be several musical performances from our advising (African drumming, Pink Floyd performed by Elias and Zack, and original works by Michelle!). Western Martial Arts will also do a demo. Student work from Last year's Our Town Environmental Justice pilot will be on display.
February 1st and 4th--Teacher Planning. No School.
February 6th-Night at the Opera.
February 14th Field trip to African Film Festival (after lunch). Chaperons needed.
February 16th Advising Family day at the African Film Festival.
February 18th President day. No school. Check out what is going on with this year's election. You may have to be 18 to vote, but people of any age can work on campaigns. Who do you support and what are you doing about it? Don't let us crusty old people control your future without your say!
February 22nd. Swimming field trip for the whole MS. We need drivers.
March 20th All school Project Fair. This will be a big evening event. More details soon.
March 23rd to April 6th is SPRING BREAK!
Opera Event
I would like to take a group of students to the Portland Opera to see Rodelina, by George Handel on February 6th.
This would be a special event...we would dress up and attend the student dress rehearsal. Tickets are $12, and I must order a block of them. Your MSer could enjoy the opera and you could have the night to yourself.
There are a few options:
We could go as a group to dinner, then the opera (students would bring funds for the meal). Alternatively, you could drop your student off at 6:30 to meet us if they did not want to participate in the dinner.
After the opera, you would pick up your MSer at 9:50.
This year the opera is focusing on works with strong women as key characters--and we need strong female images to counteract horrors like "Shot at Love".
Plot Synopsis:
Imagine--your husband's dead (or so you have been lead to believe) and his usurper is pursuing your hand in marriage to solidify his claim to your husband's throne and is willing to threaten the life of your young son. How do you cope with fear and grief and still remain faithful to your husband? If you are Rodelinda, you use your brains and charm to elude an unwanted union, save your son's life and help your husband reclaim his throne(hint: he isn't really dead).
Why watch CSI, when you can find drama like this at the opera?
If you are interested, please let me know. I have to order the tickets soon.
Although there is a cost for this event, I can work with families for whom this would be prohibitive. Interested siblings are welcome (space permitting).
tobie
This would be a special event...we would dress up and attend the student dress rehearsal. Tickets are $12, and I must order a block of them. Your MSer could enjoy the opera and you could have the night to yourself.
There are a few options:
We could go as a group to dinner, then the opera (students would bring funds for the meal). Alternatively, you could drop your student off at 6:30 to meet us if they did not want to participate in the dinner.
After the opera, you would pick up your MSer at 9:50.
This year the opera is focusing on works with strong women as key characters--and we need strong female images to counteract horrors like "Shot at Love".
Plot Synopsis:
Imagine--your husband's dead (or so you have been lead to believe) and his usurper is pursuing your hand in marriage to solidify his claim to your husband's throne and is willing to threaten the life of your young son. How do you cope with fear and grief and still remain faithful to your husband? If you are Rodelinda, you use your brains and charm to elude an unwanted union, save your son's life and help your husband reclaim his throne(hint: he isn't really dead).
Why watch CSI, when you can find drama like this at the opera?
If you are interested, please let me know. I have to order the tickets soon.
Although there is a cost for this event, I can work with families for whom this would be prohibitive. Interested siblings are welcome (space permitting).
tobie
Trillium Family Gatherings
One goal for this year is to strengthen our advising unit by incorporating families more into the advising life. Having families get together is important for so many reasons:
*Many of you are doing exciting things and will enjoy getting to know each other.
*Families can give important feed back about what they want to see in their child's education. Trillium is a place that can respond in a way that the average MS cannot. By meeting with me, your advocate, I can make certain your ideas are expressed when the US meets to discuss program, school climate, and other decisions that impact the day to day life of your middle schooler. In advising, I can incorporate your ideas concerns in a very immediate way.
*I love to get to know families, especially in informal settings. It helps me to support your child, and also gives you the opportunity to know me.
*Its a fun time to spend with other families and in the community!
The first dates for Family Events for this year are:
January 25th Potluck at The Murphy's. We will meet near the old school to share a cold winter night filled with warm conversations. Bring a dish to share.
February 16th Family day at the African Film Festival. This is a free event at the Kennedy School. There are two animated movies appropriate for the whole family (younger siblings included). They start at two. More info soon!
I am working on getting us cheap Blazer tickets for a night at the Rose Garden.
Send ideas! Anyone interested in helping organize a gathering? Would families be interested in doing a family community-service event together?
*Many of you are doing exciting things and will enjoy getting to know each other.
*Families can give important feed back about what they want to see in their child's education. Trillium is a place that can respond in a way that the average MS cannot. By meeting with me, your advocate, I can make certain your ideas are expressed when the US meets to discuss program, school climate, and other decisions that impact the day to day life of your middle schooler. In advising, I can incorporate your ideas concerns in a very immediate way.
*I love to get to know families, especially in informal settings. It helps me to support your child, and also gives you the opportunity to know me.
*Its a fun time to spend with other families and in the community!
The first dates for Family Events for this year are:
January 25th Potluck at The Murphy's. We will meet near the old school to share a cold winter night filled with warm conversations. Bring a dish to share.
February 16th Family day at the African Film Festival. This is a free event at the Kennedy School. There are two animated movies appropriate for the whole family (younger siblings included). They start at two. More info soon!
I am working on getting us cheap Blazer tickets for a night at the Rose Garden.
Send ideas! Anyone interested in helping organize a gathering? Would families be interested in doing a family community-service event together?
Conference Make-ups
For those folks who needed to reschedule their conference, missed their date, or were on the day I had to cancel...
Please email me to set up a time. The make-up day is Friday the 1st, when I can meet for conferences throughout the day to meet the needs of every family's schedule. Please email me the time that would work for you. Conferences are about 30-40 minutes and are student-lead. If this day doesnot work for your family, just let me know and we will find another time...
Thank You,
tobie
Please email me to set up a time. The make-up day is Friday the 1st, when I can meet for conferences throughout the day to meet the needs of every family's schedule. Please email me the time that would work for you. Conferences are about 30-40 minutes and are student-lead. If this day doesnot work for your family, just let me know and we will find another time...
Thank You,
tobie
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