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)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Middle School Exhibition
Location: Trillium Charter School
Portland, OR 97211 US
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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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