Baker’s Dozen Plus 3

The assigning and reviewing of this work is taking quite a bit of time right now.  However, this is to be expected while we are establishing a routine.  Our class did not earn a star this week, but we are committed to working toward this end for this week.  I told the children that “excuses” are not expected, taking responsibility for their work is.  Some people did not finish all their pieces to which I explained that the long weekend as well as my absence yesterday gave more than ample time to complete the work.  Please make sure your child is doing his or her best to meet his or her job responsibilities each night.  I do want to know if there are concerns or problems arising at home.  A note in the homework book under the parent section is appreciated.

I don’t know what you think about this, but it is far too early for this song to be sung.  There is talk about a possible delay or closing tomorrow given the forecast.  Please be sure to listen for instructions on the radio or the early morning television program.  Above all, be safe.

I have not forgotten nor do I want anyone to think that the lack of assignments means my classroom is open for visitors. It has just been really busy with wonderful activity and learning that each night passes and I realize I had not completed the following task. Below, please find a list of days and times that we would welcome support. Amy Jameison was kind enough to accept the job of organizing a schedule for me.
A few things to keep in mind:

• There will be times when I ask for teacher support (take a bulletin board down, prepare materials, etc)
• Sometimes I will need to change the schedule, flexibility is key
• Depending on the activity/work we will be doing when the person is here, listening to a lesson may be part of the time spent
• If you are unable to attend, an email the day before is preferred.
• A specific time can be shared by two, three, or even four people.

Thanks Amy for taking this job on. Let’s aim for beginning the first full week of November.

TIMES HELP IS NEEDED

1. Monday – 11:00 – 11:30 (Math workbook)
2. Tuesday – 11:00 – 11:30 (Math workbook) AND 1:30 – 2:00 (Science/Social Studies)
3. Thursday – 11:00 – 11:30 (Math workbook)
4. Friday – 8:00 – 9:30 (Generally, project time; at least 1 hour commitment within this time frame.)
5. Special Times (Preparation for an event where Mrs. Baker could call upon extra help.)

Well, you would have thought I was giving them an early Christmas present yesterday.  Of course, this enthusiasm will continue…if for nothing else the beautiful colored homework folders.  Seriously, the children took their assignment books seriously and did quite well getting everything in today.  Yesterday we spent time discussing how to use the book and the intent of giving the work in advance.  Although I would prefer that work be done each night as assigned, I certainly applaud the individual’s desire to stay ahead.  The group and I talked about planning ahead during weeks that are busy.  If you know you will be out on Wednesday night, then double up on the work Monday and Tuesday.

I challenged the group to earn 10 stickers as a class.  They can do this by each person completing his/her homework each week.  Eight pages of work from each person will earn one sticker for the group.  Once we have 10 stickers…PARTY!  Knowing this might help you with your child when he/she is not wanting to do their homework.

Lastly, remember that homework is their responsibility. You are the facilitator; making sure your child has a clean and quiet place to work, a designated time, and a healthy snack.   If they don’t do it, I will deal with here at school.  The last thing anyone’s family needs is a struggle/tantrum about homework.  We are off to a good start.

On early release Wednesdays, I gather with other individuals who are interested in Service Learning at HUHS. We often times use a protocol (I explained to the children a protocol is a process that allows discussion on a topic/issue with everyone being heard.). I brought the protocol to the children to discuss an issue at last week’s Thursday class meeting. Basically the order of the protocol goes like this:

1. A question(s) is posed
2. Time for writing a response is given
3. Sharing without comment is done
4. Facilitator gathers common themes or trends to what is said
5. Facilitator shares his/her gathered thoughts

The idea is for newer or greater understanding to occur simply by listening to one another. The questions that was posed was this, “Why are people distracting other people?” and “Why were people making choices that didn’t follow our rules to live by?”

Everyone participated whether by reading what they wrote or by speaking when it came their turn. The common threads I heard were these:

1. People don’t think they are distracting anyone.
2. They think they are funny.
3. People really think they are following the rules to live by.
4. People make bad choices.

Ask your child about his/her opinion on this matter.

Two weeks ago, during our Thursday morning meeting, we had the following discussion. Remember the class meeting is designed to discuss concerns individual’s have or noticed in our community (class, school, and eventually Waitsfield). The problem was people do not listen in class. What follows is my account as the discussion unfolded. Read, enjoy, and most of be proud of your kids.

Me – I am uncomfortable with raising my voice to be heard, but that sometimes it seems the only way to get people’s attention and redirect them.

Eli – It is a waste of Mrs. Baker’s breath to raise her voice when we know that people can listen to your regular voice or the speakers but that people are choosing to not listen.

Isabel – suggestion – If someone is talking to you, you can ignore them or tell them not to talk to you or move away.

Eli – suggestion – If you are in a side conversation, ask the other person to stop politely.

River – suggestion – We should make a rule that water bottles and other stuff can’t be brought to the rug or table when Mrs. Baker is teaching or giving directions.

Max – suggestion – Have a sip and put it away.

River – added – Yeah, maybe not one tiny sip, but enough to sustain you.

Sophie – added – When I am trying to talk, I have to wait a long time for people to listen, but I get annoyed because I would like to speak, but I have to wait for people to stop.

Ellie – suggestion – Maybet you could leave the water bottles in the coat area.

River – added – I think we tried that, but snack time is the time to get your water to sustain you for lunch.

Mrs. Baker – suggestion – Water bottles (or anything else) cannot be brought to the rug or table when Mrs. Baker or others are speaking or teaching.

River – concluded meeting – Could everyone put their bottles in their backpacks now.

October is breast cancer awareness month. This is a cause near and dear to my heart. My mother is a breast cancer survivor twice. Her first diagnosis was 16 years ago and her second last year. She is doing very well right now, but we as a family recognize the gift of time and the importance of celebrating life. My sister and her husband own Arvad’s in Waterbury. During the month of October, they will match any donation made at their restaurant dollar for dollar. My daughter, Cecilia, for her Change the World Project this year, is working to support and raise awareness too.  One way she is doing her part, is by being the site coordinator for Arvad’s.  She decorated a window at the restaurant to inform people about the work being done this month.

Today, is the kick-off of this research/education fundraiser. I encouraged my colleagues to wear jeans today in support of this cause. In order to do so, each person paid $5 which Arvad’s is proud to match. Feel free to make a donation to me or at the restaurant.

Well happy Friday.  I am monitoring the children as they take their NECAP.  They all have had a “can do” attitude and worked really hard to perform the tasks.  NECAP Math begins Monday.  We will be testing in some form or another until next Wednesday.  So, lots of rest this weekend would be very helpful.

Elizabeth offered to help with the Sukkah hut but we decided to postpone until next week sometime.  It is not too late to lend a hand either on site or by gathering natural items to help adorn the hut.  Feel free to drop anything by school when possible.

Yesterday we had another of our Thursday Class Meetings.  It went very well.  The topics of discussion/celebration were about people minding other people’s business, Grace is expecting lots of family coming for Thanksgiving, and Grace has a new puppy named Joansy.  Congratulations to the Simmons family on their new baby.  The discussion around minding other people’s business was lengthy full of examples of the dos/don’ts of everyday life and some helpful suggestions about what to do if you are trying to break the habit.  We also talked about how to support others when they need it in a kind and thoughtful way.

During parent conferences I talked briefly about the concept of the class wrestling with issues/problems and announcing celebrations during an extended snack time on Thursdays.  The purpose of the meeting time is to address public issues/problems as a class.  Someone writes the problem down and we as a class discuss possible solutions.  For example, last week I wrote a card to discuss how our large tables are arranged.  We have all found it diffcult for everyone to sit around the table or to see when the teacher is instructing.  Some people thought that the recent change in the arrangement might work and that we needed more time to decide.  Another wanted the tables back to their original configuration.  Still another suggested we make an H or I out of the tables.  After everyone who wanted to add to the discussion, we took a vote and decided to give the current configuration more time.  Please ask your child about Thursday’s meetings as I am in hopes they will become empowering and very productive. 

This Friday I would like to build the sukkah on the front lawn of the school.  Friday Max, Wes, and I collected cornstalks for the construction of the sukkah.  I am thinking that we will be able to use the booth from last year as a beginning frame.  River said that his father will be able to bring the booth back to us (Mark, we can use it any time).  Again, I would like Friday afternoon to be a continuation of the harvest preparation/celebration.  Is anyone available from 12:30 – 2:00?   Along with the sukkah, I would like the students to prepare blackberry jam.  Bear had frozen lots of berries from the garden.  Last Friday’s organization went so well that I will use the same format for this week.  Oh, by the way, if you are unable to help Friday, we need help gathering bows, pumpkins, etc.  This could happen this week or next.