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Spring PTCs posted on Trackitforward

Dear parents,

I have posted the Spring PTC sign ups on Track it Forward [https://www.trackitforward.com/site/389525/events] for the dates of Tuesday May 21st, Wednesday May 22nd, and Thursday May 23rd.
PTCs are 20 minutes in length and begin at 1:30 pm and end at 6:50 pm. On each day there is a break from 4:50-5:30. You cannot schedule a PTC at this time.
The students will have a portfolio of their work to show you and it is understood that they will attend to guide you through their portfolio.
Please email me if you have any questions about PTC.
Also, if you still weren’t sure about using Track it Forward, here is a message from MAPA, about how to use it:
We hope you all are enjoying the track it forward program. All events whether it is school wide or for the class room will be through track it forward.
There is a way to categorize events by teacher, school wide or both together:
1. Login to you track it forward account
( if you have not signed up please do so by going here: https://www.trackitforward.com/site/mapa )
2. Click on event sign ups
3. Click on “filter by category” (the little blue writing)
4. You can then select what categories you want to see the calendar for. For example if you want to see only Mr. John’s sign ups click on Mr. John. If you want to see just Mr. John’s and the school wide events, click on both Mr. John and school wide. You can do as many as you want. 
6. Sign up for event and your done. Track it forward will email you a reminder 2 days before the event. 
Thank you!
John
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Re: Model UN research

Dear parents,

Yesterday, your student brought home information about researching information for something called a Model United Nations. Students have been assigned a particular country and researched some basic information about that nation last month. They are now required to do some more detailed research now, but unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons, the internet at school is being strongly filtered in order to ensure that inappropriate, or unsafe websites cannot be accessed. This means that students cannot access the information that they require.

Therefore, we are asking that your student does the research at home. The research requires them to study only how their country deals with the issue. For example, if your student has been assigned Australia and biodiversity preservation, then they will only research biodiversity preservation in Australia. They will need to complete at least one page of information on the topic. Here is the list of countries, students and issues:

USA

  • Jordan – ending racism
  • Kaylee – climate change
  • Amelia – clean water for all
  • Mia – biodiversity preservation
  • Nakenia – protecting and developing energy resources

Peru

  • Conner – clean water for all
  • Lincoln – biodiversity preservation
  • Nate – protecting and developing energy resources
  • Atreyu – ending racism

Switzerland

  • Gracie – biodiversity preservation
  • Grace – ending racism
  • Aidan – protecting and developing energy resources
  • Jose – clean water for all

Qatar

  • Skyler – clean water for all
  • Kairi – climate change
  • Zannah – biodiversity preservation
  • Allie – ending racism
  • Randi – protecting and developing energy resources

Australia

  • Annie – clean water for all
  • Kennedy – climate change
  • Grayson – ending racism
  • Maria – protecting and developing energy resources
  • Beatrix – biodiversity preservation

Zimbabwe

  • Jonah – ending racism or, protecting and developing energy resources
  • Alex – climate change
  • Nathan – clean water for all
  • Dreydan – biodiversity preservation

The due date for 6th graders, due to their Redwood’s trip, is Friday May 3rd. The due date for 4th and 5th graders is Monday May 6th.

On Wednesday May 15th, students will go into their respective issue groups with other students from Upper el and participate in a discussion/debate about their issue. For example, if your student has researched “clean water for all” in the USA, then they will join all the other students that have researched “clean water for all,” and discuss/debate that issue.

Please email me if you have any questions.

Thank you – John

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Science test tomorrow

Dear parents,

Tomorrow afternoon from 12-3 is the RISE science test. Students may bring gum, a drink and a snack to the test. Please no candy, noisy snacks, or soda.

If your child is sick, or unwell on the day, please do not send them in for the test. They will be allowed to make up the test at a later date.

Thank you!
John

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Testing information and testing dates

Dear parents,

Below is information regarding RISE testing (this replaced SAGE) later this month and at the beginning of May. From the administration:

UT state standardized assessments (now called RISE and Aspire Plus) will be on the following days for our class. These assessments are important to us for several reasons.

The state assessment data are important to your family because the results are one way to communicate how much your child has learned in English language arts, writing, math, and science. At MMA, we know that these tests are but one indicator of a child’s progress in these content areas.

The state assessment data are important to us because determining what a student knows or does not know is a vital cornerstone in individualizing learning experiences, which is the basis of a Montessori education. The results help us to identify needs for new and additional materials, tailor professional development for teachers, and determine where to best invest school funding.

Taking tests is a practical life skill, required for college entrance as well many professions. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, contractors, nurses, and cosmetologists (to name just a few) all must take tests in order to enter their professions. Standardized testing in school provides a valuable opportunity to practice taking tests in a low-stakes environment, better preparing our students for future assessments – which is why we encourage all students to participate.

If you choose to opt your child out of testing, please complete the Parent Exclusion from State Assessments Form. This form must be handed from you to either Ms. Lana or Ms. René, who will take 5 minutes to review this form with you. We ask that these forms are submitted no later than April 12th. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

The testing dates for our class are:

  • Thursday April 18th from 12-3 Science
  • Tuesday April 23rd from 12-3 English Language Arts
  • Friday May 3rd from 9 – 12 Math
  • Friday May 10th from 9 – 12 Writing for 5TH GRADE ONLY

Your child can bring their own non-wireless headphones, a non-noisy snack, a water bottle, and previously I have allowed students to chew gum, but only during the test. We request that you try to ensure that your child gets a good night’s sleep, and if they are testing in the morning a good breakfast. If they are testing in the afternoon, then provided with a nutritious lunch.

As usual, any questions then please email me.

With thanks – John

 

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Last call for drivers/chaperones

Dear parents,

We have 3 drivers/chaperones signed up for the field trip on Monday. Realistically, we probably need 5-6 drivers depending on vehicle size. If we can’t find enough drivers then we’ll have to cancel the field trip and it will be a normal school day.

If we do get to go, then the details are: be at North Shore parking lot at 8:30 in order to leave at 8:45 am. Arrive at the State Capitol Building for a 10 o’clock tour. We have a sack lunch at the State Capitol at 11:30. At 12:15, we make our way to the Pioneer Museum across the road, have a scavenger hunt, and then head back to school at 1:45 pm.

Normal school dress code please, in case we are not able to go.

To sign up to drive/chaperone: https://www.trackitforward.com/site/389525/event/465011

Thank you everybody!

John

 

 

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Readathon, early outs, field trip

Dear parents,

Thank you to those of you that supplied pies! It completely slipped my mind that it is “Pi Day” today, so I appreciate you supplying them at such short notice. Today is our “specials day,” meaning the children will be doing PE, music and computing, with a “Pi” activity at the end of the day.

Tomorrow, we have the library in the morning, some “show and teaches,” and then our “readathon.” I know that usually the children like to bring in blankets and pillows, but the administration has asked us not to allow it this time, instead to focus on the reading.

Tomorrow is also an early out. Please make sure you have arranged to collect your child at 1 pm. Then on Monday there is no school.

Lastly, a reminder that Monday March 25th is our field trip to the State Capitol in Salt Lake. If you can volunteer/chaperone to drive, please sign up using the following link: https://www.trackitforward.com/site/389525/event/465011. We will be meeting at North Shore Parking Lot at 8:30, leaving by 8:45 and then returing at 1:45 to be back in time for 3 pm pick up.

Thank you!

John