October 2013 Newsletter

Parents-

We had a good time this quarter exploring literature to discover the attributes of a  hero. Students read several different types of literature from comic books to biographies for this exploration. Students were asked fine=d evidence from their reading to prove that these hero attributes exist. We have had some wonderful discussions about what character/hero attributes we find admirable. 

Our primary groups are exploring different community heroes and how each of them meet  the attributes we have discussed (integrity, helpfulness, smart, brave, selfless). These students will then find different ways to say thank you to those heroes for their contributions to our community. 

Our intermediate classes are venturing out with their first Challenge Based Learning (CBL) Project. We are busy exploring issues here on Oneco’s Campus that we feel we can be heroes to overcoming. According to the Challenge Based Learning: Classroom Guide, “CBL is a collaborative learning experience in which teachers and students work together to learn about compelling issues, purpose solutions to real problems and take action.” We have used the CBL Framework in the past, but this year I am enhancing this process by working to make the students more responsible for their own journey through each of these projects or challenges. Students will be documenting and responding to their process in their reflection journals and in their Interactive CBL Notebook.

Also, we are up and running with Rock Our World. We have been learning from our global collaboration team and have had several video conferences with California, Michigan and beyond. At the same time creating music using the Apple Software GarageBand and completing a few art projects as. 

 The following is a supply list. For those of you who have not I would like to ask again that you send them in. The three things in bold are the things we are in the most need of at the current time. 

Supply List

-2 Composition books

-1inch three ring binder

-2 ream of white copy paper

-4 sharpened pencils

-glue stick

-8 AA batteries (Energizer, Duracell and Marks Brands preferred)

 As a reminder, I have an open door policy and if you have any questions and/or concerns please contact through email snyderf@manateeschools.net. Thank you for the continued support!