"Bully" Field Trip Tomorrow 5/15!!

Hello Families,

It's great to be back with all your kiddos.  I missed them!

We have made a reservation to see the film Bully tomorrow at the Sebastopol Cinemas.  This film has received a lot of acclaim for its relevance and poignancy, and many parents in our community have shown enthusiasm towards our kids seeing it.  Mary Norstrom (thank you!) has actually reserved 40 seats for our group.  If any of you would like to join us, there should be plenty of room!  This may be of special interest to you if your child has experienced or has dealt with bullying in any way.  The admission is $7.00--please make sure your student has it for the movie tomorrow.  If you would like to attend, please email me to let me know, and don't forget your own admission. :)

We will be walking to the Rialto/Sebastopol Cinemas, leaving here at 11:25 to be there around 12:00.  The movie begins at 12:20.  We'll eat an early lunch, and should be back around 2:30.  

Just so everyone is informed, the movie does have some strong adult language in it (yes, the "f" word), but it is my personal experience that this particular group of students has the tools to hear the language in context and be mature about it.  If you would like to see the trailer, paste this link into your browser: 

http://www.google.com/movies?hl=en&near=Sebastopol,+CA&dq=bully+movie&sort=1&mid=d6713b46ab24570&tid=22ae3e92a46d7a63&sa=X&ei=sGexT9GKCKqYiQLH0u3-Aw&ved=0CCYQwAMoAg

Thanks all!  I think it will be really great for our kids to see this.

Homework Reminders!!

We have too many students missing work currently in class.  This morning we went over the "offenders" list, so you all know who you are...

Remember, the primary assignments that people have missing, consequently diminishing overall scores are:

• 4Rs Essays 1 & 2
• 4Rs Rubrics
• China/Japan Projects
• A Samurai's Tale: Final Essay
• NOTE: I am no longer accepting these, as so much time has passed; to make it up, please select one of the four short pieces from the Junior Great Books that we have not yet read, and write a one-page response paper.  The paper should include your understandings of the piece; your reaction to it; your sense of what the piece "means."

IMPORTANT: THESE ARE LATE, LATE ASSIGNMENTS; YOU MUST HAVE THEM COMPLETE BY THIS FRIDAY, BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR ASHLAND.  LATER PAPERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

thanks,

your incredibly compassionate teacher.

$3.00 for Tomorrow's Presentation

Hi all--

Meg Mizutani will be coming tomorrow, so please bring your $3.00 contribution.  It is going to be fun!

This video from Vimeo relates to the presentation she will be giving, and one of my biggest passions: coffee.  I want to be friends with this guy!  View "Yoshi's Blend"

Science Fair Reports

***There have been CHANGES (I said no extensions, but CHANGES I never mentioned...) to the Science Fair Event/Due Dates.  Please Note:

Hey everyone!  Our school science fair will now be on May 28th.  Students have a report associated with this project that is due May 18th.  Follow this link if you need an extra copy of the assignment: Science Fair Report.

Now the report must include your research PLUS your data/results from the experiments. Presentation boards, etc. will be due on the day of the fair.  We will be talking more in class about what these steps entail.

Remember, kiddos (especially now!) : no, No, NO! extensions on these reports--we need to respect Sean's time and hard work for us; he has the other classes to help, too.  Late reports will not be accepted.  So get started early, ask questions early, and be Responsible!!  You can do it.

Projects

The Seventh Grade Ravens are presenting their research reports on China & Japan, plus a couple of very interesting independent study projects.  They are beyond incredible.  Check this post as I do my best to add digital means of viewing our students' work!

Spencer's Edinburgh Blog  He's a gigapanner's apprentice!
Selena's Tea Ceremony She's a movie star now!!
Check out Brandon's Junk!  It's a Chinese boat!
Check out David's Junk!  A nautical genius!
Sumi'i from Master Ben "Bamboo with a Pear"
Lily is giving Hokusai a Run for his Money!  Incredible grid-enlargement falconry!
Caleb is a Samurai Warrior!  Or at least an expert on them...!
Elani finally does this Hokusai justice! Elegant cherry blossoms and a birdie!
Ila accomplishes what Hokusai only dreamt of!  Contemplating on the banks of a river near Fuji...

STAR Week

Hello Students & Families.

Just a reminder that this is STAR testing week, so make sure to (1) come to school (2) get sleep and (3) eat healthy and substantial breakfasts all week long.  This way you'll be in your best form for the tests--we want your scores to reflect YOUR abilities, not a ZOMBIE'S!!!  See your there!

Work Cited for China/Japan Research

Here is a link to a page that gives guidance on how to format a works cited (bibliography) page in MLA format.

You should have at least 3 sources for these papers; I am anticipating that you will have more.  Please do your best to get the formatting right, as this will be a skill you need for the rest of your academic careers, and it also helps ensure that you don't plagiarize!

Keep up the good work!!