Kutcher's Korner

Hello parents!  Who ordered a four-day-weekend, because it is on its way!!!!!!  I hope you all have a great Spring Break.  J and I are heading down to my sister’s for some family time this weekend and then looking forward to some quiet time after we both come off of our “sugar highs” on Monday!  The forecast looks pretty nice for our vacation so I am hoping we can spend some of it outside practicing lacrosse, walking the dog, or just reading a book.  May you all enjoy your time as well.

Now, on to all of the information and updates…

1. I have offered another Scholastic Book Order to the students.  I am attaching the flyer which gives you directions on how to order on-line.  Orders are due Thursday, April 12^th.

1. We are also going to the school-sponsored Book Fair on Thursday, April 12^th.  It will be a big day of books and reading.  This is the book fair that sells the pencils, erasers, and posters. It always seems to me like the kids are more excited to but a pencil with a pointy-finger on the end than a book. Hmmm……  Anyway, if your students are interested in purchasing anything they should bring their money on Thursday as the fair is over on Friday.  Do I hear extra chores being done????? J

1. Another event on Thursday will be 3^rd marking period Portfolio Conferences.  We will be running this the same as we did for 1^st marking period.  All of the Core team teachers will be available in the cafeteria and we will do our best to touch base with all who attend.  As Mrs. Young is still out for her recovery (she is doing well and getting stronger day-by-day), she will not be in attendance that evening.  I am also attaching the flyer for this event as well.

1. Finally, I announced to the students today that I am having surgery on my neck on May 30^th.  I have convinced my doctors that I will be careful until that date.  I am not sure it they believed me, but they agreed to allow me to wait until then.  This means that I will miss the last 5 days of school.  Miss Wallen, my student teacher from the 1^st semester, will be coming in to substitute for me for those final days.  I am expecting a full recovery in time to still enjoy some summer with my son.  THE OTHER NEWS I shared with them today is that I will be teaching 8^th grade next year.  I am not sure who I will have, but my kiddos will have a 50% chance of having me again next year which in turn means you have a 50% chance of getting these awesome emails from me again, too! J  I am really excited to following this class to the next level and looking forward to the change as well.

RED and BLUE: Academically, yes we are still teaching and learning, we are continuing with the novel, The Outsiders.  We should be finished reading next week and will then be working on a mock-Facebook project (not on real Facebook) which will be followed by an assessment.  I am aiming for Thursday, April 19^th but will keep you posted.  We also have the Book of the Month assessment on the 20^th.

YELLOW:

Academically, yes we are still teaching and learning, we are continuing with the novel, Treasure Island.  We should be finished reading in the next two weeks and will then be working on a mock-Facebook project (not on real Facebook) which will be followed by an assessment.  I am aiming for Thursday, April 19^th but will keep you posted, it may wait until the following week. We also have the Book of the Month assessment on the 20^th.

Okay, I think I am finished for now.  May you all find time in the next few days to relax and enjoy your kids.  I am so blessed to spend time with them each day!

Thank you for all you do to support your child’s education!

Hello!  Happy mid-March, mid-PSSA testing, and mid-crazy, awesome weather!

Just wanted to send an update on where we are in the curriculum and where we are with PSSA testing.  Let’s do testing first since it is soooo close to being finished J

I must say, and I have been telling the students this (probably way too much) that I am so proud of them for all of the hard work they have put into language arts class this year and especially the energy they are applying to PSSA testing.  I have been doing this for quite some time and I cannot think of a year when I felt that my students were this prepared and “excited” about the test.  I mean it!  These kiddos really worked hard all year to learn the material and are doing a fantastic job applying that knowledge.  Please, take a moment this weekend and ask them about the testing.  Ask them about the Jane Schaffer writing formula they are using to respond the open-ended questions.  Some of them probably say it in their sleep J  If they do, please let me know because I would definitely give them a PRIDE card for that!!!!

RED and BLUE:   As far as where we are headed, it is all up-hill from here!  We are going to start reading the novel, The Outsiders.  Before reading, as you already know, I feel it is very important to gain some knowledge of the time period and the people so we are doing just that.  The students have completed some research on the 60’s by using a WebQuest.  The link to this is on the Moodle in The Outsiders section if you are interested in looking to see what your child is doing.  It has been great.  The first task they had to find pictures of 60’s items which are discussed in the book.  I often forget how beautiful a 1960’s Corvette was – sweet!  Once we complete the background information, we will begin reading the book.  Most of the reading will be done as a class in school, but feel free to buy a copy of the book for yourself to read along and discuss with your child.  Many of us read this book while we were in school; the themes and topic transcend time and are great discussion points for families!

YELLOW:   As far as where we are headed, it is all up-hill from here!  We are going to start reading the novel, Treasure Island.  Before reading, as you already know, I feel it is very important to gain some knowledge of the time period and the people so we are doing just that.  The students will be doing this by using a WebQuest.  The link to this is on the Moodle in the Treasure Island section if you are interested in looking to see what your child is doing.  They will work in groups to do several tasks: research a real pirate, create their own Jolly Roger flag, and write journal entries about their adventures at sea.   I have to tell you, I REALLY get into this unit.  Pirates are cool!  Very soon, and I will send home more information next week, we will have Pirate Day!  This is a day where I ask the students to dress like pirates, we talk like pirates, we feast like pirates (which actually means we eat fruit, jerky, and stale crackers), AND we plunder a ship to steal the booty (please reference your child’s pirate terminology worksheet for the pirate definition of the word J)!  Once we complete the background information, we will begin reading the book.  Most of the reading will be done as a class in school, but feel free to buy a copy of the book for yourself to read along and discuss with your child.  This book can be arduous, but in the end it is well-worth the work.  I do encourage you to read along if possible so you can help your child at home. Arr Mateys!

I hope you have all had a chance to enjoy the weather.  This time of year can become infectious; students wanting to be outside and have school be finished, teachers who want to be outside (pardon me while I day dream here for a moment…).  However, I promise to do everything I can to keep them engaged.  Honestly, the end of the year reading in 7^th grade is really fun and we do some great activities to help them remember how much fun we can have with literature.  If I didn’t, my end of the year would quickly turn into “herding cats” (click here to see what I mean – and have a good laugh) and that would be a very hard job!

Have a great weekend and may the luck of the Irish be with you all!

Dear Parents:

So far, so good… I am noticing more concentration in the classroom and a little more ”pep” in their desire to learn.  I have also noticed some really fresh breath!  J

Many of you have written and commented on what we are doing in class and I greatly appreciate your support.  Some of you have asked how you can show your support at home.  My first and strongest answer is please, talk to your students about what we are doing.  Ask them!  I know that some of your children respond differently at home than at school, but they really might be willing to talk about what we are doing since they seem to be interested.  Second, I recommend having peppermint and cinnamon gum and mints at home for them to use while doing homework.  Third, before they begin their homework or studying, go outside and throw a ball or just take a quick walk around the block; anything to get them moving.  Also, some of you have sent in items or asked if you can.  THANK YOU!  Anything you are willing to donate (mints, candies, anything with those flavors) is always appreciated!

Next week, I am going to incorporate some small exercises at the beginning of class.  I may even shoot some secret movie footage of this as I am sure some of it will be quite funny.  We will do simple exercises such as making a figure 8 in front of our bodies, pretending to throw and hit a baseball, and doing elbow to knee touches.  Any other “cross-body” exercises you can recommend, please send them my way!

I am sending home a set of academic vocabulary flashcards with your child today (RED section did not complete all of them but will on Monday).  They have been assigned to study these cards each night (once over the weekend) and have you sign a paper stating that they have actually studied.  Again, take this opportunity to study with them, encourage them.  If you have a busy night, study at the dinner table or have a sibling help them in the car on the way to practice.  Again, I appreciate any support you can give your child.

I will close this week with a small, but necessary, request…  WE NEED TISSUES! If you have a moment this weekend and happen to think about it, please buy a box of tissues and send them in for our team.  I know my class is on our last box of tissues from the beginning-of-the-year donations we received.  Again, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

A short reminder that your child does not have school tomorrow (but we do!).  I hope you have a chance to enjoy the weekend with your family.  I am excited because my mom is coming up from Georgia this weekend for an extended stay!  You can guess what that means… well cooked meals and some shopping!

What is the saying for March: it comes in like a lamb, and goes out like a lion?

Or, do we use the famous line from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: “Beware the ides of March”?

Or, do we just give in to the luck of the Irish and hope that maybe this year we will find a four-leaf clover…

Whichever you choose, March is here already and we all know what that means…no, I am not focusing on the PSSA test, I am warning you that there are only 3 more months of school and then they become yours again for the entire day!!! J

Actually, I am talking about the PSSA test; but in a very positive way!  I am really excited for the test this year and I am hoping to get your child in that mind-set, too.  It is all about the positivity and the peppermint! Peppermint you say?  Yep!  All about the PEP!

Recently, I was in a discussion group that was very beneficial to me and the way I want to approach all assessments in my classroom (and even some everyday situations).  We talked about the effectiveness of cross-body exercise (making a figure 8 in front of your body), using peppermint and cinnamon as scents and tastes to stimulate the mind, and using hands-on activities BEFORE an assessment as tools to get students to use their entire brain as well as help to wake up and be motivated about what they are about to complete.  I was sold!!!! So now, I have become the saleswoman and I am trying to get your child to buy into it as well.  Today, many of the students took the BOTM quiz for February.  As they did, I had bowls of peppermint and cinnamon hard candy on their desks – I think they liked it!  I am excited to grade the assessments to see if the writing was more cognitive and complete.  I think you and I both know that all of this is mainly about the selling and buying of the idea.  Any help you can give at home (use peppermint or cinnamon scented plug-ins and sprays in the rooms where they study, get them up a little earlier in the morning and have them do some small exercises, eat a breakfast with something crunchy) would be greatly appreciated!

As far as the curriculum for this coming month, we are going to focus on some test taking strategies, as well as review all of the academic vocabulary we have learned thus far this year.  This is in preparation for the PSSA, but it is in no way a form of teaching to the test.  As for any assessment, it is good to review and make sure that students feel confident about the assessment; that is what I will be doing.  We will look at some sample passages from past PSSA tests, and also review how to respond to multiple choice questions and the open-ended responses.  Overall, we will use the next two weeks to review and prepare, then the fun begins!  The tests will be given March 13-15 and 20-22.  We do ask for your cooperation that you do not plan any appointments or trips on those days – pretty please!  It really is not fun to have to make up a PSSA test; especially because they are pulled from Core classes to do so.

I will keep you posted about “the experi-mint” (get it?  Mint???), but please ask your child about the new things they are doing in my class.  I so love when they talk to you about school, especially about reading and writing.

Thanks, as always, for your continued support of your child’s education!

A Special Valentine

Over the weekend, I had to go WAY out of my comfort zone: I went to Michael’s craft store.  As hard as I tried to be the “juice provider” for J’s upcoming Friendship Party at school, I did not email first and was instead given the task of bringing a craft.  An hour later, and a cart full of heart stickers and wooden frames, I felt pretty successful about what I bought.  We shall see!  It was not very imaginative, but hey, it is a craft.

As it should be, not a lot of school time is spent on Valentine’s Day in middle and especially in high school. Cards, candy, and presents are taken care of outside of the classroom. Realizing this, I decided to send you my own version of a Valentine. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and those you love! (And hey, you might even find a way to use some of this on your special day!)

This morning, Mrs. Young was on the announcements reminding everyone to wear pink, read, and white tomorrow to celebrate the special day.  This was immediately followed by the question, “How did Valentine’s Day originate?”  I LOVE teachable moments like this when they present themselves!  I took the opportunity and found a short article on the origin of the special day.  Tonight, your child is to read this article and respond to a prompt at the bottom of the page.  Feel free to read the article as well!

Romantic Couples of History

Sometimes we forget that history was made by people just like us with lives and loves just like us. History is strewn with many couples that have inspired young lovers to strive for new heights. I just wanted to honor a few with some great sites detailing their lives and times.

• Letter from Napoleon to Josephine
• Abelard and Heloise (Takes a moment to load)
• Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning
• King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson

Shakespeare’s Sonnets and other Poems

Here is just a sampling of great poetry to read and recite.  Some are my favorites!

• Let Me Not to Marriage of True Minds Shakespeare
• Shakespeare’s Sonnets
• How Do I Love Thee? E. Browning
• My Luve is like a red, red rose R. Burns
• She Walks in Beauty Lord Byron

I hope you all enjoy the meaning of tomorrow – to love.  Please give your child one extra hug, make them heart-shaped toast for breakfast, or maybe even make a craft together!

Da dum! Da dum! Da dum! Da dum!  SHARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes – it is that time of year in language arts class – SHARK WEEK!!!!!

Question: It is 1978, your 4 year old daughter supposedly BEGS you to go see Jaws 2.  Do you take her, thus scaring her for life when it comes to getting in the ocean???  Yep – mine did!!!!  I love telling this story to my students to begin this week!  I have to admit – I watched the movie again recently, when my  son Jacob was 7, as he begged me to see it on Netflix.  I am not so sure what I was scared of – it is full of really bad effects by today’s standards.  As J so kindly put it, “You were afraid of that shark?  Even a baby can tell it isn’t real!”  Then the laughter began for about 10 minutes.

READING ALL: The month of February brings us to a new unit –information, argument, and persuasion.  During this unit we will read more non-fiction than fiction.  The reality of the world is that on an everyday basis, the majority of today’s workforce read more non-fiction than fiction, as I am sure most of you do as well.  This unit has a large focus on two topics: sharks and the Black Plague.  I know, very interesting and strange choices.  The benefit?  I have found that the students really do enjoy reading about these as their curious minds want more information about both.  We will begin with a week- week and a half look at the wonderful world of SHARKS!  The article I love the most is actually written by Peter Benclhy, the author of Jaws who started it all!  He actually states that he is sorry he wrote it as it began a world-wide slaughter of sharks thus endangering many.  Just goes to show how one piece of literature can create change: whether good or bad.

WRITING: We are going to take a refresher course on prepositions and their place in writing.  After reviewing what they are and how they function, we will be writing a children’s book based on a fictitious animal character.  Each page will have to contain a prepositional phrase.  The students tend to enjoy writing these and it is a good way to put the knowledge to use.  I spoke with J’s 2nd grade teacher and we are going to work out a way that our students can communicate about the books either by Skype or letters.  To me, that makes this project even better!

As I leave you for this week, don’t forget to check out the groundhog on Thursday!  I think he will see his shadow.  We haven’t even really had 6 weeks of Winter yet, what is 6 more???

Guess who’s back! Wow, what a long strange trip it has been since I have last posted!  I apologize.  It always gets busy around the holiday break and trying to get back into the swing of things upon return.  We are all finally settling back in, including me!

January was a great month in which we studied mood, tone, and style.  These are three of the most important literary elements within any piece of literature and/or writing.  We are just finishing up this unit by reading “The Black Cat” by Poe and studying these elements in photography.  This week the students will have a chance to take pictures to discover the style of photography – it is always an interesting day.

We have several assessments coming up this week and next.  On Thursday we will have the BOTM assessment for January.  We will also have the Unit 4 assessment on Monday.  Many students will also have the Word of the Day 7/8 assessment either Friday or Monday.

Hello parents!!!

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday filled with relaxation and time with loved ones.  I know J and I fully enjoyed the time we had with my parents who were visiting us from Georgia.  The weather was fantastic and we did as much as we could with the time we had; too much fun!!!!  I would also like to take a moment and personally thank all of you who donated money for our fund-raisers for the fire victims.  It is amazing what our York Suburban family was able to achieve for these families!

I just wanted to let you know where we are heading in the month of December.  This month we are studying inferences, author’s purpose, theme, and symbolism.  We will also continue to talk about plot, setting, and characterization as they are important all year.

To study these literary elements, we will be reading the Charles Dicken’s classic, A Christmas Carol (RED as a dramatic version, BLUE and YELLOW as the novel).  This is a fantastic way to introduce a classic novel to middle school students.   REMINDER TO THOSE WHO PURCHASED THE BOOK: please bring it beginning tomorrow. As we study this piece, we will take turns reading in class as well as listening to a recorded version. I have come to find that the students truly enjoy discussing old Scrooge and the changes he makes throughout the plot.  Above and beyond the reading and literary elements, we will also be studying the Victorian Era.  We will be learning about several different aspects of this time period, as well as a dance, and having a Victorian Era party.  This party will be held on Miss Wallen’s last day so we can celebrate the time she spent at YSMS with us.  I am asking that parents help to provide the food if possible.  Please visit the following website: http://www.mostly-victorian.com/links/food.shtml This is a great link to all types of Victorian recipes.  Our party will be held on December 16th so I wanted to provide you with plenty of time to prepare!!!

I have placed a calendar on the Moodle for each section.  This calendar includes our reading schedule, BOTM assessment and all. This calendar also lists the homework that will be assigned on different days.  This is a very short month, and we have a lot to cover so the pace will definitely be faster with this unit. I am going to try very hard to stick with what I am sending as we do not have a large amount of time this month due to the next vacation.  If you have any questions after viewing the calendar, please do not hesitate to contact me.

On a sad note, Miss Wallen will be leaving us next week.  Her last day in Friday, December 16th.  Many of the students have developed a very trusting relationship with her and I feel they will miss her very much.  I have told them they may make a card or write her a letter to give to her that day if they wish.  She will truly be missed.

I hope this update finds you all well and happily looking forward to the holiday season.  If you are feeling festive, please come to the YSMS Choral concert on Wednesday, December 7th at 7:00 and/or the YSMS Instrumental concert on Wednesday, December 14th, again at 7:00.  Enjoy!

Hello Parents!

So, who is ready for a 5 day holiday next week?  Me!!!!!  It has been a great start to the school year and I really do enjoy teaching and interacting with your children, but I am ready for some relaxation and rejuvenation with my family as well as some retail therapy on Black Friday! I will be out all night – hope to see some of you as well!

CTC REMINDER: Just a quick reminder that the CTC Variety Show is being held this weekend at York Suburban High School on Saturday.  The show begins at 7:00 PM and tickets can be purchased at the door.  I know J and I are going and are looking forward to the many acts, especially the middle school Hip-Hop Club and Mr. Jackson!  Hope to see you there.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Also, Miss Wallen and I sent an informational paper home on Monday for anyone who is interested in going to see the play A Christmas Carol (we will being reading this in class in December) which is being performed at Dream Wrights theater all throughout the month of December.  We do have a student on our team who is a member of the cast.  If you are still interested in going, please send in the order form and money on Monday, November 21st.  Thanks!

PERMISSION SLIPS NEED TO BE RETURNED: Today, your child will be bringing home a permission slip for a movie we will be showing next week to the entire 7th grade (with exception of those going to see Hugo due to magazine sales).  We will be showing the Walt Disney Studios remake of Ray Bradbury’s classic Something Wicked This Way Comes.  As you may know, we have been studying characterization for the entire month of November.  This movie has fantastic examples of characterization for both major and minor,as well as protagonist and antagonist.  Maybe you remember watching it as a child.  As we watch, and after, we are going to do two activities which will help support this curriculum as well as review characterization for the assessment at the end of the month.  Please return your child’s permission slip ASAP or email me with any questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Just a reminder, the Book of the Month assessment is scheduled for Tuesday, November 29th.  Please make sure your child has finished their book.  This is also a good reminder to possibly go purchase a new book while we are all out shopping over the holiday. But please, no fights over books on Black Friday!

Well all, enjoy the weekend.  I hope you are all able to relax now before traveling next week or before your entire family shows up at your door demanding their share of the turkey.  I have to admit, Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday with my family.  We have so many traditions and memories of this holiday that I am sitting here giggling and tearing up at the same time as I write this.
Some of my favorites have been in the more recent years as we have added my son and my niece and all of their antics.  I loved two years ago when J and my niece, Emily, came down the stairs in full Native American garb, face paint and all!  I also enjoy the all- night shopping fest with my mom and sister (who could not believe we came home at 1:00 AM to wake her to get in line at Kohl’s last year only to find we thought it opened at 4 and it was actually 5 – MY BAD!). Do I dare mention the time got in line at a store for $1 pajamas???? Really – they were $1!
My heart over-flows with joy at this time of the year.  Yes, I have put Christmas carol CDs in my car’s stereo and have made my grocery list of what ingredients I need to get to begin making cookies!  I am very blessed for all I have in my life; included in that is the time I have with your child.  I have so much to be thankful for each day!

Blessings of health and happiness to you and yours!

Thank you to all of the parents who were able to come visit today for American Education Week.  We appreciate your involvement in your child’s education!

Just a quick announcement regarding A Christmas Carol:

Dream Wrights theater in York will be producing this classic novel as a play for 3 weekend in December.  Miss Wallen and I are going to go to the December 11th show at 2:30.  We have sent a letter home with students regarding this event.  It would be wonderful if you could join us!  Please check the Moodle in the Parent Information section for the flyer that was sent home today!