ELA Update

ELA Update
Joy Peterson and Sam Callison

We have started an Argument Writing unit in ELA.  For the past two weeks we have been breaking down the elements of argument writing into claim, evidence, and analysis.  Students have examined writing by both professional writers and same-age students, and have critiqued this writing as they prepare to make their own argument.  Last week we took advantage of the March Madness timing, and created our own bracketology to narrow down argument writing topics.  The "final four" topics provide choices for students, along with links to resources for research.  Students who feel strongly about another topic may choose that for their argument.  Students are writing their argument using a clear claim stating their opinion, evidence which backs up their argument, and analysis which explains their evidence.  Ask your student to show you their work-in-progress in the graphic organizer that is in their Google Classroom folder.

As students finish their writing pieces, we will begin creating presentations or video PSAs about their topics.  We will be learning about what makes an effective argument in these formats before we begin.  These PSAs will provide an opportunity for students to convince others that their position on the issue is correct.  These will be created during Mr. Callison's solo time.  These presentations could be a fun thing for your student to share with you at home, as there are some pretty convincing arguments being developed!

Mr. Callison will be solo teaching from April 3rd to April 17th.  Ms. Peterson will be in school and available via e-mail during this time.  Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. 
scallison@cvsdvt.org
jpeterson@cvsdvt.org

Looking for Host Families for Chinese Students

WCS has been working in collaboration with the Spiral International organization to connect our
school with schools in China. I am excited to announce that 9 Chinese middle school students
will be coming to WCS from April 1st-April 7th. WCS is seeking host families for them. This is
an incredible opportunity for our middle level students to make a personal connection with a
Chinese student. The Chinese student would stay with their host family and attend school each
day.
If you are willing to host one or two Chinese students, please email Jackie Parks for more
details. jparks@cvsdvt.org

Sterling Staffing Update for Next Year

We have some staffing changes to announce, which will begin in the fall of 2018.  Mindy Conry has announced her retirement, and will finish her Sterling career in June.  Mindy will be greatly missed.  Upcoming changes include a curriculum change for Mr. Bailey, from Math to Social Studies/Humanities.  We are excited to announce the addition of Michael Willis, 3/4 teacher from Kaleidoscope, to the Sterling Math position.  Feel free to talk to your student about this now, we will be discussing the changes and introducing Michael during our team meeting on Thursday.  As we get closer to the end of the school year we'll be in touch with more information about the transition.

Happy Spring!

Science Update

Hello Sterling Families,

Since returning from break, students are jumping right into a unit about weather. (Just in time for some Wednesday night weather!) We will be exploring the difference between weather and climate, the causes of weather, and the types of weather events.

Amy