Notice from Sterling Regarding the Preparation Learning Target

Hello Families!

Beginning with the 2nd trimester, teachers will be using a new system to keep track of timeliness of assignment completion and quality of work.  We have decided to begin this as a way for students, teachers, and families to be able to see not only how students are scoring on summative assessment learning targets, but to also be able to see if work was handed in on time and with the expected quality.  We will be using the attached learning target to determine where students are on the scale of timeliness and quality.  It is our hope that this will give all of us a more complete picture of each student.  Please feel free to contact any of us if you have a question about this or any other part of our reporting process.  Thank you so much for your support!

News From the World of Math

Hello Families!

   As the first trimester comes to a close, I wanted to update you on what has been happening in the math classroom in Sterling.  All students have taken their first summative assessment, reflected on it, and many even took on a second round of questions to show improved learning.  You can see their reflections on their PLP Google Site.  Be sure to ask them to show you, as there is lots of thoughtful reflection across the academic classes!

   When you take a look at the scores in JumpRope, be sure to dig a little deeper beyond the summative scores that show up for the learning target.  I have entered scores for a number of summative assessments for many students.  My goal with this is to show change over time as students reflect on corrections, go through some reteaching time, and then show what is hopefully improved thinking.  I will be sending home the assessments, so be sure to look for those over the break.

   We have begun new units in both the 5th and 6th-grade classes over the past two weeks, and I will give some short summative questions before the break so we can leave with a clean frame of mind.  My goal is to have those scores in JumpRope before grades go out in early December.  Let me know if you have any questions!

   Here are some updates specific to 5th grade:

Here is an example of using multiple equations to solve for the surface area of a 3D figure.  This proved to be more challenging than finding volume!

In this latest unit about decimals, here we were exploring how to show number values in many different forms!

   The majority of the work is now focusing on adding and subtracting decimals, as well as using place value understanding to multiply and divide by powers of 10.

Here's an update specific to 6th grade:

Both of these photos show student work on what proved to be the most favorite project-based activity so far.  Students had to place a simulated order for something they would buy on-line.  They had to figure the tax and shipping percentages for their item.  Amazing how engaged they are when it's personal and relevant.

   Our current work is focusing on ratios and solving problems using ratio relationships.  We are using the Open Up Resources website for the first time and it is proving to be a hit.  It's brighter, easy to link in Google Classroom (ask your child to show you their assignments) and even has interactive web tools.  Here's a screenshot of some recent work:

   Thanks for reading these updates.  Keep encouraging your child to persevere and stick with their math thinking.  That is the most important "homework" you can do at this point.

Michael

 

 

Homework club cancelled forTuesday, November 5

If your child usually attends homework on Tuesdays please make alternate after school plans.

Volunteers needed for Craft Fair on Saturday

House Families,

We still have a critical need for volunteers for the FAP Craft Show that takes place this Saturday, November 2nd.  This fundraiser helps to pay for events, activities and grants that benefit all students in the Williston schools.  Please share some of your time and volunteer for a shift during the show on Saturday, Nov 2. (Most shifts are only 1 to 2 hours in length). The sign-up link is: https://signup.com/go/kYomFsu  You will need to enter your email address to sign up for a shift but you do not need to create an account with Sign-up.com.

The Craft Show is the second largest school fundraiser and proceeds from this event help fund programs that impact every House & student.  Most of the shifts are only 1 to 2 hours in length.  

If you have any questions, please email Karen Olson and Paula LeBlanc at wsdcraftshow@cvsdvt.org.

Thank you!

Williston Craft Show

195 Central School Dr.

Williston, VT  05495

www.willistoncraftshow.org

** November 2, 2019 **

Science Class Activity

Hello Sterling Families,
In science class, we have been studying properties of matter over the last month. Recently our focus has been on physical and chemical changes. Yesterday and today students were introduced to their summative project where they are applying what they know about physical and chemical changes to the kitchen. By studying kitchen chemistry, students need to choose a recipe and analyze it for chemical and physical changes. As a bonus, they can document themselves making the recipe. The pictures can be uploaded to google classroom. The assignment directions are there as well.

Your student may be asking you for a recipe or for the ingredients. Please know that cooking the dish is NOT a requirement. I also encouraged your students to make the dish for their family rather than the class. (One less day of making dinner!) That being said, they are also welcome to bring their dish to class if they would like.

Please let me know if you have questions and I am looking forward to seeing what your creative kids come up with.

Amy

Upcoming Events

Below is a list of upcoming events

Thurs. Oct. 3 / gr. 5-8 Curriculum Night 6:30-7:30 team portion / 7:30-8:00 Learning Expo

Fri. Oct. 4 / School Dance (gr. 6-8) WCS 6:30-8:30 pm

Tues. Oct 8 / District Spelling Bee 8am - 12:30 PM

Wed. Oct. 9 / NO SCHOOL

Thurs. Oct. 10 / District Spelling Bee 8am - 12:30 pm

Tues. Oct. 16 / Picture Retakes WCS: 9 am

Fri. Oct. 18 / NO SCHOOL (parent / teacher conferences)

Fri. Oct. 25 / Beginner Band Demo  10:45-11:30am

Fri. Oct. 25 / Fun Night w/Swift House  WCS 6-8 pm

Sat. Nov 2 / Craft Fair / WCS  9 am - 4 pm

News From Math!

Hello Families!

   It's been a great start to the new school year here in the math classroom.  I am totally enjoying having the 6th graders for a second year (yes, some students are on year 4!), and the 5th graders are off to a strong start as well.  I have even had some of them before in 3rd grade.  There is no substitute for knowing them as learners.

   In both grade levels, we started the year with read alouds and discussions around having a positive mindset in math.  All too often I see students come into math already feeling defeated.  Or, they are afraid they won't have enough challenge.  We made two lists of motivational hashtags that are posted in the room for us to refer to as needed.  Be engaged, ask genuine questions, and be brave to ask for what you need.  #BELIEVE! 

   In the 5th grade classes, we have been reviewing efficient addition and subtraction algorithms.  Our first unit is around determining area and volume using multiplication, and we have recently started building 3-dimensional shapes to explore the ideas of surface area and volume.  We have been exploring the relationships between equations and using number sense to determine equality.  Here's an example:

3 x 5 x 4 = 15 x 2 x 2

Two "boxes" with the same volume have different dimensions.  How are those equations related?  Ask your child for their thinking!

   In the 6th grade classes, we have been working with decimal place values, reading decimal numbers, and starting to add, subtract and multiply them.  I have been kicking off the academic blocks with some direct instruction and exploration, then giving them projects to do where they can apply those skills.  They made decimal place value posters with real-world examples last week, and this week they are totaling up a bill for a "Dinner Out" with friends.  Next week we will launch into how to calculate percents eventually move into the division of decimals.

   A continuing professional goal that I have for myself is to be more consistent with giving and recording Exit Tasks.  These Formative Assessments are a great way for me to check in with how a student is understanding the material.  It also gives them feedback, and the opportunity for reteaching, before the Summative Unit Assessments.  I will be putting those scores in JumpRope, but please remember that they are NOT necessarily the final grade your child will be receiving.  Please contact me if you have questions about what is happening here in the classroom!

Thanks,
Michael

  

It's time to register for Continental Math League.

If you are not familiar with CML it involves the art of mathematical problem solving with experiences that are designed to both maximize student opportunities to participate and to improve their problem solving capabilities. Students participate with other students in small groups, on the same grade level and take part in monthly meets. 

Parent volunteers meet with small groups on a weekly basis, usually first thing in the morning or during their  lunch/recess.

Register using this form.

Google Calendar Now Up and Running

Hello families,
We just wanted to take a minute and let you know that we have the Sterling Calendar is up and running. You will find it located on the Sterling Homepage. We have attempted to make a calendar where all assignments are visible in one location. This includes the 4 academic classes your child is in (Math, ELA, Social Studies, Science). It does not include World Language, literature groups, etc. Please look for this calendar on the main page. We think you can add the calendar to your calendar (should you want to) by clicking the "+ Google Calendar" button on the bottom right hand corner of it.

Sign-Up is Open for InterGen - A Monthly Inter-generational Book Group!

Families as Partners (FAP) teams up with the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library to sponsor a fun inter-generational book group that brings together WCS middle school students, seniors from our community and parent volunteers.  Each book group will read and discuss 5 books over the course of the school year. Meetings take place during school hours.

The program will kick-off in October with a “Get Acquainted” potluck luncheon.  The book groups will then meet during school hours once a month to discuss books in a relaxed and fun setting. 7th & 8th graders will meet from 11:35am-12:15pm. 

5th & 6th graders meet from 12:30pm-1:10pm. 

The program runs from October to March. (This year's book selections are still being determined, but we hope to have the final list of titles soon).

If your 5-8th grade student is interested in being considered for this program, please register by Friday, September 20th.  We are also seeking parent volunteers!  Use this link to register your student or to sign up as a parent volunteer.

If you have any questions, please contact Karen Olson (kao_wolverine@yahoo.com) or your child's Language Arts teacher.

Some resources to start the year

Hello Sterling Families,
Hopefully our new families have accepted the subscribe request from FeedBurner. If you did not, please contact our house Teacher Assistant, Cindy Brady at clbrady@cvsdvt.org. You'll notice the "l" in her email, please remember to include that so it gets to her and not somebody else in our school! Cindy is the contact person for change in plans for your student, late arrivals, absence etc.

We'll be going over our communication tools with people at our Open House on Thursday, October 3rd but we wanted to make sure you had access to the Sterling Website which contains a lot of useful information in the meantime. Please access that through this link.

The year has been off to an awesome start! We are really enjoying our new mix of 5th and 6th graders as we move forward into our 10th year! We've been posting some pictures on our social media accounts- Instagram & Twitter. Give us a follow!

As a quick plug for Social Studies, please see the Sterling Social Studies site for daily class agendas, resources, etc.

~ Jared Bailey

Genius Hour Open House

Welcome one and all!

We have finished our Genius Hour Projects around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and we'd like to share our learning with you. Please join us on Wednesday, June 12th from 7:45-8:30am at Sterling House in Williston Central School. Students will have presentations ready to share and will be grouped in classroom spaces by topic. We would love to see as many people as possible. Thank you for your support during this unit! Please email Jared Bailey with any questions- jbailey@cvsdvt.org

Who: Sterling Students

What: Genius Hour Open House

When: Wednesday, June 12th from 7:45-8:30am

Where: Sterling Hallway inside of Williston Central School

195 Library Lane

Williston, Vermont

05495

No Homework Club Today

Homework Club is cancelled for today, Tuesday, May 28th,

Upcoming Important Dates

Wednesday May 22/ Concert: Grades 5 and 6 / 5:30 pm (5:00 call)

Wednesday May 22 / Concert: Grades 7 and 8 / 7:15 pm (6:45 call)

Wednesday May 22 / WCS Art Reception / WCS Community Rm / 5-7 pm

Monday. May 27 / Memorial Day NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, May 28th / ABS Book Fair 12-8 PM WCS Night from 5-8 PM

Wednesday, May 29th ABS Book Fair 8 AM to 8 PM

Thursday May 30 / ABS Spring Book Fair / 8 am - 2 pm

Thursday June 6th and Friday June 7th/ Sterling 6th Grade Camp Out

Friday June 7th / Fun Day

Monday, June 10th /4th-5th Step Up Day

Monday, June 10th / WCS Awards Ceremony 1:30-2:45.

Thursday, June 13th/ All Sterling  students to Knight Point State Park

Friday, June 14th / Last Day of School Half Day

Satisfaction Survey

Dear Williston Parent/Guardian,

The Parent Satisfaction was sent out this morning to all Williston Families.   Please take a few minutes to provide us with feedback on ways you feel we can enhance the education of your children by filling out the 2018-2019 Parent Satisfaction Survey. You can access the survey by clicking on the following link or on our web site:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/1819ParentSatisfactionSurvey

If you are having trouble accessing the link please contact Liz Neeld at lneeld@cvsdvt.org.

Genius Hour Project in Social Studies- Please Help

Hello,
Our final project of the year in Social Studies is what's called a genius hour. What is a genius hour? Click the link to read more!

Sterling students have been designing their own work schedules and developed driving questions that will spur their research. We have questions right now involving clean water, addressing homelessness, gender equality and much much more.


We need your help! One of the major components of a genius hour project is talking to an outside "expert" and potentially working with a community partnership. Calling all volunteers. If you can help a student dig deeper into a topic or know someone who can- please reach out to me, Mr. Bailey, at jbailey@cvsdvt.org

We could use adults to be interviewed, come in as guest speakers and potentially even drive some students to places for their work and connecting with community partnerships.

Here are links to our projects- please look them over and see if you have anything to offer. With the variety of topics, I bet you do!

1st Period
2nd Period
3rd Period
4th Period

Cellphone Policy

Hello Families,

We are writing to update you on our cellphone policy.  In the past weeks, the Sterling teachers have been part of a larger conversation around cellphone use in school.  The administration has been working with several teams to reach a consensus for addressing cellphone use as a school.   Recently, two teams have begun a cellphone-free policy during the school day.  Last week we had multiple incidents of students using their phones to text classmates while in school.  As a result of this, the Sterling teachers have decided to implement a new policy regarding cellphones in school:

• Students may have their cellphone out on the bus and in the lobby in the morning while waiting to be released to their classrooms.
• Once students are on Sterling their phone must be either kept in their backpack (hanging in the classrooms) or given to their core teacher to be kept secure during the school day.
• If a student needs to contact a parent or family member, the student needs to check in with their core or classroom teacher before using the phone.  The phone then needs to be returned to their backpack or secure place.
• If families need to get in touch with their student at any time during the day, please call the front office and use the following extensions to reach Sterling:

Cindy Brady:  6161

Jared Bailey:  6164

Amy Durant:   6166

Dan Johnson:  6167

Joy Peterson: 6163

Michael Willis: 6168

• If a student has a cellphone out without permission, the first offense will be a reminder, and the phone will be given back to the student at the end of the day.  If there is a second offense, the phone will be given to Mrs. Brady and families will be notified to come to school to pick it up. 

The new policy will take place starting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 7th.  We hope that families support our decision, and with us help students to understand that the school setting is not the place for communicating via cellphone.  We have so much to do, and we don't need the distraction of cell phones.  Thank you so much for your support!

The Sterling Teachers

Sterling Play is Wednesday

Sterling Theater Performances:Wednesday, May 8th in the Auditorium.

The Jungle Book  is from 5:30-6:30  

Jack and the Beanstalk is from 6:30 to 730

Performers should arrive on Sterling 30 minutes prior to their play.  Jungle Book  5:00 PM, Jack and the Beanstalk 6:00 PM

There is no dance tomorrow

Even though it appears on  the WCS website there is NO DANCE  this month, and will be no more dances for the

 remainder of this school year. The one exception is the 8th grade dance that follows the graduation ceremony. 

We apologize for the confusion. The dance schedule has been set since the beginning of the school year and

 the website posting was an oversight and error. 

Sterling Wish List

We're back from vacation and students are busy taking SBAC's and learning their lines for the play. 

During testing we love to have mints and gum for the kids.  If you are able to send in some Wint'o'Green lifesavers and  minty/fruity gum we would greatly appreciate it.

We are also in need of disinfecting wipes.

Thanks so much

No Homework Club Tuesday April 16th

Due to a staff meeting, homework club is cancelled for tomorrow April 16th.   It will happen as usual on Wednesday

Mark your calendars for Sterling events!

Hello Sterling Families-

Here are some important dates:

1. Sterling SBAC testing will begin on April 29- May 8. Please make sure your child has adequate sleep and a healthy breakfast.

2. Sterling Theater Performances: Wednesday, May 8th 5:30-6:30 is The Jungle Book and 6:30-7:30 is Jack and the Beanstalk in the Auditorium.

3. June 6-7th is the 6th grade camping trip to Grand Isle State Park. (We are still looking for some brave parent chaperones!)

4. Sterling 5/6th grade End of Year fieldtrip at Knight Point State Park in North Hero is scheduled for Wednesday June 12.

Let us know if you have questions!
Amy and the Sterling Team

Lit Group News and Reading Advice

Sterling House teachers have met during the past weeks with Cara Medved, our WCS Literacy Intervention Teacher, and Jackie Parks, our Building Principal, to brainstorm ways to support Sterling students in reading.  The new reading assessment that we use, The Star Assessment, includes a fluency component, and this has been challenging for some students.  In a concerted effort to help students with reading fluency and comprehension, and with a true desire to instill a love of reading in our students, we are making some adjustments to our Literature Group format for some students during the third trimester. 

Beginning March 25, Amy Durant and Cara Medved will be co-teaching a literature group, with a focus on reading strategies.  Joy Peterson will be leading a "choice" lit group, where students will choose a book (either self-choice or with help from Ms. Peterson and Ms Arapakos).  This group will have weekly comprehension activities, fluency check-ins, and a choice of book projects.  In addition, Dan Johnson will run a small lit group with a focus on targeted basic reading skills.  Other Sterling teachers will continue to lead our more traditional lit groups. 

The Learning Target for Lit Groups for all Sterling students this trimester is "Relationships," where students will "identify main and supporting ideas, patterns, trends, clues and relationships in my literature group book."  In addition, we will continue working on our year-long literature group Learning Target of "Self-Direction," where students are expected to "participate and contribute positively to the learning community."

Below, you can find links for working on fluency at home, and a link to Common Sense Media (a great site with all kinds of other information about age-appropriate books, movies, tv shows, and video games) with book lists.

Please contact Joy Peterson or your child's core teacher if you have any questions!

And, don't forget to read!

Fluency Practice at Home

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

The Importance of Reading for Pleasure

FAP Annual Fund

Dear Families,

  There is still time to donate to the Williston Annual Fund.    Families are asked to donate $45 once a year  to the fund to help defray the cost of field trips and activities.  .  This year with your help Sterling was able to go to Ft. Ticonderoga and CSWD.  

Checks should be made out to Williston FAP and can be left at the front desk with Amy or brought to my office.

thank you

The Sterling Team

Tess Littledale Solo Weeks in ELA

Greetings Sterling families!

Tess Littledale here with some exciting news!  As you know, I am Joy Peterson's intern in ELA, and as part of my Master's program I need to design and teach a solo unit.  Beginning after February break, I will be teaching a unit on Argument Writing.  I will be soloing in the classroom from March 4th to March 18th.  After that, Joy will be joining me in the classroom and we will finish out the unit as co-teachers.  We will be writing argument letters about a topic that the students choose.  The letters will be sent to an authentic audience in hopes of inciting actual change in our community.  An example might to be to write a letter to Jackie Parks about something in the school that the student would like to change.  I've spent a lot of time thoughtfully planning instruction, under the guidance graduate program adviser and professor, and Ms. Peterson, and the unit will be fun and engaging for your students.  I can't wait to get started!

Joy will be in the building during this time so if you have any questions feel free to contact her.  If you have any questions for me, please feel free to contact me at my email:  tlittledale@cvsdvt.org

Monday, February 11th, Sterling fundraiser at Agave.

 Agave Restaurant in Maple Tree Place  is generously donating 10 percent of their day's sales to help Sterling's fundraising efforts.  

 11 AM to Closing   Lunch, Dinner,  Eat In or Take out    Come see friends and neighbors and enjoy a great meal.

Tissues Needed

The flu season has arrived in full force on Sterling House! We are starting to run low on tissues. If you'd like to send some in we'd greatly appreciate it!

Science class needs Legos for tomorrow!

Hello Families,

I need your help to gather 10 specific lego combinations in order for our class to do a photosynthesis activity tomorrow.

This is what we need:

• 18 legos 4x2 size blocks of one color. (These will represent Oxygen.)
• 6 legos 4x2 size blocks of a different color than the Oxygen blocks. (These will represent Carbon.)
• 12 legos either 2x2 size or 2x1 size of a third color different from Oxygen and Carbon. (These will represent hydrogen.)

4 x 2 size lego 2 x 2 size lego

Please bag each set you can create and write your name on the bag so we can return them to you.

Thank you tons!

Mrs. D

Cases of Flu on Sterling House

We wanted to reach out to let you know that we had a few confirmed cases of Flu in Sterling
House over the last week.
In an effort to reduce the spread of illness, we ask that you keep your sick child home until they
are healthy (fever-free x 24 hours without medicine), reinforce the importance of covering
coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue, and encourage your child to wash hands often and
well. At school, we are reinforcing good hand and cough hygiene and cleaning in work spaces.
Please, let the Health Office know if your child is sick with flu-like illness or if he or she has
been diagnosed with influenza. If you have any questions, we encourage you to call your child's
pediatrician or refer to the resources we've shared below.


How do I know...Is it a cold or the flu?
http://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2016/12/INFO_ColdOrFlu%3F_Fly
er.pdf
Treatment:
http://www.healthvermont.gov/immunizations-infectious-disease/influenza/treatment
CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Notifications for absences or change of school day plans

In addition to notifying your child's core teacher about an absence, early dismissal or change of after school plan could you also please notify Cindy Brady at clbrady@cvsdvt.org or call 871-6161. 

WCS Lost and Found

The lost and found bin is overflowing with snowpants, gloves, hats, lunchboxes, you name it.  If your child is missing some winter gear and you are in or near the school stop by and check it out.  The lost and found bin is located in the front lobby across from the auditorium.