The Williston Variety Show is Friday night January 31st. at 6:30pm. Tickets will be on sale at WCS before and after school Thursday and Friday. We will also be selling tickets at the door. . We have an exciting lineup of performers (students and teachers) and two fun hosts (Ms. Porter and Mr. King)!
Thank you
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Winter Survival Integrated Unit
Hello Sterling Families,
We are very excited to be planning our Integrated Unit about surviving in extreme climates, with a special focus on our own winter environment. We will be spending extended time outside on numerous occasions, including a day at Shelburne Farms, so students need to be prepared! Here is a winter gear list that students need to have to go outside:
- Boots
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Warm Jacket
- Extra socks in case feet get wet
- Snowpants
If your student needs any help with the above items, please let your Core Teacher know ahead of time as we can track down gear.
Other items of clothing that would be helpful during cold and wet weather would be long underwear and a more water repellant jacket. We will be sharing this expectation with the Team at an Ohana the week before so all of us are on the same page.
To wrap up our Unit we will be having an Open House to showcase all of the hard work students have done. On Friday, February 21, from 7:30-8:30, we invite you to Sterling to hear about the learning the children have done!
Team Sterling
We are very excited to be planning our Integrated Unit about surviving in extreme climates, with a special focus on our own winter environment. We will be spending extended time outside on numerous occasions, including a day at Shelburne Farms, so students need to be prepared! Here is a winter gear list that students need to have to go outside:
- Boots
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Warm Jacket
- Extra socks in case feet get wet
- Snowpants
If your student needs any help with the above items, please let your Core Teacher know ahead of time as we can track down gear.
Other items of clothing that would be helpful during cold and wet weather would be long underwear and a more water repellant jacket. We will be sharing this expectation with the Team at an Ohana the week before so all of us are on the same page.
To wrap up our Unit we will be having an Open House to showcase all of the hard work students have done. On Friday, February 21, from 7:30-8:30, we invite you to Sterling to hear about the learning the children have done!
Team Sterling
Monday, January 13, 2020
Games for Classroom
Sterling is looking for some games for the classrooms. If you have any at home that aren't getting used or if you would like to donate new ones let me know or just send them in with your child.
Here is the wish list from the teachers. Would need 4 of each, one for each classroom
Pictionary
Jenga/Giant Jenga/Uno Jenga
Tenzi
Taboo
spot it (a few decks)
charades
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Hello Families,
It was nice to see all of your students again today. In science class, we ended 2019 by studying cells. Students specifically looked at plant and animal cells under the microscopes and observed how the cell membrane works by experimenting with an egg. 2020 introduces our study of the 11 Human Body Systems. (Heads up, this includes the reproductive system.) At the end of this unit, students will be able to apply what they learned to how the human body can react in a survival situation. Our integrated Winter Survival Unit will begin at the end of January and finish before February break.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Amy
Friday, December 13, 2019
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
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:
 |
Michael
Monday, November 4, 2019
Homework club cancelled forTuesday, November 5
If your child usually attends homework on Tuesdays please make alternate after school plans.
Monday, October 28, 2019
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.
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
** November 2, 2019 **
Tuesday, October 8, 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
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
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
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
Thursday, September 19, 2019
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 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
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
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.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
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
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
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
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
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
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
Monday, May 20, 2019
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:
If you are having trouble accessing the link please contact Liz Neeld at lneeld@cvsdvt.org.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)