Hello Sterling Families,
Students finished up their study of weather events last week. They created a weather forecast using Wevideo where they had to use real data to explain a weather event in the US. The students learned how to use a green screen and definitely tapped into some creativity!
Students have moved on to the study of matter. We started with an introduction to the periodic table. Students made cool name-tags by making their names out of the letters from the periodic table. These will be hanging in the hallway if you would like to take a look. Currently, we are focused on chemical and physical changes.
I will be out on the school exchange trip to China April 19, 20, 30 and May 1st. Mr. C, Joy's intern, will be substituting for me. He knows the students and schedule well. I hope you all have a safe and restful break!
Amy
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Monday, April 9, 2018
Thursday, March 29, 2018
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
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
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
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
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
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!
Happy Spring!
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
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
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
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Important Dates between now and the end of the year
Friday, February 23rd-- Olympic Unit Open House 8-9am
Friday, March 23rd-- NO SCHOOL-- Day reserved for parent conferences
Wednesday, May 2nd-May 9th-- Sterling SBAC Testing
Thursday, May 10th-- Nighttime Performance for Sterling Plays (Times to be announced, 1st play starts @ 5:30pm)
Thursday, June 7th-Friday, June 8th-- 6th Grade Overnight Campout @ Grand Isle State Park
Thursday, June 14th*-- All House end of year trip (location to be announced) -- Rain Date of Wednesday, June 13th*
*-Assuming last day of school is shifted officially by school board due to snow days.
Friday, March 23rd-- NO SCHOOL-- Day reserved for parent conferences
Wednesday, May 2nd-May 9th-- Sterling SBAC Testing
Thursday, May 10th-- Nighttime Performance for Sterling Plays (Times to be announced, 1st play starts @ 5:30pm)
Thursday, June 7th-Friday, June 8th-- 6th Grade Overnight Campout @ Grand Isle State Park
Thursday, June 14th*-- All House end of year trip (location to be announced) -- Rain Date of Wednesday, June 13th*
*-Assuming last day of school is shifted officially by school board due to snow days.
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