I hope you are well.  Time continues to pass by quickly as our students continue to grow and learn daily.  We appreciate you and all that you do. 

This past week students engaged in the Shared Inquiry method using the Junior Great Books materials.   Students had an opportunity to engage in rich discussion around a piece of literature.  Teachers served as the facilitator/session leader as students learned how to interpret text and learn from their classmates.  This week our students will continue with another rich discussion using the Junior Great materials before moving on to a new complex piece of literature.    Please take a moment to ask your student what Junior Great story they read and what they learned from the discussion. 

In math, teachers are exploring the Upside Down Teaching method.  Teaching upside down involves the teacher presenting students with a problem and allowing the students to grapple with the problem as the teacher monitors students' progress.  After some time, the teacher begins to interact with the students, asking them questions to challenge their thinking before solidifying the rules and mathematical procedure. 

Students also recently learned their reading level and worked with their teachers to set academic goals.  Please ask your student their reading level and what they plan to do to reach their goals.

Our lost and found area is overflowing.  At the end of the week, all unclaimed and unmarked item will be donated.  If your child is missing any items, please stop by the main office and check our lost and found area.  

This month is Bully Awareness month.  Students have engaged in a discussion with their teachers about bullying and have participated in an activity called Above the Line/Below the Line.   Students worked to identify the types of words and actions that are positive "Above the Line" and words and actions that are negative "Below the Line".   Starting this week and continuing throughout the year, we will look for and recognize students who exhibit "Above the Line" behaviors.  

Please do not forget that every Friday is spirit Friday. Students may wear any combination of the colors: green and gold.   The online store where you can go to purchase spirit wear is still closed.  However, I am working with the vendor to have it reopened very soon.  

Have a great week!

Jamie Miles

Pete's New Haven Style Pizza

962 Wayne Ave 

Silver Spring, MD