Let the week of chaos begin :)In HISTORY: My tidy side says, "Noooo....don't do it!!!" - but my teacher side says, "You must, you must, they love and they learn so much!!!" ---- so here we go....the ever popular group maps of Washington state :) The students received information on the pre-map work (this will be info for a map test following this week), a packet that details the expectations for the map project, and tomorrow (Monday) they will be placed into their groups, decide what materials they need to bring, complete their templates, and begin construction on Wednesday (probably finished by Friday). This is a group project, and a small portion of their grade is based on how well they work on a group, but I try very hard to assess each individual student in terms of their contribution and do not give a blanket group score. In ENGLISH: Blocks 2 and 3 received directions and were shown multiple examples for their first book project. This is to be completed a week from tomorrow and will be done outside of class. I allow for a variety of formats to allow students to capitalize on their strengths....creativity, tidiness, technology, etc.... Finally....THE MAGAZINE DRIVE: Block 2 will be my group this year --- I of course love the energy and competitive nature of this event, but I also feel strongly about helping the students understand that this an opportunity for them to be active, contributing citizens of their school community. I encourage them to think of all the ways they benefit from ASB funding (sports, clubs, dances, spirit assemblies, filters on the water fountains, etc....) and that by selling at least one subscription, they give back to those programs. This should be a fun event, and I hope all will contribute. Ownership of the programs that make Lincoln special is a really important step towards becoming a contributing member of society on a larger scale :) Please support them in their efforts!

End of week three! MAPS testing in English is today and the math MAPS will take place 9/16 - students who miss either test will be scheduled for a retake. In class we turned in our Music and Me essays on Wednesday. Today is the last day for 1/2 credit. Some students shared bits of their essay along with their chosen songs via the new icube that Mr. Riley and I purchased for our classrooms with booster grant money last year - adding that technology has been wonderful :)! (we also combined money and purchased a flip-video recorder so we can video presentations etc....also a great addition to our classrooms). We had our first quiz yesterday in Washington State History. Most of the quizes for WSH are pretty straight forward with the questions for the quiz coming directly from the assigned chapter questions - so students who complete their assignments and review their answers should do quite well on these assessments. Next week we will continue with Ch. 2 WSH, introduce the group map project (blocks 2 and 3 will need supplies for this - your student should know what they need by the end of next week) --- We will be finishing our choice books and they will begin a book project in class on Friday. Enjoy the weekend and what might possibly be our last breath of summer :( kw
PS - a few students have yet to turn in their video/field trip permission slips - please check to see if your student falls into that category :)