Due Dates for Architecture and Science Fair Projects

There are two projects going on in 5th grade that require some parent/guardian participation. These are the Architecture Project and the Science Fair Project.

Architecture Project:
The Architecture Project is due Friday, March 5. The kids are working either alone or in groups to build a scaled model of a building (Empire State Building, Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, etc). The models are typically built at home, and parents can help -- but not too much! If your child is working with other kids in a group, it is good to contact them and work together.

Science Fair Project:
Last week, the kids submitted their ideas for the upcoming Science Fair (ask your child if he/she submitted an idea, or needs to submit one late). Again, kids may be working alone or in groups. This project will also require some work outside class and parent/guardian participation and coordination with the families of other kids in your group. Science Fair projects are due April 20. The projects will be set up in the 3rd floor hallway on April 20, and kids will "present" their project on April 22.

You Got Into Hamilton! (Just One Thing to Do)

The school board voted a couple of weeks ago to allow ALL John Stanford 5th graders to attend Hamilton next year -- no matter where you live in the city. Yay!!

But -- if you live outside the Hamilton attendance area, you will need to APPLY to go to Hamilton during "open enrollment", which is basically the month of March.

If you live outside the Hamilton attendance area, you will receive a letter in the mail with an assignment to the middle school in your neighborhood. The letter will include information about how to apply during the open enrollment period to change your assignment to another school. Once you apply to Hamilton (put it as your FIRST choice), then your kid is assured a seat at Hamilton. But you MUST APPLY. So be on the lookout for the letter in the mail.

Spectrum -- and Appeal by Feb 24

"Advanced learning" notifications came in the mail the other day. If your child got into Spectrum -- congratulations! If he or she didn't, and you want to appeal that decision, you will need to file the appeal before February 24. Ms. Nani may be able to help you with the appeal (and she is a fan of wine -- hint, hint).

You need to mail the appeal or take it to the district office -- 2445 3rd Ave. N. Appeals cannot be filed by email.

Remember -- "Spectrum" is ONLY Language Arts (English) and Social Studies classes at Hamilton. Entrance to honors math class (working at the 7th grade level in 6th grade) is done completely separate from the "advanced learning" application and testing. When I get more information about how kids get into honors math, I'll let you know.

Hamilton Tour Dates -- March

If you missed the tours in February, Hamilton is holding two tours in March for 5th grade students and their families:

Thursday, March 11, 8:30-10:30am
Thursday, March 11, 1:00-2:30pm

The tours are held at Hamilton at Lincoln, 4400 Interlake Ave. N.