Display boards are coming home today. Each student receives a board. Partnered projects receive one board per team. Please note, we did not purchase extra boards so if the first one is misplaced, the student is responsible for providing a replacement.
We talked in class about how to set up a science project display, and the students have actual projects from a recent science fair as examples. For reference, the back of the display board has a schema. You will also find that information here:
http://jsisweb.com/sites/default/files/webfiles/science-fair/display.pdf.
We encourage the students to type their information and include pictures, charts, graphs and tables to support of their experiment. If your student does not have access to a computer, please let Ms. Nani know and we will make arrangements for a volunteer to partner with your student to do this.
We will continue to mentor through next week, and I am excited that many kids are taking advantage of it. Please remind your students to bring their data to school next week to help focus our mentoring sessions.
Thanks,
Arlene Murray
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Science Fair Wrap-Up
A science mentor (NOAA fisheries biologist) and I talked with your kids on Tuesday (4/6). We were able to speak one to one with some students. We are using the attached worksheet. Please encourage your students to bring their data to school this week and next so we're able to maximize our classroom time.
It's time for your students to:
1. Wrap up the investigation part of their Science Fair projects
2. Turn their attention towards analyzing the data they've gathered, and
3. Think about how to communicate what they have done.
We will provide mentoring again this Thur, and Tues & Thur of next week. Here is what we will work on:
Some students have questions that are still so broad it will be difficult to prove a hypothesis. They will need to narrow down their questions and hypotheses into something workable that honors the data they've gathered so far.
Some students have a lot of data and are having a hard time figuring out what to do with it. They will need to think through how the data can be put together in a meaningful way to support their hypotheses and conclusions.
Other students don't have enough data. In having them walk through their projects, they may find details and observations they hadn't noted down. Pictures may help tell the story.
What to expect on April 22nd
Judging will occur during the school day. This is a non-scored, non-competitive science fair. One judge will talk with each student or team for 15 minutes and draw from them how well he/she/they have understood and applied the scientific method and what they've learned from the process. Attached is a judge's form so you understand the high-level criteria the judges will be listening for.
On the evening of April 22nd, from 6:00-8:00pm, we will hold a Family Celebration. Families are invited to school to view all the projects and talk to the budding scientists behind the projects.
I know how hard your students have been working. The kids have definitely invested time in their experiments and it shows. Please continue to support them in the way you have in the run up to the science fair. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Arlene Murray
It's time for your students to:
1. Wrap up the investigation part of their Science Fair projects
2. Turn their attention towards analyzing the data they've gathered, and
3. Think about how to communicate what they have done.
We will provide mentoring again this Thur, and Tues & Thur of next week. Here is what we will work on:
Some students have questions that are still so broad it will be difficult to prove a hypothesis. They will need to narrow down their questions and hypotheses into something workable that honors the data they've gathered so far.
Some students have a lot of data and are having a hard time figuring out what to do with it. They will need to think through how the data can be put together in a meaningful way to support their hypotheses and conclusions.
Other students don't have enough data. In having them walk through their projects, they may find details and observations they hadn't noted down. Pictures may help tell the story.
What to expect on April 22nd
Judging will occur during the school day. This is a non-scored, non-competitive science fair. One judge will talk with each student or team for 15 minutes and draw from them how well he/she/they have understood and applied the scientific method and what they've learned from the process. Attached is a judge's form so you understand the high-level criteria the judges will be listening for.
On the evening of April 22nd, from 6:00-8:00pm, we will hold a Family Celebration. Families are invited to school to view all the projects and talk to the budding scientists behind the projects.
I know how hard your students have been working. The kids have definitely invested time in their experiments and it shows. Please continue to support them in the way you have in the run up to the science fair. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Arlene Murray
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Hamilton Orchestra Auditions
This message is for you if your student plans to play in one of Hamilton’s orchestras next year (string instruments) – if he or she has played before. Hamilton has both advanced and beginning classes – but “auditions” are not required for the beginning classes.
“Auditions” are a chance for your student to play for the teacher so that he or she will be placed into the right class.
Orchestra auditions will take place from April 26 through 30.
Auditions will also be held for band classes (all instruments except strings) – but the date for that has not been set
Below is the message directly from Kathy Tanaka, the Co-President of “Friends of Music at Hamilton International” (FOMAHI – the band/orchestra parent organization):
Hamilton International Middle School will be holding auditions for incoming orchestra students. Auditions will be held in the orchestra room (C-104), April 26th-30th from 3:00-4:30 p.m. Students who have experience playing a string instrument are encouraged to contact Hamilton Orchestra and Choir Director Naomi Mandojana at nmmandojana@seattleschools.org or 252-5885 to schedule an audition.
Please note that there are no auditions for students who wish to sign-up for Choir or Beginning Orchestra (which is appropriate for students with no prior training or experience playing a string instrument).
For more information about instrumental music and choir at Hamilton, please visit our web site at www.fomahi.org
“Auditions” are a chance for your student to play for the teacher so that he or she will be placed into the right class.
Orchestra auditions will take place from April 26 through 30.
Auditions will also be held for band classes (all instruments except strings) – but the date for that has not been set
Below is the message directly from Kathy Tanaka, the Co-President of “Friends of Music at Hamilton International” (FOMAHI – the band/orchestra parent organization):
Hamilton International Middle School will be holding auditions for incoming orchestra students. Auditions will be held in the orchestra room (C-104), April 26th-30th from 3:00-4:30 p.m. Students who have experience playing a string instrument are encouraged to contact Hamilton Orchestra and Choir Director Naomi Mandojana at nmmandojana@seattleschools.org or 252-5885 to schedule an audition.
Please note that there are no auditions for students who wish to sign-up for Choir or Beginning Orchestra (which is appropriate for students with no prior training or experience playing a string instrument).
For more information about instrumental music and choir at Hamilton, please visit our web site at www.fomahi.org
Monday, March 1, 2010
JSIS to Hamilton Enrollment
Last Friday, Sam got his letter from the school district saying he is enrolled at Hamilton! But – if your child’s letter does not say Hamilton, and he or she wants to continue with language immersion at Hamilton – you can apply for a seat at Hamilton. JSIS students are guaranteed placement at Hamilton, but if your letter does not say Hamilton you must “apply”.
Open enrollment (the “application” period) is March 1 through March 31. “School choice” forms are available online at www.seattleschools.org, or call 252-0760 (enrollment services) or 252-7750 (bilingual family center).
For more information about the enrollment/”application” process see www.keepourkidstogether.org. That site has general information but nothing specific about Hamilton/JSIS.
Remember – your child is guaranteed a seat at Hamilton – but only if you apply!
Open enrollment (the “application” period) is March 1 through March 31. “School choice” forms are available online at www.seattleschools.org, or call 252-0760 (enrollment services) or 252-7750 (bilingual family center).
For more information about the enrollment/”application” process see www.keepourkidstogether.org. That site has general information but nothing specific about Hamilton/JSIS.
Remember – your child is guaranteed a seat at Hamilton – but only if you apply!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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