Dear SRMS Families,
As in years past, the Sanborn District will be administering the NWEA assessments in the areas of Reading and Mathematics. In order to make this a success, please read the following letter as it contains vital information for parents regarding test preparedness.
**Just a reminder that we are closing the parent survey on Monday, September 21 at noon.
If you have not filled out the Medical Emergency forms, please do so by Friday September 25th.
Please join me for a virtual Coffee and Conversation on Thursday September 24th at 11 am. Click on the Zoom Link to join the meeting is listed below.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/4855029207?pwd=VlBQUVhvWEFDcXMxbzR5cjBkQ1MyUT09
Meeting ID: 485 502 9207
Passcode: SRMS
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,4855029207# US (Germantown)
+16465588656,,4855029207# US (New York)
Team News:
Grade 7:
Seventh Grade Update:
I hope you all had a lovely weekend! The second week of school went very well. Students are starting to adjust to their schedules and getting back into the routine of school. To help out with this adjustment, on the next page we have included a list of suggested dos and don’ts of distance learning that we believe will help all children be more successful. Please take a moment to review it and share it with your children. Also included in this chart is a list of important and suggested supplies for students. If you have any trouble acquiring these supplies, please let us know and we can assist you!
Social Studies: We had a great week in social studies! We discussed the tragic events of September 11th and how events that occur elsewhere in the world can impact us here in the United States. We are building an understanding about how countries of the world are interconnected as we embark on our studies of other regions. We also reviewed maps, globes and map features; students then applied this information to making maps of their yard. Their map assignment is also connected to their studies of trees in science (they are identifying 8-10 trees on their maps). Next week, students will be completing the final draft of their maps, which will count as their first formative assessment. We will also be working on identifying continents and oceans and practicing direction.
English Language Arts: This week, students read the short story “Seventh Grade” and wrote a practice summary. Next week, we will write a formative summary for another of Soto’s short stories called, “The Challenge.” We will also complete the school district’s informational writing prompt. Students should come to class next week with an informational topic that they know really well and can write about. This could be a science topic, a social studies topic, a sport they play, a hobby they have, etc. They are also allowed to use an informational text on their topic to help them as they write.
Mathematics: After completing our Four 4’s activity, we practiced using the order of operations this week. We will continue to practice this important skill by analyzing student strategies and how errors are made. We also kicked off our first unit, Proportional Relationships. In this unit, students develop the idea of a proportional relationship by building on what they learned about equivalent ratios in 6th grade. Understanding proportional relationships will prepare students for their study of linear functions in 8th grade. I encourage students to use the Resources that have been provided to them in the Classwork Section of their Google Classroom and to reach out whenever they need some assistance. I’m happy to set up Zoom appointments to meet with students separately whenever needed.
Science: Last week the kids did an excellent job making graphs using Google Sheets and doing an investigation to learn about the species and age of their trees at home. I was especially proud of how helpful they are with each other, giving helpful suggestions and problem solving. This week, we will start our first unit on the Periodic Table of Elements. Students will learn about some elements and how the table is organized. It is our first introduction to Chemistry! Students are also encouraged to ask questions in an email or ask for extra help in a Zoom after lunch if they need it. I’m happy to help and answer any question
Helpful Hints for Virtual Learning:
Grade 8:
Another great week for Grade 8. Students seem to have mastered their schedules and are doing a good job of submitting quality work in a timely manner. Assignment deadlines are for 11:59PM, but in most cases there is ample time provided during class meetings for work to be completed.
For students who miss class or may need to review lessons, each day they will find a video that provides instruction and an overview of the day’s work to be completed. Friday is a day for students to get caught up. Please remind your student to be checking their email frequently and to use the Google Classroom To-Do feature to stay up to date with assignments. As always, if your child has any questions please have them reach out to us via email.
Counselor’s Corner :
I hope everyone had a great first week of school! I’m so excited that I have been able to start meeting with students and parents through Zoom and getting to know SRMS better. If you would like to meet with me please send me an email at marena@sau17.net. From there I can set up a Zoom/phone call or, for students, we can chat through Google hangouts.
Schedule’s are done for this year! Students (with the exception of Band/Chorus) will be rotating their UA’s every quarter, so this rotation will be ending on October 23rd. Schedules with quarter 2, 3, and 4 UA’s will be sent home before that date. If you need to make a schedule change please email me by Friday, September 25th. After that date schedules will be locked, and changes will only be made for extenuating circumstances.
Don’t forget to join my Google classroom! The code is cq5xeev. I will be using Google classroom to post announcements, updates, and anything else that may come from the Counseling Office. I also have my “virtual office” posted with links to resources and other supports families may need.
Special Education:
I find it ironic when I read signs that say, “We’re all in this together”. Most days I feel so overwhelmed and completely isolated having to juggle taking care of my family, working, and making sure my child is actually learning remotely. I put on my mask, and talk with other parents. I watch the news and see that most communities across the country are struggling with all the same issues. I realize we really are all in this together. Hang in there. It won’t last forever.
As a parent of a remote learner, I have searched endless articles on how to best support my child. Here are some Distance Learning Tips I have found most helpful. I stumbled across these tips in an article (posted below).
DISTANCE LEARNING TIPS:
Establish routines and expectations
Choose a good place to learn
Stay in touch
Help students ‘own’ their learning
Begin and end the day by checking-in
Establish times for quiet and reflection
Encourage physical activity and exercise
Manage stress and make the most of an unusual situation
For More information, click on the article below.
Library News:
Interested In Adult Education? Click on the link below to find out more
Technology:
Help Desk:
Students/parents can email helpdesk@sau17.net to put in a ticket, or call the main SAU number (603) 642-3688, press # and leave a message.
Tutorial for Parents (Google Classroom/ Zoom)
Free and Reduced Lunch Form:
