I hope everyone had the opportunity to get outside and enjoy some of the amazing sun.
We've got a lot coming up not only this week, but the next few months. Things really kick in to high gear and it will be even more important that everyone get enough sleep, stay healthy, and know what's going on. Please read this post carefully and let me know if you have any questions.
NON
We are well on our way to amazing projects! Everyone has chosen a notable figure, written a business letter asking for information, and should have emailed an expert to request an interview. The interview is the hardest piece of Night of the Notables, but also has the potential to be the most impactful. Please talk to your student on a nightly basis and ask if they have scheduled their interview yet. If they do not hear back from their first round of inquiries by Monday, they should be sending out a second round of inquiries.
This weekend the only NON assignment was to go to the library and get books on their person. We will be starting the note taking process on Monday, so it's critical that everyone have their books with them. The next blog post will discuss how to choose the right resources.
Please be sure to keep May 7th on your calendar. That is the presentation night and all students are required to be there.
BOB
8th grade is doing a great job with their BOB battles. We have had 3 battles, with two wins and one loss. We have 2 more battles this week. The final battle is on Thursday at 8:15 AM. Parents are invited and we hope that you can join us, even if we don't make it!
History
We are studying the Civil Rights Movement and are in the midst of reading articles about the Freedom Riders as we watch the documentary about the same. In the coming weeks we will be studying many of the more influential moments of the Civil Rights Movement including the forced integration of schools, the idea of civil disobedience, sit ins, and teach ins. We will also be looking at what was going on at the government level including the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Fundraisers
There are several fundraisers going on right now. Some are school related some are class related. We understand that very few are able to support them all, and we don't expect you to. We hope that everyone will participate when and how they are able.
1. Auction - The PTA is hosting an auction in May 9th. The 2015 CHPCS Auction has a goal of raising $30,000 to assist with funding our school's enrichment programs, including Physical Education, Art, Science, Music, World Languages and Library. CHPCS receives 42% of the funding per student, that typical public schools receive. For the 2014/15 school-year, our main fundraiser will be a dinner and auction for adults only on May 9th.
Each class is doing two things for the auction. The first is a class project that will be up for bid. On our last field trip day we created two Little Free Libraries that turned out very well! These will be great additions to someone's yard. The second is a themed basket. Our theme is "Anti Stress". In an earlier blog post we brainstormed ideas for things to contribute to the basket. So far we have 3 items. If you are able to contribute something, we would greatly appreciate it.
2. Applebees - We have raised $3000 towards our class trip to Ashland. That is enough to stay for one night, see two plays, and do one workshop. In order to extend it to a second night and see more plays, we need to raise the other $2000. Mrs. Lehman has set up one last fundraiser for us. In April we will be hosting a pancake breakfast at Applebees. Tickets will be $10 and if everyone really chips in and helps to sell tickets, we should be able to make $2000 easily. Please start spreading the word to your friends and family.
Field Trips
As outlined in a recent blog post, we have a LOT of field trips coming up. So far I have very few chaperones. Please check your calendar and let me know which you can join us for. If we don't have enough chaperones, I need to cancel them so others may fill those spots. The deadline for each trip will be two weeks prior. Also, if you expressed interest in attending the Ashland trip, I need an email this week. We will be doing the lottery for spots on Friday. So far I have heard from only one person.
Promotion
As we head in to spring, I know some of you are already thinking about promotion. It will be held at school on the last day of of the school year. It is a dressy event with knee length or longer dresses or slacks and button up shirts. Dresses must cover the shoulders. As you're starting to look for outfits, if you have questions about suitability, I'm happy to preview via text message.