Happy Holidays Teacher Gifts

Sharon and I aren't doing a class-wide collection, so you're on your own for providing teacher holiday gifts.

5th Grade Camp Meeting -- January 16, 6pm

Ms. Nani will hold an information meeting about 5th-grade camp trip on Wednesday, January 16 at 6:00pm, probably in Nani's classroom.

Everyone can help prepare for the trip even if you're not planning to be a camp chaperone.

The entire 5th grade goes to camp on May 5, 6 and 7 (Monday through Wednesday).

Whitman M.S. Tour Dates

Whitman Middle School Tours are Tuesday, January 8, 15 and 29 and Thursday, January 10, 24 and February 7th Tours start at 8:30am in the Whitman Auditorium.

There will also be an evening tour on Tuesday, January 29 from 7-8:30pm. No appointments are necessary for tours.

Middle School Information Night at Whittier 1/17/08

The Whittier Elementary School PTA is hosting a Middle School Information Night from 7:00 to 8:30pm on Thursday, January 17, 2008. Whittier is located at 1320 N.W. 75th St. and the meeting will be in the school cafeteria.

This event is for 4th and 5th grade students and their parents/guardians. Representatives from Whitman, Salmon Bay, McClure, Hamilton, Broadview Thompson and Eckstein will give short presentations and will be available to answer your questions.

Hamilton Immersion Tour Date -- Really, This Time

The REAL date for the Hamilton Immersion program tour is (really) Tuesday, January 22 from 8:30 to 10:00am.

Sorry for the confusion about the dates. The day of the tour is wrong on the District website (it says Thursday), and someone in the Hamilton office thought the tour was on January 10. But -- Sharon R. gets it from Katie Cryan (the Hamilton principal) that the Immersion Tour is really, really on January 22.

More Middle School Tours

For a complete list of Seattle public middle school tour dates (Whitman, McClure, Washington, etc, etc), click here:

http://www.seattleschools.org/area/eso/tours/middle.pdf

Hamilton Meeting's in the Library Tonight

The meeting tonight is in the JSIS library -- not the cafeteria (like it said in the previous posts, and on the flyer). See you tonight.

Hamilton Night, Thursday, November 29

One more reminder about "Hamilton Night". It's tomorrow -- Thursday, November 29 at 7:00pm in the JSIS cafeteria.

Both the new Hamilton principal, Katie Cryan, and assistant principal Jesley Alvarez will be at the meeting to answer all your questions. Katie is quite impressive, and I think she's doing great things for Hamilton.

If you're out of ideas for child care -- you're welcome to bring your kid to my house to watch movies with Joe. Let me know at n.dambrosia@comcast.net or at 545-7275/406-4068.

Hamilton and Eckstein Tour Schedule

Get ready for the parade of middle schools!!

ECKSTEIN MIDDLE SCHOOL TOUR SCHEDULE
Eckstein Middle School (grades 6-8) -- 3003 N.E. 75th St., Seattle, 98115 -- 206-252-5010
Daytime Tours: January 17, 22 and 31; February 7 and 12 from 9:00 to 10:30am. No reservations required. Meet in the cafeteria.
Evening Tour: February 11, 7:00 to 8:00pm. No reservations required. Meet in the library.

HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL TOUR SCHEDULE
Hamilton Middle School (grades 6-8) -- 1610 N. 41st St., Seattle, 98103 -- 206-252-5810
Spanish and Japanese Language Immersion Tour: Tuesday, January 22, 8:30 to 10:00am
General Daytime Tours: January 29 and February 5; 8:30 to 10:00am and 12:30 to 2:00pm both days.
Evening Tour: February 12, 7:00 to 8:00pm

5th grade students are welcome at these tours, and their absence from school is excused.

Notes from Ms. Nani -- Dictionaries and Biographies

Dictionaries: Each student should have their own personal dictionary to keep in their desk in Ms. Nani's classroom.

Biographies: Each students needs to know which two biography books they will be reading for the biography book reports. The two reports are due on November 30. Ask you child if they have the books. Book choices should be mixed -- women, men, U.S., international, different ethnic groups, etc.

It's ok to purchase a biography book for your child if they want something specific. Donations to the classroom library are graciously accepted if you don't need the book at home!

Upcoming Field Trip Dates

Spanish 5th grade will have these field trips over the next two months:

1) Jazz Nutcracker at Roosevelt High School, November 29
2) Tin Soldier stage play, December 7

Also, about 1/2 of the Spanish 5th grade will go (along with about 1/2 of the Japanese 5th grade) to a Martin Luther King event at Mt. Zion Baptist church or or around January 15. Details to follow.

Media Day for Roots of Empathy -- Japanese 5th on TV November 15?

Tomorrow, Thursday November 15, is "Media Day" for Roots of Empathy, the program our 5th graders are pilot-testing for Seattle schools.

Various reporters (TV, newspaper, etc) will be observing the Japanese 5th grade class's Roots of Empathy session. But it's just the Japanese class who will be media stars. That's because of timing -- it needs to be in English, and the J class is with Ms. Nani all day tomorrow.

Watch the papers and TV news and listen to radio news to look for our JSIS students! Catherine Hinrichsen, the 5th grade Japanese class room rep requests that you let her know if you see their class in any media presentation. You can contact her at chinrichsen@seanet.com.

Chinese Ribbon Dance for 5th Grade Girls

Is your daughter interested in performing Ribbon Dance this year? Ms. Wei (our BOC teacher and Ribbon Dance coach) would like to get a preliminary count as to how many are interested.

Practices will be twice per week immediately after school. Bus transportation after practice is not provided, so each family must make their own arrangements to pick up their daughter. Those interested should contact Judy Shoji at jnshoji@hotmail.com.

Hamilton Night -- November 29

"Hamilton Night" is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7:00pm. This is an information night for parents who are considering Hamilton for their kids next year. Hamilton teachers will be attending, and there will be a panel question and answer with Hamilton parents who have had kids at JSIS in the past. (Please leave children at home so we can talk candidly about both positives and any challenges.)

Habrá una reunión con información sobre la escuela intermedia Internacional de Hamilton la noche del 29 de nov. (empezando a las 7pm). Habrá traducción.

Wallingford Banner Art -- JSIS 5th Grade (Sign up quick!)

Next Monday, November 19, after school (1:20-2:50), the JSIS 5th graders have been invited to attend a workshop to make banners that will be hung from street-light poles in Wallingford. You MUST RSVP; space is limited to 20 kids.

Contact Charlotte Trelease at charlott@nwlink.com or 547-9956.

Si su hijo/a quiere participar en una actividad para crear banderas para los faroles de Wallingford hay 20 plazas para el 19 de noviembre de las 1:20-2:50 en la escuela (JSIS).

Debe responder a Charlotte Trelease a charlott@nwlink.com or 547-9956.

Peter Pan This Friday, November 16

Peter Pan, Friday Nov. 16 at 7pm on the JSIS lunchroom stage: A number of 5th graders will be performing in this production from the after-school drama class. Our own Finn stars as Peter Pan!

Algunos estudiantes de 5º grado estarán en una obra de Peter Pan el viernes 19 de nov. en la cafetería a las 7pm. La nuestra super-estrella Finn es Peter Pan!

Middle School Meetings Coming Up!

1. Jueves, 29 de nov. 7pm: Información sobre la Escuela Intermedia Internacional de Hamilton (en JSIS). Vendrán la directora (Katie Cryan), algunos maestros, y algunos padres/madres con niños en Hamilton para hablar con nosotros sobre la escuela y el programa de inmersión.

Thursday, November 29, 2007: Hamilton International Middle School information night featuring question and answer with the Hamilton principal, Katie Cryan, and parents from JSIS & HIMS.

2. 17 de enero, 7-8:30pm (en la escuela de Whittier, parece): Información sobre las escuelas intermedias en la parte norte de la ciudad. Vendrán representantes de las escuelas intermedias y nos informarán sobre sus escuelas.

January 17, 2008, 7-8:30pm (at Whittier elementary, we think) North-end Middle School Fair: representatives from the public north-end middle schools come and give a short presentation and are available with more information and to answer questions at tables around the room.

Parent-Teacher Conference Schedule

Horario de reunions con los maestros.
Schedule of Parent-Teacher Conferences:
Si tiene que cambiar algo, favor de avisar a los maestros lo más pronto posible.
If you need to change your meeting time, please contact the teachers as soon as possible!

Here's the schedule (for a better chart format -- see your most recent email from Sharon).

Wednesday, November 14:
2:00 Kaya
2:25 Angelina
3:15 Nick
4:30 Emilio
4:55 Gabrielle
5:15 Joe

Thursday, November 15
2:00 Pablo
2:25 Brian
2:50 Gabriel
3:15 Eric
4:05 Grace
4:30 Madeline
4:55 Eduardo
5:15 Will

Friday, November 16
2:00 Ethan
2:50 Wylie
3:15 Carlos
4:05 Alexa
4:55 Clare F.
5:15 Luia

Monday, November 19
2:00 Rafa
2:25 Angel
2:50 Kimberly
3:15 Yarabit
4:05 Kieran
4:30 Claire M.
4:55 Rosa
5:15 Finn

5th Grade Ultimate Frisbee Pick-Up Games

If your kid still needs some outdoor activity, even though it's getting colder -- maybe they would like to try Ultimate Frisbee!

Peggy Rice and Pete Barnouw (Maya's parents from the J-5 class) coached the JSIS Ultimate team last spring. They're now offering pick-up games for 5th graders at Wallingford park, starting this Sunday, November 11, at 11:00am. No committment -- just drop in when you can.

For more information contact Peggy at 675-8544 or peteandpeg@comcast.net

Parent-Teacher Conferences Start Today (through Wed, 11/21)

Parent-teacher conferences start today – school ends at 1:10pm!
You should have received a reminder for your conference with your student’s teachers (it was attached to a letter from Sr. Hester dated 11/2/07). The teachers have specifically asked that you share any concerns about your student and his or her work. You might be interested in an article put out by the National PTA called “Making Parent-Teacher Conferences Work for Your Child”. Most of it is common sense but the guidelines are useful to see again and the prep and follow-up suggestions are helpful. http://www.pta.org/archive_article_details_1118085766734.html

Reuniones entre padres y maestros empiezan hoy – ¡los niños salen a la 1:10!
Deben haber recibido un recordatorio de la hora y fecha de su conferencia con los maestros de su hijo/a. (Llegó a casa con una carta de Sr. Hester el 2 de nov.) Los maestros han pedido que compartamos con ellos cualquier duda que tenemos sobre nuestros hijos y su trabajo en la escuela. Aquí tienen un sitio web para un artículo llamado “Recomendaciones para que las Reuniones entre Padres y Maestros Beneficien a Su Hijo” A mi me gustan las sugerencias de cómo prepararse para la reunión y que hacer después. http://www.pta.org/spanish/a12_ptconferences.asp

Sharon Rodgers

Carkeek Park Field Trip -- Meet Them There

Both 5th grade classes are going on a Land, Water and Salmon Science Unit field trip to Carkeek Park on Monday (November 5). Parents are invited to meet the class at the lower meadow at 10am. The can use at least four volunteers (but the bus is packed with kids, so parents need to meet the class at the meadow).

Busses will leave school at 9:30am and return to school at 12:30pm. The class will eat lunch after they return. 12:30 is later than the normal lunch period, so bring a lunch that day, or be sure to let Ms. Nani know that your child will be buying a sack lunch from school (yes, that is available).

Be sure to dress warmly for this trip!

5th Grade Haunted House -- Great Scary Fun!

What a great Haunted House the 5th graders put together for the Monster Mash! Oooh, those kindergarteners were really scared!

Thank you to Susan Schudie (Ian's mom), Alec Carlin (Luc's dad) and Peggy Rice (Maya's mom) for making everything run smoothly. Special thanks to Claire M.'s grandpa Ted for his extraordinary talent with cardboard, paint and old bike innertubes. And thank you Colleen Kennelly (Grace's mom) for providing a strobe light when we really needed it! (Thanks to many, many others who made the HH possible -- too many to name.)

The bake sale went well too -- cash was rolling in! Thanks to all the great parents (like Araceli Hernandez), who worked the sale.

Save These Dates -- Middle School Enrollment

City-Wide Middle School (and Kindergarten) Fair, Saturday, January 12
9:00am to noon at the Stanford Center, 2445 3rd Ave. S. (3rd Ave S. and S. Lander St, south of Safeco Field, two blocks east of Sears). The "fair" features school exhibits and enrollment information. Talk to school representatives and enrollment specialists. Attend a presentation and get your questions answered. Bilingual staff will be available to serve as interpreters and answer questions.

South Seattle All Grades Enrollment Fair, Saturday, February 2, 2008
Asa Mercer Middle School -- 1600 Columbian Way
Similar to the city-wide fair, but more information about south seattle middle schools. Bilingual staff will be available.

ENROLLMENT PERIOD - January 22 through February 29, 2008
Apply at any time during this period to qualify for on-time enrollment. 5th grade families will receive an Enrollment Guide and school application form in the mail by the end of January. You MUST submit an enrollment application in order to have your choice of a public middle school. Applications can be returned by mail, fax or in person. (If you don't receive the enrollment package in the mail by the end of January, please contact the enrollment center.)

North Enrollment Center:
Wilson-Pacific Building
1330 N. 90th St.
phone: 206-252-4765

Class Email, October 25

Monster Mash could still use a few more volunteers in the general volunteer category especially: 1) people to set up on Friday afternoon, 2) parking safety volunteers (a great opportunity to get away from the bustle inside) and 3) “Runner” for the 3rd shift (i.e., chat with other parents and make sure booths stay stocked with candy). Again, contact the ever-gracious Sandi Olsen for more information or to volunteer sandrahowardolson@yahoo.com.

From the Community – Community Meeting TONIGHT: On Saturday, October 6th there was an attempted abduction of a child in the Ravenna neighborhood. While child abduction by strangers remains a very rare crime, many people have expressed an interest in getting together to discuss the topic. From 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, October 25th the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center is hosting a discussion with Diane Horswill, Crime Prevention Officer for the Seattle Police Department. Diane will discuss the incident on October 6th, and ways that communities can be more vigilant in deterring crimes. This event is for adults only; families can decide for themselves how to broach these issues with children.

Sharon Rodgers

Seattle Times Today 10/24

The Seattle Times reports today that Ms. Nani doesn't want parents to call with questions about homework. Asking questions until they understand the expectations is the children's job.

Rosa's mom Andrea writes a great column for the editorial pages of the Times. She has great wisdom in the world of 5th-grade-into-middle school. Click here to see the full article --

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2003970756_andrea24.html

Class Email, October 22

Fairy Tale Presentations: Ms. Nani reminds us that our students have been working on oral presentations of their fairy tales and that those need to be ready for a practice session with Ms. Nani by Wednesday. She will be meeting with students on Thursday and Friday to work with them before they present their fairy tales to other classes at the beginning of next week. The presentation consists of a retelling of the fairy tale – without reading from a script. Our students will need to practice with you at home over the next few days.

Classroom Wish List:
1) Ms. Nani still would like a small vacuum cleaner for the classroom.
2) Remember to send in a pocket dictionary for your student’s desk.

Monster Mash: We still need volunteers for the Monster Mash. www.jsisweb.com/jsis/current_events/2007_monster_mash_vol_opps.pdf. Contact Sandi Olsen sandrahowardolson@yahoo.com. Also remember to send in finger food baked goods!

Presentaciones de los cuentos de hada: Maestra Nani nos recuerda que las presentaciones de nuestros estudiantes de los cuentos de hada deben estar preparadas para el miércoles. Ella trabajará con cada estudiante el jueves y el viernes para asegurarse que los estudiantes estén listos a presentar sus cuentos de hada para otras clases en la escuela a principios de la semana que viene. Los estudiantes deben contar los cuentos – sin leer del libro. Deben practicar con nosotros en casa los próximos días.

Cosas para el aula:
1) A Maestra Nani todavía le hace falta una aspiradora para el aula.
2) Si tienen un diccionario (o ingles o ingles/español) para su estudiante por favor envíelo a la escuela con su hijo/a.

Fiesta de Halloween. Necesitamos más ayuda con la fiesta de Halloween este sábado! Pónganse en contacto conmigo para más información (Sharon, la mama de Claire Munro.)

Class Email, October 16

Private School applications:
Chris and Jane in the office ask that if you are applying to a private middle school for next year to please: 1) Request your child's JSIS record at least 10 days prior to the private school application due date, and 2) Include an addressed, postage paid envelope. Be sure to include enough postage - some schools request numerous pages of information and mailing them require more than one stamp.

Solicitudes para Escuelas Privadas:
Las señoras Chris y Jane en la oficina piden que si necesitan información de la escuela para una solicitud para una escuela privada, por favor: 1) Pedírselo por lo menos 10 días antes de la fecha de cierre, y 2) Incluir un sobre con estampillas y la dirección de la escuela.

Monster Mash October 27, 7pm: Volunteers needed!
The 5th Grade Spanish and Japanese classes will set up and staff the Haunted House and Bake Sale booths at the Monster Mash. Set up will take place earlier that day on Saturday, Oct. 27. Several people have offered to help with the Haunted House and we definitely need more people to help 1) set up, 2) staff and 3) bake for the Bake Sale. Finger foods work best – cakes and pies require plates and knives! Please contact Sandi Olson at 206-250-8810 or sandi@sandiosandi.com if you can help out!

Fiesta de Halloween, el sábado 27 de octubre: Necesitamos voluntarios!
Nosotros del 5º grado, somos responsables para crear y manejar los puestos de la Casa Encantada y la Venta de Galletas la noche del Monster Mash (Fiesta de Halloween). Necesitamos más voluntarios para los dos puestos. Para la Venta de Galletas, necesitamos cosas fáciles de manejar. Para más información, pueden ponerse en contacto conmigo (Sharon, la mamá de Claire M. – 841-0830, sharon@ohana.org (español)) o a Sandi Olson sandi@sandiosandi.com 250-8810 (inglés).

PTSA en Español: 17 de octubre 6:30 (cena) 7pm (reunión)

Bake Sale Volunteer Times

Here are the times for the bake sale cashier shifts:

Two volunteers for 5:45 - 7 p.m.
Two volunteers for 6:45 - 8 p.m

The Monster Mash is Saturday evening, October 27.

We will share with the Japanese 5th, so email me soon to get signed up for a shift.

Bake Sale Too!

For some reason I didn't really understand this until today -- but in addition to the Haunted House, the 5th grade is also supposed to staff the bake sale at the Monster Mash!

We don't have to bring all the baked goods (I hear the kindergarten class has some great baking parents who are planning on bringing goodies), but we are expected to be the "cashiers".

(Actually, this will be good practice for us, since 5th grade sells food/beverages at the Rummage Sale in May, too. But then, we get to keep the proceeds for a graduation party!)

Contact me or Sandi Olsen sandi@sandiosandi.com to sign up for a shift. Thanks!

Hamilton Remodel and Wallingford Park

The proposed Hamilton remodel seems to be on schedule -- so far. If all goes as planned, our kids (if we choose Hamilton) would be in the remodeled building in their 8th grade year. For 6th and 7th grade, they would be in the interim site at the old Lincoln High School.

But there are still a couple of things to work out before the Hamilton remodel goes ahead. And you can help! Here are two ways:

#1 -- The District and the Parks Department are working on planning the interface between Wallingford Park and Hamilton. There appear to be basically two choices for how Hamilton will connect to the park. (1) The renovated Hamilton open playcourt can be connected to the playfield on the same level as the grass, or (2) there will be a sunken, planted/bushy area between the school and the park. If you would like to see what this looks like and have a say in the design process, please attend a meeting this Thursday, October 18 from 6:00 to 8:00pm in the Hamilton auditorium.

#2 -- In order for the Hamilton remodel to include a full-size gymnasium, the School District has applied to swap a piece of Hamilton's land for part of the vacated street (43rd) that belongs to the Parks Department. Both the parks land and the Hamilton land have always been paved and part of the area used by Hamilton. But now that the school district wants to build a gym on the property, they need to own the underlying land.

To see what this "lot boundary adjustment" looks like, click here:

http://www.wallingfordkids.org/hamilton.htm

The City Council Parks Committee, and then the full City Council must vote to approve the land swap. You can send email to the three Seattle City Council members on the Parks committee. Tell them you support the Hamilton/Wallingford "lot boundary adjustment", and that you would like them to approve it in a speedy fashion so that the Hamilton remodel is not delayed.

david.della@seattle.gov
jan.drago@seattle.gov
richard.conlin@seattle.gov

Thanks for all your help!

Private School Next Year?

Chris and Jane in the JSIS office have this message for 5th grade families ---

If you are applying to a private middle school for next year, you must:

1) Request your child's JSIS record at least 10 days prior to the private school application due date.

2) Include an addressed, postage paid envelope. Be sure to include enough postage - some schools request numerous pages of information and mailing it requires more than one stamp.

Gabriel's Family Presents American Sabor!

American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music is a new exhibition at the Experience Music Project (EMP). Our own Spanish 5th grade parents Marisol Berríos-Miranda and Shannon Dudley (Gabriel's p's) have worked for many months, if not years, to put together the exhibit - not only here in Seattle but also in Puerto Rico.

The exhibition opens at the EMP on Saturday, October 13. But you can also join Marisol and Shannon for the preview party on Friday, October 12! There will be a live salsa band and lots of dancing. This is a family event and is free. Email me if you would like to attend the preview party and I'll forward the flyer to you, which includes information on how to RSVP.

For more info about the exhibition click:

www.empsfm.org/exhibitions/index.asp?categoryID=177&ccID=198

Your Child's Graded WASL

Are you interested in looking at your child's graded 4th grade WASL? As parents/guardians, you are allowed to see the graded test if you like.

4th grade WASL results cannot be appealed even if you find an error in how the test was graded. But you can ask to see the test and it will be brought out of the State archives to Seattle School District headquarters (4th Ave. S. and S. Lander St.). You must view the test at District headquarters. You cannot have a copy of the test, and you can't take any notes about the test (no cell phones allowed either). A District employee must accompany you during the viewing.

The rules are strict because they will most likely use the same test questions again, and they don't want them getting out.

Currently, the 4th grade test cannot be appealed, but some parent activists would like to see that changed. In Seattle, 4th grade WASL scores are used to determine which children gain entrance into middle school advanced learning classes, so the scores can be important.

Click this link for more information about viewing your child's WASL:

http://www.k12.wa.us/resources/pubdocs/2007/Reviewingtestbookletfilingappeal.pdf

And this link for the form to fill out to ask the Seattle School District to get the test out of the archives for you:

http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/TestAdministration/pubdocs/ViewWASLSpring2007Form_8.31.2007.pdf

Your Own Lobbyist in Olympia (not just 5th grade)

Did you know that you have a lobbyist in the Washington State Legislature? You do if you're a member of the PTSA.

Sharon Rodgers and I attended the Washington State PTA "Legislative Assembly" this last Friday and Saturday. The L.A. is where WSPTA decides what it's full-time lobbyist will work on in the upcoming State Legislative session.

Here's a list of their top priorities ---

1. State Funding for K-12 Education. Washington State has funded education below the national average for over a decade. WSPTA supports a re-definition of basic education and a re-do of the corresponding funding formulas.

2. Math and Science Education. See below (four posts ago) about the State Board of Education's math panel. WSPTA supports efforts to re-write the State's math standards. After the math standards are done, they start the entire process again to address science standards.

3. Quality teaching. The intent is to try to obtain more resources for teacher support (professional development, efforts to recruit the best teachers). "Evaluation" is also mentioned.

4. Student Support Services. Obtain better funding for school nurses, librarians and school counselors.

5. Special Education Funding. Chronically underfunded, with faulty budget formulas that make the problem worse.

The lobbyist will also try to get the State to support world language education, including immersion programs. All the issues are ranked for priority. World Language is #12 in a list of 27 priorities the lobbyist will work on. Not in the top five, but also not last on the list!

By the way -- speaking of last on the list -- Last on WSPTA's list, at priority #27, is the DREAM Act. Personally, I wish it were ranked higher. If you want more information about the DREAM Act, email me or google it.

To see the entire list of WSPTA Legislative Priorities, and more about each issue, click this link, then click on "Legislative Assembly Voting Outcomes" and "Issue Briefing Papers"

http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm

P.S. The WSPTA lobbyist can really be YOURS for the low cost of only $20 per family ($12 individual). That's the cost of membership in the JSIS (and Washington State) PTSA. If you would like to become a member, but misplaced your membership envelope (it came in kid-mail the 2nd or 3rd week of school), email Janet Robinson at robinson_ms@msn.com.

Volunteer for the 5th Grade Haunted House and Monster Mash!

Several J-5th families and a couple S-5th have volunteered to work on the 5th grade Haunted House at the Monster Mash, but we could still use a few more Spanish 5th graders and their parents on the team. Contact Sandi (see below) to get in touch with the team.

Also, the Monster Mash needs TONS of volunteers to make the entire thing run. Please consider giving an hour or two of your time to the biggest JSIS party of the year! Contact Sandi Olson (sandi@sandiosandi.com, 206-250-8810) if you are available to help.

Here are a few of the volunteer opportunities at the MM:
Set-up Friday (10+ people) 3:15 - 8pm Any 2 hour (or more) block of time within this set-up time is fine.
Set-up Saturday (15+ people) 10am - 3pm - Set up booths and decorations. Any 2 hour (or more) block of time within this set-up time is fine.
Baked Goods (15+ people) *Drop off* during set-up times or after front doors open
Make treats to be sold during the event.
Parking Guide, 1st shift (3 people) 5:30-6:45pm
Parking Guide, 2nd shift (2 people) 6:45-8pm
Parking Guide, 3rd shift (3 people) 8-9pm
Cashier, 1st shift (3 people) 5:45-7pm
Cashier, 2nd shift (2 people) 6:45-8pm
Runner, 1st shift (2 people) 5:30 to 6:30pm - Keep candy jars filled and help booths
Runner, 2nd shift (2 people) 6:30 to 7:30pm
Runner, 3nd shift (2 people) 7:30 to 8:30pm
Clean-up (20+ people) 8-9pm - Gym and Cafeteria need to be returned to their regular condition and we must be completely out of the building by 9pm.

Mexico Trip Sign-Up Available

Margretta and Guiomar are in the process of planning the annual JSIS trip to our sister school, Juan de Barreras in Puerto Vallarta. The trip takes place during mid-winter break, which is February 18-22, 2008 this year.

If you would like to go on the trip, the sign-up sheet is now available in the school office. A deposit of $20 per person (cash or check) is required to sign up.

Two of the Juan de Barreras teachers are also coming to Seattle this winter (I believe in the first two weeks of December). Margretta and Guiomar are looking for families the teachers can stay with. They hope to find several families so they stay is just a few days with each one.

Contact Margretta (1st grade teacher) and Guiomar (2nd Grade I.A.) for more information.

5th Grade Haunted House

Remember the haunted house on the stage at the Monster Mash? Did you know that it's traditionally put on by the 5th graders?

Is anyone interested in working on it? It would be fun to do with a few creative kids. We could get some helpers from the Japanese 5th grade class as well.

The Monster Mash is Saturday night, October 27 from 6pm to about 8:30pm. Set-up for the MM and the haunted house is that Saturday afternoon.

Email me or the Monster Mash chair Sandi Olson sandrahowardolson@yahoo.com and let's scare those kindergarteners!!

Just for Math Geeks?

I received a notice about this document (see the link below) last week from the Washington State PTA Math/Science Advocacy Group. The Washington State Board of Education recently put together a panel of mathematicians and expert math teachers to review Washington State's math standards, and their report was released August 30.

Teachers use curriculum (books, worksheets and other materials) to teach to the "standards" in every subject. "Standards" are what kids are supposed to know in each grade level.

The document is about 50 pages, but it's relatively readable if you're interested in finding out what the panel thinks of Washington State's math standards.

http://www.sbe.wa.gov/documents/WAFinalRecommendationsMath8-30.pdf

For more information about how the report has been received (outside the PTA that is) see these newspaper articles from the State Board of Education website:

http://www.sbe.wa.gov/pressrelease/default.htm

And for more information about math, don't forget that Tuesday, October 23 is Math Curriculum Night at JSIS. I'm not sure the JSIS math teachers would be able to single-handedly fix any problems with the State standards, but I guess it's always worth asking!

Quick Curriculum Night Notes

Curriculum night was very well attended and we had a good visit with all the 5th grade teachers.

Both Brent and Nani prepared handouts, so if you missed last night's meeting, you can probably email either teacher for copies.

Nani mentioned the need for volunteers on several important projects. These include:
1) The annual 5th grade musical play. Sharon R. mentioned wanting to work on that, and she will need lots of help.
2) The graduation committee plans the 5th grade graduation ceremony and party in June. Nani has been very organized about this in the past, so you would be working closely with her.
3) Yearbooks. Barry W. (Seattle Times staff photographer and J-5th parent) expressed interest in doing photo work, along with Tami O. (she doesn't have a 5th grader, but she loves book-binding projects). They will need help organizing all of our JSIS memories.
4) Gardening. The 5th grade maintains the Northwest Native Plant Garden on the north side of JSIS. If you love to garden, this is the job for you! Jennifer V. (a 4th grade parent) is still actively involved in the garden, so you will have help and guidance about what to do. (I believe this involves working with the kids during the school day, but check with Nani.)

Also, Nani announced that the 5th graders will be going to camp on May 5, 6 and 7, 2008 (Monday through Wednesday).

Priscilla and Guiomar (the 2nd grade Spanish IA) will be adminstering a "homework club", Tuesday through Friday mornings from 8:45 to 9:15am in the cafeteria. Check with Brent or Priscilla for more information.

October 23 will be "Math Curriculum Night". Our math specialist Margreet DeLeew and principal Kelly Aramaki will explain all about the new Everyday Math curriculum that evening.

And last but not least, Nani notified us that our kids will have the Districts' Family Life and Sexual Health (FLASH) class this year. If you don't want you child to attend this class, pick up an exemption form from Nani ASAP.

Thanks to everyone who made time for curriculum night!

Curriculum Night Tonight

Curriculum night is tonight at 6:30. We go to Nani's class (402) first, then to Brent/Priscilla's (404) at 7:00. You can visit the "specialists" (music, P.E., computer class) from 7:30 to 8:00.

Kids aren't invited to Curriculum Night. This is mostly because the immersion teachers will speak English all evening, so they don't like the kids to be around. And since they expect probably 200 families to show up, the school doesn't have the resources to provide child care.

Good luck with the sitter, and see you tonight!

And Now We are 30!

Bienvenido to Eliseo, a new student in our classroom. He has been with us for about a week. Joe (my man on the inside) reports that Eliseo speaks both excellent Spanish and excellent English. Say HI if you see him!

JSIS Student Directory -- Please Respond to Be Included

Please remember to turn in your JSIS PTSA Student Directory "intake" form. It came in the 1st day packet. No problem if you've lost the form, just email me (Isabel, n.dambrosia@comcast.net) with the information.

Information that gets published in the Student Directory must be re-submitted by each family every year. So if we don't receive a release from you, we'll probably give you a call. Students and families cannot be included in the Directory without at least a verbal release of the information.

You can submit all, or part of these items: home address (both/all parents/guardians), home phone(s), cell phone(s), work phone(s) and email addresses.

Remember, the JSIS PTSA Student Directory is shared ONLY with JSIS students, their families and JSIS staff.

Advanced Learning Applications Due

JSIS doesn't offer advanced learning classes ("Spectrum" or honors), but many middle schools do. If you think your child may be interested in advanced learning classes next year in 6th grade, then they must apply and be tested this fall.

APP/Spectrum/Advanced Learning application packets are now available. The forms will not be automatically sent home; you must pick one up at the school office. Forms are due back to the office Oct. 8; but don't wait till the last minute, because a teacher form must be submitted along with the parent application.

Hamilton Information Nite

Thinking about next year? Get ready for a Hamilton Information Night ---

Every year for the last three years several Hamilton staff members have made time for an evening presentation to JSIS 5th grade families. The event also typically includes a panel discussion with former JSIS/now Hamilton parents. It's usually scheduled for mid-November.

Planning for the event is starting now, so contact me if you would like to help. Sharon Rodgers reports that there are many great new initiatives at Hamilton this year, including the remodel, which is scheduled to start next fall (Hamilton kids will go to school in the Lincoln building next fall). The remodel will be complete when our kids are in 8th grade.

Isabel -- n.dambrosia@comcast.net

Class Email from Sharon R., Sept. 20

ESPANOL
La informacion en el paquete de miercoles 9/19 (que su hijo/a debe haber traido a casa ayer):
* Carta semenal del director Sr. Aramaki (en espanol): http://www.jsisweb.com/jsis/current_events/carta_de_la_director.pdf
* “Our World” El boletin del centro de padres de la escuela (PTSA) con muchos articulos traducidos al espanol.
* Pronto reciberemos los resultados de los examenes WASL del ano pasado.
* Pongan el nombre de su hijo en TODO que viene a la escuela (loncheras, abrigos, etc.)
* Informacion Personal del Estudiante: Recuerdan corrijirla y enviarla a la escuela, aún se todo está correcto.
* El Centro de Padres de la escuela publica una guia de estudiantes para las familias. Si quieren que algunos o todos los datos de su familia salgan en la guia, envia la informacion a Isabel (mama de Joe) a n.dambrosia@comcast.net. Se puede incluir: Nombre del nino y grado en la escuela / Nombres de los padres / Direccion(es) de los padres o guardianos) / Numeros de telefono de casa de los padres o guardianos / Numeros de telefono de trabajo de los padres o guardianos / Numeros de telefonos moviles / “E-mail” donde contactar los padres/guardianos.
* Recuerden firmar la hoja azul para las tareas de casa (preguntale a su hijo/a!)

ENGLISH
Your student should have brought home a packet yesterday with the following information:
* Principal Aramaki’s weekly letter: http://www.jsisweb.com/jsis/current_events/archive/principals_letter_09-19-07.pdf
* Our World PTSA newsletter http://www.jsisweb.com/jsis/current_events/our_world.pdf
* Individual WASL results will come home soon.
* Write your student’s name on EVERYTHING that comes to school.
* Remember to sign and return to school the district’s information sheet – even if all the information is correct.
* The PTSA publishes a student directory each year. If you want all or some of your family’s information to appear please send the information to Isabel (Joe’s mom) at: n.dambrosia@comcast.net. You can include: Child’s name and grade / Parent/Guardian Names and Address(es) / Home Telephone Number(s) / Work number(s) / Cell Phone Number(s).
* Remember to sign the blue homework sheet (ask your student!)

CALENDARIO / CALENDAR21 de septiembre: Lanzamiento del Huevo @ 9:45 (opcional; para los ninos) / EGG DROP
26 de septiembre: 1:20 Salida del estudiantado / EARLY RELEASE 6:30 (Noche) explicación del currículo / CURRICULUM NIGHT
27 de septiembre: Toma de fotografías / PHOTO DAY
2 de octubre: Reunión del Centro de Padres 7:00 / PTSA MEETING
12 de octubre: No habrá clases. Desarrollo Profesional para los maestros. / NO CLASSES

Class Email from Sharon R., Friday Sept 14

Isabel D’Ambrosia and I have agreed to be the 5th grade room reps. I will be sending out a weekly e-mail (with occasional other e-mails for key reminders). I will try to highlight any requests from the teachers or important upcoming events.
Isabel D’Ambrosia y yo ayudaremos con la comunicación entre todos nosotros – los padres y madres de los alumnos de la clase de 5o grado de Español. Intentaremos recordarles también las fechas importantes.

Arboretum Field Trip / Excursión al jardín botánico: September 19
There is a yellow field trip form that needs to be returned. Chaperones who can drive/carpool are needed.
Hay una hoja amarilla para la excursión que tiene que llenar y devolver. (Fue enviado a casa con los niños). Necesitan adultos para ayudar.

October 8 deadline: Middle School Spectrum or APP programsProgramas Avanzadas en la Escuela Intermedia: Inscribirse antes del 8 de octubre
To be eligible for Spectrum or APP (at Washington Middle School) programs in Middle School, your student must participate in the Advanced Learning testing. Application forms will be available in the school next week but can also be downloaded from the district website. ALO and Honors programs do not require this formal testing process. http://www.seattleschools.org/area/advlearning/index.dxml.
Si piensas que tu hijo/a puede aprovechar de uno de los programas académicos avanzados en la escuela intermedia (Spectrum o APP) debe inscribirle a su hijo/a para los exámenes antes del día 8 de octubre. Las hojas de inscripción estarán dispuestas en la escuela la semana que viene. Para más información (en inglés) puedes ver la página web del Distrito (dirección arriba). Para los programas ALO y “honors” en la escuela intermedia, no hace falta tomar estos exámenes.

Fifth Grade activities / Eventos del Quinto Grado
Camp (beginning of May), Play, Graduation, Class Gift, and Yearbook are just some of the extra activities that 5th grade students are involved in and all of them use extra parent volunteers. Miss Nani will be posting sign-up sheets at Curriculum Night (September 26) but you could start thinking about where you’d like to help.
Siempre tenemos más eventos para marcar el último ano en la escuela primaria. Habrá hojas expuestas en la noche del currículo (26 de septiembre) donde se puede apuntarse para ayudar con: el campamento (los primeros de mayo), la obra de teatro, la ceremonia de graduación, el regalo de la clase a la escuela o el libro de memorias para los estudiantes. Es completamente voluntario pero ¡siempre necesitamos más ayuda!

Class count --

I think I count 29 students in our class now, which is down from 30 earlier last year.

Welcome back to Gabriel D. after his long trip to Puerto Rico during most of last year. And welcome to Madeline, who is a new student this year. I hear that Madeline speaks excellent Spanish!

And adios to Jessica A. and Salem A. Both moved away with their families this summer. We will miss them.

Welcome back to the JSIS Spanish Class of 2008 blog!

Sharon Rodgers (Claire M.’s mom) will be sending periodic emails about important 5th Grade Spanish information and news. I’ll post her emails on this blog, so you can easily refer back to them.

There will be lots of important 5th grade information coming soon. There are many things to think about this year – camp, yearbooks, graduation, and even a 5th grade play!

For more information you may contact Sharon Rodgers at Sharon@ohana.org, or Isabel D’Ambrosia at n.dambrosia@comcast.net.