Seed School Volunteers

Parent Volunteers,

First of all, thank you so much for sharing your time with us on we embark on this opportunity at Seed School. To make sure you are prepared for Seed School, please read over this letter so you are prepared on the day(s) you are volunteering.

Our essential question this year has been: What is our Ripple Effect?

We have been threading this into everything we can – looking at our choices and actions, how others impact us and our world and how we can leave both a positive and negative ripple effect without even meaning to. Our week at 2 School will revolve around this question.

We have a temporary schedule, but because this week is based on student learning and questions, this might change. For this reason, we all need to be flexible and willing to try new things. We know no matter what we do, it will be fun!

We have also been working on a variety of journaling techniques to share our thinking. We will happily share these with you and we would encourage all volunteers to join us – we know you may not have journaled lately but there is no judgement and your participation is so motivating for the students. There is no need to bring anything unless you want to – we will have a journal and pencil for you!

The nitty gritty:

* Seed School is from February 4^th to February 8^th. I have confirmed your dates for volunteering. The schedule is attached. Please let me know as soon as possible if there are any changes.

* We will be on the bus by 8:10, so please join us in the classroom at 8:00.

* You are welcome to take your own car, rather than join us on the bus, however parking costs will be your responsibility. Please let me know ahead of time if you are planning on driving so I can give you an address for a meeting place. It is preferred if you do take the bus.

* Pack a lunch (there will be no fridges or microwaves available)

* We will be walking and outside - even if it is chilly, so dress warmly and comfortably.

* Pack a water bottle – we will be out and about with no fountains handy.

* Bring a backpack. If we split into groups, you may have a few extra things to carry.

* Please bring your mobile phone in case of emergencies.

* We should arrive back at school by 2:20

Thank you once again for volunteering. This will be an incredible and memorable week for students (and teachers) and it’s wonderful you can be a part of it.

If possible please email me your mobile phone so that I can communicate with you while down there if we are in separate groups.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions,
Sincerely,
Mr. Straiton

Seed School: Preparations

Preparation for Seed School:

With Seed School just a few days away, I want us all to be informed and prepared for our week.

Here are some things to prepare students for Seed School:

·      Seed School runs during the school day from Monday February 4^th to Friday February 8^th.

·      Dress for any weather. Calgary’s weather can change in an instant. And downtown can sometimes be different that up in Evanston. Please expect cold temperatures and dress your child appropriate to be outside. Things to remember: warm boots, gloves, winter jacket, toque, scarf, snow pants. You also may want to dress your child in layers.

·      Bring a backpack with only the essentials: warm clothes, lunch, snack, water bottle and room for their journal. Please take out library books, home reading etc.

·      Pack a lunch, snack and water bottle. We will be walking around more than a typical school day, so you may want to pack a little bit extra in their lunches.

·      Arrive to school on time. Our bus will be leaving KTS at approximately 8:10am. If a child is late and misses the bus, they will be placed in another classroom for the day.  

·      Please go over with your child the importance of staying in their group at all times.

·      If students are missing any days please notify Mr. Straiton

If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

Mr. Straiton

Seed School Parent Letter

January 23

Math: Addition
We have been working on adding three digit numbers together. We have been introducing different strategies to help understand what processes go on during addition. If you want to go over these at home, so far we have looked at expanded form, place value and new group (above and below).

 

Writing: Main Events
We have been focusing on main events. The main event is the most important part of the story, and is what most of the writing should be about.
Ask if your child can discuss what ACTION and DESCRIPTION are, and how they can use them to write a story.
We have also been discussing the difference between summarizing and elaborating.

Journal:
In preparation for Seed School, we completed a journal entry using the "Compass Points" method. This allowed each student to express: N: What they Need to know; E: What they are Excited about; S: Stance or opinion; and W: Any Worries they have.

S.T.E.A.M. Challenge: Spaghetti Tower Challenge
On Thursday, the students were given the challenge to build the highest tower they could using marshmallows and spaghetti. This task was not as easy as it first appeared. Ask your child what was difficult and whether they found a way to overcome the difficulties.