Parents,
I woke up this morning knowing that this would be a day of hard conversations and strong feelings and I sort of dreaded the ringing of the school bell. However, I want to share with you how amazing your kids were today and why they are the reason that I see hope in our future despite what this side or that side of politics might want us to believe.
We started the day by talking about how some of us would be celebrating today, some of us would feel sad, and others would feel something in between. I told the kids that regardless, in our classroom we abide by a founding principle of our nation: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Therefore, in our class we will listen with respect to all points of view, we will learn how to read, and research, and question and be informed citizens, and above all, we will speak and act with kindness towards everyone. The kids nodded and signaled their agreement as we spoke.
Later during math, I stepped into the hall for a brief conversation with a student. When I came back in and resumed the lesson, I called on a raised hand from a student who said her question was a little off topic. When I said that was OK, she signaled the class by saying, “Group Hug!” and I was mobbed by 20 some 6th graders who gave me a great big class hug. I have to tell you, I cried right then and there. I know that our class, like the wider world is filled with all different opinions and points of view. But I saw everyone coming together for a common, positive, cause and my heart swelled with hope and happiness. They get what many adults missed about today! These brilliant 6th graders went about the work of unity and I couldn’t be more proud!
So thank you for raising these thoughtful, compassionate, lovely young people and for giving me the opportunity to work with them everyday. I am blessed!
Here are a couple of updates:
On Friday, students received a paper detailing the final part of their social studies project. They are working on finding or creating two “artifacts” that represent the culture they’ve been studying this year. This is an at home assignment and they are due after Thanksgiving, on November 28th unless it’s something food related. Then it should come in on November 29th, the day of our presentations. Students will also need a trifold board by next Monday so we can put presentations together. See the handout below if it didn’t make it home.
Save the date: November 29th will be the day we present our culture projects for social studies. We will invite other classes to visit our museum where 6th graders will teach about the Maya, Aztec, Inca and Inuit. Last year we did this first thing in the morning, but Ms. Yoxall and I need to confirm. Either way, it will be sometime in the morning so be sure to save the date if you’re able.
Turkey Trot: The Turkey Trot will be November 18th. 6th graders get to work as student leaders for the run. We will be escorting other classes onto the course, helping them to warm up, and leading them along the path. You are free to join Coronado the afternoon of the 18th for the jogging fun but know that your student will spend some time helping our event run smoothly and safely! More details will come your way in Friday folders and next week!
Our Atom research projects are posted on the class website. Check them out. (There are a couple not yet posted due to technical difficulties but they should be up by the end of the week).
Our Atom research projects are posted on the class website. Check them out. (There are a couple not yet posted due to technical difficulties but they should be up by the end of the week).