Welcome to the official newsletter for all things Language Arts and Mr. Goldhammer. The purpose of this newsletter is simple: to allow parents and guardians a way to stay informed about their student's Language Arts experience and to promote involvement in his/her education. This newsletter is updated regularly and should be a great way to finally get an answer to that dreaded "what'd you learn at school today" question students so cleverly try to avoid. As "Hey Parents!" is a bit of an experiment, be sure to pass on any comments or suggestions that you may have. Enjoy.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
11.14.2011
 Listed below is the official information from the district regarding parent conferences. The first round starts this Friday. Hope to see you all there.PARENTINFORMATION: Thefollowing schedule provides an opportunity for parents to pick up report cards,meet with teachers and to review first quarter progress of their student.Parents of seniors are encouraged to speak with Ms. Lucking, CulminatingProject Coordinator, if they have any questions or concerns regarding theirstudents E-folio Project and Presentation. Additionally, parents will be givenpasswords for accessing on-line teacher grading and updating your email addressfrom the Counseling Center. Please use Library computers to check your accountfor contact information. Teacherswill be available in the Mount Si High School Commons, Wildcat Court andLibrary areas. Parents will have the following dates and times to visit withteachers according to the last name of your student. FRIDAY, November18 LAST NAMES: O-U 11:45 AM -2:45 PM MONDAY, November21 LAST NAMES:V-Z 11:45 AM -2:45 PM TUESDAY, November22 LAST NAMES:H-N 11:45AM - 2:45 PM TUESDAY, November 22 LASTNAMES:A-G 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Parentsmay show up at any time according to last names at the above noted conferences. Pleasenote: If you are unable to attend theassigned section above, you may attend an alternate session. However, we arehoping to keep these changes to a minimum. Thank you. STUDENTINFORMATION: Studentswill have early releases and classes on the following schedule: Friday, November 18 Periods 0,1,2,3 Release Time 10:48 AM Monday, November 21 Periods 7,4,5,6 Release Time 10:48 AM Tuesday, November22 Periods 0,1,2,3 Release Time 10:48 AM Wednesday, November 23 Periods7,4,5,6 Release Time 10:48 AM Studentsare reminded not to be on campus during the parent conferences unless under thesupervision of a staff member. Teachers need to be available for the parentconferences. |
iPads!
10.14.2011
Just wanted to let all the parents out there know that room 303 is about to get a bit more tech-savvy in a very hands-on way. Thanks to a recent grant, we've got 10 iPads coming in that we'll get to experiment with this year! There's a lot of interesting possibilities to explore with these--eBooks, interactive presentations, methods to study vocab, film and photo projects, digital quizzes, student collaboration, even writing itself. It will be great to get these into the hands of your students and see what they can do with 'em.I'll be sure to keep everyone posted with how they are being used and the results I see in student learning. Be sure to check back here for updates. We should be 'plugging in' (wait! these are wireless!) within the next few weeks.
Baby Update!
10.05.2011
Just a heads-up to all parents/guardians that I am going to be out of the classroom for a bit. Johanna was born on 10/5, weighing in at 8lbs 6oz. All is well and everyone is healthy and happy.As for subs, lesson plans, and your student's LA experience, I want everyone to know that class is still happening, work is still being assigned, and the expectations for your student are still high. Each day, I am posting unique lesson plans to The Daily Post that align directly with what we've been working on in class and where we are headed. Things are certainly slowed down a bit, but rest-assured, important learning is still happening and your student is still engaged in valuable work.
For details about what your student is up to each day, check The Daily Post.
Sophomores: PSATs
10.03.2011
If your student registered for the PSATs during Wild Cat days, he/she should have already brought home an information booklet for the test. The booklet contains test info, sample questions, and even what he/she should be reviewing in the weeks before. While all Mount Si juniors are actually taking the test during class in a few weeks, sophomores are forced to come in on Saturday 10/15 (8am). For more information, contact your student's counselor.
Open House Follow-Up
09.28.2011
Just wanted to offer a big THANKS to everyone who was able to stop by during open house. Every study out there clearly indicates that parent involvement is directly linked to student achievement. The simple act of making it to to open house, making connections with your student's teachers, checking class websites, being involved, and simply asking your student what he/she is up to in their classes matters so much...so, please, don't hesitate to be in touch with me directly if anything comes up.
For those who couldn't make it, the same applies--it'd be great to hear from you and make a connection. Feel free to drop me an email or schedule a time to swing by and chat.
Thanks again!
