Kemp - Brazile 8/15

Parents-

Another week down. Finally. WE've spent a good chunk of the week completing needed benchmarks and pre-tests. With that out of the way, we can finally get into teaching and learning.

Here are the highlights of the email:

• Social Studies and Science units should only be worked on at school.
• Students can bring own devices next week if proper forms have been completed.
• Unit grades will build up in the online grade book (from C up to Bs and As).
• Spelling groups and Reading groups start next week.
• Homework isn't required, but I have a lot of resources online for them to check out.
• We finished The Giver which is released tonight in theaters.

Feel free to read on or save for later...

I've introduced our Social Studies Civil War unit to the kids and we worked on one of the projects together today so they understand the "how." I showed the how we always start by reading directions, then taking notes of our research so we can complete the project afterwards. We will work more on these each day from this point forward. I do not want the kids working on these at home. The unit is designed so it works in stages teaching the kids about research and completing projects as we go. Parts are set up so they have to ask questions of me. It's my opportunity to teach them one on one about the subject matter or the process.

The units will receive a grade based on the number of projects completed. I'm aiming for each student to achieve at least the B level. If they want the A level, they'll work on the projects in that area during class while completing the B level. I'll enter the grades as they complete each stage. You may look online and see a C one day and once they complete the next level, it will change to a B. 

We'll start Science projects next week. Our unit is the Constructive and Destructive Forces unit. 

Since we're starting our research units, students can bring in their own devices as long as they connect through the BYOD network at school. I must also have signed technology and BYOD permission forms for them. If you have the paperwork at home, please send it in as soon as possible.

I don't have homework that I expect completed each week. However, I encourage them to read at least an hour each week. Math work can be helpful and IXL is a great site for that. I'll have their log ins soon for those new to Kemp. We have a plethora of instructional videos available for Science and Social Studies. They're entertaining and instructional.

Monday, we'll start our Spelling groups and Reading groups.

Speaking of reading, we completed The Giver by Lois Lowry. Just in time for the movie version to be released tonight. Don't be surprised if they ask to see it. The book was great, but I have no idea about the movie.

Have a great weekend and please let me know if you have any questions,

Shane Brazile

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